IC Markets vs IG Markets (2026) — Which Is Better?
Compare IC Markets and IG Markets — features, pricing, pros and cons.
Quick Verdict
Higher Rated
IC Markets (4.5)
More Affordable
IC Markets (Free)
IC Markets
True ECN forex broker with the lowest average spreads in the industry, deep liquidity, and support for MT4/MT5/cTrader.
IG Markets
World's largest CFD and spread betting provider with 17,000+ markets, ProRealTime charting, and 50 years of trading heritage.
Our Analysis
IC Markets and IG Markets target different trader priorities. IC Markets specializes in forex with True ECN execution and the industry's tightest spreads, making it ideal for cost-conscious currency traders. IG Markets offers vastly broader market access with 17,000+ tradable instruments across CFDs, forex, and more, positioning itself as a one-stop platform for diversified traders.
The critical differentiator lies in execution quality versus market breadth. IC Markets delivers sub-40ms execution speeds with zero dealing desk interference, crucial for active traders relying on tight spreads. IG Markets counters with 50 years of operating history and ProRealTime professional charting included at no cost, providing established credibility and advanced technical tools that justify its higher overall cost structure.
Choose IC Markets if you're a non-US forex trader obsessed with minimizing costs and execution speed on currency pairs. IG Markets suits traders seeking exposure across multiple asset classes, those willing to pay slightly higher spreads for platform stability and a trusted reputation, and portfolios where the $12/month inactivity fee won't apply after 2 years of regular activity.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | IC Markets | IG Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.5 | ★ 4.3 |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Markets | bonds, forex, crypto, stocks, indices, commodities, futures | forex, stocks, crypto, futures, options |
| AI Analysis | ✗ | ✗ |
| Backtesting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paper Trading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Price Alerts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile App | ✓ | ✓ |
| API Access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Social Features | ✗ | ✗ |
| Broker Integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automated Trading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Trade Journaling | ✗ | ✗ |
| Performance Analytics | ✗ | ✓ |
| Risk Management | ✓ | ✓ |
| News Feed | ✗ | ✓ |
| Education Content | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets: Pros & Cons
Pros
- + Lowest average spreads in the industry
- + True ECN execution with no dealing desk
- + Sub-40ms execution speeds
- + Supports all trading styles including scalping
Cons
- - Not available to US residents
- - Customer support can be slow during peak times
- - Limited research and analysis tools
IG Markets: Pros & Cons
Pros
- + 50+ years of operating history — highly trusted
- + 17,000+ tradable markets
- + ProRealTime professional charting included free
- + Excellent educational content via IG Academy
- + Regulated by FCA, ASIC, and other top authorities
Cons
- - CFDs not available to US clients (forex only)
- - Inactivity fee of $12/month after 2 years
- - Spread betting only available in UK/Ireland
- - Share CFD commissions can be high