IG vs Interactive Brokers 2026

Which Is Better: IG or Interactive Brokers?

Choose IG if you want a UK-regulated broker with 17,000+ CFD and spread betting markets, premium charting through ProRealTime, and a streamlined experience built for active European traders. Choose Interactive Brokers if you want direct market access to real stocks, options, futures, and bonds across 150+ global exchanges at the lowest margin rates in the industry.

How Do IG and Interactive Brokers Compare Side by Side?

| Feature | IG | Interactive Brokers | Winner | |---------|-----|---------------------|--------| | Regulation | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, CFTC, MAS | SEC, CFTC, FCA, IIROC, ASIC, MAS, SFC | Interactive Brokers | | Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 | Tie | | Spreads (EUR/USD) | 0.6 pips | 0.1 pips (commission-based) | Interactive Brokers | | Real Stocks | Limited (UK, US, EU via share dealing) | Yes (150+ markets, 33 countries) | Interactive Brokers | | Spread Betting | Yes (tax-free in UK) | No | IG | | Number of Markets | 17,000+ | 150+ exchanges globally | Depends on needs | | Platforms | IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer | TWS, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal | Tie | | Mobile App | iOS & Android (4.4+ rating) | iOS & Android (4.3+ rating) | IG | | Inactivity Fee | None | None | Tie | | Overall Rating | 4.6 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 | Interactive Brokers |

Which Is Safer: IG or Interactive Brokers?

Both IG and Interactive Brokers are among the most heavily regulated brokers in the world, which makes this category extremely close. IG has been operating since 1974, giving it over 50 years of track record. It holds licenses from the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), BaFin (Germany), CFTC (US), and MAS (Singapore). IG is also listed on the London Stock Exchange, which subjects it to additional financial reporting requirements and public scrutiny.

Interactive Brokers has been in operation since 1978 and is regulated by seven major authorities: SEC and CFTC (US), FCA (UK), IIROC (Canada), ASIC (Australia), MAS (Singapore), and SFC (Hong Kong). IBKR is publicly listed on NASDAQ (ticker: IBKR) and consistently reports strong balance sheet figures. The sheer number of tier-one licenses and the depth of its regulatory coverage across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific give Interactive Brokers a slight edge in global regulatory credibility. Both brokers offer negative balance protection, segregated client funds, and participation in investor compensation schemes where applicable. Read our full IG review for a deeper look at its regulatory credentials.

Which Has Lower Fees: IG or Interactive Brokers?

The fee comparison between IG and Interactive Brokers is nuanced because these brokers use fundamentally different pricing models that suit different trading styles.

IG primarily uses a spread-based model for CFDs and spread betting. EUR/USD spreads start from 0.6 pips with no separate commission on the standard account. For share dealing (buying real stocks), IG charges a flat commission that varies by market, typically starting at $0 for US shares and from GBP 3 for UK shares on its share dealing account. Overnight financing charges apply to leveraged positions. There is no inactivity fee.

Interactive Brokers operates on a commission-based pricing structure with two tiers: IBKR Lite (commission-free US stock and ETF trades) and IBKR Pro (tiered pricing starting from $0.0005 per share for US stocks, with minimums). Forex spreads on IBKR Pro start from 0.1 pips with a commission of $2 per $100,000 traded. Margin rates are the lowest in the industry, starting from 5.83% for USD balances. There is no inactivity fee on either plan.

For forex and CFD trading, IG's all-in spread costs are competitive and straightforward. For stock trading, options, and multi-asset portfolios, Interactive Brokers is significantly cheaper, especially for active traders who benefit from the tiered pricing. For more broker fee comparisons, see our best forex brokers rankings.

Which Platform Is Better: IG or Interactive Brokers?

IG offers four distinct platform options. The proprietary IG trading platform is a clean, web-based interface with solid charting, watchlists, and deal tickets. MT4 is available for traders who want automated strategy support and expert advisors. ProRealTime, the premium charting package, provides institutional-grade technical analysis with over 100 indicators and automated trading capabilities. L2 Dealer gives direct market access for share dealing and forex. This range of platforms means IG can serve traders from intermediate to advanced levels without forcing everyone onto one interface.

Interactive Brokers is built around Trader Workstation (TWS), a desktop application that is widely regarded as one of the most powerful retail trading platforms ever built. TWS offers real-time streaming data, over 100 order types, advanced options analytics with volatility modeling, portfolio risk management tools, algorithmic trading capabilities, and API access for custom strategies. The learning curve is steep, and the interface can feel dated compared to modern web-based platforms. IBKR also offers Client Portal (a simplified web interface) and IBKR Mobile for on-the-go trading. If raw power and customization matter most, TWS is unmatched. If you prefer a more modern and accessible design, IG's platform suite is more polished. Check our Interactive Brokers review for a full platform walkthrough.

Which Has More Markets: IG or Interactive Brokers?

IG provides access to over 17,000 instruments, predominantly through CFDs and spread betting. This includes forex pairs, global indices, individual share CFDs, commodities, bonds, interest rates, options, and cryptocurrencies. IG also offers a share dealing account in certain regions that allows you to buy and hold real shares on selected exchanges. The emphasis is on derivative trading, which means you can go long or short with leverage across a massive range of markets from a single account.

Interactive Brokers provides direct market access to over 150 exchanges across 33 countries. The instrument range is unmatched in retail brokerage: real stocks, ETFs, options, futures, forex, bonds, mutual funds, warrants, structured products, and even cryptocurrencies. Unlike IG's primarily derivative-based model, IBKR lets you own the actual underlying assets. For traders who want a multi-asset portfolio spanning real equities in Tokyo, options in Chicago, and bonds in London, Interactive Brokers is the only retail broker that can deliver all of that under one roof. Explore more options on our best trading apps page.

Which Has a Better App: IG or Interactive Brokers?

The IG mobile app delivers a clean and responsive experience on both iOS and Android. It provides full access to all 17,000+ markets, real-time charting with technical indicators, price alerts, and the complete range of order types. The app mirrors the web platform closely and maintains a consistent design language. User ratings in app stores trend above 4.4 stars, reflecting strong reliability and usability.

IBKR Mobile brings much of the TWS functionality to your phone, including real-time quotes, advanced order types, options chains, portfolio analysis, and multi-account management. The app has improved significantly in recent years, with a more modern interface and smoother navigation. However, the depth of features can still make it feel busier than IG's focused design. For straightforward CFD and spread betting on mobile, IG provides the better experience. For managing a complex global portfolio on the move, IBKR Mobile offers more depth.

Which Is Better for Research and Analysis: IG or Interactive Brokers?

IG provides Reuters news, an integrated economic calendar, in-house analyst commentary, and access to Autochartist and PIA-First for automated technical analysis signals. The ProRealTime platform adds institutional-level charting with backtesting capabilities. IG's research offering is strong and well-integrated into the trading workflow.

Interactive Brokers takes research to another level entirely. IBKR provides access to research from over 45 third-party providers, including Morningstar, Zacks, Briefing.com, and Refinitiv. The Traders' Insight blog offers regular market commentary. Fundamentals Explorer provides deep financial data on stocks, and the Options Strategy Lab helps construct and analyze complex options strategies. Portfolio Analyst offers comprehensive performance attribution and benchmarking. For research depth and breadth, Interactive Brokers is in a class of its own among retail brokers.

Should You Choose IG or Interactive Brokers?

This is a comparison between two elite brokers, and the right choice depends entirely on your trading style and location.

Choose IG if...

• You are a UK or European trader who wants spread betting (tax-free profits in the UK) alongside CFDs across 17,000+ markets.
• You want premium charting through ProRealTime without the steep learning curve of TWS.
• A polished, modern platform experience with multiple interface options (web, MT4, ProRealTime, L2) matters to you.

Choose Interactive Brokers if...

• You want to trade real stocks, options, futures, and bonds with direct market access across 150+ global exchanges.
• Lowest possible costs are your priority, including industry-leading margin rates and commission-based pricing.
• You need professional-grade tools like TWS, API access, and research from 45+ providers and are willing to invest time learning the platform.

For most UK-based spread bettors and CFD traders, IG is the more natural fit. For global investors building multi-asset portfolios and active traders who prioritize cost and depth, Interactive Brokers is hard to beat. Compare both with other top platforms on our best trading apps page.

CFDs and spread betting are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how these instruments work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

What Are Common Questions About IG vs Interactive Brokers?

Is IG better than Interactive Brokers for beginners? IG is more beginner-friendly thanks to its cleaner interface, simpler pricing model, and more accessible platform options. Interactive Brokers' TWS platform has a significant learning curve. However, IBKR Lite offers a simplified experience with commission-free US stock trades that can work for newer investors who want real stock ownership.

Can I trade real stocks on IG? Yes, but with limitations. IG offers a share dealing account in certain regions (primarily the UK) that lets you buy and hold real shares. However, IG's primary offering is CFDs and spread betting. Interactive Brokers provides far broader real stock access across 150+ exchanges in 33 countries.

Which broker has lower forex trading costs? IG offers EUR/USD spreads from 0.6 pips with no separate commission. Interactive Brokers offers spreads from 0.1 pips but adds a commission of approximately $2 per $100,000 traded. For most retail forex lot sizes, the total cost is comparable, but IBKR can be cheaper for larger positions. See our best forex brokers page for detailed cost comparisons.

Does IG support spread betting? Yes. Spread betting is one of IG's core offerings and is available to UK and Ireland residents. Profits from spread betting are tax-free under current UK tax law. Interactive Brokers does not offer spread betting.

Can I use automated trading strategies on both platforms? Yes. IG supports automated trading through MT4 expert advisors and ProRealTime's built-in strategy builder. Interactive Brokers offers extensive API access (Python, Java, C++), TWS scripting, and integration with third-party algorithmic trading platforms. IBKR's automation capabilities are more powerful and flexible for developers.

Which broker has better customer support? IG offers 24/5 phone, email, and live chat support with consistently strong response times. Interactive Brokers provides phone, email, and chat support, though response times can vary. Both have comprehensive help centers and community forums. IG generally receives higher marks for customer service responsiveness.

Do either IG or Interactive Brokers charge inactivity fees? Neither broker charges inactivity fees. Both IG and Interactive Brokers removed their inactivity fees in recent years, making them suitable for traders who may go through periods of lower activity without worrying about account maintenance costs.

Can I use both IG and Interactive Brokers at the same time? Yes, and many experienced traders do. A common approach is to use IG for spread betting and short-term CFD trades while maintaining an Interactive Brokers account for long-term stock and options investing. There is no restriction on holding accounts with multiple brokers.