Comparison of ActivTrades and IQ Option
| Feature | ActivTrades | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
| Broker | ||
| Year Founded | 2001 | 2013 |
| Broker Type | MM | MM |
| Dealing | B-book | B-book |
| Execution | Market | Market |
| Regulation | SCB, FCA, CMVM, CSSF, CONSOB, CVM | CySEC, SVGFSA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), ActivTrader, TradingView | Quadcode |
| Spread | ⬊ Low | ⮕ Average |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:400 | 1:500 |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 | $10 |
| Base Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, SEK | USD, EUR, GBP, RUB |
| Funding Methods | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, AstroPay | Bank Wire, Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard), Skrill, Neteller, Webmoney, Volet.com, Perfect Money, Cardano (ADA), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), XRP (XRP), Tether (USDT) |
| Inactivity Fee | $10 per month after 12 months | $10 per month after 90 days |
| Interest on Margin | ✖ | ✖ |
| Withdrawal Fee | ✖ | $30 on bank wire; other methods free |
| Investor Protection | UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) | ICF |
| Protection Size | £85 000 | €20 000 |
| Segregated Accounts | ✔ | ✔ |
| Negative Balance Protection | ✔ | ✔ |
| Guaranteed Stop Loss | ✖ | ✖ |
| Copy Trading | ✖ | ✖ |
| VPS | ✖ | ✖ |
| MAM/PAMM | ✖ | ✖ |
| Scalping Allowed | ✔ | ✖ |
| EAs/Robots | ✔ | ✖ |
| Depth of Market (DOM) | ✔ | ✖ |
| Tradable Assets (CFDs) | Currencies, Indices, Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Energies, Soft Commodities | Currencies, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Energies, Soft Commodities |
| Review | ActivTrades Review | IQ Option Review |
About ActivTrades
ActivTrades is a well-regarded Forex and CFD broker known for its robust trading platforms, extensive range of financial instruments, and strong regulatory compliance. Established in 2001, ActivTrades serves clients globally, offering access to major and minor currency pairs, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and more. The broker provides multiple trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5, as well as its proprietary ActivTrader platform, catering to both desktop and mobile users. ActivTrades is regulated by several top-tier financial authorities, ensuring a secure and trustworthy trading environment. Additionally, the broker offers a variety of account types to accommodate different trading styles and experience levels, complemented by comprehensive educational resources and responsive customer support. With competitive spreads, flexible leverage options, and efficient withdrawal processes, ActivTrades stands out as a reliable choice for both novice and experienced Forex traders.
Pros
- Regulated by multiple reputable financial authorities
- Offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and the proprietary ActivTrader platform
- Provides access to Forex, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and more
- Extensive tutorials, webinars, and market analysis tools available
- Offers tight spreads across numerous trading instruments
- Multilingual support available through various channels
Cons
- Maximum leverage available might be lower than what some experienced traders seek
- The proprietary ActivTrader platform offers fewer customization options
About IQ Option
IQ Option is a regulated broker founded in 2013. It combines its own award-winning platform with a low $10 entry threshold and $1 trade size, offering 300+ instruments across CFDs and fixed-time options. The broker attracts both beginners and active traders with an intuitive interface, rich charting toolkit and 24/7 multilingual support. While spreads are competitive, availability is limited in a number of jurisdictions and binary options remain high-risk.
Pros
- Low $10 minimum deposit and $1 trade size
- Proprietary platform with 100+ indicators and built-in news feed
- Wide range of instruments (300+), incl. 25+ crypto CFDs
- Free practice account with $10 000 virtual funds
- Fast withdrawals (1-3 days) and many funding methods
- CySEC regulation and segregated client funds
Cons
- Binary options classified as high-risk in many countries
- Inactivity fee after 90 days
- Higher spreads than ECN brokers; no MT4/MT5 support
ActivTrades & IQ Option Regulation
| Feature | ActivTrades | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
Companies | ActivTrades Corp, ActivTrades PLC, ActivMarkets - Empresa de Investimento, S.A., ActivTrades Europe SA, ACTIVTRADES CORRETORA LTDA | IQ Option Europe Ltd, IQ Option LLC |
Countries | Bahamas, United Kingdom, Portugal, Luxembourg, Brazil | Cyprus, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
Regulators | SCB, FCA, CMVM, CSSF, CONSOB, CVM | CySEC, SVGFSA |
Investor Protection | UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) | ICF |
Investor Protection Size | £85 000 | €20 000 |
Publicly Traded | ||
Segregated Accounts | ||
Guaranteed Stop Loss | ||
Negative Balance Protection |
Companies
ActivTrades
ActivTrades Corp, ActivTrades PLC, ActivMarkets - Empresa de Investimento, S.A., ActivTrades Europe SA, ACTIVTRADES CORRETORA LTDA
IQ Option
IQ Option Europe Ltd, IQ Option LLC
Countries
ActivTrades
Bahamas, United Kingdom, Portugal, Luxembourg, Brazil
IQ Option
Cyprus, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Regulators
ActivTrades
SCB, FCA, CMVM, CSSF, CONSOB, CVM
IQ Option
CySEC, SVGFSA
Investor Protection
ActivTrades
UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
IQ Option
ICF
Investor Protection Size
ActivTrades
£85 000
IQ Option
€20 000
Publicly Traded
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Segregated Accounts
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Guaranteed Stop Loss
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Negative Balance Protection
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Account Types
| Account | ActivTrades | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
Market Maker Account | ||
| Account Name | Pro | Standard |
| Min Deposit | $1 | $10 |
| Lot Size | 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Spread Type | Floating | Floating |
| Execution | Market | Market |
| Min Spread | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Fee | No | No |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | 1:500 |
| Stop Out | 30% | 50% |
| Margin Call | 100% | 100% |
| Additional Features | ||
| Demo Account | ||
| VIP Account | ||
| Swap-Free Account | ||
| Copy Trading | ||
| VPS | ||
| PAMM/MAM Accounts | ||
Binary Options | ||
| Account | — | Binary Options |
| Minimum Deposit | — | $10 |
| Option Types | — | Call/Put, Turbo, Digital Options |
| Minimum Stake | — | $1 |
| Payout | — | from 55% to 95% |
| Expiration Time | — | from 30 seconds to 30 days |
Market Maker Account
Account Name
ActivTrades
Pro
IQ Option
Standard
Min Deposit
ActivTrades
$1
IQ Option
$10
Lot Size
ActivTrades
0.01
IQ Option
0.01
Spread Type
ActivTrades
Floating
IQ Option
Floating
Execution
ActivTrades
Market
IQ Option
Market
Min Spread
ActivTrades
0.5
IQ Option
0.5
Fee
ActivTrades
No
IQ Option
No
Max Leverage
ActivTrades
1:400
IQ Option
1:500
Stop Out
ActivTrades
30%
IQ Option
50%
Margin Call
ActivTrades
100%
IQ Option
100%
Additional Features
Demo Account
ActivTrades
IQ Option
VIP Account
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Swap-Free Account
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Copy Trading
ActivTrades
IQ Option
VPS
ActivTrades
IQ Option
PAMM/MAM Accounts
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Binary Options
Account
ActivTrades
—
IQ Option
Binary Options
Minimum Deposit
ActivTrades
—
IQ Option
$10
Option Types
ActivTrades
—
IQ Option
Call/Put, Turbo, Digital Options
Minimum Stake
ActivTrades
—
IQ Option
$1
Payout
ActivTrades
—
IQ Option
from 55% to 95%
Expiration Time
ActivTrades
—
IQ Option
from 30 seconds to 30 days
Funding and Fees
| Feature | ActivTrades | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
Base currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, SEK | USD, EUR, GBP, RUB |
Deposit and withdrawal methods | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, AstroPay | Bank Wire, Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard), Skrill, Neteller, Webmoney, Volet.com, Perfect Money, Cardano (ADA), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), XRP (XRP), Tether (USDT) |
Inactivity fee | $10 per month after 12 months | $10 per month after 90 days |
Interest on margin | ||
Withdrawal fee | $30 on bank wire; other methods free |
Base currencies
ActivTrades
USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, SEK
IQ Option
USD, EUR, GBP, RUB
Deposit and withdrawal methods
ActivTrades
Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, AstroPay
IQ Option
Bank Wire, Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard), Skrill, Neteller, Webmoney, Volet.com, Perfect Money, Cardano (ADA), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), XRP (XRP), Tether (USDT)
Inactivity fee
ActivTrades
$10 per month after 12 months
IQ Option
$10 per month after 90 days
Interest on margin
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Withdrawal fee
ActivTrades
IQ Option
$30 on bank wire; other methods free
Trading Platforms and Conditions
| Feature | ActivTrades | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), ActivTrader, TradingView | Quadcode |
Execution Speed | 5 ms | 10 ms |
Scalping | ||
Expert Advisors (EAs) | ||
Depth of Market (DOM) | ||
Spread | low | average |
Trading Platforms
ActivTrades
MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), ActivTrader, TradingView
IQ Option
Quadcode
Execution Speed
ActivTrades
5 ms
IQ Option
10 ms
Scalping
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Expert Advisors (EAs)
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Depth of Market (DOM)
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Spread
ActivTrades
low
IQ Option
average
Trading Assets
| Asset | ActivTrades | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
Currencies | 49 | 63 |
Indices | 31 | 12 |
Stocks | 1035 | 379 |
Cryptocurrencies | 12 | 26 |
Bonds | 6 | 0 |
Metals | 3 | 3 |
Energies | 7 | 3 |
Soft Commodities | 9 | 3 |
ETFs | 75 | 22 |
Currencies
ActivTrades
49
IQ Option
63
Indices
ActivTrades
31
IQ Option
12
Stocks
ActivTrades
1035
IQ Option
379
Cryptocurrencies
ActivTrades
12
IQ Option
26
Bonds
ActivTrades
6
IQ Option
0
Metals
ActivTrades
3
IQ Option
3
Energies
ActivTrades
7
IQ Option
3
Soft Commodities
ActivTrades
9
IQ Option
3
ETFs
ActivTrades
75
IQ Option
22
Education and Analytics
| Feature | ActivTrades | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
Economic Calendar | ||
Indicators | ||
Robots | ||
Signals | ||
Autochartist | ||
Expert Analytics | ||
News Feed | ||
Education Articles | ||
Webinars | ||
Seminars |
Economic Calendar
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Indicators
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Robots
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Signals
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Autochartist
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Expert Analytics
ActivTrades
IQ Option
News Feed
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Education Articles
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Webinars
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Seminars
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Contests
| Feature | ActivTrades | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
| Demo Contests | ||
| Is available | ||
| Contests List | — |
|
Demo Contests
Is available
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Contests List
ActivTrades
—
IQ Option
- Weekend TreatStart Balance: $100 · Prize Pool: $1500 · Period: WeeklyLearn More
- Salary in a DayStart Balance: $100 · Prize Pool: $3,000 · Period: WeeklyLearn More
- Austin 1000Start Balance: $1000 · Prize Pool: $1000 · Period: WeeklyLearn More
- IQ LaunchStart Balance: $100 · Prize Pool: $10000 · Period: WeeklyLearn More
- 72 HoursStart Balance: $100 · Prize Pool: $5000 · Period: Every 2 WeeksLearn More
Customer Support
| Contact | ActivTrades | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
Email | englishdesk@activtrades.bs | support@iqoption.com |
Phone | +12426035200 | +35724257707 |
Facebook | — | |
LinkedIn | — | |
YouTube | YouTube | YouTube |
Instagram | — | |
Twitter |
Email
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Phone
ActivTrades
IQ Option
Facebook
ActivTrades
IQ Option
—
LinkedIn
ActivTrades
IQ Option
—
Instagram
ActivTrades
—
IQ Option
Which Broker is Better?
After comparing ActivTrades and IQ Option, ActivTrades comes out ahead as our overall pick. It ranks higher in our internal scoring and delivers a stronger balance of pricing (spreads/fees), platform experience, and product range. That said, the runner-up may still be a better fit if you prioritize specific needs—like a particular account type, funding method, or niche instruments. This is not financial advice; always choose a broker that matches your goals and local regulatory requirements.
More Comparisons
Andriy Bondarenko
Broker Analyst
Andriy is a seasoned expert in broker reviews with over a decade of experience in finance and trading. Under his leadership, the team produces in-depth and unbiased analyses of leading trading platforms.