Choosing between Forex.com and Interactive Brokers (IBKR) in 2025 comes down to one essential question: Are you a trader looking for intuitive simplicity or an investor needing institutional-level tools? These two platforms sit at the top of the brokerage industry but cater to very different user bases.
In this in-depth, SEO-optimized comparison, we break down everything: regulation, trading platforms, asset coverage, fees, tools, support, and more — so you can confidently pick the one that suits your strategy and experience level.
Broker Review Contents
1. Overview of Forex.com and Interactive Brokers
Forex.com
- Launched: 2001
- Parent Company: StoneX Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SNEX)
- Focus: Forex and CFD trading
- Users: Active day traders, swing traders, and retail investors
- Regulated in: USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia
Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
- Launched: 1978
- Publicly Traded: NASDAQ: IBKR
- Focus: Multi-asset institutional-grade trading
- Users: Professionals, high-volume investors, institutions
- Regulated in: USA, UK, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore
Verdict: Forex.com is built for retail and forex-focused traders, while IBKR caters to pros and institutional traders with a massive multi-asset ecosystem.
2. Regulation and Safety
Forex.com holds licenses from:
- CFTC & NFA (USA)
- FCA (UK)
- IIROC (Canada)
- ASIC (Australia)
- CySEC (EU)
Interactive Brokers is regulated by:
- SEC, CFTC, and FINRA (USA)
- FCA (UK)
- ASIC (Australia)
- SFC (Hong Kong)
- MAS (Singapore)
SEO Keyword Focus: Forex broker regulation, trusted trading platforms, top-tier broker safety
Verdict: Both are extremely secure brokers, but IBKR edges ahead in global regulatory diversity.
3. Platform Technology & User Interface
Forex.com offers:
- MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5
- WebTrader (custom in-house)
- Advanced Trading Platform (desktop)
- Mobile app with TradingView integration
Interactive Brokers offers:
- Trader Workstation (TWS) – highly advanced desktop app
- IBKR Mobile – institutional-grade tools
- Client Portal – clean, modern web trading
- API trading & FIX connectivity
Verdict: Forex.com wins for ease of use; IBKR dominates in complexity, power, and customization.
4. Available Markets
| Market Type | Forex.com | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | 80+ currency pairs | 100+ pairs |
| Stocks | CFDs only | Real stocks on 135+ exchanges |
| ETFs | ✅ Yes (via CFDs) | ✅ Yes |
| Options | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Futures | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Crypto | ✅ Yes (CFDs) | ✅ Yes (spot & futures) |
| Commodities | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Bonds | ✅ Yes (CFDs) | ✅ Yes |
Verdict: If you want access to real shares, futures, and global markets, IBKR wins. For forex and CFD simplicity, Forex.com is excellent.
5. Account Types & Minimum Deposits
Forex.com
- Standard Account: $100
- Commission Account: $1,000+
- DMA Account: $25,000+
- Islamic (swap-free): ✅
IBKR
- IBKR Lite: $0 minimum (U.S. only)
- IBKR Pro: $100–$10,000 depending on country
- Islamic: ❌
Verdict: Forex.com is better for low-capital traders, while IBKR requires more capital but gives you more depth.
6. Fees & Spreads
Forex.com
- EUR/USD spread from 0.2 pips (commission account)
- Commission: $5 per $100K traded
- No deposit fees, $15/month inactivity fee after 12 months
Interactive Brokers
- Forex spreads as low as 0.1 pip
- Tiered commissions based on volume
- Stock commission: $0.005/share (or free with IBKR Lite)
- Inactivity fee removed in 2023
SEO Keyword Focus: Low spread forex broker, forex commission comparison, broker trading fees
Verdict: IBKR is cheaper for large-volume, multi-asset trading, while Forex.com’s pricing is great for active forex traders.
7. Leverage & Margin
| Trader Type | Forex.com | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Retail (EU/UK) | 1:30 | 1:30 |
| USA (Forex only) | 1:50 | 1:50 |
| Global Pro Clients | Up to 1:200 | Up to 1:100 |
Verdict: Forex.com offers more leverage to pro traders, but IBKR has tighter margin requirements and better risk tools.
8. Research, Tools & Education
Forex.com
- Autochartist
- Trading Central
- Economic Calendar
- Strategy optimization tools
- Beginner & intermediate courses
Interactive Brokers
- Market scanners (technical & fundamental)
- AI-powered news feeds
- PortfolioAnalyst tool
- Over 100 research providers
- Institutional-level charting
Verdict: IBKR offers elite research and tools, but Forex.com is much more accessible for beginners.
9. Mobile Experience
Forex.com App
- Full charting
- Price alerts
- Intuitive interface
IBKR Mobile
- Extensive order types
- Watchlists & scanners
- Slight learning curve
Verdict: Forex.com wins in simplicity, IBKR wins in features.
10. Customer Support
Forex.com
- 24/5 live chat, email, and phone
- Platform onboarding available
- Regional support teams
Interactive Brokers
- 24/6 live support
- Email and ticket support
- Slower during high volume periods
Verdict: Forex.com has faster and more user-friendly support, especially for less experienced traders.
Final Verdict – Which Broker is Right for You?
| Criteria | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Beginners | Forex.com |
| Institutional Access | Interactive Brokers |
| Advanced Tools | Interactive Brokers |
| Low Deposit Requirement | Forex.com |
| Real Stocks & Options | Interactive Brokers |
| Simplicity & Speed | Forex.com |
| Multi-Asset Trading | Interactive Brokers |
| Tight Forex Spreads | Tie |
Forex.com is perfect if you:
- Are focused on forex and CFD trading
- Want simple platforms with rich features
- Prefer low minimum deposits and easy onboarding
Interactive Brokers is perfect if you:
- Need real stock, ETF, option, and futures access
- Want best-in-class execution and data
- Have advanced trading needs or manage multiple asset classes
