EasyMarkets vs IG (2026): Which Broker is Better for Austrian Traders?
Which broker is better for Austria traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Austria Traders
For Austrian traders choosing between EasyMarkets and IG in 2025, the decision hinges on trading style, cost preferences, and regulatory confidence. Both brokers are well-established and operate under European MiFID II rules, with oversight from authorities like the UK FCA and Cyprus CySEC. While IG holds a stronger overall rating (4.2/5 vs 3.4/5), EasyMarkets offers unique fixed spreads and a deal cancellation feature that some Austrian beginners find appealing. Austria’s local financial regulator, the Finanzmarktaufsicht (FMA), does not directly license these brokers, but EU passporting allows them to serve Austrian clients legally. Both accept popular local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making funding straightforward. Whether you prioritize low-cost trading with IG or beginner-friendly tools with EasyMarkets, this comparison breaks down every relevant factor for Austrian traders.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IG |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IG |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IG |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IG |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 | IG |
When comparing trading costs for Austrian traders, IG generally offers lower variable spreads on major pairs like EUR/USD, starting from 0.6 pips during peak hours, while EasyMarkets charges fixed spreads around 1.0-1.2 pips. For high-volume Austrian traders, IG’s tighter spreads can lead to significant savings over time. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads provide cost certainty, which helps beginners avoid widening spreads during volatile news events. Both brokers charge commissions on certain account types, but for standard retail accounts, IG’s spread-based pricing is more competitive for active forex traders in Austria.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 |
Leverage Comparison - Austria Traders
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Austria (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:30 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Austrian traders have access to both brokers’ platforms via desktop, web, and mobile. IG offers its proprietary web platform, MetaTrader 4, and L2 Dealer for advanced charting and execution. EasyMarkets provides a user-friendly WebTrader, MT4, and mobile apps. For Austrian traders who value advanced analytics and custom indicators, IG’s platform suite is superior. EasyMarkets’ platform is more intuitive for newcomers, with integrated risk management tools like deal cancellation. Both support German-language interfaces, essential for local users.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
IG uses direct market access (DMA) and offers faster execution speeds, often below 30 milliseconds, making it ideal for Austrian scalpers and day traders. EasyMarkets uses market execution with no requotes and fixed spreads, but its execution speed is slower, around 100-200 milliseconds. For Austrian traders who prioritize speed and slippage control, IG’s execution is superior. EasyMarkets is more suitable for position traders who value spread predictability.
Regulation & Safety for Austria Traders
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulatory safety is critical for Austrian traders. Both EasyMarkets and IG are regulated by top-tier bodies: IG by the FCA, BaFin, and ASIC; EasyMarkets by the FCA, CySEC, and ASIC. Under MiFID II, Austrian clients are protected by negative balance protection and segregated accounts. Neither broker is directly supervised by Austria’s FMA, but their EU licenses ensure compliance with local investor protection rules. IG’s longer track record and multiple regulatory tiers give it an edge in trust for Austrian clients.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Austria
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | 1 to 5 business days |
Austrian traders can deposit and withdraw using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both EasyMarkets and IG. Bank transfers typically take 1-3 business days, while e-wallets and crypto transactions are processed instantly. EasyMarkets offers fee-free withdrawals via most methods, whereas IG may charge for certain bank transfers. USDT TRC20 deposits are particularly convenient for Austrian users who prefer crypto without volatility risk. Always verify current limits and fees on each broker’s website before transacting.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Austria Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both EasyMarkets and IG offer swap-free Islamic accounts for Austrian Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. These accounts eliminate overnight interest charges on positions held beyond a single day. Austrian traders must request an Islamic account during registration and may need to provide proof of religious affiliation. EasyMarkets provides a straightforward application process, while IG’s Islamic accounts are available upon request with similar conditions. Neither broker charges extra fees for these accounts, making them accessible for eligible Austrian clients.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Customer support for Austrian traders is available in German at both brokers. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support, with response times typically under 2 minutes. IG provides 24/5 support via phone, email, and live chat, with additional weekend hours for trading queries. IG’s support is more comprehensive with dedicated relationship managers for higher-volume Austrian clients, while EasyMarkets’ support is efficient for basic inquiries.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | IG |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
EasyMarkets
IG
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Austria Guide
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
- Prefer fixed spreads to avoid cost surprises during volatile markets.
- Are a beginner trader wanting a simple platform with deal cancellation.
- Want to use USDT TRC20 for instant crypto deposits.
- Value a broker with a straightforward, educational approach.
Choose IG if you...
- Need tighter variable spreads for cost-effective active trading.
- Want advanced charting tools and extensive market research.
- Require a broker with higher trust ratings and multiple regulatory licenses.
- Are a scalper or day trader needing fast execution DMA.
FAQ - EasyMarkets vs IG in Austria
Final Verdict - Austria 2026
For Austrian traders in 2025, IG emerges as the stronger overall choice due to its higher trust rating (4.2/5), lower spreads, and advanced execution. Its extensive research and platform options cater to both novice and experienced traders. EasyMarkets, while reliable, is better suited for beginners or those who value fixed costs and the deal cancellation feature. Both brokers accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and operate legally under EU regulation via the FMA’s framework. If you prioritize cost efficiency and depth, choose IG; if simplicity and predictability are key, EasyMarkets is a solid alternative.