When comparing Forex.com and ActivTrades, traders are presented with two globally recognized brokerage giants. Each offers a distinct trading experience shaped by unique platform features, pricing models, regulation, and technology. In this detailed breakdown of Forex.com vs ActivTrades, we’ll evaluate all the critical categories traders care about — from spreads to support — to help you make an informed decision in 2025.
Broker Review Contents
Broker Overview
Forex.com
Established in 2001 and owned by StoneX Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SNEX), Forex.com has built a reputation as one of the world’s most regulated and reliable brokers. It caters to both retail and institutional clients across 180+ countries.
ActivTrades
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in London, ActivTrades has grown to become a respected global broker, particularly known for its strong customer service and innovative tools. It serves clients from offices in Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.
Verdict: Both brokers are well-established, but Forex.com’s backing by a publicly traded U.S. firm gives it an edge in corporate transparency and global scale.
Regulation and Safety
Forex.com
- Regulated by CFTC/NFA (USA), FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Europe), IIROC (Canada).
- Offers negative balance protection, segregated client funds, and robust data encryption.
ActivTrades
- Regulated by the FCA (UK), CSSF (Luxembourg), SCB (Bahamas).
- Also offers negative balance protection and segregated funds.
Verdict: Forex.com has a broader global regulatory reach, including U.S. oversight, which many brokers lack.
Trading Platforms
Forex.com
- Offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Forex.com WebTrader, and mobile apps.
- Supports advanced tools like TradingView, Autochartist, and API trading.
ActivTrades
- Offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and their own ActivTrader platform.
- ActivTrader includes Progressive Trailing Stops, Integrated Trading Tools, and 1-click trading.
Verdict: Tie — Forex.com excels in third-party tool integration, while ActivTrades’ proprietary platform offers high customization for discretionary traders.
Spreads and Fees
| Asset | Forex.com (Typical) | ActivTrades (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 1.0 pip | 0.5 pips |
| GBP/USD | 1.3 pips | 0.8 pips |
| Gold | 0.15 | 0.22 |
| Indices | 1.0 | 0.8 |
- Forex.com offers Standard, Commission-based, and DMA accounts.
- ActivTrades offers competitive raw spreads with zero commission on most trades.
Verdict: ActivTrades wins on tighter spreads for standard account users, especially for FX majors.
Tradable Instruments
Forex.com
- 80+ Forex pairs
- 4,500+ Stock CFDs
- Indices, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Bonds, ETFs
ActivTrades
- 50+ Forex pairs
- Shares, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Cryptos
- Special access to UK and EU equities
Forex.com wins for market variety and sheer number of instruments.
Account Types
Forex.com
- Standard Account
- Commission Account
- Direct Market Access (DMA)
- Islamic Account
- Demo Account
ActivTrades
- Standard Account
- Professional Account (for high-volume traders)
- Islamic Account
- Demo Account
Verdict: Forex.com offers more account types and pricing models to suit different trading styles.
Research and Tools
Forex.com
- Offers Trading Central, Autochartist, Performance Analytics, Smart Signals
- Supports VPS for EAs and algorithmic trading
- Excellent technical and fundamental analysis resources
ActivTrades
- Proprietary SmartOrder 2 and SmartLines tools
- Integrated analytics within ActivTrader
- Economic calendar, market insights, and webinars
Verdict: Forex.com is better for advanced strategy development and automation, while ActivTrades focuses more on in-platform visual tools.
Mobile Trading
Forex.com
- Full-function mobile apps with real-time syncing
- Advanced charting, custom alerts, and intuitive UI
ActivTrades
- ActivTrader app with built-in indicators and order management
- Clean interface designed for quick action
Verdict: Forex.com offers a richer experience for multi-device traders and mobile scalpers.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
| Feature | Forex.com | ActivTrades |
|---|---|---|
| Credit/Debit | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Bank Transfer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| eWallets | ✅ PayPal (regions) | ✅ Skrill, Neteller |
| Fees | ❌ No deposit fees | ❌ No deposit fees |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1–2 Business Days | 1–2 Business Days |
Verdict: Tie, though ActivTrades supports more eWallets.
Customer Support
Forex.com
- 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone
- Multilingual support
- Detailed knowledge base and training center
ActivTrades
- 24/5 Live Chat and Phone
- Fast ticket response system
- Personalized onboarding for premium clients
Verdict: ActivTrades wins slightly with faster and more responsive service reports from users.
Educational Content
Forex.com
- Full trading academy
- Video tutorials, strategy guides, and live webinars
- Beginner to advanced paths
ActivTrades
- Education portal with videos, courses, and market analysis
- Regular webinars and live Q&A sessions
Verdict: Forex.com provides more structured and tiered learning, ideal for self-paced traders.
Pros and Cons Summary
| Feature | Forex.com | ActivTrades |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Global, including US | FCA + EU and offshore licenses |
| Platforms | MT4/MT5 + WebTrader | MT4/MT5 + ActivTrader |
| Spreads | Tight (commission model) | Tighter (standard model) |
| Market Range | Extensive | Moderate |
| Tools | Institutional-grade | In-platform smart tools |
| Education | Deep learning paths | Webinars and visual content |
| Support | Strong global presence | Quick, personalized assistance |
Final Verdict: Forex.com or ActivTrades?
Both Forex.com and ActivTrades bring tremendous value to traders, but they serve slightly different purposes.
✅ Choose Forex.com if you want:
- Maximum market access
- Institutional tools
- Multi-platform trading (MT5/DMA)
- U.S. regulatory protection
✅ Choose ActivTrades if you:
- Trade mainly FX and indices
- Value tight spreads with no commission
- Prefer a simplified and intuitive platform
- Want quick customer response times
For active and diversified traders, Forex.com is the better overall platform. But if your style leans toward simplicity and cost efficiency, ActivTrades is a hidden gem worth exploring.
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