Review Market logoReviewMarket
Compare brokers
← All comparisons
AvaTrade
VS
Interactive Brokers

AvaTrade vs Interactive Brokers: which broker is better in 2026?

We compare AvaTrade and Interactive Brokers — two forex & CFD brokers — side by side across regulation, fees, platforms, minimum deposit, and our editorial scores. Based on our overall editorial score, Interactive Brokers edges ahead (4.3/5), but the right choice depends on what matters most to you — check the breakdown below.

Side-by-side comparison

CriteriaAvaTradeInteractive Brokers
Overall score 3.6 4.3
Regulation & safety 3.5 4.5
Fees & deposit 3.5 4.5
Platform & assets 4.0 4.5
User support 3.5 3.5
Trust score72/10087/100
Minimum depositVaries by account type — check the official siteVaries by account type — check the official site
Demo accountAvailableAvailable
PlatformsMetaTrader 4/5, AvaTradeGO (mobile), AvaOptions, WebTraderTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, Client Portal (web), IBKR Mobile, API (TWS/Web)
Fee modelSpread model — details not yet verifiedKnown for very low costs (tiered/fixed) — among the cheapest in the industry for stocks/futures/forex; structure varies per product/region

Pros & cons

AvaTrade
  • Supervised by the Central Bank of Ireland + multiple global entities; founded 2006
  • Full platform selection (MT4/MT5/AvaTradeGO/AvaOptions)
  • Broad instrument coverage including options
  • A private company — financial transparency more limited than a public company
  • Some clients via offshore entities
  • Leverage is high-risk
Interactive Brokers
  • Top-tier regulation & transparency — a US public company (Nasdaq: IBKR) supervised by SEC/FINRA/CFTC + many global regulators
  • Among the cheapest costs in the industry; very broad global market access
  • Very powerful TWS platform & API for professional/algorithmic traders
  • The TWS platform has a steep learning curve — less beginner-friendly
  • Customer support is more self-service (not hand-holding), suited to technical users
  • Interface & account structure can feel complex at first

Regulation at a glance

AvaTrade

Supervised by the Central Bank of Ireland as its primary regulator (mentioned by Wikipedia in the context of an acquisition blocked by this regulator). Operates multiple entities globally — license status per entity not verified in detail.

Interactive Brokers

A US public company (Nasdaq: IBKR) with entities regulated by SEC/FINRA/CFTC (US), FCA (UK), IIROC (Canada), MAS (Singapore), ASIC (Australia), the Central Bank of Ireland, and others. One of the most regulated & financially transparent brokers.