AvaTrade
Eightcap
AvaTrade vs Eightcap
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
AvaTrade and Eightcap are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. AvaTrade, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB and offers spreads starting from 0.9 pips with a minimum deposit of $100. Eightcap, established in 2009 in Melbourne, Australia, holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, SCB with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, AvaTrade scored 8.3/10 overall compared to Eightcap's 8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Eightcap holds its own with lower trading costs, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
AvaTrade scores 8.3/10 overall vs 8/10 for Eightcap — a 0.3-point difference.
- 📈
AvaTrade offers 1,250+ instruments vs 800+ at Eightcap — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
AvaTrade runs on MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, while Eightcap uses MT4, MT5, TradingView — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Education: AvaTrade scores 8.5 vs 6.5 for Eightcap — a 2.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
AvaTrade
Score: 8.3/10 · Wins 4 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
Eightcap
Score: 8.0/10 · Wins 1 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You prefer Eightcap's trading environment overall
AvaTrade takes the lead with an overall score of 8.3/10 compared to 8/10, winning in 4 out of 8 scoring categories. AvaTrade stands out for stronger regulation and superior education resources, while Eightcap fights back with lower trading costs.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, AvaTrade comes out ahead with a 8.3/10 overall rating, winning 4 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 9.5/10. AvaTrade holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Eightcap is not without merit — it scores 8/10 overall and excels in Trading Costs (8.5/10), winning 1 category. Traders who value lower trading costs may find Eightcap the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full AvaTrade review and Eightcap review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Eightcap wins by 1.0 points
AvaTrade wins by 1.5 points
AvaTrade wins by 2.0 points
AvaTrade wins by 1.0 points
AvaTrade wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.3/10 ✓ | 8.0/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $100 ✓ | $100 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.9 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial | MT4, MT5, TradingView |
| Regulation | CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB | ASIC, CySEC, SCB |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2006 ✓ | 2009 |
| Markets | 1,250+ ✓ | 800+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Eightcap has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 7.5/10 for AvaTrade. AvaTrade offers spreads starting from 0.9 pips, while Eightcap starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at AvaTrade is $100, compared to $100 at Eightcap. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
AvaTrade scores 8.5/10 for platforms compared to 8.5/10 for Eightcap. AvaTrade provides MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, while Eightcap offers MT4, MT5, TradingView. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. AvaTrade is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB (Tier 1), while Eightcap holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, SCB (Tier 1). AvaTrade scores 9.5/10 and Eightcap scores 8/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, AvaTrade leads with 8.5/10 compared to 6.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. AvaTrade and Eightcap both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
AvaTrade offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8/10, while Eightcap provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email with a score of 7/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
AvaTrade scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Eightcap scores 8/10. AvaTrade accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and Eightcap supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of $100 versus $100 for Eightcap. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose AvaTrade if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
Choose Eightcap if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You prefer Eightcap's trading environment overall
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AvaTrade better than Eightcap?
AvaTrade scores higher overall (8.3/10 vs 8/10), winning 4 of 8 categories. However, Eightcap is stronger in lower trading costs. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, AvaTrade or Eightcap?
Eightcap scores higher for trading costs. AvaTrade offers spreads from 0.9 pips with a $100 minimum deposit, while Eightcap starts from 0.0 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is AvaTrade safe to trade with?
AvaTrade is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB and scores 9.5/10 for regulation. Eightcap is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, SCB with a score of 8/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, AvaTrade or Eightcap?
AvaTrade scores 8.5/10 for platforms. AvaTrade offers MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, while Eightcap provides MT4, MT5, TradingView. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for AvaTrade vs Eightcap?
AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of $100, while Eightcap requires $100. Eightcap has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.