AvaTrade
Markets.com
AvaTrade vs Markets.com
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
AvaTrade and Markets.com 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. Markets.com, established in 2008 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA with spreads from 0.6 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, AvaTrade scored 8.3/10 overall compared to Markets.com's 7.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Markets.com holds its own with more research tools and wider product range, 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 7.8/10 for Markets.com — a 0.5-point difference.
- 📈
Markets.com offers 2,500+ instruments vs 1,250+ at AvaTrade — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
AvaTrade runs on MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, while Markets.com uses Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Education: AvaTrade scores 8.5 vs 7.5 for Markets.com — a 1.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
AvaTrade
Score: 8.3/10 · Wins 6 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
Markets.com
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 2 categories- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
- You prefer Markets.com's trading environment overall
AvaTrade takes the lead with an overall score of 8.3/10 compared to 7.8/10, winning in 6 out of 8 scoring categories. AvaTrade stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while Markets.com fights back with more research tools and wider product range.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, AvaTrade comes out ahead with a 8.3/10 overall rating, winning 6 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. Markets.com is not without merit — it scores 7.8/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 2 categories. Traders who value more research tools or wider product range may find Markets.com the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full AvaTrade review and Markets.com review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
AvaTrade wins by 0.5 points
AvaTrade wins by 0.5 points
AvaTrade wins by 0.5 points
AvaTrade wins by 1.0 points
AvaTrade wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 0.5 points
AvaTrade wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 1.0 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.3/10 ✓ | 7.8/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $100 ✓ | $100 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | 1:300 |
| Spreads From | 0.9 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial | Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5 |
| Regulation | CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB | CySEC, FCA, FSCA |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2006 ✓ | 2008 |
| Markets | 1,250+ | 2,500+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, AvaTrade has the edge with a score of 7.5/10 versus 7/10 for Markets.com. AvaTrade offers spreads starting from 0.9 pips, while Markets.com starts from 0.6 pips. The minimum deposit at AvaTrade is $100, compared to $100 at Markets.com. 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 8/10 for Markets.com. AvaTrade provides MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, while Markets.com offers Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5. 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 Markets.com holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA (Tier 1). AvaTrade scores 9.5/10 and Markets.com scores 9/10 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 7.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. AvaTrade and Markets.com 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 Markets.com provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7.5/10. 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 Markets.com scores 7.5/10. AvaTrade accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and Markets.com 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 Markets.com. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose AvaTrade if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
Choose Markets.com if you...
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
- You prefer Markets.com's trading environment overall
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AvaTrade better than Markets.com?
AvaTrade scores higher overall (8.3/10 vs 7.8/10), winning 6 of 8 categories. However, Markets.com is stronger in more research tools and wider product range. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, AvaTrade or Markets.com?
AvaTrade scores higher for trading costs. AvaTrade offers spreads from 0.9 pips with a $100 minimum deposit, while Markets.com starts from 0.6 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. Markets.com is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, AvaTrade or Markets.com?
AvaTrade scores 8.5/10 for platforms. AvaTrade offers MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, while Markets.com provides Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for AvaTrade vs Markets.com?
AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of $100, while Markets.com requires $100. Markets.com 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.