AvaTrade
Oanda
AvaTrade vs Oanda
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
AvaTrade and Oanda 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. Oanda, established in 1996 in New York, USA, holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, MAS with spreads from 1.0 pips and a $0 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Oanda scored 8.4/10 overall compared to AvaTrade's 8.3/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, AvaTrade holds its own with better trading platforms and superior education resources, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Oanda scores 8.4/10 overall vs 8.3/10 for AvaTrade — a 0.1-point difference.
- 💵
Oanda requires just $0 to start, while AvaTrade needs $100 — Oanda is 100x more accessible.
- 📈
AvaTrade offers 1,250+ instruments vs 120+ at Oanda — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
AvaTrade runs on MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, while Oanda uses fxTrade, MT4, TradingView — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Research & Analysis: Oanda scores 9.0 vs 7.5 for AvaTrade — a 1.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
AvaTrade
Score: 8.3/10 · Wins 3 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
Oanda
Score: 8.4/10 · Wins 1 categories- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
- You prefer Oanda's trading environment overall
Oanda takes the lead with an overall score of 8.4/10 compared to 8.3/10, winning in 1 out of 8 scoring categories. Oanda stands out for more research tools, while AvaTrade fights back with better trading platforms and superior education resources.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Oanda comes out ahead with a 8.4/10 overall rating, winning 1 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 9.5/10. Oanda holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. AvaTrade is not without merit — it scores 8.3/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.5/10), winning 3 categories. Traders who value better trading platforms or superior education resources may find AvaTrade the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Oanda review and AvaTrade review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
AvaTrade wins by 0.5 points
AvaTrade wins by 1.0 points
Oanda wins by 1.5 points
AvaTrade wins by 1.0 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $100 | $0 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | 1:200 |
| Spreads From | 0.9 pips | 1.0 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial | fxTrade, MT4, TradingView |
| Regulation | CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB | FCA, ASIC, MAS |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2006 | 1996 ✓ |
| Markets | 1,250+ ✓ | 120+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, AvaTrade has the edge with a score of 7.5/10 versus 7.5/10 for Oanda. AvaTrade offers spreads starting from 0.9 pips, while Oanda starts from 1.0 pips. The minimum deposit at AvaTrade is $100, compared to $0 at Oanda. 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 Oanda. AvaTrade provides MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, while Oanda offers fxTrade, MT4, 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 Oanda holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, MAS (Tier 1). AvaTrade scores 9.5/10 and Oanda scores 9.5/10 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 Oanda 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 Oanda provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8/10. 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 Oanda scores 8/10. AvaTrade accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and Oanda supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of $100 versus $0 for Oanda. 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
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
Choose Oanda if you...
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
- You prefer Oanda's trading environment overall
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AvaTrade better than Oanda?
Oanda scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 8.3/10), winning 1 of 8 categories. However, AvaTrade is stronger in better trading platforms and superior education resources. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, AvaTrade or Oanda?
AvaTrade scores higher for trading costs. AvaTrade offers spreads from 0.9 pips with a $100 minimum deposit, while Oanda starts from 1.0 pips with $0 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. Oanda is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS with a score of 9.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, AvaTrade or Oanda?
AvaTrade scores 8.5/10 for platforms. AvaTrade offers MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, while Oanda provides fxTrade, MT4, TradingView. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for AvaTrade vs Oanda?
AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of $100, while Oanda requires $0. Oanda 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.