AvaTrade
Skilling
AvaTrade vs Skilling
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
AvaTrade and Skilling 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. Skilling, established in 2016 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC with spreads from 0.1 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, AvaTrade scored 8.3/10 overall compared to Skilling's 7.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Skilling 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 7.8/10 for Skilling — a 0.5-point difference.
- 📈
AvaTrade offers 1,250+ instruments vs 800+ at Skilling — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
AvaTrade runs on MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, while Skilling uses Skilling Trader, MT4, cTrader — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: AvaTrade scores 9.5 vs 7.0 for Skilling — a 2.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
AvaTrade
Score: 8.3/10 · Wins 4 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
Skilling
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 1 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You prefer Skilling's trading environment overall
AvaTrade takes the lead with an overall score of 8.3/10 compared to 7.8/10, winning in 4 out of 8 scoring categories. AvaTrade stands out for better trading platforms and stronger regulation, while Skilling 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. Skilling is not without merit — it scores 7.8/10 overall and excels in Trading Costs (8.0/10), winning 1 category. Traders who value lower trading costs may find Skilling the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full AvaTrade review and Skilling review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Skilling wins by 0.5 points
AvaTrade wins by 0.5 points
AvaTrade wins by 2.5 points
AvaTrade wins by 1.5 points
AvaTrade wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.3/10 ✓ | 7.8/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $100 ✓ | $100 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.9 pips | 0.1 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial | Skilling Trader, MT4, cTrader |
| Regulation | CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB | CySEC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2006 ✓ | 2016 |
| Markets | 1,250+ ✓ | 800+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Skilling has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 7.5/10 for AvaTrade. AvaTrade offers spreads starting from 0.9 pips, while Skilling starts from 0.1 pips. The minimum deposit at AvaTrade is $100, compared to $100 at Skilling. 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 Skilling. AvaTrade provides MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, while Skilling offers Skilling Trader, MT4, cTrader. 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 Skilling holds licenses from CySEC (Tier 1). AvaTrade scores 9.5/10 and Skilling scores 7/10 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 7/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. AvaTrade and Skilling 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 Skilling provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email 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 Skilling scores 8/10. AvaTrade accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and Skilling supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of $100 versus $100 for Skilling. 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
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
Choose Skilling if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You prefer Skilling's trading environment overall
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AvaTrade better than Skilling?
AvaTrade scores higher overall (8.3/10 vs 7.8/10), winning 4 of 8 categories. However, Skilling is stronger in lower trading costs. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, AvaTrade or Skilling?
Skilling scores higher for trading costs. AvaTrade offers spreads from 0.9 pips with a $100 minimum deposit, while Skilling starts from 0.1 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. Skilling is regulated by CySEC with a score of 7/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, AvaTrade or Skilling?
AvaTrade scores 8.5/10 for platforms. AvaTrade offers MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, while Skilling provides Skilling Trader, MT4, cTrader. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for AvaTrade vs Skilling?
AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of $100, while Skilling requires $100. Skilling 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.