AvaTrade
ThinkMarkets
AvaTrade vs ThinkMarkets
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
AvaTrade and ThinkMarkets 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. ThinkMarkets, established in 2010 in London, UK, holds licenses from ASIC, FCA, CySEC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $0 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, AvaTrade scored 8.3/10 overall compared to ThinkMarkets's 8.3/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, ThinkMarkets holds its own with lower trading costs 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 8.3/10 for ThinkMarkets — a 0.0-point difference.
- 💵
ThinkMarkets requires just $0 to start, while AvaTrade needs $100 — ThinkMarkets is 100x more accessible.
- 📈
ThinkMarkets offers 4,000+ instruments vs 1,250+ at AvaTrade — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
AvaTrade runs on MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, while ThinkMarkets uses MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Education: AvaTrade scores 8.5 vs 7.5 for ThinkMarkets — a 1.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
AvaTrade
Score: 8.3/10 · Wins 2 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You prefer AvaTrade's trading environment overall
ThinkMarkets
Score: 8.3/10 · Wins 2 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
AvaTrade takes the lead with an overall score of 8.3/10 compared to 8.3/10, winning in 2 out of 8 scoring categories. AvaTrade stands out for stronger regulation and superior education resources, while ThinkMarkets fights back with lower trading costs 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 2 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. ThinkMarkets is not without merit — it scores 8.3/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 2 categories. Traders who value lower trading costs or wider product range may find ThinkMarkets the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full AvaTrade review and ThinkMarkets review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
ThinkMarkets wins by 0.5 points
AvaTrade wins by 0.5 points
AvaTrade wins by 1.0 points
ThinkMarkets wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.3/10 ✓ | 8.3/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $100 | $0 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.9 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial | MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader |
| Regulation | CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB | ASIC, FCA, CySEC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2006 ✓ | 2010 |
| Markets | 1,250+ | 4,000+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, ThinkMarkets has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 7.5/10 for AvaTrade. AvaTrade offers spreads starting from 0.9 pips, while ThinkMarkets starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at AvaTrade is $100, compared to $0 at ThinkMarkets. 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 ThinkMarkets. AvaTrade provides MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, while ThinkMarkets offers MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader. 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 ThinkMarkets holds licenses from ASIC, FCA, CySEC (Tier 1). AvaTrade scores 9.5/10 and ThinkMarkets 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 ThinkMarkets 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 ThinkMarkets provides 24/7 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 ThinkMarkets scores 8/10. AvaTrade accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and ThinkMarkets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of $100 versus $0 for ThinkMarkets. 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
- You prefer AvaTrade's trading environment overall
Choose ThinkMarkets if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is AvaTrade better than ThinkMarkets?
AvaTrade scores higher overall (8.3/10 vs 8.3/10), winning 2 of 8 categories. However, ThinkMarkets is stronger in lower trading costs and wider product range. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, AvaTrade or ThinkMarkets?
ThinkMarkets scores higher for trading costs. AvaTrade offers spreads from 0.9 pips with a $100 minimum deposit, while ThinkMarkets starts from 0.0 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. ThinkMarkets is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC 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 ThinkMarkets?
AvaTrade scores 8.5/10 for platforms. AvaTrade offers MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, while ThinkMarkets provides MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for AvaTrade vs ThinkMarkets?
AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of $100, while ThinkMarkets requires $0. ThinkMarkets 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.