Cloud Trading

Cloud Trading

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
5.8
/ 10
vs
IG

IG

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
9.2
/ 10

Cloud Trading vs IG

A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.

Cloud Trading and IG are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Cloud Trading, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by CySEC and offers spreads starting from Variable with a minimum deposit of $0. IG, established in 1974 in London, UK, holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin with spreads from 0.6 pips and a $250 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, IG scored 9.2/10 overall compared to Cloud Trading's 5.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Cloud Trading holds its own with overall value, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • 📊

    IG scores 9.2/10 overall vs 5.8/10 for Cloud Trading — a 3.4-point difference.

  • 💵

    Cloud Trading requires just $0 to start, while IG needs $250 — Cloud Trading is 250x more accessible.

  • 📈

    IG offers 17,000+ instruments vs 1,000+ at Cloud Trading — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    Cloud Trading runs on MT5, REST API, while IG uses IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Education: IG scores 9.0 vs 4.0 for Cloud Trading — a 5.0-point difference.

Our Verdict

Cloud Trading

Cloud Trading

Score: 5.8/10 · Wins 0 categories
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
  • You prefer Cloud Trading's trading environment overall
🏆 WINNER
IG

IG

Score: 9.2/10 · Wins 8 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

IG takes the lead with an overall score of 9.2/10 compared to 5.8/10, winning in 8 out of 8 scoring categories. IG stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while Cloud Trading remains a solid alternative.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, IG comes out ahead with a 9.2/10 overall rating, winning 8 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 10.0/10. IG holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Cloud Trading is not without merit — it scores 5.8/10 overall and excels in Platforms & Tools (6.5/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full IG review and Cloud Trading review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

Cloud Trading
IG
Trading Costs
5.5 8.5

IG wins by 3.0 points

Platforms & Tools
6.5 9.5

IG wins by 3.0 points

Regulation & Trust
6.5 10.0

IG wins by 3.5 points

Education
4.0 9.0

IG wins by 5.0 points

Customer Service
5.5 8.5

IG wins by 3.0 points

Research & Analysis
5.5 9.5

IG wins by 4.0 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
5.5 8.0

IG wins by 2.5 points

Product Range
6.5 9.5

IG wins by 3.0 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
5.8/10
9.2/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$0
$250
Max Leverage
1:200
1:200
Spreads From
Variable
0.6 pips
Platforms
MT5, REST API
IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer
Regulation
CySEC
FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin
Founded
Older track record highlighted
2014
1974
Markets
1,000+
17,000+
Cloud Trading: 0 IG: 1
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: IG (5.5 vs 8.5)

When it comes to trading costs, IG has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 5.5/10 for Cloud Trading. Cloud Trading offers spreads starting from Variable, while IG starts from 0.6 pips. The minimum deposit at Cloud Trading is $0, compared to $250 at IG. 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.

Cloud Trading
5.5
IG
8.5
Cloud Trading: 0 IG: 2
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: IG (6.5 vs 9.5)

IG scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 6.5/10 for Cloud Trading. Cloud Trading provides MT5, REST API, while IG offers IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer. 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.

Cloud Trading
6.5
IG
9.5
Cloud Trading: 0 IG: 3
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: IG (6.5 vs 10.0)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Cloud Trading is regulated by CySEC (Tier 1), while IG holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin (Tier 1). Cloud Trading scores 6.5/10 and IG scores 10/10 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.

Cloud Trading
6.5
IG
10.0
Cloud Trading: 0 IG: 4
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: IG (4.0 vs 9.0)

For learning resources, IG leads with 9/10 compared to 4/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Cloud Trading and IG 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.

Cloud Trading
4.0
IG
9.0
Cloud Trading: 0 IG: 5
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: IG (5.5 vs 8.5)

Cloud Trading offers Email, Direct Contact and scores 5.5/10, while IG provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8.5/10. 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.

Cloud Trading
5.5
IG
8.5
Cloud Trading: 0 IG: 6
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

🏅 Section Winner: IG (5.5 vs 8.0)

Cloud Trading scores 5.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while IG scores 8/10. Cloud Trading accepts Bank Transfer, and IG supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Cloud Trading requires a minimum deposit of $0 versus $250 for IG. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

Cloud Trading
5.5
IG
8.0

Which Broker Is Right for You?

Cloud Trading

Choose Cloud Trading if you...

  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
  • You prefer Cloud Trading's trading environment overall
Visit Cloud Trading
IG

Choose IG 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
Visit IG

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cloud Trading better than IG?

IG scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 5.8/10), winning 8 of 8 categories. However, Cloud Trading remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, Cloud Trading or IG?

IG scores higher for trading costs. Cloud Trading offers spreads from Variable with a $0 minimum deposit, while IG starts from 0.6 pips with $250 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.

Is Cloud Trading safe to trade with?

Cloud Trading is regulated by CySEC and scores 6.5/10 for regulation. IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin with a score of 10/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.

Which has better trading platforms, Cloud Trading or IG?

IG scores 9.5/10 for platforms. Cloud Trading offers MT5, REST API, while IG provides IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.

What's the minimum deposit for Cloud Trading vs IG?

Cloud Trading requires a minimum deposit of $0, while IG requires $250. Cloud Trading 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.

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