IG

IG

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
9.2
/ 10
vs
Deriv

Deriv

🟡 Tier 3 Regulated
7.0
/ 10

IG vs Deriv

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

IG and Deriv are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. IG, founded in 1974 and headquartered in London, UK, is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin and offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips with a minimum deposit of $250. Deriv, established in 2000 in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, holds licenses from VFSC, FSC, LFSA with spreads from 0.5 pips and a $5 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, IG scored 9.2/10 overall compared to Deriv's 7/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Deriv 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 7/10 for Deriv — a 2.2-point difference.

  • 💵

    Deriv requires just $5 to start, while IG needs $250 — Deriv is 50x more accessible.

  • 🛡️

    IG holds Tier 1 regulation (FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin) offering stronger investor protection than Deriv's Tier 3 status.

  • 📈

    IG offers 17,000+ instruments vs 150+ at Deriv — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    IG runs on IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, while Deriv uses DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: IG scores 10.0 vs 5.5 for Deriv — a 4.5-point difference.

Our Verdict

🏆 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
Deriv

Deriv

Score: 7.0/10 · Wins 0 categories
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
  • You prefer Deriv's trading environment overall

IG takes the lead with an overall score of 9.2/10 compared to 7/10, winning in 8 out of 8 scoring categories. IG stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while Deriv 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. Deriv is not without merit — it scores 7/10 overall and excels in Platforms & Tools (7.5/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full IG review and Deriv review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

IG
Deriv
Trading Costs
8.5 7.0

IG wins by 1.5 points

Platforms & Tools
9.5 7.5

IG wins by 2.0 points

Regulation & Trust
10.0 5.5

IG wins by 4.5 points

Education
9.0 6.5

IG wins by 2.5 points

Customer Service
8.5 7.0

IG wins by 1.5 points

Research & Analysis
9.5 6.5

IG wins by 3.0 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
8.0 7.5

IG wins by 0.5 points

Product Range
9.5 7.0

IG wins by 2.5 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
9.2/10
7.0/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$250
$5
Max Leverage
1:200
1:1000
Spreads From
0.6 pips
0.5 pips
Platforms
IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer
DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X
Regulation
FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin
VFSC, FSC, LFSA
Founded
Older track record highlighted
1974
2000
Markets
17,000+
150+
IG: 1 Deriv: 0
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: IG (8.5 vs 7.0)

When it comes to trading costs, IG has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 7/10 for Deriv. IG offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips, while Deriv starts from 0.5 pips. The minimum deposit at IG is $250, compared to $5 at Deriv. 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.

IG
8.5
Deriv
7.0
IG: 2 Deriv: 0
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: IG (9.5 vs 7.5)

IG scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for Deriv. IG provides IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, while Deriv offers DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X. 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.

IG
9.5
Deriv
7.5
IG: 3 Deriv: 0
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: IG (10.0 vs 5.5)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin (Tier 1), while Deriv holds licenses from VFSC, FSC, LFSA (Tier 3). IG scores 10/10 and Deriv scores 5.5/10 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.

IG
10.0
Deriv
5.5
IG: 4 Deriv: 0
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: IG (9.0 vs 6.5)

For learning resources, IG leads with 9/10 compared to 6.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. IG and Deriv 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.

IG
9.0
Deriv
6.5
IG: 5 Deriv: 0
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: IG (8.5 vs 7.0)

IG offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8.5/10, while Deriv provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email with a score of 7/10. 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.

IG
8.5
Deriv
7.0
IG: 6 Deriv: 0
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

🏅 Section Winner: IG (8.0 vs 7.5)

IG scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Deriv scores 7.5/10. IG accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, and Deriv supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto, E-wallets. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. IG requires a minimum deposit of $250 versus $5 for Deriv. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

IG
8.0
Deriv
7.5

Which Broker Is Right for You?

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
Deriv

Choose Deriv if you...

  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
  • You prefer Deriv's trading environment overall
Visit Deriv

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IG better than Deriv?

IG scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 7/10), winning 8 of 8 categories. However, Deriv remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, IG or Deriv?

IG scores higher for trading costs. IG offers spreads from 0.6 pips with a $250 minimum deposit, while Deriv starts from 0.5 pips with $5 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.

Is IG safe to trade with?

IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin and scores 10/10 for regulation. Deriv is regulated by VFSC, FSC, LFSA with a score of 5.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.

Which has better trading platforms, IG or Deriv?

IG scores 9.5/10 for platforms. IG offers IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, while Deriv provides DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.

What's the minimum deposit for IG vs Deriv?

IG requires a minimum deposit of $250, while Deriv requires $5. Deriv 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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