ThinkMarkets
AvaTrade
ThinkMarkets vs AvaTrade
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
ThinkMarkets and AvaTrade are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. ThinkMarkets, founded in 2010 and headquartered in London, UK, is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC and offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $0. AvaTrade, established in 2006 in Dublin, Ireland, holds licenses from CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB with spreads from 0.9 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, ThinkMarkets scored 8.3/10 overall compared to AvaTrade's 8.3/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, AvaTrade holds its own with stronger regulation and superior education resources, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
ThinkMarkets scores 8.3/10 overall vs 8.3/10 for AvaTrade — 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.
- 🖥️
ThinkMarkets runs on MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader, while AvaTrade uses MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial — 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
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
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 takes the lead with an overall score of 8.3/10 compared to 8.3/10, winning in 2 out of 8 scoring categories. ThinkMarkets stands out for lower trading costs and wider product range, while AvaTrade fights back with stronger regulation and superior education resources.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, ThinkMarkets 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 9.0/10. ThinkMarkets 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 2 categories. Traders who value stronger regulation or superior education resources may find AvaTrade the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full ThinkMarkets review and AvaTrade 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 | $0 ✓ | $100 |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:400 |
| Spreads From | 0.0 pips | 0.9 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader | MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial |
| Regulation | ASIC, FCA, CySEC | CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2010 | 2006 ✓ |
| Markets | 4,000+ ✓ | 1,250+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, ThinkMarkets has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 7.5/10 for AvaTrade. ThinkMarkets offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while AvaTrade starts from 0.9 pips. The minimum deposit at ThinkMarkets is $0, compared to $100 at AvaTrade. 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
ThinkMarkets scores 8.5/10 for platforms compared to 8.5/10 for AvaTrade. ThinkMarkets provides MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader, while AvaTrade offers MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial. 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. ThinkMarkets is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC (Tier 1), while AvaTrade holds licenses from CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB (Tier 1). ThinkMarkets scores 9/10 and AvaTrade 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. ThinkMarkets and AvaTrade 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
ThinkMarkets offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8/10, while AvaTrade 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
ThinkMarkets scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while AvaTrade scores 8/10. ThinkMarkets accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and AvaTrade supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. ThinkMarkets requires a minimum deposit of $0 versus $100 for AvaTrade. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
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)
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
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is ThinkMarkets better than AvaTrade?
ThinkMarkets scores higher overall (8.3/10 vs 8.3/10), winning 2 of 8 categories. However, AvaTrade is stronger in stronger regulation and superior education resources. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, ThinkMarkets or AvaTrade?
ThinkMarkets scores higher for trading costs. ThinkMarkets offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $0 minimum deposit, while AvaTrade starts from 0.9 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is ThinkMarkets safe to trade with?
ThinkMarkets is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC and scores 9/10 for regulation. AvaTrade is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB with a score of 9.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, ThinkMarkets or AvaTrade?
ThinkMarkets scores 8.5/10 for platforms. ThinkMarkets offers MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader, while AvaTrade provides MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for ThinkMarkets vs AvaTrade?
ThinkMarkets requires a minimum deposit of $0, while AvaTrade requires $100. 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.