ThinkMarkets
Eightcap
ThinkMarkets vs Eightcap
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
ThinkMarkets and Eightcap 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. Eightcap, established in 2009 in Melbourne, Australia, holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, SCB with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, ThinkMarkets scored 8.3/10 overall compared to Eightcap's 8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Eightcap 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
- 📊
ThinkMarkets scores 8.3/10 overall vs 8/10 for Eightcap — a 0.3-point difference.
- 💵
ThinkMarkets requires just $0 to start, while Eightcap needs $100 — ThinkMarkets is 100x more accessible.
- 📈
ThinkMarkets offers 4,000+ instruments vs 800+ at Eightcap — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
ThinkMarkets runs on MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader, while Eightcap uses MT4, MT5, TradingView — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: ThinkMarkets scores 9.0 vs 8.0 for Eightcap — a 1.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
ThinkMarkets
Score: 8.3/10 · Wins 5 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
Eightcap
Score: 8.0/10 · Wins 1 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You prefer Eightcap's trading environment overall
ThinkMarkets takes the lead with an overall score of 8.3/10 compared to 8/10, winning in 5 out of 8 scoring categories. ThinkMarkets stands out for stronger regulation and superior education resources, while Eightcap fights back with lower trading costs.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, ThinkMarkets comes out ahead with a 8.3/10 overall rating, winning 5 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. Eightcap is not without merit — it scores 8/10 overall and excels in Trading Costs (8.5/10), winning 1 category. Traders who value lower trading costs may find Eightcap the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full ThinkMarkets review and Eightcap review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Eightcap wins by 0.5 points
ThinkMarkets wins by 1.0 points
ThinkMarkets wins by 1.0 points
ThinkMarkets wins by 1.0 points
ThinkMarkets wins by 0.5 points
ThinkMarkets wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.3/10 ✓ | 8.0/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $0 ✓ | $100 |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader | MT4, MT5, TradingView |
| Regulation | ASIC, FCA, CySEC | ASIC, CySEC, SCB |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2010 | 2009 ✓ |
| Markets | 4,000+ ✓ | 800+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Eightcap has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 8/10 for ThinkMarkets. ThinkMarkets offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while Eightcap starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at ThinkMarkets is $0, compared to $100 at Eightcap. 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 Eightcap. ThinkMarkets provides MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader, while Eightcap offers MT4, MT5, TradingView. 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 Eightcap holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, SCB (Tier 1). ThinkMarkets scores 9/10 and Eightcap scores 8/10 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, ThinkMarkets leads with 7.5/10 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. ThinkMarkets and Eightcap 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 Eightcap provides 24/5 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.
Deposit & Withdrawal
ThinkMarkets scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Eightcap scores 8/10. ThinkMarkets accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and Eightcap supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. ThinkMarkets requires a minimum deposit of $0 versus $100 for Eightcap. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose ThinkMarkets if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
Choose Eightcap if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You prefer Eightcap's trading environment overall
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ThinkMarkets better than Eightcap?
ThinkMarkets scores higher overall (8.3/10 vs 8/10), winning 5 of 8 categories. However, Eightcap is stronger in lower trading costs. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, ThinkMarkets or Eightcap?
Eightcap scores higher for trading costs. ThinkMarkets offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $0 minimum deposit, while Eightcap starts from 0.0 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. Eightcap is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, SCB with a score of 8/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, ThinkMarkets or Eightcap?
ThinkMarkets scores 8.5/10 for platforms. ThinkMarkets offers MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader, while Eightcap provides MT4, MT5, TradingView. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for ThinkMarkets vs Eightcap?
ThinkMarkets requires a minimum deposit of $0, while Eightcap 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.