Choose IG if you want…
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
VS
IronFX
⭐ 4.0 / 5
IG vs IronFX — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared IG and IronFX across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. IG wins on more criteria (5 categories vs 0), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| IG | IronFX | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | ⭐ 4.0 / 5 | IG |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | CySEC, FSCA (South Africa), FSC Mauritius | IG |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $100 | IG |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | 1.2 pips (Standard) / 0.0 (Zero) | IG |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | 1:30 (EU) / 1:1000 | — |
| Platforms | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | MT4 | IG |
| Founded | 1974 | 2010 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | Limassol, Cyprus | — |
Pros & cons compared
IG pros
- ✓ Founded 1974 — oldest CFD/spread-bet broker (LSE: IGG)
- ✓ Nine tier-1 regulators across UK, US, EU, APAC, Africa
- ✓ 17,000+ instruments — broadest in retail FX/CFD industry
- ✓ L2 Dealer DMA + ProRealTime for advanced traders
- ✓ Direct US CFTC/NFA regulation (one of few non-US brokers)
Cons
- ✗ Spreads on Standard account (0.6 pips FX) not the absolute tightest
- ✗ Proprietary platform learning curve
- ✗ EU leverage 1:30 (ESMA)
IronFX pros
- ✓ Long-established CySEC-regulated broker (since 2010)
- ✓ Wide range of account types to suit different styles
- ✓ Global, multi-language client support
- ✓ Zero account offers spreads from 0.0 pips
Cons
- ✗ Mixed historical reputation, particularly around withdrawals
- ✗ MT4 only — no MT5 on most entities
- ✗ Standard-account spreads are wide versus raw-ECN rivals
Which one should you choose?
Choose IronFX if you want…
Traders who want an established Cyprus-regulated broker with flexible account tiers and global support.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — IG or IronFX?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), IG wins 5 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is IG more regulated than IronFX?
IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. IronFX holds licenses from: CySEC, FSCA (South Africa), FSC Mauritius. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at IG vs IronFX?
IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). IronFX spreads start from 1.2 pips (Standard) / 0.0 (Zero). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, IG or IronFX?
IG: $0 (no minimum). IronFX: $100. IG has the lower entry barrier.
