Choose IG if you want…
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
VS
Windsor Brokers
⭐ 3.5 / 5
IG vs Windsor Brokers — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared IG and Windsor Brokers across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. IG wins on more criteria (4 categories vs 1), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| IG | Windsor Brokers | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | ⭐ 3.5 / 5 | IG |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | CySEC, FSC Mauritius, JSC Jordan, CMA Kenya | IG |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $100 | IG |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | 0.0 pips (Zero) | Windsor Brokers |
| 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, MT5 | IG |
| Founded | 1974 | 1988 | — |
| 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)
Windsor Brokers pros
- ✓ Established in 1988 — one of the oldest CySEC-regulated brokers
- ✓ Strong MENA and Africa licensing including Jordan (JSC) and Kenya (CMA)
- ✓ Zero-spread account option for cost-sensitive traders
- ✓ Swap-free Islamic account available on the Prime account
Cons
- ✗ Inactivity fees apply to dormant accounts
- ✗ Lower brand visibility in Western retail markets
- ✗ Top leverage and the Zero account come from offshore/region-specific entities
Which one should you choose?
Choose Windsor Brokers if you want…
MENA and African traders wanting a long-established, multi-licensed CySEC broker with a swap-free option.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — IG or Windsor Brokers?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), IG wins 4 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is IG more regulated than Windsor Brokers?
IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. Windsor Brokers holds licenses from: CySEC, FSC Mauritius, JSC Jordan, CMA Kenya. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at IG vs Windsor Brokers?
IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). Windsor Brokers spreads start from 0.0 pips (Zero). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, IG or Windsor Brokers?
IG: $0 (no minimum). Windsor Brokers: $100. IG has the lower entry barrier.
