Exness vs IG Markets: Which Is Better in 2026?

We tested both. Here's the honest verdict.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Data accurate as of Q1 2026. Verify current terms with each broker directly.

Key Differences

Exness is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus), FCA (UK), FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Seychelles), CMA (Kenya). This places it in the Tier-2 Regulated category — a mid-tier framework offering reasonable protection but fewer formal compensation mechanisms.

IG Markets holds licences from FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), BaFin (Germany), MAS (Singapore), FSCA (South Africa), DFSA (UAE), making it Tier-1 Regulated. With 6 Tier-1 regulators, IG Markets meets the highest standards of retail broker oversight.

On regulation, IG Markets wins clearly. Is IG Markets safe? Yes — its Tier-1 Regulated status means client funds are held in segregated accounts, and traders have access to formal dispute resolution. Exness's Tier-2 Regulated framework is still legitimate, but affords less formal protection.

Trading costs are where many brokers win or lose active traders. On a standard EUR/USD 1-lot trade ($100,000 notional), the all-in cost breaks down as follows: Exness charges a spread of From 0.0 pips (Raw Spread account) (approximately $0) plus $7/lot round turn commission — totalling roughly $7 per lot round turn.

IG Markets runs 0.6 pips (standard, no commission) spread with $0 (spread-only on standard) / commission on share CFDs — an all-in cost of approximately $6 per lot. Over 100 lots per month, the difference adds up to roughly $100 in favour of IG Markets.

IG Markets wins on trading costs. IG Markets's 0.6 pips (standard, no commission) structure and $0 (spread-only on standard) / commission on share CFDs make it the more cost-efficient choice for active traders — particularly those trading multiple lots daily. Exness's pricing suits traders who value predictability over rock-bottom spreads.

Exness supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Exness Terminal, Exness Trade App. This multi-platform approach gives traders genuine flexibility — from algorithmic trading on MT5 to discretionary charting on MetaTrader 4.

IG Markets offers IG Trading Platform (proprietary), MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer. Its proprietary platform is purpose-built for its instrument range and is often more intuitive for clients new to CFD trading.

For beginners: Exness wins — its platform is more approachable. For active traders: IG Markets has the edge with the broadest toolset. For algo traders: Exness is better placed, offering full MT5 EA support. Overall platform winner: Exness (4 platforms vs 4).

Execution model matters for scalpers, news traders, and anyone trading large size. Exness operates as a ECN (Electronic Communications Network) broker — routing orders directly to liquidity providers with no dealing desk intervention, which means tighter spreads during normal conditions and no re-quotes.

IG Markets runs a Market Maker / spread-only model. The spread-only model means all costs are baked in, making it straightforward to calculate trade profitability without tracking per-lot commission. On speed and slippage: IG Markets reports execution in sub-50ms for standard orders, with no restrictions on scalping or EA use.

Execution winner: Exness — scoring 9/10 versus IG Markets's 8/10. Exness's ECN (Electronic Communications Network) model is better suited to active traders. IG Markets's execution remains adequate for retail strategies but is not optimised for professional-level frequency or volume.

Getting started matters. Exness requires a minimum deposit of $10. At $10, Exness has one of the lowest barriers to entry in the industry.

IG Markets starts at $250 AUD / £250 (no minimum for some regions). The $250 AUD / £250 (no minimum for some regions) threshold is on the higher side — worth noting for traders with limited starting capital. Account opening is typically completed online in under 24 hours for both brokers.

On accessibility: Exness wins — $10 to start vs $250 AUD / £250 (no minimum for some regions). If capital efficiency matters, Exness lets you begin trading with less at risk.

Who Should Choose Which?

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