IC Markets vs Axi: Which One Is Best?
In this in-depth review, we’ll compare IC Markets and Axi to uncover the key differences and benefits of trading on each platform. We’ ll look at what trading platforms, tools, markets, instruments, and fees each offer.
Written by Noam Korbl
Updated:
- 67 Forex Brokers reviewed by our expert team
- 50+ years combined forex trading experience
- 14,000+ hours comparing brokers fee + features
- Structured and in-depth evaluation framework
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Regulations and Licenses
Brokerage
Markets and Instruments
Minor Pairs 20:1
Minor Pairs: 20:1
Minor Pairs 20:1
Minor Pairs 20:1
Minor Pairs 20:1
Minor Pairs 20:1
*Cryptocurrency CFDs are not available to retail traders in the UK due to FCA regulations
*CFD trading is not available in the USA due to NFA and CFTC regulations, American traders spot trade in place of CFDs.
Trading Platforms + Tools
Overall
We compared IC Markets and Axi on 10 key trading factors. Here are six noticeable differences.
- IC Markets consistently offers lower spreads across all forex pairs.
- IC Markets provides faster execution speeds.
- IC Markets offers a wider range of CFDs, including bonds, futures, and stocks.
- IC Markets has a minimum deposit requirement of $200. Axi’s is $0, making it accessible for new traders and those starting with smaller investments.
- Axi offers negative balance protection for retail traders.
- Axi provides robust technical analysis tools like Autochartist and Trading Central, enhancing traders’ decision-making capabilities.
1. Lowest Spreads And Fees – IC Markets
When comparing forex brokers, spreads, commission levels, and standard account fees are key factors as they significantly impact your overall trading experience and profitability.
Spreads
IC Markets offers lower spreads across the major pairs. For EUR/USD, its 0.02 spread beats Axi’s 0.3 and the industry average of 0.28. On AUD/USD, IC Markets posts 0.03 versus Axi’s 0.5 (industry average: 0.45). These lower costs make IC Markets more competitive for active traders.
The comparison table below confirms IC Markets leads on average spreads across ECN-style accounts.
| Standard Account | IC Markets Spreads | Axi Spreads | Industry Spreads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Average | 1.09 | 1.31 | 1.6 |
| EUR/USD | 0.82 | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| USD/JPY | 0.94 | 1.3 | 1.4 |
| GBP/USD | 1.03 | 1.3 | 1.6 |
| AUD/USD | 0.83 | 1.3 | 1.5 |
| USD/CAD | 1.05 | 1.3 | 1.8 |
| EUR/GBP | 1.27 | 1.2 | 1.5 |
| EUR/JPY | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.9 |
| AUD/JPY | 1.5 | 1.4 | 2.1 |
Standard Account Analysis Updated December 2025[1]December 2025 Published And Tested Data
Commission Levels
I
Both IC Markets and Axi charge $3.50 per lot in commissions. IC Markets requires a $200 minimum deposit; Axi does not, though both recommend starting with $200 to cover margin requirements.
Each broker offers SWAP-free accounts and no funding fees, making them both cost-efficient and very transparent with their fees.
| USD | AUD | GBP | EUR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC Markets | $3.50 | $4.50 | £2.50 | €2.75 |
| Axi | $3.50 | $3.50 | £2.25 | €3.25 |
Our analyst team at CompareForexBrokers has put together this exclusive fee calculator you can use below:
Standard Account Fees
IC Markets charges 0.62 for EUR/USD and 0.77 for AUD/USD, compared to Axi’s 1.20 and 1.30. For frequent traders, IC Markets is a more cost-effective option.
Standard Account Spreads | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.27 | 1.20 | 1.10 |
![]() | 0.70 | 0.70 | 0.90 | 0.80 | 0.80 |
![]() | 1.13 | 1.01 | 1.71 | 1.66 | 1.12 |
![]() | 1.10 | 1.10 | 1.60 | 1.80 | 2.20 |
![]() | 1.20 | 1.30 | 1.30 | 1.50 | 1.10 |
![]() | 1.18 | 1.45 | 1.40 | 1.49 | 1.60 |
![]() | 1.40 | 1.60 | 1.40 | 1.60 | 1.80 |
![]() | 1.40 | 1.90 | 1.30 | 1.60 | 1.50 |
Avg. spreads are taken from each broker's website and updated monthly. Last update on 12/01/2025
As you can see, IC Markets offers tighter spreads and lower standard fees, making it the more cost-effective choice. Axi matches on commissions and has no minimum deposit but falls behind on spreads. Both brokers provide strong trading conditions, though IC Markets holds a clear pricing advantage.
IC Markets wins this one due to its lowest spreads and fees.
IC Markets ReviewVisit IC Markets
*Your capital is at risk ‘72.53% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
2. Better Trading Platform – IC Markets
Choosing the right platform is critical in forex trading. This section compares IC Markets and Axi on MetaTrader access, trading tools, copy trading, and performance so you can decide which broker better meets your needs.
| Trading Platform | IC Markets | Axi |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | No |
| cTrader | Yes | No |
| TradingView | Yes | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
Not sure which platform fits your style? Our six-question tool recommends the best trading software for your needs.
MetaTrader
IC Markets and Axi both offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4), valued for its user-friendly design, low system load, and flexibility. MT4 supports trading in forex, crypto, equities, indices, and commodities. Traders can customize it with indicators and Expert Advisors (EAs) for algorithmic strategies.
IC Markets also provides MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and cTrader, which is ideal for those needing more advanced features. Both brokers enhance MT4 with extra tools to improve trading precision and efficiency.
Advanced Platforms
IC Markets enriches its trading experience with Advanced Trading Tools for MT4, offering 20 features to assist with trade decisions, management, and execution. These tools include Market Manager and Smart Lines, which significantly enhance trading strategies. Axi offers NexGen, an enhancement tool for MT4 that provides advanced order management, sentiment indicators, trade journals, and real-time forex news. NexGen, available for free to all traders, adds invaluable functionalities for both beginner and experienced traders.
Copy Trading
Both brokers support copy trading. IC Markets offers MetaTrader Signals, ZuluTrade, Myfxbook, cTrader Copy, EAs, and its mobile app. Axi provides MetaTrader Signals, AvaSocial, DupliTrade, EAs, AvaTrade Go, and AvaOptions.
These copy trading features allow traders to follow and replicate the strategies of successful traders, thereby enhancing their trading experience and potentially improving their trading outcomes.
Our Better Trading Platform Verdict
IC Markets and Axi both deliver advanced platforms. IC Markets adds value with cTrader and TradingView, expanding its tools and EA options. Axi stands out with NexGen and other exclusive tools. Each broker meets different trading needs based on whether you value speed, tools, or platform diversity.
IC Markets takes the crown in this section owing to their better trading platform.
IC Markets ReviewVisit IC Markets
*Your capital is at risk ‘72.53% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
3. Superior Accounts And Features – IC Markets
Understanding the available account features and offerings is crucial to picking the right broker. IC Markets and Axi offer diverse account types to suit various trading styles.
IC Markets provides a Raw Spread account with ECN pricing, offering 0.0 pip spreads on EUR/USD and a $3.50 commission per $100,000 traded. Its Standard Account combines ECN and STP pricing with spreads from 1.0 pip and no commission. Both the raw and standard accounts allow scalping, hedging, and the use of Expert Advisors.
Axi’s Pro Account also offers ECN pricing with 0.0 pip spreads and the same commission rate, limited to MetaTrader 4. Axi’s Standard Account features 0.0 pip spreads without commission, supporting one-click trading and EAs.
IC Markets requires a $200 minimum deposit to open a live account, while Axi has no deposit minimum.
Both brokers support MetaTrader 4, but IC Markets extends its platform offering to MetaTrader 5 and cTrader. It also offers faster executions through its dedicated fiber-optic infrastructure.
IC Markets also enhances MT4 with 20 advanced tools, while Axi’s NexGen adds sentiment indicators, trade journaling, and advanced order functions.
| IC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Account | Yes | Yes |
| Raw Account | Yes | Yes |
| Swap Free Account | Yes | Yes |
| Active Traders | Yes | Yes |
| Spread Betting (UK) | No | No |
Our Superior Accounts and Features Verdict
IC Markets wins in this category because of its broader platform access, faster execution, and more advanced features.
IC Markets ReviewVisit IC Markets
*Your capital is at risk ‘72.53% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
4. Best Trading Experience And Ease – IC Markets
In forex trading, user experience and platform ease are critical. After testing both brokers, we found that while IC Markets and Axi both offer smooth performance, key differences remain.
Trading Experience
IC Markets offers MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which we found to be among the top trading platforms for its advanced charting and order management tools.
Axi, renowned for its expertise in MT4, provides a familiar and efficient interface. Its one-click trading feature speeds up execution and enhances the overall user experience.
Account Features
IC Markets stands out with its Standard Account, known for tight spreads and fast execution, which is ideal for traders focused on minimizing costs. It ties with Eightcap for the lowest spreads in our broker analysis, a strong advantage for budget-conscious traders. Axi, meanwhile, delivers a refined MT4 experience, backed by one-click trading and advanced order tools.
Both brokers offer strong platforms and account features. IC Markets leads with MT5 access and aggressive pricing, while Axi excels in optimizing MT4 with user-focused enhancements. As the forex trading landscape continues to evolve, both brokers remain committed to providing traders with the best possible tools and resources to succeed.
| Limit Order Speed | Limit Order Global Rank | Market Order Speed | Market Order Global Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC Markets | 134ms | 16/36 | 153ms | 22/36 |
| Axi | 90ms | 8/36 | 164ms | 25/36 |
Our Best Trading Experience and Ease Verdict
I chose IC Markets as the winner here due to its better trading experience and ease of use.
IC Markets ReviewVisit IC Markets
*Your capital is at risk ‘72.53% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
5. Stronger Trust And Regulation – Axi
Trust and regulation are essential factors in selecting a forex broker, and both IC Markets and Axi have established a solid reputation in this domain. However, IC Markets distinguishes itself with an impressive trust score of 80, making it a reliable choice alongside Axi for traders seeking a secure and well-regulated trading environment.
Axi Trust Score

IC Markets Trust Score

Regulatory oversight plays a vital role in forex trading by ensuring transparency, compliance, and the protection of client funds. Both brokers adhere to the rigorous standards set by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC), a premier financial regulator noted for its strict enforcement of financial norms. Furthermore, Axi distinguishes itself through dual regulation under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, which enhances its credibility and underscores its dedication to safeguarding traders.
Security of funds is a crucial element where both IC Markets and Axi uphold exceptional standards. Client funds are held in segregated accounts to ensure they remain separate from the brokers’ operational finances. IC Markets partners with two major banks—National Australia Bank (NAB) and Westpac—while Axi utilizes NAB exclusively. This practice minimizes the risk of financial mishandling and ensures that traders’ deposits are protected even in the unlikely event of a broker insolvency. Axi provides retail traders with negative balance protection, a vital safety net that safeguards them from losing more than their initial investment during periods of extreme market volatility. In contrast, IC Markets does not offer this crucial feature, which may influence traders seeking enhanced risk management solutions.
| IC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 Regulation | ASIC (Australia) CYSEC (Cyprus) | FCA (UK) ASIC (Australia) FMA (New Zealand) |
| Tier 2 Regulation | DFSA (Dubai) | |
| Tier 3 Regulation | FSA-S (Seychelles) SCB (Bahamas) | SVGFSA |
Reviews
As shown below, IC Markets boasts an outstanding rating of 4.8 out of 5, based on over 49,000 reviews. Axi holds a solid rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on over 4,000 reviews. IC Markets leads in both score and review volume, indicating broader and more consistent customer satisfaction. Axi maintains a strong reputation but shows slightly more mixed feedback.

Our Stronger Trust and Regulation Verdict
Axi steals the show in this portion due to stronger trust and regulation.
*Your capital is at risk ‘71.4% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
6. Most Popular Broker – IC Markets
IC Markets gets searched on Google more than Axi. On average, IC Markets sees around 201,000 branded searches each month, while Axi gets about 74,000 (63% fewer).
| Country | IC Markets | Axi |
|---|---|---|
| India | 33,100 | 4,400 |
| Germany | 8,100 | 390 |
| Argentina | 8,100 | 6,600 |
| Brazil | 6,600 | 720 |
| Colombia | 6,600 | 4,400 |
| Turkey | 6,600 | 1,900 |
| Thailand | 5,400 | 2,900 |
| United Arab Emirates | 5,400 | 5,400 |
| Pakistan | 5,400 | 720 |
| Philippines | 5,400 | 880 |
| Morocco | 5,400 | 1,000 |
| Peru | 4,400 | 6,600 |
| Bangladesh | 4,400 | 1,300 |
| United States | 4,400 | 880 |
| Singapore | 4,400 | 880 |
| Australia | 4,400 | 390 |
| Poland | 3,600 | 4,400 |
| Indonesia | 3,600 | 1,000 |
| Vietnam | 2,900 | 880 |
| Nigeria | 2,900 | 390 |
| Ethiopia | 2,900 | 50 |
| Hong Kong | 2,400 | 1,000 |
| United Kingdom | 2,400 | 480 |
| Taiwan | 2,400 | 320 |
| Uzbekistan | 2,400 | 1,900 |
| Saudi Arabia | 2,400 | 880 |
| Ecuador | 2,400 | 2,400 |
| South Africa | 2,400 | 140 |
| Malaysia | 1,900 | 1,900 |
| Uruguay | 1,900 | 260 |
| Switzerland | 1,900 | 140 |
| Sweden | 1,600 | 480 |
| Italy | 1,600 | 720 |
| Jordan | 1,600 | 1,900 |
| Algeria | 1,600 | 880 |
| Bolivia | 1,600 | 210 |
| Mexico | 1,600 | 260 |
| Netherlands | 1,300 | 260 |
| Spain | 1,300 | 720 |
| Venezuela | 1,000 | 320 |
| Tanzania | 1,000 | 260 |
| Ireland | 1,000 | 90 |
| Canada | 880 | 210 |
| Portugal | 880 | 140 |
| Cyprus | 880 | 260 |
| Sri Lanka | 880 | 320 |
| Botswana | 880 | 90 |
| Austria | 720 | 110 |
| Greece | 720 | 260 |
| Chile | 720 | 50 |
| Ghana | 590 | 170 |
| New Zealand | 590 | 90 |
| France | 590 | 10 |
| Kenya | 480 | 30 |
| Mauritius | 480 | 20 |
| Dominican Republic | 390 | 70 |
| Japan | 320 | 50 |
| Panama | 260 | 110 |
| Cambodia | 260 | 70 |
| Uganda | 260 | 90 |
| Egypt | 260 | 210 |
| Mongolia | 210 | 70 |
| Costa Rica | 170 | 10 |
33,100 1st | |
4,400 2nd | |
8,100 3rd | |
6,600 4th | |
5,400 5th | |
5,400 6th | |
4,400 7th | |
6,600 8th |
Similarweb shows a similar story when it comes to December 2025 website visits with IC Markets receiving 2,290,000 visits vs. 975,977 for Axi.
Our Most Popular Broker Verdict
IC Markets is the more popular broker worldwide based on the number of Google branded searches and visits to the website.
IC Markets ReviewVisit IC Markets
*Your capital is at risk ‘72.53% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
7. Top Product Range And CFD Markets – IC Markets
In forex trading, access to a wide range of instruments is essential to be able to adapt to market shifts. Both IC Markets and Axi offer CFD trading across key asset classes, allowing you to speculate on price movements without requiring ownership of the underlying assets. As ECN brokers, they provide access to indices, energy and metal commodities, agricultural products, and cryptocurrencies.
IC Markets holds a clear advantage with broader CFD coverage. It supports trading in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Dash, Litecoin, and Ripple at 5:1 leverage.
Axi limits its crypto offering to Bitcoin but offers higher leverage at 10:1, making it more attractive if you’re looking for more exposure with a lower initial investment. Additionally, IC Markets extends its CFD range to bonds, futures, and stocks, areas Axi does not currently support.
This broader product selection from IC Markets’ enables traders to effectively diversify their portfolios, manage their risk across various asset classes, and capitalize on global market trends more effectively.
| CFDs | IC Markets | Axi |
|---|---|---|
| Forex Pairs | 61 | 72 |
| Indices | 25 | 17 Indices 14 Index Futures |
| Commodities | 4 Metals (Gold vs 6 currencies) (Silver vs 3 currencies) 8 Softs 5 Energies | 3 Metals (5 Gold crosses) 2 Energies 3 Metals Futures 3 Energy Futures 3 Softs Futures |
| Cryptocurrencies | 23 | 37 |
| Share CFDs | 2100+ | 50 |
| ETFs | No | No |
| Bonds | 9 | No |
| Futures | Yes | No |
| Treasuries | 9 | No |
| Investments | Yes | No |
Our Top Product Range and CFD Markets Verdict
IC Markets takes the win here thanks to its broader product range and wider access to CFD markets.
IC Markets ReviewVisit IC Markets
*Your capital is at risk ‘72.53% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
8. Superior Educational Resources – Axi
Both IC Markets and Axi invest heavily in trader education, but their approaches differ in depth and focus.
IC Markets delivers a comprehensive learning suite that includes structured video tutorials, live and recorded webinars, platform walkthroughs, and daily market analysis. These materials target traders at all levels, with advanced content integrated into market outlooks and trading strategies. The broker’s webinars cover a broader range of topics including technical analysis and economic event discussions, offering more variety than Axi.
Axi on the other hand provides a wider selection of beginner-focused resources. Its platform includes video courses, written guides, and regular webinars designed to build up your foundational knowledge. Axi’s NexGen tool further supports learning through its built-in sentiment analysis, a trade journal, and advanced order management features.
In my testing, I found that IC Markets proved stronger for intermediate to advanced traders seeking deep market insight, while Axi’s content structure is better suited for new traders needing step-by-step guidance.
Our Superior Educational Resources Verdict
Axi takes the cake here thanks to its more structured, beginner-friendly educational resources and integrated learning tools.
*Your capital is at risk ‘71.4% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
9. Superior Customer Service – IC Markets
When choosing a forex broker, customer support plays a crucial role in ensuring a seamless trading experience. Both IC Markets and Axi provide standard support options including live chat, phone, and email. However, IC Markets distinguishes itself with its 24/7 customer support, a significant advantage over most brokers that typically offer assistance only 24/5 during trading hours. This continuous availability is especially valuable for ECN traders who may need help outside regular market hours, including weekends as they prepare for the upcoming trading week. Furthermore, IC Markets boasts a comprehensive Help Centre, allowing traders to easily find answers to common questions, along with direct email support that connects users to specific departments such as Client Relations, Support, Accounts, and Marketing, ensuring that inquiries are resolved promptly and effectively.

Axi, on the other hand, has built a strong reputation for trust and reliability, earning recognition as the “Most Reliable Broker” by AtoZForex.com in 2017. Axi shines with its robust toll-free phone support network, spanning several countries in Australia, Europe, and Asia. Few brokers offer localized phone assistance across such a diverse range of regions, positioning Axi as a go-to option for traders who prioritize immediate, direct communication. As the forex trading landscape continues to evolve, responsive and knowledgeable customer service remains crucial for trader satisfaction. Both brokers excel in this domain, yet they adopt distinct strategies—IC Markets boasts 24/7 availability and dedicated email support, while Axi provides extensive global phone coverage, catering to the varied preferences and needs of traders.
| Feature | IC Markets | Axi |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat Support | Yes | Yes |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Support | Yes | Yes |
| Support Hours | 24/7 | 24/5 |
| Multilingual Support | Yes | Yes |
Our Superior Customer Service Verdict
IC Markets is having its moment in the spotlight due to having superior customer service.
IC Markets ReviewVisit IC Markets
*Your capital is at risk ‘72.53% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
10. Better Funding Options – IC Markets
Fast, secure, and low-cost funding is essential in forex trading. Funding options can significantly impact a trader’s experience, influencing how efficiently they can manage their capital.
Below are four key comparisons between the funding options offered by IC Markets and Axi:
1. Deposit & Withdrawal Speed
IC Markets supports instant deposits across most methods and processes withdrawals within 24 hours. Axi also offers fast deposits but may take longer to complete withdrawals.
2. Range of Payment Methods
IC Markets provides a broader selection, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, and cryptocurrencies. Axi supports cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill, but does not offer PayPal or crypto funding.
3. Transaction Fees
IC Markets charges no fees for deposits or withdrawals. Axi generally does not charge for deposits, though withdrawal fees may apply depending on the method and region.
4. Security & Regulation
Both brokers safeguard client funds in segregated accounts. IC Markets uses NAB and Westpac, while Axi holds funds with NAB and emphasizes strong transactional security.
| Funding Option | IC Markets | Axi |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | Yes | Yes |
| Debit Card | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Transfer | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal | Yes | No |
| Skrill | Yes | Yes |
| Neteller | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes |
| Rapid Pay | No | No |
| POLi / bPay | Yes | Yes |
| Klarna | No | No |
Our Better Funding Options Verdict
IC Markets takes the win here in light of their better funding options and deposit/withdrawal speed.
IC Markets ReviewVisit IC Markets
*Your capital is at risk ‘72.53% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
10. Lower Minimum Deposit – Axi
Minimum deposit policies matter, especially for new traders aiming to start small and manage risk.
Both IC Markets and Axi acknowledge this need by offering accessible entry points. IC Markets requires a $200 minimum deposit which is affordable for most, but not entirely barrier-free. Axi, by contrast, removes that barrier entirely, allowing traders to begin with any amount.
| Minimum Deposit | Recommended Deposit | |
| IC Markets | $200 | $200 |
| Axi | $0 | $200 |
Our Lower Minimum Deposit Verdict
Axi wins here for its $0 minimum deposit.
IC Markets ReviewVisit IC Markets
*Your capital is at risk ‘72.53% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Is IC Markets or Axi The Best Broker?
IC Markets leads overall thanks to their diverse platforms, competitive spreads, and comprehensive account features. The table below outlines the key factors that support this conclusion.
| Categories | IC Markets | Axi |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Spreads And Fees | Yes | No |
| Better Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Superior Accounts And Features | Yes | No |
| Best Trading Experience And Ease | Yes | No |
| Stronger Trust And Regulation | No | Yes |
| Top Product Range And CFD Markets | Yes | No |
| Superior Educational Resources | No | Yes |
| Superior Customer Service | No | Yes |
| Better Funding Options | Yes | No |
| Lower Minimum Deposit | Yes | Yes |
Axi: Best For Beginner Traders
For those just starting out with trading, Axi offers a more beginner-friendly environment with its comprehensive educational resources and user-friendly platform.
IC Markets: Best For Experienced Traders
For experienced traders seeking advanced tools, broader platform options, and tighter spreads, IC Markets is the stronger choice.
FAQs Comparing IC Markets Vs Axi
Does Axi or IC Markets Have Lower Costs?
IC Markets generally offers lower trading costs than Axi, with consistently tighter spreads across major forex pairs. For example, its average EUR/USD spread is often below 1 pip. This cost advantage makes IC Markets a preferred choice for price-sensitive traders. For detailed comparisons on spreads and commissions, refer to our guide on the lowest commission brokers.
Which Broker Is Better For MetaTrader 4?
Both Axi and IC Markets offer MetaTrader 4, but Axi specializes in optimizing the MT4 experience. Its platform enhancements and support tools are tailored specifically for MT4 users. IC Markets also offers MT4 but distinguishes itself by supporting a wider range of platforms, including MT5 and cTrader. If your priority is the best possible MT4 environment, consider reviewing our list of top MT4 brokers.
Which Broker Offers Social Trading?
When it comes to social or copy trading, IC Markets holds a slight advantage. It supports multiple integrations with platforms like ZuluTrade, Myfxbook, and cTrader Copy, enabling users to follow and replicate professional trading strategies. Axi, while offering a solid trading environment, places less emphasis on social trading. For those keen on exploring the world of social trading further, check out our guide on the best social trading platforms.
Does Either Broker Offer Spread Betting?
Neither IC Markets nor Axi offers spread betting as a core service. Spread betting is a unique form of trading popular in the UK and some other regions, and not all brokers provide this service. Traders interested in spread betting should consider brokers that specialize in it.
What Broker is Superior For Australian Forex Traders?
In my opinion, IC Markets stands out as the stronger choice. It was founded in Australia and is regulated by ASIC, so it has a deep understanding of the Australian trading landscape. Its competitive spreads, wide platform selection, and responsive customer support make them a top choice for Aussie traders. While Axi is also ASIC-regulated, it is headquartered overseas. For a full comparison, see our guide on the best forex brokers in Australia.
What Broker is Superior For UK Forex Traders?
For UK traders, I believe Axi offers a slightly better trading experience. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Axi provides strong legal protections and features tailored to the UK market. While IC Markets is a global powerhouse in the forex world, Axi’s focus on the UK market and its comprehensive features tailored to UK traders give them an edge. For a deeper dive, check out our guide on the best forex brokers in UK.
Article Sources
No commission account spread proprietary testing data and published website spread information, centralised on our Standard Account Spreads page.
Noam Korbl
Noam Korbl is the co-founder and has been a trader since 2014. He has Finance degree at Monash University and is an investor in shares and equities and successfully started and sold the online business Hearing Choices.








Ask an Expert
Do either of these brokers offer demo accounts with unlimited time, or do they expire?
MT4 (with Axi and IC Markets) and cTrader, TradingView and MT5 (with IC Markets) will all expire between 30 and 60 days but if you sign up for a live account with IC Markets, you can keep your demo account and it wont expire.