Quick Comparison
| Feature | ActivTrades | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 | ⭐ 4.3/5 |
| EUR/USD all-in | — | 1.66 pips all-in |
| Regulation | FCA, CSSF, SCB | FCA, CySEC, FSA |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, ActivTrader | MT4, MT5 |
Detailed Analysis
Both are mid-tier European brokers offering competitive conditions — but they approach the market differently. ActivTrades differentiates through its proprietary ActivTrader platform and broader instrument offering. Tickmill focuses on ultra-low commissions and raw spread pricing, targeting cost-sensitive active traders.
Spreads & Trading Costs
We have measured Tickmill at 1.66 pips all-in on EUR/USD. We do not yet have an independent measurement for ActivTrades, so we make no cost comparison here rather than repeating the figure it advertises.
Regulation & Safety
ActivTrades holds FCA, CSSF (Luxembourg), and SCB (Bahamas) licences. Tickmill holds FCA, CySEC, and FSA (Seychelles). Both offer FCA coverage for UK traders, providing equivalent FSCS protection. Tickmill's CySEC licence adds European passporting capabilities. ActivTrades' CSSF licence provides Luxembourg-based regulation — meaningful for EU-based traders.
Trading Platforms
ActivTrades offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary ActivTrader platform — a modern, cleanly designed interface with integrated tools. Tickmill offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 only. ActivTrades' platform advantage is clear for traders who value a proprietary alternative. For MetaTrader-focused traders, both brokers provide comparable environments. Neither offers cTrader or TradingView integration.
Minimum Deposit
ActivTrades has no minimum deposit requirement. Tickmill requires $100. ActivTrades' zero-minimum approach provides a lower barrier to testing the platform with real capital.
Our Verdict
The Bottom Line
Tickmill wins on raw trading costs — its $2 per side commission is among the lowest available, making it the stronger choice for cost-focused active traders. ActivTrades offers more platform choice and a smoother proprietary experience, making it better suited for traders who value interface quality alongside competitive pricing.
Read Full Reviews
ActivTrades
Full in-depth review with detailed analysis of features, fees, and trading conditions.
Read ActivTrades Review →Tickmill
Complete review covering regulation, platforms, costs, and our expert verdict.
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