EasyMarkets vs IC Markets : Which Forex Broker Should You Choose?

In the crowded world of online forex and CFD trading, picking between EasyMarkets and IC Markets feels like comparing two very different philosophies. One promises predictability and hand-holding for newer traders; the other obsesses over razor-sharp pricing and raw execution speed for the pros. I’ve followed both brokers for years, watched how they’ve evolved through market crashes, regulatory shifts, and the explosion of retail algo trading. Neither is perfect—no broker is—but after digging into their current offerings, platforms, and real-world performance, one clearly suits certain styles better than the other.

Here’s my no-fluff breakdown of EasyMarkets vs IC Markets, based on the latest data from their sites, independent testing, and trader feedback.

Quick Background on Each Broker

EasyMarkets has been around since 2001 (originally easy-forex). It’s a market-maker broker that built its reputation on making trading “easy” for beginners. With over 25 years in the game, it holds solid licenses from CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), FSA Seychelles, and BVI FSC. The big selling point? Fixed spreads that don’t widen during news events, plus built-in risk tools that actually feel useful rather than gimmicky.

Head to the official site

IC Markets, launched in 2007, is the classic ECN/raw-spread specialist. It’s regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas, and a few others. This is the broker serious day traders and scalpers gravitate toward because of its institutional-grade liquidity and lightning execution. It processes billions in daily volume, with over 60% of trades reportedly coming from algorithms and expert advisors.

Head to the official site

Both are legitimate and well-regulated, but they serve different crowds. EasyMarkets feels like the reliable family sedan; IC Markets is the tuned sports car.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Here’s how they stack up side-by-side :

Trading Platforms and User Experience

EasyMarkets shines with its proprietary web and mobile platforms. They’re clean, intuitive, and come loaded with exclusive tools like easyTrade (limited-risk trades with unlimited upside) and vanilla options for hedging. The fixed spreads mean you always know your exact cost upfront—no nasty surprises during volatile sessions. MT4 and MT5 are fully supported with Expert Advisors, and TradingView integration is seamless.

IC Markets, on the other hand, is a platform powerhouse. You get the full suite: MT4/MT5 for classic traders, cTrader for advanced order types and depth-of-market, plus TradingView. If you run automated strategies or need sub-40ms execution through Equinix NY4 servers, this is where IC Markets pulls ahead. The free low-latency VPS is a game-changer for anyone running EAs 24/5.

If you’re just starting out or hate staring at flickering variable spreads, EasyMarkets’ proprietary platform feels more welcoming. But once you scale up volume or go algorithmic, IC Markets’ ecosystem is noticeably sharper.

Costs and Trading Conditions: The Real Difference

This is where the brokers diverge most.

• EasyMarkets locks in fixed spreads (EUR/USD from 0.7 pips across most platforms). No commissions, no hidden fees, and spreads never change during trading hours. It’s predictable—perfect if you hate watching your stop get hunted in a news spike. Negative balance protection is standard, and their Guaranteed Stop Loss (premium add-on) actually works as advertised.
• IC Markets delivers raw interbank pricing from 0.0 pips on majors with a modest commission. For high-frequency or large-lot traders, the all-in cost is usually lower once you factor in volume. Execution is faster and slippage is minimal thanks to deep liquidity pools.

Bottom line on fees: Beginners or low-volume traders save money and sleep better with EasyMarkets’ fixed model. Active scalpers and EAs will almost always come out ahead with IC Markets’ raw spreads.

Instruments and Markets

Both cover the basics well—60+ forex pairs, major indices, commodities, metals, and cryptos (24/7 on both).

IC Markets edges it with a deeper catalog: over 2,850 CFDs, including more individual stocks, bonds, and futures. If you want to trade everything from Apple shares to oil futures in one account, IC Markets feels more complete.

EasyMarkets adds vanilla options, which are underrated for precise hedging without the margin headaches of standard CFDs.

Regulation, Safety, and Trust

Both score highly here—no major red flags .

• EasyMarkets: Multiple Tier-1 and solid regulators. Strong emphasis on client fund segregation and negative balance protection.
• IC Markets: Equally robust (ASIC and CySEC are big pluses). Transparent about its global entities.

Neither has ever had a major scandal that I’ve seen. Funds are safe, and both offer negative balance protection. Still, always trade with money you can afford to lose—regulation helps, but markets don’t care about licenses.

Education, Support, and Extras

EasyMarkets wins on beginner education with its Academy (videos, quizzes, certificates) and patient support staff. Reviews consistently praise how helpful the team is for new traders.

IC Markets offers solid market analysis and webinars but assumes you already know your way around. Their 24/7 support is excellent for urgent issues like funding or platform glitches.

Pros and Cons

EasyMarkets Pros:

• Truly fixed, predictable spreads
• Excellent risk tools (Guaranteed SL, easyTrade)
• Lower entry barrier
• Beginner-friendly platforms

EasyMarkets Cons:

• Higher all-in costs for very active traders
• Fewer total instruments
• Leverage varies heavily by entity

IC Markets Pros:

• Industry-leading tight spreads + execution
• Massive instrument range
• Perfect for algorithms and scalping
• Free VPS and advanced platforms

IC Markets Cons:

• Higher minimum deposit
• Commission structure can feel complex at first
• Less hand-holding for total beginners

Who Should Choose Which here?

Choose EasyMarkets if:

• You’re new or prefer simplicity
• You trade during high-volatility events (news, earnings)
• You value fixed costs and strong risk-management tools
• You want to start small and learn without stress
• Head to the official site

Choose IC Markets if:

• You trade frequently or in large size
• You run Expert Advisors or scalping strategies
• You want the absolute lowest possible costs
• You need deep liquidity and every possible market
• Head to the official site

IC Markets wins overall for most experienced traders —the combination of raw spreads, execution speed, and platform choice is hard to beat. But EasyMarkets is the smarter pick if predictability and built-in safety nets matter more to you than squeezing every last pip. I’ve seen too many beginners blow accounts chasing tight spreads only to get wrecked by slippage; EasyMarkets protects against that in a way few others do.

Ultimately, both brokers are excellent—just different tools for different jobs. Open demo accounts with both (they’re free and quick to set up) and test them yourself. The right broker is the one whose conditions match your trading style, not whoever has the flashiest ad this month.

Trading involves substantial risk of loss. Always do your own due diligence, and never risk more than you can comfortably afford.

What’s your trading style—beginner, scalper, or long-term swing? Drop a comment below if you want me to expand on any specific feature. Happy trading!

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Disclaimer: Trading forex and CFDs carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Ensure you understand the risks involved and consider your financial situation before trading.