A
ActivTrades
3.6 / 5Score: 4 / 5
FCA-regulated trading with zero minimum deposit and zero commissions.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:400
- Spread from
- 0.5 pips
- Regulators
- FCA, CySEC
Reviewed by Experts Updated 11/1/2026
ActivTrades vs Windsor Brokers: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
ActivTrades and Windsor Brokers both attract forex and CFD traders, but they differ sharply on regulation, fees, and accessibility. Our research gives ActivTrades the edge overall, though Windsor Brokers fights back hard on raw spread pricing.
WB
Windsor Brokers
3.2 / 5Score: 1 / 5
Tight raw spreads from 0.0 pips for cost-focused, high-leverage traders.
- Min deposit
- $100
- Max leverage
- 1:500
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- CySEC, FSA
Overall Winner
ActivTrades
Best for Beginners
ActivTrades
Lowest Fees
Windsor Brokers
Top Regulation
ActivTrades
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | A ActivTrades | WB Windsor Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.6 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 2001 | 1988 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | Limassol, Cyprus |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC | CySEC, FSA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | $3/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | 1:500 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web | MT4, MT5 |
| Markets Offered | Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities, Stocks |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
ActivTrades
$0
Windsor Brokers
$100
Spreads From
ActivTrades
0.5 pips
Windsor Brokers
0 pips
Commission
ActivTrades
None
Windsor Brokers
$3/lot
Deposit Fees
ActivTrades
None
Windsor Brokers
None
Withdrawal Fees
ActivTrades
None
Windsor Brokers
None
Pros & cons
A
ActivTrades
Pros
- Backed by tier-1 FCA regulation for stronger client protection
- No minimum deposit makes it accessible to all budgets
- Commission-free trading structure simplifies cost calculation
- Wider market selection with six asset classes including crypto
- Extra platform flexibility with a proprietary web interface
- Higher overall rating of 3.6/5 in our research
- No deposit or withdrawal fees on transactions
Cons
- Spreads start slightly wider at 0.5 pips versus competitors
- Maximum leverage capped lower at 1:400
- Newer company history compared to decades-old rivals
- Proprietary platform may require learning curve for MT-only traders
WB
Windsor Brokers
Pros
- Tighter headline spreads starting from 0.0 pips
- Higher maximum leverage of up to 1:500
- Decades of market experience since 1988
- No deposit or withdrawal fees on transactions
- Straightforward platform choice with MT4 and MT5
Cons
- Lower overall rating of 3.2/5 in our research
- Charges $3 per lot commission on top of spreads
- Higher minimum deposit requirement of $100
- No cryptocurrency market access
- Regulatory licensing seen as less stringent than tier-1 FCA
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner ActivTrades
Lowest fees Windsor Brokers
Best regulation ActivTrades
Better for beginners ActivTrades
ActivTrades is our recommended pick overall, earning a 3.6/5 rating compared to Windsor Brokers's 3.2/5. ActivTrades wins on regulatory strength with its FCA licence, a $0 minimum deposit, and a broader six-market selection including crypto. Windsor Brokers counters with tighter headline spreads from 0.0 pips and higher maximum leverage of 1:500, making it a niche pick for cost-focused, high-leverage traders who are comfortable with a Cyprus-based regulatory footprint.
Regulation & Safety
ActivTrades is licensed by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) alongside CySEC, placing it under one of the most respected tier-1 regulatory regimes in the trading industry. This dual-jurisdiction setup gives ActivTrades clients access to strong client fund segregation rules and established compensation scheme protections.
Windsor Brokers operates under CySEC and FSA oversight, both reputable but generally viewed as less stringent than the FCA in terms of capital requirements and enforcement history.
For traders who prioritize regulatory peace of mind above all else, ActivTrades holds a clear structural advantage. Windsor Brokers remains compliant and legitimate, but its licensing mix carries comparatively less weight with risk-conscious investors.
Fees, Spreads & Commissions
This is the one category where Windsor Brokers pulls ahead on paper, advertising spreads from 0.0 pips versus ActivTrades's 0.5 pips. However, Windsor Brokers charges a $3 per lot commission on top of those raw spreads, while ActivTrades charges no commission at all.
When you factor in the commission structure, the effective cost of trading can even out or favor ActivTrades depending on trade size and frequency, especially for traders executing smaller or less frequent orders.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome consistency for cost-conscious traders on both sides. Active scalpers chasing the tightest raw spread may still lean toward Windsor Brokers despite the added commission line.
Account Accessibility & Leverage
ActivTrades requires no minimum deposit at all, making it immediately more accessible to beginners, students, or anyone wanting to test the platform with minimal upfront capital. Windsor Brokers requires a $100 minimum deposit, a modest barrier but still a consideration for new traders.
On leverage, Windsor Brokers offers up to 1:500 compared to ActivTrades's 1:400. Higher leverage can amplify both gains and losses, so this advantage cuts both ways depending on a trader's risk appetite and experience level.
Overall, ActivTrades is the friendlier on-ramp for newcomers, while Windsor Brokers's leverage ceiling may appeal to more aggressive, experienced traders comfortable with elevated risk.
Trading Platforms & Market Access
ActivTrades supports MT4, MT5, and its own proprietary web platform, giving traders an extra choice beyond the industry-standard MetaTrader suite. Windsor Brokers sticks to MT4 and MT5 only, which is reliable but less flexible for traders wanting an alternative interface.
On market breadth, ActivTrades offers six asset classes including Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, and Crypto. Windsor Brokers covers five of those categories but omits cryptocurrency trading entirely.
Traders wanting exposure to digital assets alongside traditional instruments will find ActivTrades the more complete offering, while Windsor Brokers remains focused on conventional CFD and forex markets.
Company Background & Track Record
Windsor Brokers has the longer institutional history, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, giving it decades of operational experience in the brokerage space. ActivTrades was founded in 2001 and is based in London, UK, still representing well over two decades of market presence.
Longevity alone doesn't determine trust, but Windsor Brokers's extended track record may appeal to traders who value institutional seniority. ActivTrades, meanwhile, has built its reputation more recently around tighter regulation and modern platform technology.
Both firms are established, credible players in the retail trading space, so this category is more about personal preference than a decisive practical advantage.
Our Verdict
Across our comparison, ActivTrades earns the higher overall rating at 3.6/5 versus Windsor Brokers's 3.2/5, driven primarily by stronger regulation, zero minimum deposit, commission-free trading, and broader market access. Windsor Brokers remains a credible alternative, particularly for traders focused purely on tight raw spreads and maximum leverage.
For most traders — especially beginners and those prioritizing regulatory safety — ActivTrades is the stronger overall package in 2026. Windsor Brokers still deserves consideration from cost-sensitive, high-leverage traders who value its specific pricing structure and longer company history.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
ActivTrades wins overall
ActivTrades edges out Windsor Brokers overall based on our expert rating score.
A
Highest Rated
ActivTrades
3.6 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.6/5).
ActivTradesBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
ActivTradesLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Windsor BrokersStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
ActivTrades
Frequently asked questions
Based on our independent rating system, ActivTrades performs better overall with a score of 3.6/5 compared to Windsor Brokers's 3.2/5. ActivTrades's advantage comes largely from its stronger FCA regulation, zero minimum deposit, and commission-free trading model. Windsor Brokers remains competitive for traders focused specifically on raw spread pricing, but the overall package tilts toward ActivTrades for most trading styles.
It depends on how you trade. Windsor Brokers advertises spreads from 0.0 pips, tighter than ActivTrades's 0.5 pips, but it adds a $3 per lot commission charge. ActivTrades charges no commission at all, so the true cost comparison depends on your trade size and frequency rather than the headline spread figure alone.
ActivTrades requires no minimum deposit, meaning you can open and fund an account with any amount you're comfortable with. Windsor Brokers requires a $100 minimum deposit, which is still relatively modest but represents a real barrier compared to ActivTrades's zero-deposit accessibility.
ActivTrades is regulated by the FCA and CySEC, giving it tier-1 regulatory backing from one of the world's most respected financial authorities. Windsor Brokers is regulated by CySEC and FSA, both legitimate regulators but generally considered less stringent than the FCA. Traders prioritizing maximum regulatory safety should lean toward ActivTrades.
ActivTrades supports MT4, MT5, and its own proprietary web-based trading platform, giving users more flexibility in how they trade. Windsor Brokers supports only MT4 and MT5. Traders wanting an alternative to the standard MetaTrader interface will find ActivTrades the more versatile option.
ActivTrades offers crypto trading as part of its six available asset classes, alongside forex, CFDs, stocks, indices, and commodities. Windsor Brokers does not currently offer cryptocurrency trading, focusing instead on five traditional asset classes. Traders wanting digital asset exposure should choose ActivTrades.
Windsor Brokers offers higher maximum leverage at up to 1:500, compared to ActivTrades's 1:400 cap. Higher leverage can increase potential returns but also significantly increases risk, so this advantage mainly suits experienced traders with strong risk management practices rather than beginners.
Yes, there is nothing preventing you from opening accounts with both ActivTrades and Windsor Brokers simultaneously. Many traders intentionally diversify across multiple brokers to access different leverage limits, platform tools, or market selections depending on their specific trading strategy.
Windsor Brokers has the longer track record, having been founded in 1988 in Limassol, Cyprus. ActivTrades was founded later in 2001 and is headquartered in London, UK. While Windsor Brokers has more institutional seniority, ActivTrades has built a strong reputation during its own two-plus decades of operation.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.