CFD trading platforms review 2025: IG, Plus 500, IBKR and more

In 2025, several platforms stand out for their features, user experience, and overall performance, this review focuses on four prominent CFD trading platforms: IG, Plus500, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) and Markets.com.

IG: A Leader in CFD Trading

Overview
IG is widely recognized as one of the best brokers for trading CFDs in 2025. With a minimum deposit requirement of £250, IG offers access to over 17,000 tradable markets, making it a versatile choice for traders looking to diversify their portfolios.

Trading Platforms
IG provides a robust suite of trading platforms, including a web-based platform, a mobile trading app, and the advanced L2 Dealer platform for direct market access. The mobile app has received accolades for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for traders to manage their accounts on the go. Additionally, IG offers the popular MetaTrader 4 platform, although it has a more limited selection of CFDs compared to its proprietary platforms.

Pricing and Execution
IG's pricing structure is competitive, with average spreads on major currency pairs like EUR/USD starting at 0.98 pips. The broker also offers an active trader program that provides discounts based on trading volume. Importantly, IG can handle significant trading volumes, making it suitable for both retail and institutional traders.

Plus500: User-Friendly and Accessible

Overview
Plus500 is known for its straightforward and user-friendly trading platform, making it an excellent choice for beginners. The platform requires a minimum deposit of €100 and offers around 2,800 tradeable symbols, including various CFDs.

Trading Features
The Plus500 platform is designed for ease of use, featuring a clean interface that simplifies the trading process. It offers advanced risk management tools, such as guaranteed stop-loss orders, which help traders manage their exposure effectively. However, while Plus500 excels in user experience, it has been criticized for its limited market research and analysis tools, which may not satisfy more active traders.

Pricing and Costs
Plus500 operates on a commission-free model, relying on spreads for its pricing. However, the average spreads can be slightly above the industry average, which may deter some traders. Despite this, the platform's ease of use and educational resources make it a solid choice for those new to CFD trading.

Interactive Brokers (IBKR): A Professional Choice

Overview
Interactive Brokers is highly regarded for its extensive range of investment options and advanced trading tools. With no minimum deposit requirement for most accounts, IBKR is accessible to a wide range of traders, from beginners to professionals.

Trading Platforms
IBKR offers a variety of platforms, including the Trader Workstation (TWS), which is designed for advanced traders. The platform provides comprehensive tools for analysis, research, and trading across multiple asset classes. Additionally, IBKR supports over 6,000 CFDs across 18 major stock exchanges, making it a robust option for those looking to trade diverse markets.

Pricing and Execution
IBKR is known for its low-cost trading, with pricing that reflects the exchange-quoted prices for stock CFDs. The broker also offers competitive spreads and the potential for discounts based on trading volume, making it an attractive option for active traders. The execution capabilities of IBKR are particularly strong, accommodating large orders and providing deep liquidity.

Markets.com: A Comprehensive Platform

Overview
Markets.com is another notable player in the CFD trading space, offering a wide range of instruments and a user-friendly platform. The broker provides access to thousands of CFDs, including forex, commodities, and indices.

Trading Features
Markets.com features a proprietary trading platform that is intuitive and easy to navigate. The platform includes advanced charting tools, real-time data, and a variety of technical indicators, which are essential for effective trading. Additionally, Markets.com offers educational resources and market analysis to help traders make informed decisions.

Pricing and Costs
Markets.com operates on a spread-based pricing model, with competitive spreads on major currency pairs. The broker does not charge commissions on trades, which can be appealing for traders looking to minimize costs.

Conclusion

In 2025, IG, Plus500, Interactive Brokers, and Markets.com each offer unique advantages for CFD traders. IG stands out for its extensive market access and advanced trading platforms, while Plus500 excels in user-friendliness and accessibility for beginners. Interactive Brokers is the go-to choice for professional traders seeking low-cost trading and advanced tools, and Markets.com provides a comprehensive platform with a focus on user experience.

When considering shares, indices, forex (foreign exchange) and commodities for trading and price predictions, remember that trading CFDs involves a significant degree of risk and could result in capital loss.

Past performance is not indicative of any future results. This information is provided for informative purposes only and should not be construed to be investment advice.