Head-to-head comparison

Exness vs IC Markets

Two top-tier forex/CFD brokers. Multi-regulator coverage and fastest crypto withdrawals (Exness) vs pure ECN execution and cTrader platform (IC Markets).

Exness
Exness
8.6/10
Multi-regulated · 8 jurisdictions
VS
IC Markets
IC Markets
8.4/10
ASIC · Pure ECN

Quick comparison.

Both are tier-1 brokers – meaningful differences in specific operational factors.

FactorExnessIC Markets
RegulatorsFCA + CySEC + 6 moreASIC + CySEC + FSA
Min deposit (Standard)$10$200
Raw spread min0.0 pips0.0 pips
Commission (Raw)$3.50/side$3.50/side
Total Raw cost/lot~$7-8~$6.50
Execution speed~28ms~35-40ms
PlatformsMT4 + MT5 + TerminalMT4 + MT5 + cTrader
Crypto withdrawals<1 hour2-4 hours
Stock CFDsLimitedExtensive 2000+
Overall score8.6 / 108.4 / 10

Head-to-head breakdown.

Detailed comparison across the factors that determine broker quality.

R01
Regulation
Winner: Exness

Exness operates under 8 regulators including FCA, CySEC, FSCA. IC Markets has ASIC primary, CySEC, FSA Seychelles. Both provide tier-1 protection; Exness’s broader coverage provides more regulator diversification.

R02
Trading Conditions
Winner: IC Markets (slightly)

Both offer raw spreads from 0.0 pips. IC Markets’ total cost on Raw Spread cTrader (~$6.50/lot) is slightly cheaper than Exness Raw (~$7-8/lot). For high-frequency traders, this compounds. Exness Standard $10 minimum is more accessible.

R03
Execution Quality
Winner: Exness

Both offer institutional-quality execution. Exness measures slightly faster (~28ms vs ~35-40ms). For most traders, the difference is imperceptible.

R04
Platform Ecosystem
Winner: IC Markets

IC Markets offers cTrader alongside MT4/MT5 – cTrader’s native ECN architecture is genuinely superior to MetaTrader’s adapted ECN. Exness has MT4, MT5, Terminal but no cTrader.

R05
Operational Reliability
Winner: Exness

Exness crypto withdrawals process in under 1 hour – industry-leading. IC Markets crypto withdrawals take 2-4 hours. For frequent withdrawing, the speed difference is operationally meaningful.

R06
Instrument Coverage
Winner: IC Markets

IC Markets offers 2000+ instruments with extensive stock CFD selection. Exness offers 200+ with weaker stock coverage. For stock CFD focused traders, IC Markets clearly better.

Our recommendation.

Exness
8.6
Our score / 10
IC Markets
8.4
Our score / 10
Best choice

Choose Exness if…

Exness wins for most active retail traders.

  • You want widest multi-jurisdictional regulation
  • You want fastest crypto withdrawals (<1 hour)
  • You want lower minimum deposit ($10)
  • You prioritize execution speed over platform variety

Choose IC Markets if…

  • You want cTrader specifically (true Level II ECN)
  • You’re trading stock CFDs (2000+ instruments)
  • You prefer ASIC primary regulation
  • Slightly cheaper Raw account matters at high volume
Our overall pick: Exness wins this matchup overall (8.6 vs 8.4) due to wider regulation, faster withdrawals, lower minimum, faster execution. IC Markets wins on specific dimensions (cTrader, stock CFDs) for specific trader profiles.

Read the full reviews.

This comparison summarizes key differences. For complete analysis, read the individual reviews.

Read Exness review → Read IC Markets review