NinjaTrader vs Interactive Brokers

NinjaTrader or Interactive Brokers – which is better for UK traders 2025? Compare NinjaTrader and Interactive Brokers in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.

NinjaTrader vs Interactive Brokers Comparison Table 2025
NinjaTrader Interactive Brokers
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4.5
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4.3
NinjaTrader is ranked #29 among UK brokers. Interactive Brokers is ranked #33 among CFD brokers.
Review
Review
NinjaTrader, based in the US and overseen by regulatory authorities, specialises in futures trading. It provides three distinct pricing plans to cater to various budgets and requirements, alongside exceptionally low margins on popular contracts. The platform's renowned charting software allows extensive customization and offers outstanding technical analysis tools. Interactive Brokers (IBKR), a leading brokerage, offers access to 150 markets across 33 countries and provides extensive investment services. With more than 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed company complies with strict regulations from the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC. It is among the most reliable brokers worldwide for traders.
Pros
  • NinjaTrader consistently provides advanced charting software for active traders, featuring customised technical indicators and tools.
  • NinjaTrader is a reputable and award-winning futures broker, fully regulated by both the NFA and CFTC.
  • Low fees are provided, featuring £50 trading margins and commissions starting at £0.09 per micro contract.
  • Traders receive complimentary platform access and can simulate trades indefinitely with the unlimited demo.
  • You can access thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in over 150 countries.
  • IBKR is a highly respected brokerage, regulated by top-tier authorities, ensuring the integrity and security of your trading account.
  • The TWS platform is tailored for intermediate and advanced traders, featuring over 100 order types and a dependable real-time market data feed with exceptional uptime.
  • Interactive Brokers has been awarded Best US Broker for 2025 by DayTrading.com. This accolade highlights its dedication to traders in the US, offering exceptionally low margin rates and access to global markets at minimal expense.
  • The new IBKR Desktop platform combines the top features of TWS with customised tools such as Option Lattice and MultiSort Screeners, providing an impressive trading experience for traders of all skill levels.
  • A wide range of third-party research subscriptions, both free and paid, are available for traders. Additionally, by subscribing to Toggle AI, traders can receive commission rebates from IBKR.
  • IBKR consistently offers unparalleled access to global equities, with thousands of shares available across over 100 market centres in 24 countries, including the recently added Saudi Stock Exchange.
  • While initially targeting seasoned traders, IBKR has recently widened its appeal by eliminating its $10,000 minimum deposit requirement.
  • IBKR offers an economical environment for traders, featuring low commissions, narrow spreads, and a clear fee structure.
Cons
  • Certain funding methods incur a withdrawal fee.
  • The premium platform features incur an additional fee.
  • Engaging in trading, aside from forex and futures, necessitates registering with affiliated brokers.
  • The learning curve for TWS is quite steep, making it tough for novice traders to navigate and grasp all its features. In contrast, Plus500's web platform is far more accessible for those new to trading.
  • IBKR offers a variety of research tools, but their inconsistent placement across trading platforms and the 'Account Management' webpage creates a confusing experience for users.
  • Support can be sluggish and frustrating. Tests reveal that you may face challenges reaching customer service quickly, which could result in delays in issue resolution.
  • You are limited to a single active session per account, meaning you cannot use both your desktop programme and mobile app at the same time. This restriction can occasionally lead to a frustrating experience for traders.
Awards
  • 2023 Benzinga Global Fintech Awards
  • Best US Broker 2025 - DayTrading.com
FCA Regulated
No

List of FCA Regulated Brokers

Yes
Instruments
Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$0 $0
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
0.01 Lots $100
Regulator
NFA, CFTC FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
Mobile Apps
iOS & Android iOS & Android
Trading App

The IBKR Mobile app, available on both iOS and Android devices, makes your phone a powerful gateway to your IBKR accounts, offering you the freedom to keep an eye on portfolios, initiate trades, and dive into real-time quotes and charts, all while managing your account activities on the fly. This app stands out for its intuitive design, making it especially welcoming for those just starting their trading journey, providing a smoother and more accessible experience than the more complex TWS platform.
iOS App Rating
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3
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4.3
Android App Rating
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3.2
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4.5
Margin Trading
Yes Yes
Margin Rate
1.55 - 2.59%
MetaTrader 4
No No
MetaTrader 5
No No
cTrader
No No
AlgoTrader
No Yes
OmniTrader
No Yes
TradingView
No Yes
Autochartist
No No
eSignal
Yes Yes
Trading Central
No Yes
STP Account
No Yes
ECN Account
No No
DMA Account
No Yes
MAM Account
No Yes
PAMM Account
No No
LAMM Account
No No
Demat Account
No No
AI / Machine Learning
No Yes
Robo Advisor
No Yes
Negative Balance Protection
No Yes
Market Maker
No No
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
Yes Yes
Auto Trading
NinjaScript or via Automated Trading Interface Capitalise.ai & TWS API
Copy Trading
No No
Social Trading
No No
Trade Signals
Yes
VPS Hosting
No No
Tournaments
No No
Demo Competitions
No No
Ethical Investing
No Yes
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No No
Inactivity Fee
$25 $0
Islamic Account
No No
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • INR
  • JPY
  • SEK
  • NOK
  • DKK
  • CHF
  • AED
  • HUF
Commodities
  • Oil
  • Gold
  • Zinc
  • Aluminium
  • Natural Gas
  • Soybeans
  • Lead
  • Precious Metals
  • Lean Hogs
CFD
The platform provides access to over 8,000 CFDs across stocks, indices, forex, and commodities. Suited for experienced traders, the TWS platform includes more than 100 order types and algorithms. It also delivers top-tier market data from trusted sources like Reuters and Dow Jones.
Leverage
1:50 1:50
FTSE Spread
0.005% (£1 Min)
GBPUSD Spread<
0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
Oil Spread
0.25-0.85
Stocks Spread
0.003
Forex
NinjaTraders facilitates trading in major currencies such as EUR/USD. The platform provides advanced tools to enhance the trading process, featuring sophisticated order types like Market If Touched (MIT) and One Cancels Other (OCO). IBKR offers a vast range of over 100 forex pairs, including major, minor, and exotic currencies, outstripping most competitors except CMC Markets. Trading is available across multiple platforms with institutional-grade spreads beginning at 0.1 pips. There are also 20 sophisticated order types, such as brackets, scale, and one-cancels-all (OCA) orders, enhancing trading strategies.
Assets
50+ 100+
GBPUSD Spread
1.6 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
EURUSD Spread
1.3 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
EURGBP Spread
1.6 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
Cryptocurrency
Gain access to micro Bitcoin futures via the CME Group's centralised exchange, under the strict oversight of the US CFTC. Micro contracts enable trading at a fraction of a Bitcoin, offering enhanced risk management and flexible order options. IBKR offers access to Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin at attractive commission rates without the need for a crypto wallet. Furthermore, traders can explore a variety of assets, including crypto indices like the NYSE Bitcoin Index, and futures contracts such as BAKKT Bitcoin Futures.
Spread
Floating 0.12%-0.18%
Coins
  • BTC
  • BTC
  • LTC
  • ETH
  • XRP
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
No No
Auto Market Maker
No No
NinjaTrader Interactive Brokers
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