SmartFX vs AxiTrader

SmartFX or Axi – which is better for UK traders 2024? Compare SmartFX and Axi in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.

SmartFX vs Axi Comparison Table 2024
SmartFX Axi
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1.3
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3.7
SmartFX is ranked #97 among CFD brokers. Axi is ranked #30 among CFD brokers.
Review
Review
SmartFX is an offshore regulated CFD and forex broker with MT5 integration and 5000+ instruments. The brand offers 24/5 customer support and one account type for simplicity. SmartFX is regulated by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC). Axi is a global forex and CFD trading firm, founded in 2007 in Sydney, Australia. Highly leveraged trading opportunities plus a $0 minimum deposit make it a popular choice among 60,000+ traders worldwide. Axi also stands out for its resources, including copy trading and Autochartist.
81.6% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider
Pros
  • I'm pleased to see the world-renowned MetaTrader 5 terminal available, with all integrated tools including the MQL5 development environment, signals and a forex VPS
  • There's 24/5 multilingual customer support available via live chat, telephone and email, making it easy for clients to reach the broker during peak times
  • I found commission-free deposits and withdrawals on offer with instant processing times for some account funding methods
  • I like that beginners can access copy trading opportunities via the Social Trading network
  • A strong range of advanced tools are available for experienced traders, including the Autochartist market scanner, VPS solutions and exclusive MT4 NexGen features
  • The broker's inactivity fee terms are fairly generous, only charging a $10 fee after a long inactivity period of 12 months - some brokers charge after only 3 months
  • The broker’s free trading resources are geared towards short-term traders, including various market calendars and dividend forecast schedules
  • Experienced traders can benefit from the Axi Select funded trader programme, offering funding up to $1 million and up to 90% profit share
  • The $0 minimum deposit, zero-commission pricing structure, and user-friendly copy trading service will appeal to beginners
  • Traders can choose between 10 base account currencies plus a wide range of free deposit methods, including cryptos
  • Among other educational resources, there’s an excellent selection of free eBooks for newly registered beginners
  • Axi is a well-regulated and established broker, with a strong track record since 2007
Cons
  • I'm concerned about the general lack of transparency on the website which makes me question how much trust I can put in this broker
  • The offshore regulatory oversight by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) raises serious security concerns for me
  • There's barely any additional tools and resources available, and the educational content is weak compared to top brands
  • I wasn't able to access any cryptocurrency trading opportunities, which is a drawback compared to similar brands
  • There's a limited choice of third-party charting platforms compared to other brands, with only MT4 available alongside the proprietary app
  • The demo account expires after only 30 days - many alternative brokers that we test allow you to practice for 60 days or more
  • The tightest round-trip commission fees of $3.50 are only available to those who can deposit $25,000
  • The Axi Select program requires a $500 minimum deposit to enter the first Seed stage
Awards
  • Best EMEA Region Broker - ADVFN International Financial Awards, 2020
  • Best Forex Broker Middle East - forex-awards.com, 2019
  • Best Forex Broker Europe - forex-awards.com, 2019
  • Best MT4 Forex Broker - atozmarkets.com, 2019
FCA Regulated
No

List of FCA Regulated Brokers

Yes
Instruments
Forex, CFD-indices, CFD-equities, futures Forex, CFDs, indices, shares, commodities, cryptocurrencies
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$500 $0
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
0.01 Lots 0.01 Lots
Regulator
VFSC FCA, ASIC, DFSA, FMA
Mobile Apps
Yes iOS & Android
iOS App Rating
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2.5
Android App Rating
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3.4
Margin Trading
No Yes
MetaTrader 4
No Yes
MetaTrader 5
Yes No
cTrader
No No
AlgoTrader
No No
OmniTrader
No No
TradingView
No No
Autochartist
No Yes
eSignal
No No
Trading Central
No No
STP Account
No No
ECN Account
No Yes
DMA Account
No No
MAM Account
No Yes
PAMM Account
No No
LAMM Account
No No
Demat Account
No No
AI / Machine Learning
No No
Robo Advisor
No No
Negative Balance Protection
No Yes
Market Maker
No No
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
No Yes
Auto Trading
Yes Myfxbook plus Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader
Copy Trading
No Yes
Copy Trading Platform
After partnering with Pelican Trading, Axi remains a strong option for traders seeking a reputable copy trading service. The user-friendly app requires no minimum deposit and connects seamlessly to your MT4 trading account.
Social Trading
No Yes
Trade Signals
Yes Yes - on MT4
VPS Hosting
No Yes
Tournaments
No No
Demo Competitions
No Yes
Ethical Investing
No No
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No No
Islamic Account
No Yes
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • JPY
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
Commodities
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Copper
  • Oil
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Platinum
  • Cocoa
  • Coffee
  • Gasoline
  • Natural Gas
  • Precious Metals
CFD
I think the 5000+ CFD instruments including forex, commodities, indices and stocks should serve active traders well. The MT5 platform also offers plenty of advanced tools and features to facilitate complex CFD trading strategies. Axi offers 220+ products covering forex, shares, commodities, indices and cryptos. Spreads on EUR/USD come in at around 0.2 pips in the Pro account and 1.1 pips in the Standard account. These are competitive and aligned with equivalent accounts at leading low-cost brokers like Pepperstone.
Leverage
1:400 1:400
FTSE Spread
Floating from 100 (floating)
GBPUSD Spread<
Floating from 0.6 pips (floating)
Oil Spread
Floating from 0 pips (floating)
Stocks Spread
Variable Variable
Forex
I found an average range of 45+ major, minor and exotic currency pairs at SmartFX, tradable on the MT5 platform. I did appreciate the flexible leverage up to 1:400 and minimum order sizes from 0.01 lots. Axi continues to offer a strong selection of 70+ currency pairs - more than many top brokers including award-winner AvaTrade, with only 50+. There are no restrictions on trading strategies including algo trading and scalping, which will serve both short-term and long-term traders.
Assets
43 70+
GBPUSD Spread
Floating from 0.6 pips (floating)
EURUSD Spread
Floating from 0.2 pips (floating)
EURGBP Spread
Floating from 0.5 pips (floating)
Cryptocurrency
The broker offers a strong selection of 30 popular cryptos paired with fiat currencies, other tokens and metals. The high leverage up to 1:200 will serve experienced crypto traders, whilst the zero-commission pricing structure will appeal to beginners.
Spread
Variable
Coins
  • BCH
  • BNB
  • BTC
  • LTC
  • OMG
  • FTT
  • BTC
  • BCH
  • DOG
  • LTC
  • XLM
  • AAVE
  • COMP
  • LRC
  • MKR
  • SUSHI
  • UNI
  • BAT
  • CRV
  • ENJ
  • LNK
  • MANA
  • MATIC
  • SAND
  • XRP
  • LNK
  • XRP
  • KSM
  • AVAX
  • ETH
  • SOL
  • XTZ
  • ADA
  • DOT
  • EOS
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
No No
Auto Market Maker
No No
SmartFX Axi
Review
Review
81.6% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider
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