5 minute read
Pepperstone Vs Ic Markets 2025: Compared - which is better broker?
When you’re scouting for the ideal forex and CFD broker in 2025, Pepperstone and IC Markets are frequently in the top conversation—and for good reason. Both hail from Australia, both offer ECN-style execution, tight pricing, and have global clientele. But when it comes to choosing one over the other, the differences matter.
This in-depth comparison dissects every critical aspect: regulation, pricing, platforms, execution, research, support, and overall trader experience. Let’s break it down.
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🛡️ Regulation and Security
One of the most critical factors for any trader is the safety of funds and regulatory oversight.
🔹 Pepperstone is regulated by top-tier authorities, including ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), BaFin (Germany), CySEC (Cyprus), DFSA (UAE), and CMA (Kenya). This multi-regulatory framework gives Pepperstone a strong edge for global trustworthiness.
🔹 IC Markets is regulated by ASIC and CySEC, with international operations under Seychelles' FSA. Although IC Markets is considered safe and well-established, its regulatory scope is slightly narrower than Pepperstone’s.
✅ Verdict: Pepperstone wins for broader regulatory coverage and transparency.
💸 Spreads, Commissions, and Fees
Tight spreads and low fees are essential for active traders, especially scalpers and day traders.
🔹 Pepperstone’s Razor Account offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a commission of around $7 per round turn. The Standard Account offers spreads from 1.0 pips with no commission. For high-volume traders, Pepperstone offers rebates and VIP benefits.
🔹 IC Markets’ Raw Spread Account provides spreads from 0.0 pips with a slightly lower commission of about $6 per round turn. The Standard Account offers spreads from 1.0 pips, also commission-free.
Both brokers are incredibly competitive, but IC Markets edges slightly ahead on cost metrics for ultra-high-frequency traders.
✅ Verdict: IC Markets wins on slightly lower commissions and average spreads.
⚙️ Trading Platforms
Both brokers support a broad range of trading platforms, making them suitable for all levels of traders.
🎯 Pepperstone:
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
cTrader
TradingView integration
Proprietary Smart Trader Tools for MT
🎯 IC Markets:
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
cTrader
Extensive third-party plugin support
While both brokers offer cTrader and MetaTrader, Pepperstone’s seamless TradingView integration and additional platform enhancements give it a minor advantage.
✅ Verdict: Pepperstone wins for versatility and platform innovation.
📊 Range of Markets
🔹 Pepperstone offers:
90+ forex pairs
Commodities
Cryptocurrencies
Stock CFDs
ETFs
Indices
🔹 IC Markets delivers:
60+ forex pairs
Over 2,100 stock CFDs
Commodities
Futures
Bonds
Cryptos
IC Markets clearly offers more diversity in the number of instruments, particularly for equity traders.
✅ Verdict: IC Markets wins for sheer market variety.
🚀 Execution Speed and Technology
Execution quality can dramatically impact profitability, especially for algorithmic and scalping strategies.
🔹 Pepperstone provides lightning-fast execution speeds averaging under 30 milliseconds, connecting directly with Equinix servers in New York and London. It leverages deep liquidity from over 20 tier-1 banks and venues.
🔹 IC Markets also delivers exceptional speed, with execution times around 40 milliseconds. Its data centers are located in New York (NY4), London (LD5), and Amsterdam.
Both brokers offer raw pricing, no dealing desk intervention, and true ECN environments.
✅ Verdict: Tie. Both brokers excel in execution, with marginal speed differences.
🧠 Research and Education
Knowledge is power. Brokers that provide valuable research tools and trading education empower their clients for long-term success.
🔹 Pepperstone offers:
Daily market analysis
Trading guides
Webinars and podcasts
Expert-led YouTube sessions
Autochartist and Smart Trader Tools suite
🔹 IC Markets offers:
Economic calendar
Daily blogs
Trading Central access
Video tutorials
Strategy guides
Educational webinars
Pepperstone has a more polished and dynamic research offering, especially for intermediate to advanced traders.
✅ Verdict: Pepperstone wins for premium-quality research and analysis.
🤝 Customer Support
Reliable customer service is essential, especially in volatile markets.
🔹 Pepperstone provides:
24/5 multilingual support
Localized phone numbers
Live chat and email
Dedicated account managers for high-tier traders
🔹 IC Markets offers:
24/7 support (including weekends)
Email, chat, and phone access
Extensive FAQ and help center
IC Markets scores highly for round-the-clock assistance, which is crucial for traders in all time zones.
✅ Verdict: IC Markets wins for 24/7 support coverage.
🏆 Trader Sentiment & Global Reputation
Both brokers maintain stellar reputations among professionals, institutions, and retail traders alike.
💬 Pepperstone is known for:
Excellent transparency
Reliability
Award-winning platform integrations
Strong presence in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe
💬 IC Markets is praised for:
Exceptional spreads
Ideal conditions for scalping and HFT
Large institutional volumes
Popularity in Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East
In terms of global brand recognition, IC Markets slightly edges ahead in trading volume, but Pepperstone earns better reviews for consistency and support.
✅ Verdict: Tie. Each broker commands a loyal base for different reasons.
🧾 Account Types Comparison
Both brokers offer similar structures:
Pepperstone:
Razor Account (for raw spreads)
Standard Account (spread-only)
Islamic Account
Demo Accounts
IC Markets:
Raw Spread Account
Standard Account
Islamic Account
Demo Accounts
Each offers tailored solutions for various trader profiles, from scalpers to swing traders.
✅ Verdict: Tie. Nearly identical account flexibility.
🔍 Which Broker Is Better for You?
✅ Choose Pepperstone if:
You value top-tier regulation and trust
You want TradingView and Smart Trader Tools
You prefer more educational depth and analyst coverage
You're trading from Africa, Australia, or Asia
✅ Choose IC Markets if:
You want ultra-tight spreads and lower commission
You trade stock CFDs or want broader asset exposure
You need 24/7 support
You focus on algo trading or scalping strategies
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🧠 Final Verdict: Pepperstone or IC Markets?
Both brokers deliver world-class services. Your ideal choice will depend on your priorities as a trader.
🎯 For regulatory peace of mind, innovation, and research – Pepperstone wins.🎯 For low spreads, 24/7 support, and massive asset range – IC Markets takes the crown.
No matter which you choose, you're in professional hands. But in 2025, the edge goes to:
🔥 Pepperstone – for balanced performance, superior regulation, and platform evolution.
