Headway vs IC Markets Comparison: Which Is Better for Traders?
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - Headway or IC Markets?
Our pick: IC Markets
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - IC Markets looks preferable to Headway.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 4 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas Headway has 4.4/5 and ranks 20.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is Headway suitable for?
Headway is suitable for beginners and retail traders who value a low entry threshold, tight spreads, Copytrade, and access to Forex, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
Who is IC Markets suitable for?
IC Markets is suitable for traders looking for low spreads and ECN accounts and the ability to scalp and use expert advisors.
Comparison Table of Headway and IC Markets
| Broker | Headway | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2021 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | South Africa | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:2000 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Review | Headway Review | IC Markets Review |
Headway Review
Headway is a broker with accessible starting conditions, a low minimum deposit, competitive fees, and a fairly wide range of instruments. Its strengths include a Cent account from $1, tight spreads, low commission on the Pro account, support for MT4/MT5, the availability of Copytrade, and convenient ways to deposit and withdraw funds. At the same time, the broker still lags behind larger competitors in the strength of regulation, depth of analytics, and overall reputation, since it is a young company with an FSCA license.
Headway is best suited for beginner traders who need a low entry threshold, as well as retail traders looking for low-cost trading in Forex, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. The broker may also be interesting for those who want to use copy trading or start with a small amount of capital. However, traders who prioritize the strongest possible regulation, advanced analytics, and the widest possible product lineup may find Headway less suitable.
Pros and Cons of Headway
Pros
- Low entry threshold: a Cent account is available with a deposit from $1.
- Tight spreads and low trading commissions.
- Cent, Standard, and Pro accounts are available, as well as a demo account and an Islamic account.
- Wide range of instruments, especially stocks, cryptocurrencies, and Forex.
- Many deposit and withdrawal methods with no broker-side fees.
Cons
- Regulation is limited to an FSCA license, with no Tier-1 jurisdictions.
- A young company with a relatively short operating history.
- Analytics and education are only at a basic level.
- According to reviews, the quality of customer support is not always consistent.
IC Markets Review
IC Markets is a reliable and versatile broker that offers a wide range of services and tools for trading in the financial markets. The company provides impressive trading instruments, high-quality trading platforms, advanced analytical tools, and valuable education for traders of all levels.
IC Markets is likely most suitable for experienced traders who value deep liquidity, tight spreads, and advanced trading tools. Beginner traders can also benefit from the educational materials offered by the company, but they should be prepared for some additional expenses and a higher minimum deposit requirement.
Pros and Cons of IC Markets
Pros
- A wide range of trading assets.
- Low spreads.
- Variety of trading platforms.
- Quality educational materials.
- Efficient customer support service.
Cons
- High minimum deposit.
IC Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | Headway | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2021 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | South Africa | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya |
| Regulators |
Headway
Headway is a moderately reliable broker with an FSCA license, but in terms of regulatory strength and reputation it lags behind companies with Tier-1 licenses and a longer operating history.
Pros
- Has an active FSCA license
- The legal entity is clearly disclosed
Cons
- No strong Tier-1 regulation
- A young company without a long track record
IC Markets
IC Markets operates under the regulation of several jurisdictions, including ASIC in Australia, CySEC in Cyprus, and SFSA in the Seychelles, indicating a high degree of regulation.
Account Opening
| Broker | Headway | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
Headway
Opening an account with Headway is convenient and fairly fast. The registration procedure is simple, the interface is clear, and the overall process meets the expectations of most modern traders.
Pros
- Simple registration
- User-friendly interface
- Quick start
IC Markets
The account opening process at IC Markets is well-thought-out, transparent, and detailed, ensuring convenience and ease for clients. However, the high minimum deposit may deter many beginners.
Account Types
| Broker | Headway | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 5/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
|
|
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:2000 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
Headway
Headway offers a fairly diverse range of accounts that suits beginners, retail traders, and more experienced users.
Pros
- Cent, Standard, and Pro are available
- A demo account is available
- Copytrade and an Islamic account are available
IC Markets
IC Markets' accounts are mainly aimed at experienced and professional traders.
Pros
- ECN accounts
- Ability to copy trades
- Access to VPS
Cons
- No cent accounts
- No fixed spread accounts
Commissions
| Broker | Headway | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.8 | 0.62 |
| Commission per Lot | $1.5 | $3.5 |
Headway
Headway's fees are low: the broker offers tight spreads, very low commission on the Pro account, and fee-free withdrawals, although swaps remain average for the market.
Pros
- Tight spreads
- Low commission on Pro
- No withdrawal fee
Cons
- Swaps are average for the market
IC Markets
IC Markets has low commissions. Fees for transactions on ECN accounts and spreads are acceptable to most traders, and the absence of charges for deposits/withdrawals and account inactivity is a significant advantage.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | Headway | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
|
|
Headway
Deposits and withdrawals at Headway are well organized: many payment methods are available, the broker does not charge fees, and transactions are processed fairly quickly.
Pros
- Wide selection of methods
- No broker fees
- Fast processing of transactions
Cons
- The set of methods depends on the country
- A verified account is required for cards
- External network/payment-system fees may apply
IC Markets
IC Markets offers multiple options for depositing and withdrawing funds, but possible fees from banks and payment systems should be considered, along with some restrictions on withdrawal methods.
Markets and Products
| Broker | Headway | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 56 | 61 |
| Precious Metals | 3 | 7 |
| Energy Carriers | 3 | 5 |
| Indices | 32 | 25 |
| Stocks | 292 | 2175 |
| Cryptocurrency | 58 | 21 |
| Soft Commodities | - | 8 |
| ETF | - | 38 |
| Bonds | - | 10 |
Headway
Headway offers a fairly wide range of markets and instruments, especially stocks, cryptocurrencies, and Forex. However, the lineup is not fully comprehensive: the broker does not provide CFDs on soft commodities.
Pros
- Wide selection of stocks
- Many cryptocurrencies
- Synthetic instruments are available
Cons
- No CFDs on soft commodities
- Limited metals and energy instruments
IC Markets
IC Markets offers various trading instruments, including currency pairs, CFDs on metals, energy resources, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | Headway | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
Headway
Headway offers a convenient and functional set of platforms based on MT4 and MT5, complemented by web versions and its own mobile app. The selection is solid, though it lacks some niche professional alternatives.
Pros
- MetaTrader 4 and 5 are available
- Web versions are available
- There is a mobile app
Cons
- No cTrader or TradingView
IC Markets
IC Markets provides powerful and functional trading platforms suitable for various trader categories.
Analytics
| Broker | Headway | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 5/5 |
Headway
Headway's analytics are basic: an economic calendar, news, and a blog are available, but it lacks expert forecasts, signals, and additional tools for full analytical support.
Pros
- An economic calendar is available
- News and a blog are available
Cons
- Little expert analysis
- No trading signals
- No Autochartist or calculators
IC Markets
IC Markets provides its clients with an extensive set of analytical tools and materials, which can assist them in successful trading in the financial markets.
Education
| Broker | Headway | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 5/5 |
Headway
Headway's education is primarily suited to beginners: there is a basic course and a blog, but in depth and variety the section falls short of brokers with a more developed educational ecosystem.
Pros
- A beginners' course is available
- Supplemented by the blog
Cons
- Few learning formats
- No webinars or video tutorials
- Materials are basic
IC Markets
IC Markets offers a wide range of educational resources, from interactive video lessons to webinars and podcasts, demonstrating care for their clients and a commitment to providing all the necessary resources for successful trading.
Customer Support
| Broker | Headway | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Email Support |
|
|
| Hotline Phones |
|
|
| Social Media |
Instagram
Facebook
Telegram
YouTube
LinkedIn
TikTok
TwitterHeadway
Headway's customer support looks accessible and convenient: there are many contact channels and support operates 24/7, but according to reviews, service quality is not always consistent.
Pros
- Many contact channels
- Online chat available
- 24/7 support
Cons
- Mixed customer reviews
- Response quality is not always consistent
- Not all issues are resolved equally quickly
IC Markets
IC Markets provides a variety of communication channels, ensuring support service accessibility for clients. Numerous client reviews indicate the support team's quick response and high professionalism.
Pros
- Positive reviews about professional support
- Multiple channels for support communication
- Support is available 24/7
Cons
- Only international call option is available
Comparisons of Headway and IC Markets with other brokers
Conclusion
IC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while Headway trails on aggregate criteria.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 4 in our rating; Headway has 4.4/5 and ranks 20.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: Headway or IC Markets?
IC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.7/5, position 4) versus Headway (score 4.4/5, position 20).
Which broker is better for beginners: Headway or IC Markets?
IC Markets is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — Headway or IC Markets?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with Headway and IC Markets?
Headway: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. IC Markets: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, cTrader, TradingView. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with Headway and IC Markets?
Headway: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, Cryptocurrency. IC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by Headway and IC Markets?
Headway: Cent, Standard, Pro. IC Markets: Standard, Raw Spread cTrader, Raw Spread. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by Headway and IC Markets?
Headway: Online wallets, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard. IC Markets: PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, Swift, SEPA, Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, POLi, Rapidpay. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — Headway or IC Markets — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
