Broker Comparison
DEGIRO vs Interactive Brokers — 2026 Comparison
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers is the more powerful platform with global market access, professional tools, and better regulatory coverage. DEGIRO wins on simplicity and is an excellent low-cost option for European investors who mainly trade European and US stocks. For most serious traders, IBKR is the clear choice; for casual European investors wanting low fees and simplicity, DEGIRO delivers.
Interactive Brokers has the higher overall score at 9.2/10
Head-to-Head Scores
| Category | | |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | 8.0 | 9.8 |
| Trustworthiness | 7.5 | 9.7 |
| Fees | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Transparency | 7.5 | 9.5 |
| Customer Support | 6.5 | 8.0 |
| Overall Score | 7.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
Key Differences
Market Coverage
Interactive Brokers provides access to 150+ markets across 33 countries including futures, options, forex, and bonds. DEGIRO covers 50+ exchanges but focuses primarily on equities and ETFs with limited derivatives access.
Platform Sophistication
IBKR's Trader Workstation offers 100+ order types, algo trading, and professional analytics. DEGIRO's web platform is clean and functional but deliberately simple with basic charting and limited research tools.
Fee Structure
Both are low-cost, but the models differ. DEGIRO charges flat fees per trade (as low as EUR 1 for certain ETFs), while IBKR uses per-share pricing that can be cheaper for large orders but more complex to understand.
Regulation & Protection
Interactive Brokers holds licenses from SEC, FCA, ASIC, and others with $500K SIPC coverage. DEGIRO operates under BaFin and AFM regulation with EUR 20K investor compensation -- significantly less client protection.
Detailed Comparison
DEGIRO Strengths
Overall
Broker · Netherlands
BaFin / AFM Regulated
- Strong regulatory framework
- Industry-leading low fees
Interactive Brokers Strengths
Overall
Broker · United States
SEC / FCA / ASIC Regulated
- Top-tier regulatory oversight
- Industry-leading low fees
- Responsive customer support
- Excellent transparency
Score Breakdown
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose DEGIRO
7.7/10 overall score
European retail investors who want straightforward, low-cost access to European and US stock markets without the complexity of professional-grade platforms. DEGIRO is ideal for investors who trade infrequently and prioritize ease of use over advanced features.
Read full DEGIRO review →Choose Interactive Brokers
9.2/10 overall score
Global traders who need access to 150+ markets, advanced order types, API access, and the lowest margin rates available. Interactive Brokers is the right choice for those who are willing to learn a complex platform to access institutional-grade capabilities.
Read full Interactive Brokers review →Read the Full Reviews
DEGIRO Review 2026
DEGIRO is a low-cost European broker offering access to 50+ exchanges worldwide. Now part of flatexDEGIRO AG (a German-listed bank), DEGIRO provides some of the lowest fees in Europe for stock and ETF trading, though the platform is basic.
Interactive Brokers Review 2026
Interactive Brokers is one of the most respected names in online brokerage, offering institutional-grade tools, global market access across 150+ markets, and some of the lowest margin rates in the industry. Regulated by the SEC, FCA, and ASIC, it is a top choice for serious traders and investors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is DEGIRO better than Interactive Brokers?
DEGIRO scores 7.7/10 while Interactive Brokers scores 9.2/10 in our analysis. Interactive Brokers has the higher overall score, but the best choice depends on your specific needs. Interactive Brokers is the more powerful platform with global market access, professional tools, and better regulatory coverage. DEGIRO wins on simplicity and is an excellent low-cost option for European investors who mainly trade European and US stocks. For most serious traders, IBKR is the clear choice; for casual European investors wanting low fees and simplicity, DEGIRO delivers.
Which has lower fees, DEGIRO or Interactive Brokers?
DEGIRO scores 9/10 for fees while Interactive Brokers scores 9/10. Both brokers offer equally competitive fee structures. However, fee structures vary by instrument and trading volume, so we recommend comparing the specific costs for your intended use case.
Which is safer, DEGIRO or Interactive Brokers?
Both are considered safe and recommended. DEGIRO scores 8/10 for regulation and 7.5/10 for trustworthiness. Interactive Brokers scores 9.8/10 for regulation and 9.7/10 for trustworthiness. BaFin / AFM Regulated and SEC / FCA / ASIC Regulated provide meaningful investor protections.
Can I use both DEGIRO and Interactive Brokers?
Yes, many investors maintain accounts at multiple brokerages to take advantage of each platform's strengths. DEGIRO is best for european retail investors who want straightforward, low-cost access to european and us stock markets without the complexity of professional-grade platforms. Interactive Brokers is best for global traders who need access to 150+ markets, advanced order types, api access, and the lowest margin rates available. Using both can give you a well-rounded trading and investing setup.
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