A practical comparison for investors choosing between global platform depth and a simpler European brokerage workflow.
Use the fee snapshot and key differences before opening an account.
Check entity, product type and investor protection before funding.
Use winner by category and choose-if sections to avoid brand-only decisions.
Interactive Brokers is usually stronger for global market access, multi-currency portfolios, advanced tools and active investors. DEGIRO is often easier to understand for European stock and ETF investors who want a more traditional broker experience without the full complexity of IBKR.
Best for experienced investors who need global markets low costs and advanced tools.
Read full reviewBest for self-directed European stock and ETF investors who want broad exchange access and will verify country-specific costs.
Read full reviewThis is StockTrade editorial comparison data, not live market data. Use it to narrow the broker fit, then verify current fees, products and account terms with the broker before opening an account.
Global investors, larger portfolios, multi-currency accounts, advanced order tools and broad market access.
European stock and ETF investors who want a simpler exchange-based broker workflow and can manage fee details.
Interactive Brokers gives sophisticated users more control over routing, currencies and account setup.
Interactive Brokers is stronger for international exchanges, multi-asset access and advanced account control.
DEGIRO can be easier for European investors who mainly buy stocks and UCITS ETFs.
IBKR has deeper order types, platform controls, market data and professional workflows.
Interactive Brokers is stronger for international exchanges, multi-asset access and advanced account control.
DEGIRO can be easier for European investors who mainly buy stocks and UCITS ETFs.
IBKR has deeper order types, platform controls, market data and professional workflows.
DEGIRO is generally less intimidating for ordinary buy-and-hold investors.
Interactive Brokers gives sophisticated users more control over routing, currencies and account setup.
Both require checking the exact legal entity, custody setup and investor protection for your country.
Global investors, larger portfolios, multi-currency accounts, advanced order tools and broad market access.
European stock and ETF investors who want a simpler exchange-based broker workflow and can manage fee details.
9.1/10
8.3/10
Stocks / ETFs / Options / Futures / CFDs available / FX available
Stocks / ETFs / Options / Futures
Web / iOS / Android / Desktop
Web / iOS / Android
IBKR Pro US stocks and ETFs: USD 0.0005–0.0035 per share tiered or USD 0.005 fixed; eligible IBKR Lite USD 0
UK schedule: US shares EUR 1 + EUR 1 handling; LSE shares GBP 1.75 + GBP 1 handling; taxes and external costs may apply
Usually USD 0 for standard individual brokerage accounts; product and entity exceptions apply
Usually no stated general minimum; country and product rules apply
Entity-specific including Interactive Brokers LLC under SEC/CFTC and FINRA/NFA/SIPC; IBUK under FCA; IB Ireland under CBI
flatexDEGIRO Bank Dutch Branch is the Dutch branch of flatexDEGIRO Bank SE; BaFin is the primary bank supervisor, and the branch is registered with DNB and supervised by AFM and DNB
Entity and product specific; SIPC and excess SIPC figures apply only to eligible Interactive Brokers LLC securities accounts
Separate SPV custody; eligible Cash Account money under the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme up to EUR 100,000; eligible non-returned assets under the German Investor Compensation Scheme at 90% up to EUR 20,000; UK FSCS does not apply
Price the trades you will actually place. Include FX conversion, spreads, custody or platform charges, transfer-out fees and any margin or overnight funding costs before calling either broker cheaper.
Confirm whether the account gives you real stocks and ETFs, CFDs, options, cash products or another instrument. The safer-looking brand can still be the wrong choice if the product type does not match your plan.
Choose the platform that makes your intended behavior easier. If extra charts, leverage, social feeds or options prompts would push you into unnecessary trading, a simpler broker may be the better fit.
The better beginner choice depends on what would help you invest consistently without taking products you do not understand. Compare account type, real stocks and ETFs, fees, FX conversion, investor protection and platform complexity before choosing between Interactive Brokers and DEGIRO.
There is no universal cheapest broker. The real cost depends on your country, trade size, asset currency, ETF availability, inactivity rules, transfer fees and whether the instrument is a real asset or a CFD. Always compare the fee schedule for the trades you actually plan to make.
No. This comparison is editorial research to help you ask better questions. It is not personal financial advice, and broker terms can change. Check official broker documents before opening or funding an account.
Last checked: May 2026. Ratings weigh fees, regulation, investor protection, platform quality, asset access, usability and reliability. Affiliate relationships do not affect ratings.