CFD Trading Apps

Written By

James Barra

Edited By

Jemma Grist

Fact Checked By

William Berg

Updated

Jul 24, 2024

Nowadays, investors have several platform options where they can trade contracts for difference – the most versatile being CFD trading apps. With their rise in popularity, new applications are entering the market all the time, making it increasingly hard to know how to find the best of the bunch. In this review, we’ll dive into what CFD trading apps are, how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, plus how to compare them. We’ve also listed the brokers offering the best CFD trading apps in 2026 below.

Top Brokers With CFD Trading Apps

These are the 6 top apps for trading CFDs based on our findings:

Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.

This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category in 2026:

Interactive Brokers - The IBKR Mobile app, available on both iOS and Android devices, makes your phone a powerful gateway to your IBKR accounts, offering you the freedom to keep an eye on portfolios, initiate trades, and dive into real-time quotes and charts, all while managing your account activities on the fly. This app stands out for its intuitive design, making it especially welcoming for those just starting their trading journey, providing a smoother and more accessible experience than the more complex TWS platform.
Plexytrade - Rather than developing its own app, Plexytrade offers its 100+ instruments on the MT4 and MT5 mobile platforms. While MetaTrader is favored by experienced traders, the absence of a proprietary trading app results in a steep learning curve for beginners. It also means deposits, withdrawals and account management have to be completed through the Plexytrade website, leading to a less complete mobile trading experience.
Focus Markets - Focus Markets does not provide its own trading app, which is a downside for beginners. However, Apple and Android users can trade the broker's growing list of 1000+ CFDs on the MT5 mobile app with competitive trading conditions. This includes powerful charting with 21 timeframes, 4 execution types, and tight spreads from 0.0 pips in the Raw account.
InstaTrade - InstaTrade offers its own app that’s been downloaded more than 2 million times and facilitates trading on its 300+ instruments from your palm. Fast, responsive and sporting a modern interface, it supports real-time quotes, an array of orders, and analytical tools. However, what stood out during testing was the ‘hot’ ideas and trading signals, helping investors find opportunities.
Exness - Exness Trade offers the complete mobile trading experience, delivering the broker's fast execution speeds, hundreds of tradable CFDs and user-friendly, TradingView-powered charts right from your palm. Downloaded more than 10 million times, it's an excellent option for active traders looking to manage their accounts and capitalize on market opportunities on the move.
IC Markets - IC Markets deliver mobile apps for their cTrader, MT4, MT5 and TradingView platforms. They have been developed on Android and iOS separately, taking full advantage of the functionality available on each. With raw pricing, and spreads from 0.0, the apps deliver an excellent trading tool for all levels of trader. Yet what really stands out is how they've managed to maintain the lightning-fast execution speed IC Markets is known for, right within the apps. It's a seamless trading experience that feels both professional and highly responsive.

CFD Trading Apps Comparison

CFD Trading Apps Comparison
Broker	iOS Rating	Android Rating	Minimum Deposit	Markets	Leverage	Regulators
Interactive Brokers	4.3 / 5	4.5 / 5	$0	Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies	1:50	FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
Plexytrade	4.8 / 5	4.7 / 5	$50	CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto	1:2000	-
Focus Markets	4.8 / 5	4.8 / 5	$100	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto	1:500	ASIC, SVGFSA
InstaTrade	4.8 / 5	4.4 / 5	$1	FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures	1:1000	BVI FSC
Exness	4.4 / 5	4.8 / 5	Varies based on the payment system	CFDs on Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto	1:Unlimited	FCA, FSCA, CMA, FSA, CBCS, BVIFSC, FSC, JSC
IC Markets	3.1 / 5	4.2 / 5	$200	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto	1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)	ASIC, CySEC, CMA, FSA

Interactive Brokers

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."
Christian Harris, Reviewer

Interactive Brokers Quick Facts

FTSE Spread	0.005% (£1 Min)
GBPUSD Spread	0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
Stocks Spread	0.003
Leverage	1:50
Regulator	FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
Platforms	Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower
Mobile Apps	iOS & Android
iOS App Rating	4.3 / 5
Android App Rating	4.5 / 5
Demo Account	Yes
Instruments	Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
Minimum Deposit	$0
Account Currencies	USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Pros

There's a vast library of free or paid third-party research subscriptions catering to all types of traders, plus you can enjoy commission reimbursements from IBKR if you subscribe to Toggle AI.
The new IBKR Desktop platform takes the best of TWS while adding bespoke tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to create a genuinely impressive trading experience for day traders at every level.
Interactive Brokers has launched ForecastTrader, a unique, zero-commission product where users can trade yes/no Forecast Contracts on political, economic, and climate events, with fixed $1 payouts per contract, 24/6 market access, and 3.83% APY on held positions.

Cons

IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.

Visit Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers Review

Plexytrade

"Plexytrade is a newcomer in the brokerage scene with attention-grabbing features like 1:2000 leverage, zero spreads on select instruments and fast execution speeds of less than 46 milliseconds. However, the absence of regulation is a significant concern, while the non-existent research and educational tools place it far behind industry frontrunners."
Christian Harris, Reviewer

Plexytrade Quick Facts

FTSE Spread	0.8
GBPUSD Spread	0.8
Stocks Spread	5
Leverage	1:2000
Platforms	MT4, MT5
Mobile Apps	iOS & Android
iOS App Rating	4.8 / 5
Android App Rating	4.7 / 5
Demo Account	Yes
Instruments	CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto
Minimum Deposit	$50
Account Currencies	USD, EUR

Pros

US residents are accepted as clients, distinguishing Plexytrade as one of the rare offshore brokers that cater to US-based traders.
Plexytrade offers among the highest leverage we’ve seen, up to 1:2000, catering to advanced traders willing to forego regulatory protections.
There are various VPS packages starting from $50 per month, but they become complimentary once specific deposit thresholds are reached.

Cons

There are no social or copy trading features for inexperienced traders to replicate the trades of more experienced investors, trailing category leaders like eToro.
Deposits and withdrawals are exclusively facilitated through cryptocurrencies, as Plexytrade does not support bank cards, bank wire transfers, or e-wallets.
With around 100 instruments, Plexytrade restricts the flexibility of investors who prefer to trade across various assets, especially compared to Blackbull with its 26,000 securities.

Visit Plexytrade

Plexytrade Review

Focus Markets

"Focus Markets is perfect for experienced traders familiar with MetaTrader 5, offering flexible crypto transactions (USDT and BTC) and access to over 90 cryptocurrencies for seamless speculation, deposits, and withdrawals."
Christian Harris, Reviewer

Focus Markets Quick Facts

FTSE Spread	1.2
GBPUSD Spread	0.0
Stocks Spread	Variable
Leverage	1:500
Regulator	ASIC, SVGFSA
Platforms	MT5
Mobile Apps	iOS & Android
iOS App Rating	4.8 / 5
Android App Rating	4.8 / 5
Demo Account	Yes
Instruments	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Minimum Deposit	$100
Account Currencies	USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, SGD

Pros

Focus Markets is regulated by ASIC – one of the most respected regulatory bodies in the financial industry with robust safeguards like negative balance protection, ensuring you can’t lose more than your balance in volatile markets.
Focus Markets’ MT5 platform delivered fast, seamless trade execution during testing with advanced charting, multiple timeframes, and useful tools like Depth of Market (DOM). Its clean interface made navigation easy, while clear risk/reward ratios ensures precise trading.
While its meagre four commodities won’t meet the needs of some serious traders interested in softs and metals, Focus Markets offers a huge suite of 90+ cryptos, providing short-term opportunities on high-reward, high-risk assets.

Cons

Focus Markets’ 24/5 support lacks direct phone help and unresponsive live chat, while email replies took a full business day during our latest tests. This slow support is a major drawback for active traders who need quick resolutions.
Focus Markets still has a long way to go to compete with the best brokers - with virtually zero research tools and education, plus limited value-add features like VPS hosting, copy trading and swap-free accounts.
Regulatory protection is a location lottery at Focus Markets – Australian traders benefit from strong ASIC oversight, but those using the SVGFSA-registered entity face limited recourse options in disputes.

Visit Focus Markets

Focus Markets Review

InstaTrade

"Although InstaTrade offers active trading on a comprehensive platform, it stands out with its fairly unique Fixed Income Structured Product (FISP), providing passive investment opportunities with up to 50% returns in 6 months if conditions are met. "
Christian Harris, Reviewer

InstaTrade Quick Facts

FTSE Spread	660
GBPUSD Spread	0.2
Stocks Spread	8 (Apple Inc)
Leverage	1:1000
Regulator	BVI FSC
Platforms	InstaTrade Gear, MT4
Mobile Apps	iOS & Android
iOS App Rating	4.8 / 5
Android App Rating	4.4 / 5
Demo Account	Yes
Instruments	FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures
Minimum Deposit	$1
Account Currencies	USD, EUR, RUB

Pros

InstaTrade TV, consisting of video interviews and valuable market insights spanning equities, cryptos and more, helps identify opportunities and inform short-term trades.
VPS hosting caters to algo trading strategies with a dedicated physical server providing rapid execution speeds as low as 9 milliseconds.
Despite an average investment offering of around 300 assets, InstaTrade offers a particularly strong suite of currency pairs, catering to advanced traders seeking opportunities in volatile exotics.

Cons

Marketing of the FISP, especially phrasing around the “guarantee of profitability” and the “elimination of risks of trading on financial markets” raises concerns.
InstaTrade’s growing educational tools provide valuable information for aspiring traders, but still trail category leaders like eToro with no structured course based on experience level.
InstaTrade sports one of the most cluttered websites and client cabinets in the industry, potentially overwhelming new traders, especially compared to XTB’s intuitive trading journey and resources.

Visit InstaTrade

InstaTrade Review

Exness

"After slashing its spreads, improving its execution speeds and support trading on over 100 currency pairs with more than 40 account currencies to choose from, Exness is a fantastic option for active forex traders looking to minimize trading costs."
Christian Harris, Reviewer

Exness Quick Facts

FTSE Spread	15.2
GBPUSD Spread	0.0
Stocks Spread	0.5 (Apple Inc.)
Leverage	1:Unlimited
Regulator	FCA, FSCA, CMA, FSA, CBCS, BVIFSC, FSC, JSC
Platforms	Exness Trade App, Exness Terminal, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
Mobile Apps	iOS & Android
iOS App Rating	4.4 / 5
Android App Rating	4.8 / 5
Demo Account	Yes
Instruments	CFDs on Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Minimum Deposit	Varies based on the payment system
Account Currencies	USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR, KRW, MXN, KES, CNY

Pros

Improved execution speeds, now averaging under 25ms, offer optimal conditions for short-term traders.
Excellent range of account types for all experience levels, including Cent, Pro plus the introduction of Raw Spread, ideal for day traders.
Highly competitive spreads, reduced for USOIL and BTCUSD in 2024, are available from 0 pips with low commissions from $2 per side.

Cons

Apart from a mediocre blog, educational resources are woeful, especially compared to category leaders like IG which provide a more complete trading journey for newer traders.
Exness has expanded its range of CFDs and added a copy trading feature, but there are still no real assets such as ETFs, cryptocurrencies or bonds
Retail trading services are unavailable in certain jurisdictions, such as the US, UK and EU, limiting accessibility compared to top-tier brokers like Interactive Brokers.

Visit Exness

Exness Review

IC Markets

"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders."
Christian Harris, Reviewer

IC Markets Quick Facts

FTSE Spread	1.0
GBPUSD Spread	0.23
Stocks Spread	0.02
Leverage	1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
Regulator	ASIC, CySEC, CMA, FSA
Platforms	MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower
Mobile Apps	iOS & Android
iOS App Rating	3.1 / 5
Android App Rating	4.2 / 5
Demo Account	Yes
Instruments	CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
Minimum Deposit	$200
Account Currencies	USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

IC Markets secured DayTrading.com's 'Best MT4/MT5 Broker' in 2025 for its seamless, industry-leading MetaTrader integration, refined over years to maximize the platform experience.
IC Markets offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.

Cons

The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.

Visit IC Markets

IC Markets Review

What Is A CFD Trading App?

To start trading CFDs, you will need to use platform software provided by a broker. This can be accessed via desktop, web platform or mobile app. However, CFD trading using an application allows you to execute trades through a mobile device, such as a tablet or smartphone. CFD mobile trading has revolutionised traditional methods of investing, offering greater control on the go instead of being bound to your desktop.

The best CFD trading applications should offer the same tools, charts, services and markets with the same functionality as the web platform. However, this is not always the case as we will cover later.

How Do CFD Trading Apps Work?

CFD trading apps allow you to trade your chosen instruments with a mobile device wherever and whenever you want. Whether you’re investing from the UK, US or Australia, CFD trading apps offer global access to markets from one mobile trading platform. Your account usually accessed on your desktop should mirror the positions on your mobile app, making for seamless trading wherever you go.

The application will have the same interface as the desktop platform with mobile-optimized charting and technical analysis tools that are specifically designed for Android and iOS operating systems.

To start using a CFD trading app, you’ll need to download it through the app store of your choice. Once you’ve created a CFD trading account, you can explore the markets available and open long or short positions. Plus, you can set up trading alerts to receive in-app push notifications for instant updates on your trades and instruments. CFD trading app notifications allow you to monitor open positions on the platform and close them directly on the application.

Pros Of CFD Trading Apps

Flexibility: The key benefit of CFD trading apps is the ability to trade on the go. Modern traders do not have to tie themselves to multiple trading screens for long hours. Instead, they have access to a powerful platform within the reach of their pocket.
Instant Notifications: The best CFD trading apps have a wide range of notifications options, such as trading and price alerts. In this way, you’re able to keep up-to-date with trades instantly without waiting to hop on a web trading platform. CFD mobile traders have the option of setting up push, SMS or email notifications so you never miss a key event, order notification or price alert.
Ubiquitous: CFD trading apps are becoming much more commonplace as platforms prioritise having mobile solutions. Nowadays, most regulated brokers offer CFD trading apps, so traders don’t have to restrict their options or compromise.
Improved Technology: Top brokers are constantly developing and enhancing their CFD trading app software to match the tools and charts on the web-based platform. Therefore, the gap between the CFD mobile trading experience and desktop platform is narrowing.
Full Functionality: CFD trading apps provide access to all the features you need to open, monitor and close your positions at any time and anywhere. Additionally, the best applications provide flexible access to thousands of global markets with fast execution.

Cons Of CFD Trading Apps

Restrictions: Not all CFD trading apps will have equal access to markets compared to what is offered on desktop trading software. The restricted access can prevent the execution of a trader’s strategy and access to their full product portfolio.
Connectivity Issues: Mobile connectivity can still be an issue in remote areas, making it difficult to access a mobile app-based CFD trading platform. Connection issues can cause a delay on a live data feed and potentially disrupt traders from placing an order whilst on the go. When the speed of execution is key, a delay in information can make or break trades.
Limited Screen Size: Typically, web CFD trading software provides data that can be hard to view on a smaller screen. Therefore, traders may find the small screen size a big drawback of CFD trading apps.

How To Compare CFD Trading Apps

When it comes to choosing the best CFD trading apps, there are several factors to consider:

Compatibility

Before you open an account with a CFD trading app, you want to make sure their mobile platform is compatible with your tablet or smartphone. Check whether the application is suitable for an iOS or Android operating system and available for download on the App Store or Google Play Store.

Features

Each CFD trading app has unique features that will suit your personal trading style. Some may require a watchlist or specific order types, while some may need trading alerts or one-click execution. In particular, scalpers may want a selection of charts with up to one-minute timeframes.

Fees

Traders should always consider the transactions costs of a CFD trading app. However, these are likely to be the same as you’d get on a desktop. Regardless of the platform, brokers will usually charge interest for long positions held overnight on CFDs. Commission charges will be a percentage of a trade size e.g. 0.3% or as a minimum charge, like $7. However, some CFD trading apps provide commission-free trading depending on the broker you select.

Market Access

Do you wish to trade CFDs in indices, shares, commodities or forex? Do you want access to the global markets? Some CFD trading apps restrict access to some assets or currency pairs, which you’ll have to consider before opening an account. The best CFD trading apps in the UK, Germany and Australia, such as IG and CMC Markets offer global market access.

Reliability

CFD trading apps need to be dependable, especially when your live funds are on the line. These factors can make or break your profitability. Can you execute instant orders with up to date and live price quotes? You’ll want to ensure that the pricing structure is transparent with no hidden fees. While you don’t need to choose a regulated CFD trading app to enter the market, a licensed provider authenticates the application’s legitimacy.

Security

The best CFD trading apps should take additional steps to ensure account security. Some key features to note are two-factor authentication, SSL encryption and segregated bank accounts. Additionally, regulated CFD trading applications provide an additional layer of compensation should the provider go bankrupt.

Deposit & Withdrawals

Not all deposit & withdrawal times are the same across CFD trading apps. Some brokers will allow instant deposits to your account, meaning you can begin trading right away. However, longer deposit times are common, making same-day trading difficult. Consider, does the CFD trading app provide a wide range of payment methods or your most preferred payment option?

Customer Support

Sometimes, you may encounter issues with the CFD trading app that need to be resolved with urgency. Therefore, it’s vital that you opt for a reliable and responsive customer support team. Nowadays, the best CFD trading apps offer in-app 24/7 support in multiple languages.

Education

Whether you’re a new CFD trader or an experienced professional, CFD trading apps usually offer educational resources. As a leveraged instrument, trading CFDs are highly risky. Therefore, careful risk management should be embedded into your strategy. Make use of stop-losses and buy limit orders so that you don’t run the risk of losing more than you can afford.

Final Word

In this article, we covered how to compare CFD trading apps for iOS and Android and discussed how the flexibility that comes with mobile applications can benefit your strategy. However, traders must also consider the limitations of mobile trading, in particular, connectivity issues and screen size. Whether you’re trading in the US, UK or Australia, choosing the best CFD trading apps can be overwhelming with the wide range of options. Nonetheless, the level of innovation among the best CFD trading apps means that prioritising your investing needs can come first.

FAQs

How Do I Get Started Trading CFDs?

To start trading CFDs, you will need to open an account with an online broker. Brokers facilitate access to the market through CFD trading software. This is provided through web-based, desktop or mobile platforms. You will then need to fund your trading account. CFD trading apps allow you to manage and execute your trades on the go. Plus, you can test out a CFD trading app with a free demo account.

How Do I Find The Best CFD Trading Apps?

Choosing the best CFD trading apps for you will depend on several factors, such as your trading style, skill level and even your country. Therefore, you should consider your priorities during your research. Perhaps commission-free trading is important to you, or an application with a wide range of tools for technical analysis. Some of the best CFD trading apps to download in the UK and Australia from regulated brokers include CMC Markets, IG and eToro.

What Is The Difference Between Web-based CFD Trading Software And CFD Trading Apps?

The main difference between web-based CFD trading software and a mobile application is that you can trade on the go without being tied to your desktop. However, some brokers allow differences in instruments on CFD trading apps vs desktop platforms. Another key difference is the limitation of screen size when comparing a mobile device and desktop. This can make technical analysis difficult for traders that love to dive into the data. Fees, deposit and withdrawal methods should remain the same between platforms, but it is worth noting any differences on the broker’s website.

How Do I Test CFD Trading Apps?

Most CFD trading apps offer a free demo account to test out their platform in a simulated environment with virtual funds. Generally, you will only be asked to input a few simple details, such as your name and email to get started.

Does Barclays Offer A CFD Trading App?

Barclays offers a trading app for novice and experienced investors called Smart Investor, which can be accessed through their mobile banking app. Here, you can invest in thousands of instruments, including derivatives like CFDs.