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.
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.
Top-Rated CFD Trading Apps
These are the 6 top apps for trading CFDs based on our findings:
-
- FTSE Spread: 1.4
- GBPUSD Spread: 0.8
- Stocks Spread: 1.79 (Apple)
-
- FTSE Spread: 0.5
- GBPUSD Spread: 1.5
- Stocks Spread: 0.13
-
- FTSE Spread: 1.0
- GBPUSD Spread: 0.23
- Stocks Spread: 0.02
-
- FTSE Spread: 1.64
- GBPUSD Spread: 1.9 average
- Stocks Spread: Variable
-
- FTSE Spread: 2.0
- GBPUSD Spread: 1.3
- Stocks Spread: 1.28 (Apple)
81% of retail CFD accounts lose money. -
- FTSE Spread: Variable
- GBPUSD Spread: Variable
- Stocks Spread: Variable
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- XM 4.8/5 XM offer a mobile app for both Android and iOS that has been specifically tailored to each platform, maximizing the functionality of both. The app delivers the MT4 and MT5 software on the move, with full access to the broker’s 1,400+ instruments. Where they shine is their dependability with minimal glitches and delays during testing. The built-in news, trading journal and push notifications also ensure you have everything you need to day trade from your hand.
- AvaTrade 4.9/5 AvaTradeGO consistently impresses with its comprehensive mobile trading experience, boasting an interface that's not just easy to use, but genuinely intuitive. Navigating the app is a breeze, ensuring fast access to hundreds of markets, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, ETFs, and bonds. However, what sets AvaTradeGO apart is its AvaProtect™ feature, offering an unmatched level of risk protection that's rare to find elsewhere.
- IC 4.8/5 IC 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 (now just IC) is known for, right within the apps. It's a seamless trading experience that feels both professional and highly responsive.
- FP Markets 4.2/5 FP Markets does not provide a proprietary web-based or mobile app, a downside for beginners. However, there are the mobile versions of MT4/MT5, cTrader, and TradingView that offer real-time quotes, advanced charting tools, account management features, and order execution. Australian clients are also exclusively offered access to the Iress mobile platform, which delivers sophisticated features including analytics, module linking, and multiple portfolio management.
- Plus500 4.1/5 Plus500 have developed their mobile apps to match the WebTrader online platform . Secure and reliable, the app is among the best out there. Stop loss and limits are available, free alerts and a full range of markets and instruments are available. Visit the download page here.
- Bullwaves 3.9/5 Bullwaves licenses the MT5 platform, which is accessible on iOS and Android devices. Yet while MetaTrader is popular among experienced traders, the lack of a proprietary app is a drawback for novices, as dedicated apps often feature simplified interfaces and a gentler learning curve.
Best CFD Trading Apps 2026 Comparison
| Broker | iOS Rating | Android Rating | Minimum Deposit | Markets | Leverage | Regulators |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | $5 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies | 1:1000 | CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, SCA, FSA, FSC-Belize, FSC-Mauritius, CMA-Kenya, CMA-UAE | ||
| AvaTrade | $100 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, JFSA, BVI, FSRA/ADGM, AFM, CMA-Kenya, CIRO (via Friedberg Direct) | ||
| IC | $200 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto | 1:5000 | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB, CMA-Kenya | ||
| FP Markets | $0 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, ETFs, Crypto | 1:30 (UK), 1:500 (Global) | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSCA, FSC, SCB, CMA-Kenya | ||
| Plus500 | $100 | CFDs on Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Options, Crypto | ✔Yes | FCA, CySEC, EFSA, ASIC, FMA, FSCA, MAS, ISA, FSA, DFSA, SCA, JFSA, SCB, CIRO, BAPPEBTI, OJK, BI | ||
| Bullwaves | $100 | CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Crypto | 1:500 | FSA |
Community Sentiment
See how users rate these brokers based on the average customer ratings submitted on DayTrading.com, plus ratings from Trustpilot, the Apple App Store and Google Play.
| Broker | Our Users' Rating | Trustpilot Score | Trustpilot Reviews | iOS App Rating | Android App Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | 3132 | ||||
| AvaTrade | 13603 | ||||
| IC | 2 | ||||
| FP Markets | 10359 | ||||
| Plus500 | 20118 | ||||
| Bullwaves | 676 |
XM
With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders, even earning our ‘Best MT4/MT5 Broker’ award in recent years.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
XM quick facts
- FTSE Spread
- 1.4
- GBPUSD Spread
- 0.8
- Stocks Spread
- 1.79 (Apple)
- Leverage
- 1:1000
- Regulator
- CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, SCA, FSA, FSC-Belize, FSC-Mauritius, CMA-Kenya, CMA-UAE
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- Mobile Apps
- iOS, Android & Windows
- iOS App Rating
- / 5
- Android App Rating
- / 5
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
- Minimum Deposit
- $5
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, ZAR
Pros
- XM’s growing roster of 1,400+ instruments provides diverse short-term trading opportunities, with unique turbo stocks, fractional shares, and more recently thematic indices.
- XM’s Zero account is ideal for day trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, 99.35% of orders executed in <1 second, and no requotes or rejections.
- XM has rolled out platform upgrades with integrated TradingView charts and an XM AI assistant, delivering faster execution, smarter analysis, and a sleeker, more intuitive trading experience.
Cons
- XM is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader, which is favored over MetaTrader by some serious traders for its smoother user experience and superior charting package.
- While the XM app stands out for its usability and exclusive copy trading products, the selection of technical analysis tools needs to be improved to meet the needs of advanced traders.
- XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
AvaTrade
AvaTrade offers active traders everything they need: an intuitive WebTrader, powerful AvaProtect risk management, a smooth 5-minute sign-up process, and dependable support you can rely on in fast-moving markets.
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
AvaTrade quick facts
- FTSE Spread
- 0.5
- GBPUSD Spread
- 1.5
- Stocks Spread
- 0.13
- Leverage
- 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
- Regulator
- ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, JFSA, BVI, FSRA/ADGM, AFM, CMA-Kenya, CIRO (via Friedberg Direct)
- Platforms
- WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
- Mobile Apps
- iOS & Android
- iOS App Rating
- / 5
- Android App Rating
- / 5
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
- Minimum Deposit
- $100
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, ZAR
Pros
- The WebTrader excelled in our hands-on tests, sporting a user-friendly interface for beginners, complete with robust charting tools like 6 chart layouts and 60+ technical indicators.
- Support at AvaTrade performed excellently during testing, with response times of 3 minutes and localized support in major trading jurisdictions, including the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
- Years on, AvaTrade remains one of the few brokers offering a bespoke risk management tool, AvaProtect, that insures losses up to $1M for a fee and is easy to activate on the platform.
Cons
- AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but work is still needed in terms of customizability – frustratingly widgets like market watch and watchlists can’t be hidden, moved, or resized.
- While signing up is a breeze, AvaTrade lacks an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides the raw spreads and ultra-fast execution many day traders are looking for.
- The AvaSocial app is good but not great – the look and feel, plus the navigation between finding strategy providers and account management needs upgrading to rival category leaders like eToro.
IC
IC (formerly 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 quick facts
- FTSE Spread
- 1.0
- GBPUSD Spread
- 0.23
- Stocks Spread
- 0.02
- Leverage
- 1:5000
- Regulator
- ASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB, CMA-Kenya
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower
- Mobile Apps
- iOS & Android
- iOS App Rating
- / 5
- Android App Rating
- / 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 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 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 offers fast and dependable 24/7 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
Cons
- Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
- There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
- While IC offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
FP Markets
FP Markets strikes an ideal balance between affordability and quality for active traders. They’ve managed to keep trading costs low while expanding their investment offering, charting tools, and research features, all while providing excellent support you can rely on for urgent trading queries.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
FP Markets quick facts
- FTSE Spread
- 1.64
- GBPUSD Spread
- 1.9 average
- Stocks Spread
- Variable
- Leverage
- 1:30 (UK), 1:500 (Global)
- Regulator
- ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSCA, FSC, SCB, CMA-Kenya
- Platforms
- Iress, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
- Mobile Apps
- iOS & Android
- iOS App Rating
- / 5
- Android App Rating
- / 5
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, ETFs, Crypto
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
Pros
- FP Markets delivers fast and dependable support, available 24/5 with average response times of less than 1 minute during testing.
- FP Markets has a seamless onboarding experience, standing out with crypto deposits and over 10 base currencies, catering to global traders.
- AI-powered sentiment analysis, trading signals and real-time NewsIQ research, integrated with MT4 and MT5, has been added via FP Markets Intelligence.
Cons
- Although Traders Hub provides rich research, notably the Daily Report, Technical Report, Market Insights, and Fundamental Analysis, it needs to widen its daily content variety and keep its forex news updated to match category leaders like IG.
- FP Markets trails the best MetaTrader brokers, despite offering a Trader's Toolbox on MT4, just 130 instruments are available, limiting opportunities for serious traders, especially compared to Pepperstone with its 1,300 assets.
- FP Markets’ Iress platform is only available to clients in Australia. It also primarily emphasizes stock trading over forex trading, and data fees can accumulate rapidly unless you're an active trader or maintain a high-balance account.
Plus500
Plus500 offers a super-clean experience for traders with a CFD trading platform that sports a modern design and dynamic charting. That said, the broker’s research tools are limited, fees trail the cheapest brokers, and there’s room for enhancement in its educational resources.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Plus500 quick facts
- FTSE Spread
- 2.0
- GBPUSD Spread
- 1.3
- Stocks Spread
- 1.28 (Apple)
- Leverage
- ✔Yes
- Regulator
- FCA, CySEC, EFSA, ASIC, FMA, FSCA, MAS, ISA, FSA, DFSA, SCA, JFSA, SCB, CIRO, BAPPEBTI, OJK, BI
- Platforms
- WebTrader, App
- Mobile Apps
- iOS, Android & Windows
- iOS App Rating
- / 5
- Android App Rating
- / 5
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs on Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Options, Crypto
- Minimum Deposit
- $100
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, CZK
Pros
- The broker offers low commission trading on a diverse range of markets, minimizing additional fees while appealing to established traders
- The customer support team continue to provide reliable 24/7 support via email, live chat and WhatsApp
- AI Bites has been added, giving active traders real-time, AI-generated market summaries, technical analysis, and social sentiment next to charts, aiding in short-term trading decisions
Cons
- The absence of social trading means users can’t follow and replicate the trades of experienced traders
- Algo trading and scalping are not supported, which may deter some day traders
- Plus500’s lack of support for MetaTrader or cTrader charting tools might be a deal breaker for advanced day traders looking for familiarity
Bullwaves
Bullwaves may appeal to aspiring day traders looking for the MetaTrader charting platforms with a growing suite of research tools, including AI-powered market analysis. However, the limited track record and weak regulatory credentials raise questions about its reliability.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Bullwaves quick facts
- FTSE Spread
- Variable
- GBPUSD Spread
- Variable
- Stocks Spread
- Variable
- Leverage
- 1:500
- Regulator
- FSA
- Platforms
- MT5
- Mobile Apps
- iOS & Android
- iOS App Rating
- / 5
- Android App Rating
- / 5
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Crypto
- Minimum Deposit
- $100
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP
Pros
- MT5 is supported (MT4 has been discontinued), giving day traders a leading charting platform with excellent backtesting capabilities.
- Bullwaves now offers copy trading, allowing users to replicate the moves of traders across 900+ strategies with thin spreads from 0.01 pips.
- USDT deposits and withdrawals are facilitated, in addition to regular bank cards, bank wire transfers, and an e-wallet.
Cons
- Customer support performed poorly during our initial tests with no 24/7 chat support as advertised, and no response to our email queries, though it performed much better in our latest round of tests with most queries getting answers same-day.
- Day traders and scalpers will likely prefer the VIP or ECN accounts, but these require significantly higher starting deposits ($3,000 and $5,000) compared to many brokers offering similar trading conditions with lower entry barriers.
- Bullwaves operates without strong regulation in major jurisdictions, holding a license with one lower tier regulator, the Seychelles FSA, meaning it lacks oversight from reputable authorities to ensure compliance with strict financial standards.
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, however it does not offer CFDs.