Robinhood VS Interactive Brokers
Detailed side-by-side analysis on 40+ criteria. Data updated 2026.
Interactive Brokers 👑
In this 2-way comparison between Robinhood and Interactive Brokers, Interactive Brokers emerges as our top recommendation with an overall rating of 4.7/5.
Regulation Excellence: Interactive Brokers holds a Tier-1 SEC license, providing the highest level of investor protection including segregated client funds and compensation schemes.
Spread Comparison: While Robinhood offers the lowest spreads (0 pips), Interactive Brokers's 0.2 pips combined with superior overall features make it our top pick.
Best Broker For:
- Beginners: Robinhood (only $0 minimum)
- Low Spreads: Robinhood (0 pips EUR/USD)
- Trust & Safety: Interactive Brokers (99% trust score)
- Overall Winner: Interactive Brokers (4.7/5 rating)
| 40+ Criteria |
Robinhood |
🏆 Winner
Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Overview & Ratings | ||
| Overall Rating | 🏆 Best | |
| Trust Score |
85%
|
99%
|
| Founded | 2013 | 1978 |
| Regulation & Safety | ||
| Primary Regulator | SEC Tier 1 | SEC Tier 1 |
| Segregated Accounts | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Negative Balance Protection | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Publicly Traded | ✔ HOOD | ✔ IBKR |
| Trading Conditions | ||
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips | 0.2 pips 💰 Lowest |
| Spread Type | Zero | Variable |
| Commission | $0 (spread only) | $2.0/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:1 | 1:50 |
| Account Conditions | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 💎 Lowest | $0 💎 Lowest |
| Demo Account | ✗ No | ✔ Unlimited |
| Islamic Account | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Trading Platforms | ||
| MetaTrader 4 | ✔ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 | ✔ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✔ |
| Copy Trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Mobile App | Web only | ✔ iOS/Android |
| Instruments | ||
| Total Instruments | 5000+ | 1000000+ 📈 Most |
| Forex Pairs | — | 100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 20 | 45 |
| Stocks/CFDs | 4500 | 90000 |
| Education & Support | ||
| Educational Content | Limited | Limited |
| Webinars | ✗ | ✗ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Robinhood or Interactive Brokers?
Based on our comprehensive analysis, Interactive Brokers scores higher overall with a 4.7/5 rating. It's regulated by SEC, a Tier-1 authority ensuring maximum fund protection. However, the best choice depends on your trading priorities:
- For lowest spreads: Robinhood (0 pips)
- For lowest deposit: Robinhood ($0)
- For maximum trust: Interactive Brokers (99% trust score)
What are the main differences between these brokers?
Key differences in this comparison:
- Robinhood: SEC, spreads from ? pips, $0 min deposit, MT5 available
- Interactive Brokers: SEC, spreads from 0.2 pips, $0 min deposit
Which broker is best for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend Robinhood due to its low $0 minimum deposit.
Are these brokers safe and regulated?
Here's the regulatory status for each broker:
- Robinhood: SEC (Tier-1, highest protection)
- Interactive Brokers: SEC (Tier-1, highest protection)
We recommend choosing Tier-1 regulated brokers (FCA, ASIC, SEC, FINMA) for maximum fund protection.
