Comparison of Robinhood vs ActivTrades [ 2024 ]

The best brokers to invest in cryptocurrencies compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is theRobinhood vs ActivTrades comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Robinhood

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

ActivTrades

Main points

Fees

Low 4,7/5

Regulated

SEC, FINRA

Demo account

Low 3,8/5

Fees

FCA, CySEC

Regulated

Yes

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Passive income

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

4.1 – Robinhood offers commission-free trading, which is excellent for beginners. However, the inability to transfer cryptocurrencies off the platform and limited cryptocurrency options can be limiting .

3.8 – ActivTrades offers competitive spreads on crypto CFDs and no deposit or withdrawal fees for most methods. However, the commissions and overnight fees can add up .

Level

Low 4,7/5

Low 3,8/5

Brief explanation

Robinhood Crypto does not charge any commission fees for trading cryptocurrencies on its platform. Users can buy and sell 15 different cryptocurrencies without incurring additional costs, making it an attractive option for those looking to trade without worrying about hidden fees. However, while Robinhood does not impose direct trading fees, it passes on network fees from crypto miners and validators to users when processing blockchain transactions. Additionally, Robinhood makes money through payment for order flow (PFOF), which involves selling user order information to market makers and may not always result in the best execution prices for trades. In summary, Robinhood Crypto offers commission-free trading, but users should be aware of network fees and the potential implications of PFOF on trade execution prices .

ActivTrades charges competitive spreads on its cryptocurrency CFD trades, making it an attractive option for those looking to trade without high transaction costs. The platform’s spread is the primary cost, which varies depending on the cryptocurrency being traded. Additionally, ActivTrades imposes an overnight financing fee for positions held beyond a day, a standard practice among CFD brokers. The spread and overnight fees are key factors for traders to consider, as they can impact profitability, especially for long-term positions. The platform does not charge any deposit fees for most methods, although there are specific charges for credit/debit card deposits outside the UK and EEA. Withdrawal fees are also minimal, with free withdrawals via most methods except for some bank transfers, particularly in non-EEA regions. It’s important to note the £10 monthly inactivity fee for accounts that are dormant for over a year, which can add up if the account is not actively used .

Robinhood

Year founded: Robinhood was founded in 2013, which provides a decade-long track record in the financial services industry.
Number of users: The platform boasts over 22 million users, reflecting its popularity and trust among investors.
Security methods: Robinhood employs industry-standard security measures, including two-factor authentication (2FA) and encryption, to protect user data and funds.
Regulation: Robinhood is regulated by top-tier authorities such as the SEC and FINRA, ensuring compliance with stringent financial regulations.
Reputation and Reviews: The platform has received generally positive reviews for its ease of use and innovative commission-free trading model, though it has faced some criticism regarding customer service.

ActivTrades

Regulatory Oversight: ActivTrades is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, including the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) in Luxembourg, and the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB). This extensive regulation ensures a high level of oversight and compliance with international financial standards.
Robust Security Measures: ActivTrades employs state-of-the-art security measures, including advanced encryption technologies and two-factor authentication (2FA). These measures ensure that client data and funds are kept secure from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Negative Balance Protection: The broker offers negative balance protection, which means that clients cannot lose more than their account balance. This feature is crucial for protecting traders from extreme market volatility and unexpected losses.
Transparency and Longevity: Founded in 2001, ActivTrades has over two decades of experience in the financial industry. The broker’s long track record and the numerous awards it has received are testaments to its reliability and commitment to maintaining high standards.
Insurance Coverage: ActivTrades provides additional insurance protection through Lloyd’s of London at no extra cost to clients. This insurance offers up to £1 million coverage per client, enhancing the safety net for traders beyond the standard regulatory protections.

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Product selection

Native token

Robinhood does not have a native token.

ActivTrades does not have a native token.

Earns

Robinhood does not offer staking or other earning options for cryptocurrencies. The platform is geared towards trading a select few cryptocurrencies .

ActivTrades does not offer options to earn with cryptocurrencies through staking or similar programs .

NFT marketplace

Robinhood does not have an NFT marketplace.

ActivTrades does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

Robinhood provides a debit card that can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted .

ActivTrades does not offer a card for its clients .

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes, Robinhood accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

Yes, ActivTrades accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

Mastercard

No, Robinhood does not accept Mastercard for deposits.

Yes, ActivTrades accepts Mastercard for deposits.

Wire transfer

Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .

Card

No, Robinhood does not accept credit/debit cards for deposits, but it offers a debit card for use .

Yes, ActivTrades accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

Robinhood	Features	ActivTrades
Robinhood Crypto allows users to start trading with as little as $1, making it highly accessible to beginners and those with limited capital.	Minimum Trade	Minimum trade size is flexible, starting from 0.01 lots, making it accessible for all traders.
The platform is known for its commission-free trading, which means users can trade cryptocurrencies without incurring additional costs, making it very cost-effective.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Competitive spreads but high inactivity fees after a year of no trading.
While the platform supports 15 cryptocurrencies, this number is relatively low compared to other exchanges that offer a broader range of digital assets.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Offers a decent selection of major and minor crypto CFDs, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Robinhood does not support direct trading between different cryptocurrencies, limiting trading flexibility.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Limited pairs available; focus mainly on major cryptocurrencies.
The website is user-friendly and provides clear information, but it could benefit from more detailed explanations on certain services and policies.	Website Transparency	Comprehensive information available, but financial data is not publicly disclosed.
Robinhood provides a debit card that can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted .	Credit/Debit Card	ActivTrades does not offer a card for its clients .
Robinhood does not support external wallets, meaning users cannot transfer their cryptocurrencies off the platform, which is a significant limitation for those seeking more control over their assets.	Storage Offering	No actual crypto storage; trades are conducted via CFDs.
The platform does not offer staking or rewards programs, which are features available on many other cryptocurrency exchanges.	Staking and Rewards	No staking or reward programs available.
Robinhood provides an excellent mobile and desktop trading experience, known for its seamless integration and user-friendly design.	Mobile App and Desktop	High-quality, user-friendly apps for both mobile and desktop trading.
Customer service has been a point of criticism, with reports of slow response times and limited support options, which can be frustrating for users needing immediate assistance.	Customer Service	Responsive customer service via multiple channels, though not 24/7.
Deposits and withdrawals are straightforward, but the lack of support for transferring cryptocurrencies to external wallets remains a drawback.	Deposit and Withdraw	Free deposits and withdrawals via several methods, but high fees for USD bank transfers.

Key features

Analysis tools

Robinhood offers advanced charting and screener tools, with in-depth charting, dozens of technical indicators, and market data from multiple sources. However, their crypto trading is separated into a different app, Webull Pay, which continues the same features .

ActivTrades provides high-quality daily market analysis and offers the ActivTrader platform, which includes advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and mobile trading capabilities .

Mobile APP

Yes, Robinhood has a highly rated mobile app that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies along with other assets .

Yes, ActivTrades provides mobile trading through the ActivTrader, MT4, and MT5 platforms, which are available for iOS and Android devices .

Security

Robinhood is regulated by the SEC and FINRA, providing a high level of investor protection. They offer SIPC insurance for securities up to $500,000, including a $250,000 cash limit. However, they do not provide negative balance protection.

ActivTrades is highly regulated by top-tier authorities such as the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing a high level of security. They offer negative balance protection and additional insurance up to £1 million per client through Lloyd’s of London.

Additional features

Robinhood provides commission-free trading on a selection of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin through their mobile app. They offer a user-friendly platform with features such as instant deposits, real-time data, and access to margin accounts with Robinhood Gold. However, their crypto services are limited compared to specialized crypto exchanges .

ActivTrades offers a variety of features for cryptocurrency trading. They support crypto CFDs, allowing users to trade major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and many others without needing to deal with wallets or exchanges. The platform also includes high-quality daily market analysis, 24/5 customer support, and free webinars to enhance trading skills. Additionally, ActivTrades provides a VPS service for better trading efficiency and security .

Anonymity

Robinhood does not offer anonymous accounts. Users must provide personal details and complete verification steps .

ActivTrades does not offer anonymous accounts. The account opening process requires personal details, financial information, and documents for identity verification, such as an ID or passport and a utility bill .

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

Robinhood supports trading in a limited number of cryptocurrencies. The available cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Bitcoin SV (BSV), Dogecoin (DOGE), Ethereum (ETH), Ethereum Classic (ETC), and Litecoin (LTC).

ActivTrades offers trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. The available cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Polkadot (DOT), EOS, Chainlink (LINK), Stellar (XLM), NEO, Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), Binance Coin (BNB), Monero (XMR), Avalanche (AVAX), and Dogecoin (DOGE).

User-friendliness

Robinhood offers a sleek and user-friendly mobile app that makes it easy for users to trade cryptocurrencies alongside other assets. The platform’s simplicity and commission-free trading are major advantages, though it lacks some advanced features and educational tools. Additionally, Robinhood does not allow users to withdraw their crypto holdings to external wallets, which could be a limitation for some traders .

ActivTrades offers a straightforward and user-friendly experience for crypto CFD trading. The platform is designed to make trading accessible even for those with minimal technical knowledge, avoiding the complexities associated with setting up wallets and managing private keys. ActivTrades is ideal for users looking for a secure and regulated environment to trade major cryptocurrencies without dealing with the intricacies of crypto exchanges .

Value for money

Robinhood is renowned for its commission-free trading, providing excellent value for money, especially for beginners. However, its limited cryptocurrency offerings and inability to transfer crypto out of the platform may limit its appeal for more advanced users.

ActivTrades offers competitive spreads on crypto CFDs, and the absence of deposit and withdrawal fees enhances its value for money. However, the 0.5%-1.5% fee on credit/debit card deposits and certain bank transfer fees for non-EEA clients can add up.

Countries of operation

United States (in most states) .

United Kingdom, European Union, Bahamas .

Best for

Robinhood is perfect for beginners and younger investors who want an easy-to-use, commission-free platform to trade a limited range of cryptocurrencies. Its integration with stock and ETF trading makes it convenient for those looking to diversify their investments.

ActivTrades is best suited for investors who prefer a regulated and secure environment for trading crypto CFDs without the need to manage wallets and private keys. It’s ideal for those who want to leverage their trades and have access to a range of major cryptocurrencies.

Account

Trading

Robinhood allows direct cryptocurrency trading with zero commissions, making it an attractive option for retail investors. However, it offers a limited range of cryptocurrencies compared to other platforms.

ActivTrades offers crypto CFD trading, allowing users to speculate on price movements without owning the actual cryptocurrencies. This platform provides leverage and tight spreads, making it attractive for active traders.

Deposit and withdrawal

Robinhood allows deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers. The process is straightforward and free of charge, but the limited options can be a drawback for some users.

ActivTrades offers fast and mostly free deposits and withdrawals. You can use bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. However, withdrawals under a certain amount may incur fees.

Account opening process

Robinhood offers an easy and quick account opening process. Users complete an online application, provide personal information, and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and accounts are typically approved within a day.

The account opening process at ActivTrades is fully digital and straightforward. Users need to fill out an online application form, provide personal and financial information, and submit identity verification documents. The account is typically approved within a day.

KYC required?

Yes, KYC is required at Robinhood. Users must submit personal identification documents and proof of address to verify their accounts.

Yes, KYC (Know Your Customer) is mandatory at ActivTrades. Users must provide personal identification documents and proof of address during the account opening process.

Customer Service

Robinhood offers customer support primarily through email and in-app messaging. They have recently introduced phone support, but response times can vary. The support team is helpful, though some users report delays in getting issues resolved.

ActivTrades offers excellent customer service with 24/5 support via phone, email, and live chat. The support team is known for being responsive and helpful, making it easy for users to resolve their issues quickly.

Security

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

As an expert on our website, I recommend Robinhood Crypto for its ease of use and commission-free trading. It’s an excellent choice for beginners who want to start trading cryptocurrencies with minimal initial investment. However, be mindful of its limitations, such as the lack of support for external wallets and limited customer service. Overall, it’s a solid platform for those new to crypto trading, offering a straightforward and accessible entry into the market.

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert in cryptocurrency trading, I’ve explored numerous platforms, and ActivTrades stands out as a reliable option for crypto CFD trading. The platform is ideal for those who value security and regulation without the need to manage the technical complexities of owning actual cryptocurrencies. With ActivTrades, you can trade popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum through CFDs, allowing for both long and short positions with leverage up to 1:10. This makes it a flexible choice for traders looking to speculate on price movements in the crypto market. However, there are areas for improvement. ActivTrades charges a high inactivity fee after a year of no trading, which could be a significant drawback for less active users. Additionally, the platform is not available to residents in the USA and Canada, limiting its accessibility. Despite these drawbacks, ActivTrades’ robust regulatory framework and user-friendly trading options make it a strong choice for those looking to trade cryptocurrencies in a secure environment.

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How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).

For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.

Comparison of Robinhood vs ActivTrades [ 2024 ]

Robinhood

ActivTrades

Main points

Recommended for

Comparison of fees

Rating

Level

Brief explanation

Robinhood

ActivTrades

Product selection

Native token

Earns

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Company information

Full name

Regulation

Year founded

Founder

Payment methods

Transfers

Mastercard

Wire transfer

Card

Comparative table

Key features

Analysis tools

Mobile APP

Security

Additional features

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

User-friendliness

Value for money

Countries of operation

Best for

Account

Trading

Deposit and withdrawal

Account opening process

KYC required?

Customer Service

Security

Which of these exchanges is for you?

How do we review crypto exchanges?

Risk Disclaimer

More comparatives Robinhood and ActivTrades