DEGIRO vs Interactive Brokers - which is best for European investors?
As regular users of both DEGIRO and Interactive Brokers, we break down their key features, costs, strengths, and weaknesses so you can decide which one best fits your needs.
Summary
- DEGIRO - Best for beginners and investors who want low-cost ETF trading;
- Interactive Brokers (IBKR) - Best for experienced investors and larger portfolios thanks to its vast product range and ultra-competitive pricing.
At a glance: DEGIRO is ideal for entry-level investors who want low-cost ETF trading and local customer service, while IBKR is unbeatable for currency conversion, large-order execution, and product breadth.
👑 Interactive Brokers wins the crown: it is our top pick overall.
Comparison table
DEGIRO - overview
Founded in 2008, DEGIRO was one of the first brokers to offer low commissions to investors in Europe.
It is headquartered in the Netherlands, holds a banking license, and is supervised by European financial authorities such as the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) and the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM).
Like IBKR, DEGIRO is also publicly listed (flatexDEGIRO AG - Frankfurt Stock Exchange). DEGIRO stands out for its low-cost model, allowing investors access to various financial instruments.
Pros and cons - DEGIRO
Pros
- “Core Selection” list of commission-free ETFs (external fees apply)
- Intuitive web and mobile app
- Broad range of instruments (stocks, ETFs, bonds, options)
- Investor’s Academy educational hub
- Overall low fee structure
- No account-opening, inactivity, or withdrawal fees
Cons
- 0.25% FX conversion fee
- €1 handling fee per trade (most orders)
- €2.50 connectivity fee per exchange per year
- No Forex, CFDs, or cryptocurrencies
- Customer service can be limited
- No interest on idle cash
Interactive Brokers - overview
Interactive Brokers (IBKR), founded in 1978 and listed on NASDAQ (ticker IBKR), is often dubbed the “Ferrari” of brokerage platforms.
Although its flagship Trader Workstation (TWS) targets professionals, the Client Portal and IBKR GlobalTrader mobile app make it accessible for beginners:
In short, it's a great choice for European investors looking for a safe, slick investment app that allows you to invest globally.
If you want to learn more details, read our Interactive Brokers review.
Pros and Cons - Interactive Brokers
Pros
- Ultra-low commissions on US stocks
- Widest product & market coverage in the industry
- Free demo account
- Outstanding reputation (since 1978)
- Comprehensive research & education tools
- Beginner-friendly IBKR GlobalTrader app
- Pays interest on idle cash balances
Cons
- Account opening can be lengthy and complex
- Steeper learning curve (especially in TWS)
- Website navigation sometimes confusing
- No interest on idle cash below €10.000
Safety and regulation
Both brokers are EU-regulated, stock-exchange-listed, and covered by investor-compensation schemes. DEGIRO holds a banking licence; IBKR is older and manages significantly larger client assets.
Financial products
IBKR clearly wins in product range: fractional shares, spot FX, interest on cash, and CFDs are unavailable on DEGIRO.
Fees & costs
Both brokers offer highly competitive pricing, but IBKR is markedly cheaper for large orders (> €5 000) and especially on FX conversion.
For small trades in euro-denominated ETFs, DEGIRO can be cheaper - particularly if you stick to one of its Core Selection ETFs. Note, however, that DEGIRO’s €2.50 connectivity fee can add up if you invest on multiple exchanges.
Customer support
DEGIRO offers straightforward native-language support (national phone line weekdays 07h-16h WET and email replies within 24-48h). No live chat.
IBKR provides English-language 24-hour chat (via iBot → human), phone call-back, and ticket system with dedicated technical desks - more valuable for advanced users.
Which broker should you choose?
If you’re starting with a modest portfolio, DEGIRO delivers simplicity and low-cost euro ETFs.
If you already have a sizeable portfolio and want to level up, Interactive Brokers makes large orders and currency conversions much cheaper and opens access to virtually every investment universe. IBKR is our best choice overall.
Whenever possible, testing both platforms in parallel is a great way to discover which one fits you best.
Want to learn more? Check our dedicated reviews:
- Interactive Brokers review
- DEGIRO review
- And compare them with other competitors in our article "Best European Brokers".
Whenever possible, testing both platforms in parallel is a great way to discover which one fits you best.
