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Compare trading platforms in Australia
Not all Australian traders use the same tools. Whether you're focused on technical analysis, automated strategies or fast execution on the go, this comprehensive trading platform comparison will help you choose the right platform mix for CFD and share trading that suits your trading style.
Start trading today. For account opening enquiries call 1800 601 799 between 9am and 6pm (AEDT) weekdays, or email newaccounts.au@ig.com.
Compare IG’s trading platforms
Our trading platforms are built for performance, simplicity and control - whether you trade CFDs and shares from a desktop or use our mobile trading app on your phone. Compare trading platforms below to find your perfect match.
| Feature | Online platform | Mobile app | Progressive web app |
| Commonly used for | Full trading experience | Trading on the move | Quick access anywhere |
| Devices | Any browser | iOS / Android | Any mobile browser |
| Cost | Free | Free | Free |
| Available products | CFDs and share trading | CFDs and share trading | CFD |
| Workspace | Customisable | Limited | No |
| Charts | Advanced | Mobile-optimised | Basic |
| Indicators | 30+ | 30+ | Limited |
| Drawing tools | Yes | Yes | No |
| News and signals | Yes | Yes | No |
| Economic calendar | Yes | Yes | No |
| Watchlist | Multiple | Multiple | Basic |
| Price alert | Yes | Push notifications | Limited |
| One-click trading | Yes | Yes | No |
| Account management | Full | Full | Limited |
| DiscoverAI | Yes | No | No |
IG online trading platform
A powerful browser-based online trading platform packed with customisable tools for Australian CFD and share traders.
Key features:
- Custom workspaces
- Advanced charts and 30+ indicators
- Built-in news, signals and calendar
- Full account access for CFDs and share trading
- DiscoverAI market research companion
IG mobile trading app
Trade CFDs and shares from anywhere with our award-winning app¹ - recognised globally for its design and performance.
Key features:
- Full CFD and share trading functionality on the go
- Charts with indicators
- Push alerts for price moves
- Secure biometric login
Progressive web app
Lightweight and fast, great for trading on any device.
Key features:
- Works on any browser
- Good for low bandwidth
- Add to home screen instantly
IG online trading platform
A powerful browser-based online trading platform packed with customisable tools for Australian CFD and share traders.
Key features:
- Custom workspaces
- Advanced charts and 30+ indicators
- Built-in news, signals and calendar
- Full account access for CFDs and share trading
- DiscoverAI market research companion
IG mobile trading app
Trade CFDs and shares from anywhere with our award-winning app¹ - recognised globally for its design and performance.
Key features:
- Full CFD and share trading functionality on the go
- Charts with indicators
- Push alerts for price moves
- Secure biometric login
Progressive web app
Lightweight and fast, great for trading on any device.
Key features:
- Works on any browser
- Good for low bandwidth
- Add to home screen instantly
Compare IG’s integration options
Ways to connect specialised tools to your IG account for advanced trading.
| Feature | Algorithmic trading | CFD direct market access | APIs |
| Commonly used for | Rule-based automation | Direct exchange access | Custom applications |
| Experience level | Intermediate to advanced | Advanced | Advanced |
| Programming needed | Yes (or use templates) | No | No |
| Execution speed | Automated | Direct-to-market | Customisable |
| Platforms | ProRealTime, MetaTrader 4 (third-party), or IG APIs | L2 Dealer (IG proprietary) | IG’s REST, Streaming, and FIX APIs |
| Markets available | Most markets | Shares and forex | All markets |
| Cost | Platform dependent | Learn more | Free |
Algorithmic trading
Let computers do the work by automatically placing trades based on your rules.
Commonly used for: Removing emotion from trading and trading while you sleep
Available via: ProRealTime, MetaTrader 4, or custom API solutions
CFD direct market access
Get deep liquidity, full market visibility and advanced execution with direct market access (DMA), using our DMA shares and Forex Direct CFD services.
Commonly used for: Seeing the full picture of who's buying and selling
Available via: L2 Dealer platform
APIs
Connect your own software or applications to our trading services.
Commonly used for: Creating your own trading tools or automating your strategy
Available options: Various connection methods for different need
Compare third-party trading platforms
Use popular third-party trading platforms with your IG Australia account for advanced analysis and automated trading strategies. Most focus on CFDs, while L2 Dealer offers both CFD and share trading capabilities.
| Feature | L2 Dealer | MetaTrader 4 | ProRealTime | TradingView |
| Commonly used for | Pro traders | Forex specialists | Technical analysts | Visual traders |
| Experience level | Advanced | Intermediate | Intermediate | Beginner+ |
| Device compatibility | Windows | Windows/Mobile | Windows/Mac/Linux | Any device |
| Cost | Learn more | Free | Learn more | Free basic |
| Available products | CFDs and share trading | CFDs | CFDs | CFDs |
| Charting tools | Basic | Advanced | Professional | Professional |
| Technical indicators | Via PRT | 30+ | 100+ | 100+ |
| Custom indicators | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automated trading | No | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Backtesting | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Social features | No | No | No | Yes |
| Programming language | N/A | MQL4 | ProBuilder | Pine Script |
L2 Dealer
Advanced platform with direct market access for CFDs and share trading.
Key features
See the full order book
Institutional-grade tools
CFD and share trading capabilities
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
Industry-standard for forex with automation features.
Key features
Expert Advisors for auto trading
Custom indicators
Free to use
ProRealTime
Great for analysis and automation.
Key features
Advanced charting
Strategy creation and testing
100+ indicators
TradingView
Popular social platform with advanced charting and community insights.
Key features
Trade directly from charts
Pine Script support
Access global trading ideas
DiscoverAI: your market research companion
Your built-in market research companion
Gain AI-driven insights to explore themes, spot opportunities and support your trading decisions directly within IG's web platform.
Key features
Make sense of market noise faster with AI-generated summaries
Go beyond the surface and dig into deeper patterns, connections and emerging trends
Explore correlations and ripple effects, then get insights on them
Ready to move? DiscoverAI points you to related markets and takes you straight to your charts
How it works
Open the web platform
Click on DiscoverAI
Enter your market idea
Review AI-powered insights
Available on: Web platform only
Open an IG account
Apply in minutes with full access to every platform.
Explore platforms with a demo account
Start trading with your chosen setup
FAQs about trading platforms in Australia
What trading platform should beginners use in Australia?
Our mobile trading app and online trading platform are well-suited for beginners who are suitable for trading. Both offer user-friendly interfaces, educational resources and demo accounts with $20,000 in virtual funds to practice CFD trading without risking any money.
How do I compare trading platforms in Australia?
When comparing trading platforms in Australia, consider your experience level, trading style and device preferences. Our comparison tables above show key features across all platforms including costs, available products, charting tools and automation capabilities.
Can I use MetaTrader 4 with IG Australia?
Yes, you can use MetaTrader 4 (MT4) with your IG Australia account for free. MT4 is popular for forex trading and automated trading strategies using Expert Advisors. The MT4 demo account comes with $10,000 in virtual funds.
Which trading platforms australia offers the most advanced charts?
ProRealTime offers advanced charting tools with 100+ technical indicators, while our online trading platform provides 30+ indicators and customisable charts. TradingView also provides professional charting with visual analysis and social trading features.
Can I get a demo trading account with IG Australia?
Yes, you can open a demo account with $20,000 in virtual funds to practice trading. The demo account includes access to all our platform features and 17,000+ CFD markets. MetaTrader 4 demo accounts come with $10,000 in virtual funds.
Which trading platform in Australia is right for share trading?
Our online platform, mobile app and L2 Dealer all support share trading. The online platform offers comprehensive share trading tools, while L2 Dealer provides direct market access with level 2 market data. The mobile app offers full share trading functionality on the go.
Are IG's trading platforms free to use?
Yes, all our core platforms are free. Our online platform, mobile app and progressive web app cost nothing to use. Third-party integrations like ProRealTime are free with 4+ trades per month, while MetaTrader 4 is free. TradingView integration is free, though TradingView offers both free and paid subscription plans for advanced features.
What is DiscoverAI and how do I use it?
DiscoverAI is your built-in market research companion that provides AI-driven insights to help you explore themes, spot opportunities and support your trading decisions. It's available exclusively on our web platform - simply click on DiscoverAI and enter your market idea to get started.
Try these next
1 - Best Finance App, Best Multi-Platform Provider, Best Platform for the Active Trader and Best Online Stockbroker as awarded at the ADVFN International Financial Awards 2025.
Contact
New clients
1800 601 799
newaccounts.au@ig.com
Existing clients
1800 601 734
helpdesk.au@ig.com
Lines open
24/7 except 6am to 12pm Saturdays (AEST)
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Disclaimers
- CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You do not own or have any interest in the underlying asset. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Please consider the Margin Trading Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Risk Disclosure Notice and Target Market Determination before entering into any CFD transaction with us.
- The value of shares, ETFs and ETCs bought through an IG share trading account can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
- Please ensure you fully understand the risks and take care to manage your exposure.
- The information on this website is prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consequently, you should consider the information in light of your objectives, financial situation and needs.
- This website is operated by IG Australia Pty Ltd. IG Australia Pty Ltd is located on Level 32, Queen & Collins, 376-390 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000. ABN 93 096 585 410, Australian Financial Services Licence No. 515106. Derivatives Issuer Licence in New Zealand FSP No. 684191, NZBN 9429047618251.