Interactive Brokers VS The5ers
Cross-category comparison: each provider serves a different trader workflow.
UPDATED 2026-05-24 · 3 axes scored
WINNER · INTERACTIVE BROKERS · 2/3 AXES
Quick Decision
▶ PICK INTERACTIVE BROKERS IF BROKER
- Active multi-asset traders
- Algo developers
- International traders
- Margin/futures traders
▶ PICK THE5ERS IF PROP-FIRM
- Long-term scaling traders (Hyper/Pro Growth)
- Futures traders preferring EOD drawdown
- Traders pursuing 100% profit split via milestones
- CFD traders wanting multiple program choices
Side-by-Side Matrix
| METRIC | INTERACTIVE BROKERS | THE5ERS |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Affiliate Program | Yes | Yes |
| Asset Coverage Breadth | 9 classes | 6 classes |
| Asset Coverage | US Equities · Global Equities · Options · Futures · Forex · Bonds · Mutual Funds · ETFs · Cryptocurrencies | Forex · Indices · Commodities · Cryptocurrencies · Stocks (CFDs) · Futures (micros) |
| Category | broker | prop firm |
Asset Class Coverage
Where the two providers overlap and where each has unique coverage.
| ASSET CLASS | INTERACTIVE BROKERS | THE5ERS |
|---|---|---|
| Bonds | ✓ Covered | — |
| Commodities | — | ✓ Covered |
| Cryptocurrencies | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| ETFs | ✓ Covered | — |
| Forex | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Futures | ✓ Covered | — |
| Futures (micros) | — | ✓ Covered |
| Global Equities | ✓ Covered | — |
| Indices | — | ✓ Covered |
| Mutual Funds | ✓ Covered | — |
| Options | ✓ Covered | — |
| Stocks (CFDs) | — | ✓ Covered |
| US Equities | ✓ Covered | — |
| TOTAL CLASSES | 9 | 6 |
Only Interactive Brokers
US Equities · Global Equities · Options · Futures · Bonds · Mutual Funds · ETFs
Only The5ers
Indices · Commodities · Stocks (CFDs) · Futures (micros)
Shared · 2
Forex · Cryptocurrencies
Pricing Tier Map
Full tier ladder side-by-side · names and prices as published by each provider · 3 vs 6 tiers.
INTERACTIVE BROKERS · 3 TIERS FREE TIER
01
IBKR Tiered $0.0035/share
Min $0.35/order; volume-tiered down to $0.0005/share; exchange fees passed through
02
IBKR Fixed $0.005/share
Min $1.00/order; flat per-share commission, all exchange fees included
03
IBKR Lite $0/trade
Commission-free US stocks/ETFs (PFOF-routed)
▲ Free Tier · Live data subscriptions sold separately; demo (paper) account is free
THE5ERS · 6 TIERS
01
Bootcamp $2.5K $39
CFD entry tier; introductory profit targets and scaling rules
02
Hyper Growth $5K $95
1-step CFD challenge; 50% profit split with scaling to 100%
03
Pro Growth $10K $155
Multi-step CFD evaluation; 50%→100% scaling
04
High Stakes $20K $295
Aggressive 8% profit target; up to 100% split at milestones
05
Futures $25K $50 eval / $70 activation
1-step futures challenge; 80/20 split, EOD drawdown
06
Futures $50K $100 eval / $140 activation
1-step futures; 80/20 split, EOD drawdown
Fit Profile
INTERACTIVE BROKERS · PROFILE BROKER
Best For
- Active multi-asset traders
- Algo developers
- International traders
- Margin/futures traders
Not Ideal For
- Casual investors (TWS learning curve)
- Pure US-stock-only retail (cheaper niche brokers exist)
Full Interactive Brokers Review
THE5ERS · PROFILE PROP-FIRM
Best For
- Long-term scaling traders (Hyper/Pro Growth)
- Futures traders preferring EOD drawdown
- Traders pursuing 100% profit split via milestones
- CFD traders wanting multiple program choices
Not Ideal For
- Traders wanting simple 1-tier structure (program variety can confuse)
- Pure equities traders (CFD/futures focus)
- Those unable to meet 3-5% daily drawdown discipline
Full The5ers Review
Adjacent Comparisons
Related matchups — same category first, then cross-category for context.
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