Broker comparison

Lightspeed vs.
Questrade

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Updated: October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides.

Questrade has a higher rating of 4.2/5 compared to Lightspeed (4.1/5). Questrade offers 7 instrument types, while Lightspeed offers 4. The minimum deposit is lower at Questrade with 1.000 CAD. Questrade has been in the market since 1999, making it the more experienced provider.

US broker for professional day traders with ultra-fast execution

Canada's leading independent online broker with low fees

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsLightspeed Trader, Sterling Trader Pro, Eze EMSQuestrade Web, Questrade App, IQ Edge
Product typesStocks, ETFs, Options, FuturesStocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Forex, CFDs
Options tradingYes, professional options tradingYes, Canadian and US options
Fee modelStocks from $0.0045 per share (250+ trades/month), options from $0.60 per contractStocks from CAD $4.95 per trade, ETFs free to buy, options from CAD $4.95 + $0.75/contract
Minimum deposit10.000 $1.000 CAD
RegulationSEC/FINRAIIROC
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

Lightspeed

Lightspeed Trader, Sterling Trader Pro, Eze EMS

Questrade

Questrade Web, Questrade App, IQ Edge

Product types

Lightspeed

Stocks, ETFs, Options, Futures

Questrade

Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Forex, CFDs

Options trading

Lightspeed

Yes, professional options trading

Questrade

Yes, Canadian and US options

Fee model

Lightspeed

Stocks from $0.0045 per share (250+ trades/month), options from $0.60 per contract

Questrade

Stocks from CAD $4.95 per trade, ETFs free to buy, options from CAD $4.95 + $0.75/contract

Minimum deposit

Lightspeed

10.000 $

Questrade

1.000 CAD

Regulation

Lightspeed

SEC/FINRA

Questrade

IIROC

More information

Lightspeed

Details

Questrade

Details

Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.

Detailed comparison

Comparing fees

Compare total costs, not just the order fee.

Stocks from $0.0045 per share (250+ trades/month), options from $0.60 per contract

Published fee
Stocks from $0.0045 per share (250+ trades/month), options from $0.60 per contract
Minimum deposit
10.000 $
See terms at provider

Stocks from CAD $4.95 per trade, ETFs free to buy, options from CAD $4.95 + $0.75/contract

Published fee
Stocks from CAD $4.95 per trade, ETFs free to buy, options from CAD $4.95 + $0.75/contract
Minimum deposit
1.000 CAD
See terms at provider

The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.

Execution quality

Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Product range

StocksETFsOptionsFutures
StocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual FundsForexCFDs

Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.

Trading platforms

Lightspeed Trader · Sterling Trader Pro · Eze EMS

Lightspeed offers three professional trading platforms: Lightspeed Trader, Sterling Trader Pro, and Eze EMS. Lightspeed Trader provides ultra-fast order execution, Level 2 data, customizable hot keys, and multi-monitor support. Sterling Trader Pro complements the offering with advanced routing options and algorithmic trading. Eze EMS targets institutional traders. All platforms offer direct market access (DMA) and are optimized for minimal latency.

Explore platform

Questrade Web · Questrade App · IQ Edge

Questrade offers three trading platforms: Questrade Web, the Questrade App, and IQ Edge. The web platform provides standard trading functions with order placement and portfolio overview. IQ Edge is the desktop platform for active traders with advanced charting tools, real-time streaming, Level 2 data, and customizable watchlists. The mobile app enables trading and account management on the go. IQ Edge is particularly designed for options traders and active traders.

Explore platform

Regulation & security

SEC/FINRA

Regulatory information

Regulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

US broker for professional day traders with ultra-fast execution

  • Ultra-fast order execution for day traders
  • Very low fees for frequent traders
  • Professional trading platforms
  • Very high minimum deposit ($10,000)
  • Not suitable for beginners

Canada's leading independent online broker with low fees

  • Free ETF purchases
  • Canada's leading independent broker
  • Options trading on US and Canadian markets
  • Only available for Canadian customers
  • Stock trading fees not the lowest

Find the broker that fits

Lightspeed oder Questrade?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.

VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
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Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between Lightspeed and Questrade?
Lightspeed: Stocks from $0.0045 per share (250+ trades/month), options from $0.60 per contract. Questrade: Stocks from CAD $4.95 per trade, ETFs free to buy, options from CAD $4.95 + $0.75/contract. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Lightspeed or Questrade?
Lightspeed offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Futures. Questrade offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Forex, CFDs.
How are Lightspeed and Questrade regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for Lightspeed and IIROC for Questrade. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Lightspeed or Questrade better for beginners?
Lightspeed lists a 10.000 $ minimum deposit and offers Lightspeed Trader, Sterling Trader Pro, Eze EMS. Questrade lists 1.000 CAD and offers Questrade Web, Questrade App, IQ Edge. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Lightspeed vs Questrade: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Lightspeed (4.1/5, 420 reviews) and Questrade (4.2/5, 1300 reviews) depends on your needs. Lightspeed: US broker for professional day traders with ultra-fast execution. Questrade: Canada's leading independent online broker with low fees.

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