Comparison · updated July 2026
ForecastEx vs Manifold Markets
ForecastEx and Manifold Markets are two of the most discussed prediction market platforms in the US. Here's a side-by-side look at how they compare on the factors that actually matter for traders.
ForecastEx
An exchange-grade forecast market owned by Interactive Brokers.
Manifold Markets
Play-money prediction market platform with real communities and calibration data.
Rating
ForecastEx
4.4
Manifold Markets
4.3
Best for
ForecastEx
Brokerage-grade access via Interactive Brokers
Manifold Markets
Forecasters and researchers
Regulation
ForecastEx
CFTC-regulated
Manifold Markets
Play-money / sweepstakes
US availability
ForecastEx
Available
Manifold Markets
Available
Fees
ForecastEx
1 cent per contract
Manifold Markets
Free (play-money)
Mobile
ForecastEx
Good
Manifold Markets
Good
Markets
ForecastEx
Economy, Climate, Politics, Financial events
Manifold Markets
Politics, AI, Culture, Sports, Economy
Payment
ForecastEx
Bank transfer, IBKR funding
Manifold Markets
Founded
ForecastEx
2023
Manifold Markets
Verdicts
Who wins, category by category
Best for beginners
ForecastEx
Cleaner onboarding and a more polished consumer experience.
Final take
Should you choose ForecastEx or Manifold Markets?
ForecastEx comes out narrowly ahead in our methodology, but both platforms have a clear lane. Choose ForecastEx for brokerage-grade access via interactive brokers, and Manifold Markets for forecasters and researchers.