Best Forex Brokers 2026: We Tested 330 Brokers – Here Are Our Top 15

By
Dan Blystone
Reviewed By
Ola Alder
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
Advertising DisclosureWe prioritize rigorous, unbiased testing through our independent review process. While our ratings are objective, we receive compensation that may influence list placement. Learn how we make money

Since 2013, we have reviewed over 330 brokers worldwide. We go through the exact same drill you do: we open real accounts, engage with the web platforms and mobile apps, test live spreads and those sneaky overnight fees, and even contact customer support to see if they’re actually helpful.

This way, we have collected a massive database that allows us to compare brokers side-by-side and show you the best options tailored for traders with different goals and strategies.

You don’t have to guess we’ve already done the testing for you. Ready to see who made the cut? Check out our top broker picks for this year below.

List of Top Forex Brokers & Trading Platforms

Best Brokers for US Traders

CFTC registered, NFA member. 80+ forex pairs. Competitive spreads. Excellent trading platform. Cash rebates. Average trade execution in 17ms.

Cutting-edge WebTrader platform. Competitive commissions. Wide range of futures markets. Standard, Mini, and Micro contracts. $100 minimum deposit.

Best Brokers for International Traders

Flexible account types. MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal. Competitive trading fees. Exness Academy for education. Trading Central. 24/7 live support. Fast withdrawals.

1:2000 max retail leverage. Free VPS hosting. MT4, MT5, R StocksTrader. Average execution speed of 45 ms. Diverse trading accounts. Cash rebates.

Demo trading account. Commission-free trading account. Extensive educational materials. Regular live webinars. Powerful AI tools. Tight spreads on EUR/USD.

Raw spreads. MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView. Trading Central, Autochartist, copy trading. Average execution speeds under 40ms. 2250+ tradable instruments.

99.5% fill rate, no dealing desk intervention. Ultra-fast order execution, as low as 30ms. VPS hosting. MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, Pepperstone platforms.

MT4, MT5 platforms. ECN trading accounts. Signals from Acuity Signal Centre. FXTM Invest copy trading. Cash rebates. 1,000+ assets.

FP Markets Trading App for iOS and Android. MT4, MT5, cTrader mobile apps. Large range of exotic and emerging market currency pairs. 50+ technical indicators in the app.

Lightening-fast order execution under 12 ms. FXPro Platform and app, MT4, MT5, cTrader. 2,100+ CFD instruments. In-house research, Trading Central, LiveSquawk.

CFXD platform, MT4, MT5, Autochartist. 3 million+ financial products. TradingView charts. Integrated market research. FIX API. Average execution speed 9 ms.

Autochartist and signals from Acuity Trading. Trading signal plugin for MT4 and MT5. Tickmill Traders Club. Webinars, video tutorials, Bright Minds Podcast.

1,000+ global share CFDs. Low commissions. MT4, MT5, TradingView, ActivTrader platforms. $1M account insurance. Average trade execution times under 4 ms.

4 account types: floating, fixed, raw and ECN. PMAM accounts for money managers. Multiple base currencies. VPS hosting. TradeCopier. Trading Central.

Dedicated swap-free account. 1,400+ CFD instruments + real shares. Cutting-edge web platform. Trading Central. Copy trading. Spreads as low as 0.8 pips.

How Did FXEmpire Choose the Best Forex Brokers?

Our extensive testing confirms that the best forex brokers excel across several non-negotiable categories. These are the core features we focus on because they directly affect your safety and ability to profit, separating a good trading experience from a frustrating one.

  • Top-Tier Regulation and Trust: We first verify that the broker is licensed by a stringent financial authority (like the FCA or ASIC). This issue is crucial because a strong regulatory license is the key indicator of fund security and ethical operation, ensuring your capital is protected.
  • Competitive Spreads and Fees: We open real accounts to test live spreads and swap fees (overnight charges). Trading costs determine your profitability; a fraction of a pip difference can save active traders thousands of dollars over a year.
  • Reliable Trading Software: The broker must offer a secure and stable platform (MT4/MT5 or a proprietary app). The platform determines execution speed and stability. If your software lags during a volatile price move, you could miss an entry or exit point.
  • Hands-On Platform Usability: We test the mobile app and desktop interface to ensure it is user-friendly and feature-rich. The platform should allow quick, intuitive access to charting tools and order types, preventing frustrating mistakes during fast-paced trading.
  • Selection of Products: We evaluate the range of tradable instruments (currency pairs, commodities, etc.). Having diverse products means more opportunities.
  • Responsible Leverage Options: We confirm the leverage offered is compliant with the broker’s regulator and is offered at appropriate levels. Leverage is a double-edged sword: it allows you to control a large position with a small amount of capital, but it significantly magnifies both profits and losses. Regulatory limits are a crucial safety feature.
  • Responsive Customer Support: We perform live tests of customer support to assess their response time and technical knowledge. Good support is the necessary safety net for resolving urgent account or trade-related issues quickly.

Our team of experts has identified each broker’s strengths and weaknesses using FXEmpire’s comprehensive methodology.

Now, let’s dive into the selected brokers.

Best Overall

General Risk Warning: CFDs are leveraged products. Trading in CFDs carries a high level of risk thus may not be appropriate for all investors. The investment value can both increase and decrease and the investors may lose all their invested capital. Under no circumstances shall the Company have any liability to any person or entity for any loss or damage in whole or part caused by, resulting from, or relating to any transactions related to CFDs.
  • Min Deposit
    $10
  • Tradable Instruments
    293
  • Fees
    Low

Exness is a global CFD broker offering competitive pricing, fast execution, and a broad lineup of markets. Traders can choose between Exness Terminal, the mobile app, or MT4/MT5. With low fees, Raw Spread accounts, and VPS hosting, Exness is a great fit for active and cost-conscious traders.

Key Features:

  • Regulators: FCA, CySEC, FSCA, FSC, FSA, FSC, CMA
  • EUR/USD spread: 0.9 pips average
  • Trading platforms: MT4, MT5, and Exness Terminal
  • Leverage: Up to 1:2000
  • Perks: Trading Central signals, market analysis and news, free VPS, Expess Academy

During my live tests, EUR/USD spreads averaged around 0.9 pips during the London and New York trading sessions, beating the industry average for commission-free accounts. Costs are easy to manage thanks to a straightforward fee structure, with no charges for deposits, withdrawals, or account inactivity.

Exness’s proprietary Terminal platform adds meaningful value through built-in tools like a sentiment indicator that shows the percentage of traders positioned long or short in each market. The platform also integrates Trading Central–powered signals, giving traders access to professional analysis and actionable trade ideas.

Education is another strong point. Exness Academy offers a well-structured library of short videos and articles covering essential topics such as leverage, margin, and technical analysis. Taken together—tight spreads, flexible leverage, multiple platforms, solid research tools, and high-quality education—Exness stands out as a strong all-around choice for forex traders.

Pros
  • Global presence
  • Selction of advanced trading platforms
  • Leverage up to 1:2000
  • Trading Central signals
Cons
  • Not available for UK and European retail clients

Best for High Leverage

Forex trading involves risks.
  • Min Deposit
    $10
  • Tradable Instruments
    12044
  • Fees
    Medium

RoboForex is an established broker founded in 2009 and headquartered in Belize. It uses a hybrid STP/ECN execution model designed for speed. In my tests, average order execution came in at roughly 45 milliseconds, comfortably faster than the industry average of about 60 milliseconds.

Key Features:

  • Regulators: FSC of Belize
  • EUR/USD spread: 1.3 pips
  • Platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, R StocksTrader
  • Leverage: Up to 1:2000 leverage
  • Perks: Copy trading, VPS hosting

RoboForex keeps its account lineup flexible and low-barrier. Traders can choose from five account types, including two raw-spread options designed for tighter pricing. A $10 minimum deposit makes it easy to get started, while leverage of up to 1:2000 gives experienced traders room to scale positions when appropriate.

The platform lineup is practical and easy to navigate. RoboForex’s in-house R StocksTrader web platform and mobile app are built specifically for stock and CFD trading, while MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are available for those who prefer industry standards. MT4/MT5 can be enhanced with trading signal add-ons.

RoboForex also stands out for its well-rounded research offering. Traders get daily market commentary, along with practical tools such as trading signals, an economic calendar, and a currency heatmap. Content is available in both written and video formats and is timely, actionable, and helpful for staying oriented throughout the trading day.

Pros
  • Fast order execution
  • Robust educational and research content
  • Free VPS hosting
  • Shares and share CFDs trading platform
Cons
  • Narrow instrument offering

Best for Beginners

4.3
Forex margin trading involves substantial risks.
  • Min Deposit
    $25
  • Tradable Instruments
    254
  • Fees
    High

OCTA is a solid choice for beginners who want a low-friction way to get started. Founded in 2011, the broker offers a free demo account for practice and a commission-free live account once you’re ready, keeping costs and complexity to a minimum while you learn the basics of trading.

Key Features:

  • Regulators: CySEC, FSCA, MISA, FSC
  • EUR/USD spread: 0.9 pips
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, OctaTrader
  • Leverage: Up to 1:1000
  • Perks: Live webinars, AI tools

In my live tests, OCTA’s EUR/USD spreads averaged 0.9–1.0 pips during the London and New York sessions, which is competitive. Pricing is strongest on major forex pairs and share CFDs, and the broker keeps costs minimal by charging no inactivity, deposit, or withdrawal fees.

The broker’s proprietary OctaTrader platform is built with simplicity in mind, making it a comfortable starting point for new traders. It combines clean charts with built-in market research and AI-driven insights. For more advanced users, OCTA also supports MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, offering deeper customization and algorithmic trading tools.

OCTA also offers a broad, beginner-friendly education center designed to help new traders understand how the markets actually work. Its resource library includes webinars, videos, articles, and structured courses that walk users through core concepts like technical and fundamental analysis, risk management, and the psychological side of trading.

Pros
  • Free demo trading account
  • Commission-free trading
  • Useful platform guides
  • Regular webinars for all levels
Cons
  • No ETFs, bonds, or futures

Best Low Spreads

Trading Forex and CFDs carries a high level of risk to your capital and you should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Trading Forex and CFDs may not be suitable for all investors, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and seek independent advice if necessary.
  • Min Deposit
    $200
  • Tradable Instruments
    2239
  • Fees
    Low

IC Markets is a well-established online broker founded in 2007, best known for its rock-bottom trading costs and professional-grade platforms. The broker operates under strong regulatory oversight, offering a high level of client protection, and provides access to more than 2,200 CFD instruments across global markets.

Key Features:

  • Regulators: CySEC, ASIC, FSA, CMA, SCB
  • EUR/USD spread: 0.8 pips
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, ZuluTrade
  • Leverage: Up to 1:500
  • Perks: Trading Central, Autochartist

IC Markets stands out for low trading costs, offering consistently tight spreads on major instruments that rank among the best I have tested. Crude oil and Bitcoin spreads are especially competitive. Costs are kept simple, with no inactivity fees and minimal commissions on raw spreads accounts.

With a strong lineup of trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, and ZuluTrade, IC Markets offers traders plenty of flexibility. Whether you prefer manual trading, automated strategies, or social trading, there’s a suitable option. For more active traders, VPS hosting helps support faster execution and more reliable, low-latency performance.

IC Markets also stands out in research and education. Traders receive in-house market analysis alongside third-party insights from Trading Central and Autochartist, covering technical, fundamental, and sentiment-based analysis. The educational offering is equally robust, with hundreds of webinars, articles, videos, ebooks, and a dedicated podcast.

Pros
  • Low fees
  • Ultra-fast execution
  • Broad asset lineup
  • Free VPS hosting
Cons
  • High minimum deposit

Best Order Execution

Between 75-95 % of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
  • Min Deposit
    $0
  • Tradable Instruments
    1344
  • Fees
    Low

Founded in 2010, Pepperstone appeals to traders who prioritize low costs, fast execution, and platform flexibility. The broker offers access to more than 1,380 CFDs across forex, indices, commodities, shares, and crypto. Tight spreads and reliable execution make it a strong fit for day traders, scalpers, and automated traders.

Key Features:

  • Regulators: FCA, CySEC, BaFin, ASIC, DFSA, CMA, SCB
  • EUR/USD spread: 1 pip
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, Pepperstone app
  • Leverage: Up to 1:400
  • Perks: Autochartist, Custom EAs

In my tests, execution speeds averaged around 30 milliseconds, substantially faster than the industry norm. VPS hosting adds a further advantage by enabling stable, low-latency connections that help reduce slippage and ensure orders are executed as intended. This is particularly valuable in fast-moving markets or when running automated trading strategies.

Pepperstone pairs this strong execution with a well-rounded platform lineup suited to both beginners and experienced traders. Newer traders can get started with TradingView or the intuitive Pepperstone mobile app, while advanced users have access to MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Copy trading is supported, and MetaTrader users benefit from a deep ecosystem of custom indicators and expert advisors.

Market access is a key highlight. The broker offers CFDs across forex, stocks, ETFs, indices, and cryptocurrencies, including 116 popular share CFDs available for trading 24/5. With solid depth in forex, commodities, and crypto, Pepperstone is a strong choice for traders who value flexibility and broad market coverage.

Pros
  • Raw spreads from 0 pips
  • 24/7 support
  • Extensive research content.
  • Flexible account types
Cons
  • Limited chat support

Best for Professional Traders

4.1
Online Forex/CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading Online Forex/CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. It is the responsibility of the Client to ascertain whether he/she is permitted to use the services of Exinity Capital East Africa Ltd based on the legal requirements in his/her country of residence.
  • Min Deposit
    $200
  • Tradable Instruments
    593
  • Fees
    High

If you’re a professional trader seeking ECN-style pricing with interbank spreads, FXTM is worth considering. Founded in 2011, the broker operates under multiple regulators. Professionals can trade via commission-free ECN accounts on advanced platforms and earn extra income by acting as strategy managers through FXTM’s copy-trading service.

Key Features:

  • Regulators: FCA, CySEC, FSCA, FSC
  • EUR/USD spread: 2.0 pips
  • Trading platforms: MT4, MT5, and FXTM mobile app
  • Leverage: Up to 1:1000
  • Perks: Acuity Signals, Reward Program

In my live tests, FXTM’s commission-free Advantage Account averaged around 2.0 pips on EUR/USD during the London and New York sessions, which is higher than some competitors. More active and professional traders may find better value with the Advantage Plus Account, which offers raw spreads from as low as 0.1 pips, sourced directly from the interbank market.

FXTM prioritizes reliability over flashy features. Traders have access to the dependable MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms across desktop, web, and mobile, alongside a modern FXTM app powered by TradingView charts. MT5 delivers fast, intuitive execution, while the Pro Trader Tools plugin enhances market research and technical analysis.

For traders interested in social trading, FXTM Invest serves as the broker’s dedicated copy-trading platform, connecting investors with experienced traders. Skilled professionals can become strategy managers, build a track record, attract followers, and earn additional income through performance-based fees tied directly to the results they generate.

Pros
  • ECN trading accounts
  • Competitive fees on Advantage Plus Account
  • Trading signals.
  • Copy trading service
Cons
  • Limited range of assets

Best Forex Trading App

Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are leveraged over-the-counter derivative products and carry a high level of risk to your capital. You should only risk capital that you can afford to lose. In certain circumstances, due to fluctuations in market value you may not get back your initial investment amount. You may not only lose your initial investment but you may incur a liability to pay a further amount to cover losses. This means you can lose more money than you have invested.
  • Min Deposit
    $100
  • Tradable Instruments
    10180
  • Fees
    Low

FP Markets is a strong option for traders who prefer managing positions on a powerful mobile app. Founded in 2005, the broker has a broad global presence and is regulated across multiple jurisdictions. Its mobile platform supports 70+ forex pairs, plus hundreds of CFDs on shares, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies.

Key Features:

  • Regulators: ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, CMA Kenya, FCS Mauritius, FSA Seychelles
  • EUR/USD spread: 1.1 pips
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, and FP Markets app
  • Leverage: Up to 1:2000
  • Perks: Autochartist, Trading Central

The FP Markets mobile app covers the basics and then some. You can manage your account and get access to hundreds of forex, global share CFDs, indices, commodities, and crypto, plus practical tools like stop-losses, charting, and full funding controls. It’s a capable, all-in-one trading app for managing positions on the go.

From FP Markets’ desktop and web platforms, you can access an impressive range of 10,000 CFDs, which is way above the industry average across most categories, particularly forex and commodities, though most share CFDs are accessed through the Iress platform.

FP Markets also delivers above-average research. Its Traders Hub offers clear, text-driven fundamental and technical analysis from in-house analysts, plus third-party insights from Autochartist and Trading Central. Coverage spans forex, indices, and crypto, with an economic calendar and actionable trade ideas that genuinely help inform decisions.

Pros
  • Competitive prices
  • 10,000+ CFDs
  • VPS hosting
  • Personal account managers
Cons
  • Offshore entity is unregulated

Best Execution Speed

73% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing money. (EU, UK)
  • Min Deposit
    $100
  • Tradable Instruments
    1995
  • Fees
    High

FxPro is a leading CFD broker regulated by multiple authorities globally, including the FCA UK and CySEC. It offers 2,100+ tradable instruments covering forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptos. All clients benefit from order execution in under 12 milliseconds, which is substantially faster than the industry average and helps give day traders and scalpers an edge.

Key Features:

  • Regulators: CySEC, FCA, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas
  • EUR/USD spread: 1.2 pips
  • Leverage: Up to 1:10,000
  • Platforms: FxPro Trading Platform, FxPro Mobile App, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader
  • Perks: LiveSquawk, Trading Central

FxPro offers a versatile platform lineup that caters to traders at different experience levels. Beginners and casual investors can start with the clean, intuitive FxPro Trading platform and mobile app, while more advanced traders have access to MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader for deeper charting, automation, and algorithmic strategies.

In my live tests, Standard account spreads landed squarely around the industry average. Where this broker shines is at the top end: Raw+ and Elite accounts deliver meaningfully lower trading costs, which makes a real difference for active, high-volume, and short-term traders who are sensitive to spreads and commissions.

Another of FxPro’s strengths is its research offering. Traders have access to in-house analysis alongside an FxPro Squawk, powered by LiveSquawk News, which delivers real-time alerts on breaking news, economic data releases, and market-moving stories. There is also a full package of Trading Central signals and tools.

Pros
  • Great selection of platforms
  • Competitive spreads via Raw+ and Elite Accounts
  • Ultra-fast order execution (<12 ms)
  • Diverse range of CFD instruments
Cons
  • FxPro Trading Platform is only available in the English language

Best Forex Trading Platform

Trading involves risks. Products and services of Swissquote are only intended for those permitted to receive them under local law.
  • Min Deposit
    $1000
  • Tradable Instruments
    642
  • Fees
    High

If you want a broker-built platform with serious depth, Swissquote is worth a close look. Founded in 1996, the globally regulated broker offers its proprietary CFXD platform, known for powerful charting and tools. With access to more than three million investment products, it’s best suited to experienced traders who prioritize advanced tools and flexibility.

Key Features:

  • Regulators: FINMA, FCA, DFSA, SFC, MFSA, MAS, CSSF, CySEC, FSCA, DFSA
  • EUR/USD spread: 1.8 pips
  • Platforms: CFXD platform, Swissquote App, MT4, MT5, TradingView
  • Leverage: Up to 1:100
  • Perks: Autochartist, live webinars

CFXD is built for traders who like control without clutter. The platform is powered by TradingView, offering advanced charts, 80+ technical indicators, and flexible layouts. Integrated Autochartist scans markets for trade ideas, while advanced order types like OCO and IF-DONE add precision. I liked the deep customization, making it easy to tailor the workspace to your trading style.

Swissquote offers a strikingly broad range of tradable assets. Traders can access 400+ forex and CFD instruments across currencies, commodities, shares, indices, cryptocurrencies, and bonds. Beyond CFDs, Swissquote also provides millions of real stocks, ETFs, options, and other investment securities, making it a solid option for building a diversified portfolio.

The education offering is thoughtfully structured and genuinely useful. Content is clearly layered for beginner, intermediate, and advanced traders, with videos, ebooks, and regular webinars covering technical and fundamental analysis, risk management, trading psychology, and even value investing. It’s a well-rounded learning library that goes beyond the basics without feeling bloated.

Pros
  • Ultra-fast execution
  • Massive product range
  • Banking services
  • Highly functional CFXD
Cons
  • Withdrawal fee

Best Research Tools

Trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Before deciding to trade Contracts for Difference (CFDs), you should carefully consider your trading objectives, level of experience and risk appetite. It is possible for you to sustain losses that exceed your invested capital and therefore you should not deposit money that you cannot afford to lose. Please ensure you fully understand the risks and take appropriate care to manage your risk.
  • Min Deposit
    $100
  • Tradable Instruments
    649
  • Fees
    Medium

For traders who prioritize research-driven trading, Tickmill is a solid, well-rounded option. Founded in 2014, it pairs strong regulatory oversight with a deep research lineup, including Signal Centre, Acuity signals, and market-sentiment dashboards. It’s a practical, data-driven toolkit designed to support smarter, more confident trading decisions.

Key Features:

  • Regulators: FCA, CySEC, FSCA, FSA
  • EUR/USD spread: 1.6 pips
  • Platforms: Tickmill Trader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, Tickmill app
  • Leverage: Up to 1:500
  • Perks: Acuity Signals, Market sentiment

Tickmill combines solid research, education, and platform choice into a well-rounded trading experience. Its research suite includes an economic calendar, detailed fundamental and technical analysis, market insights, AI-driven signals, and weekly video breakdowns that add context to major market moves, helping traders assess risk and spot opportunities more effectively.

Education is another strong point. Traders have access to articles, ebooks, videos, webinars, and the Bright Minds podcast, which breaks down practical trading topics in an approachable format. The material covers everything from core fundamentals to intermediate strategies, making it useful for both beginners and developing traders.

On the platform side, Tickmill offers flexibility. You can trade through the streamlined Tickmill Trader on web and mobile, or choose familiar platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and TradingView. Extras such as MetaTrader add-ons and VPS hosting further support active and automated trading styles.

Pros
  • Raw spreads account
  • Market Sentiment dashboard
  • VPS hosting
  • MetaTrader add-ons
Cons
  • Classic account not available with TradingView/Tickmill Trader

Best for Share CFD Trading

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71%-81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
  • Min Deposit
    $0
  • Tradable Instruments
    1108
  • Fees
    High

ActivTrades is a long-established broker that emphasizes asset depth, safety, and platform flexibility. Founded in 2001, it offers access to more than 1,100 global share CFDs, enhanced client fund protection of up to £1M, and low commissions. Trading platforms include MT4, MT5, TradingView, and the proprietary ActivTrader.

Key Features:

  • Regulators: FCA, CMVM, BCB, SCB, FSC
  • EUR/USD spread: 0.7 pips
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView, ActivTrader
  • Leverage: Up to 1:400
  • Perks: Trading Central, private insurance

ActivTrades stands out for share traders, offering access to more than 1,000 US and European share CFDs with consistently tight spreads in my live testing. Fractional share trading adds flexibility to position sizing, while dividend adjustments on long positions make the offering more appealing for longer-term CFD traders.

The broker also delivers a strong platform choice. Traders can use the clean, web-based ActivTrader or opt for familiar platforms like TradingView, MT4, and MT5, alongside a capable mobile app. ActivTrader impresses with its intuitive layout, TradingView-powered charts, one-click trading, and advanced risk tools, including a progressive trailing stop.

Support is another strength. ActivTrades provides dependable 24/5 customer service via live chat, WhatsApp, phone, and email, with a callback option available. In my testing, responses were fast and agents were knowledgeable, making it easy to resolve issues without unnecessary back-and-forth.

Pros
  • Over 950 global share CFDs
  • Multiple trading platforms.
  • Reliable and fast order execution
  • Low spreads on share CFDs
Cons
  • Only one account type

Best Account Offering

Our products are traded on margin and carry a high level of risk and it is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved.
  • Min Deposit
    $50
  • Tradable Instruments
    311
  • Fees
    Medium

IronFX is a solid option for traders who value choice and flexibility. Founded in 2010 and globally regulated, the broker offers four account types designed to suit different trading styles. With access to 500+ instruments on the reliable MetaTrader 4 platform, it provides a well-rounded and dependable trading setup.

Key Features:

  • Regulators: FCA, CySEC, FSC, FSCA
  • EUR/USD spread: 1.0 pip with zero commission.
  • Platforms: MT4
  • Leverage: Up to 1:2000
  • Perks: Trading Central, PMAM accounts

My analysis shows that IronFX is a flexible choice for traders who value variety and accessibility. With no minimum deposit, it offers fixed and floating spreads, commission-free and raw-spread pricing, and swap-free Islamic accounts. Professional traders and money managers can also use the PMAM platform to manage multiple client accounts.

Beyond account options, IronFX delivers a well-rounded research experience by blending in-house analysis with Trading Central tools. Traders benefit from daily market breakdowns, short video updates, actionable trade ideas, sentiment indicators, and a streamlined economic calendar, all supported by a regularly updated blog that explains key market moves clearly.

Education is another area that impressed me. IronFX provides a structured learning ecosystem that scales from beginner to advanced, with step-by-step tutorials, multilingual webinars, video courses, and a long-running podcast. The content goes beyond basics to cover strategy, risk management, and trading psychology, making it a genuinely useful learning hub.

Pros
  • Flexinle account types
  • Educational webinars
  • Free VPS hosting
  • MT4 Multi-Terminal
Cons
  • Only one trading platform

Best for Swing Trading

Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk to your invested capital.
  • Min Deposit
    $5
  • Tradable Instruments
    1372
  • Fees
    High

XM is a solid pick for swing traders because it keeps holding costs low and offers a superb range of supporting tools. The Ultra Low account offers swap-free trading on selected majors, saving money on positions held for days. The 1,400+ instrument lineup gives traders the flexibility to rotate between trends.

  • Regulators: CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, FSA, FS
  • EUR/USD spread: 2.0 pips
  • Platforms: XM Web Platform, XM Mobile App, MetaTrader 4, and MetaTrader 5
  • Leverage: Up to 1:1000
  • Perks: Reuters news, Trading Central

The XM Standard Account has wider spreads, but the Ultra Low account offers tighter pricing and swap-free trading on many popular instruments, which helps reduce holding costs for active and swing traders. Deposits and withdrawals are free, keeping non-trading fees to a minimum.

In my experience, XM stands out for usability and range. The clean web platform and polished mobile app make everyday trading simple, while MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are fully supported for traders who want deeper charting, automation, and professional-grade tools.

Market access is broad, covering forex, commodities, indices, shares, and cryptocurrencies across both spot and futures CFDs. Research and education are also strong, with daily in-house analysis, Trading Central insights, and a live Reuters news feed. These are complemented by multilingual webinars and structured video courses that support both new and experienced traders.

Pros
  • Swap-free account
  • Excellent built-in research and Trading Central signals
  • Broad lineup of CFDs (+real shares)
  • Strong selection of platforms
Cons
  • Standard Account spreads could be better

Best Overall in the US

Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.
  • Min Deposit
    $1
  • Tradable Instruments
    82
  • Fees
    Low

US-based traders looking for a well-established forex broker should consider tastyfx. Launched in 2019 by IG, the platform draws on decades of industry experience and provides powerful trading software.

Key Features:

  • Regulators: CFTC, NFA
  • EUR/USD spread: 2 pips
  • Trading platforms: MT4,  tastyfx Web Platform, ProRealTime, TradingView
  • Leverage: Up to 1:50
  • Perks: Rebates, custom indicators

tastyfx keeps things focused by specializing exclusively in forex, and it delivers. U.S. traders get access to 86 spot currency pairs spanning majors, minors, and a wide mix of regional and emerging-market crosses. If you want one streamlined platform with broad FX coverage, tastyfx fits the bill.

Costs are another highlight. In hands-on testing, spreads on major pairs ranked among the tightest I measured, while swap fees landed better than the industry average. High-volume traders can further reduce costs through rebate programs.

The platform lineup rounds out the offering nicely. tastyfx’s web and mobile platforms impressed me with their clean design, fast execution, and built-in sentiment data. More advanced traders can also use MT4, MT5, TradingView, or ProRealTime for deeper charting and automation.

Pros
  • Average execution speed of 17ms
  • Strong lineup of forex pairs.
  • Competitive spreads
  • Excellent tastyfx platform
Cons
  • Spot forex trading only

Best Futures Trading Platform in the US

Trading with leverage comes with a high risk and may not be suitable for everyone.
  • Min Deposit
    $100
  • Tradable Instruments
    52
  • Fees
    Low

Plus500 has expanded into the U.S. with a futures trading offering built around its streamlined WebTrader platform. US clients can trade futures across forex, indices, commodities, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, making it a straightforward option for traders who want broad futures market access in a single, modern interface.

Key Features:

  • Regulators: CFTC, NFA
  • EuroFX spread: 0.5 pip + commission
  • Platforms: Plus500 WebTrader and Plus500 mobile app
  • Leverage: Up to 1:50
  • Perks: Market Insights, Futures Trading Academy

Plus500 US makes it simple for new traders to get started in futures trading with a low minimum deposit and its intuitive platform. WebTrader has a range of popular features, including watchlists, trading from the chart, and access to live chat support from within the platform. The design and UX are outstanding, really putting it in a class of its own. I especially liked how easy it is to flip between demo and live trading.

My hands-on tests showed that Plus500 US offers highly competitive trading commissions and minimal account-related fees. In addition to low costs, trading futures via Plus500 US has several important advantages: access to high leverage, ease of going short, and the ability to day trade with a relatively small account balance.

Traders can further benefit from excellent educational materials on the futures market, available in both text and video formats via the Futures Trading Academy. Easy-to-digest materials help new traders orient themselves in the world of futures trading.

Pros
  • Cutting-edge trading platform
  • Wide range of futures markets
  • Low commissions
  • 24/7 support via live chat and email
Cons
  • No phone support.

What Makes a Good Forex Broker?

A good forex broker is one that prioritizes your safety and offers trading conditions that enable, rather than detract from, your profitability. Essentially, it needs to be an institution you can trust that gives you competitive access to the world’s financial markets.

Here’s how we assess a quality broker, broken down into the key criteria that separate the best from the rest:

🛡️ Safety and Trustworthiness Are the Foundation

Since the broker holds your capital and executes your trades, safety and trust are non-negotiable. A good broker must be regulated by a reputable financial body to guarantee your protection.

  • Tiered Regulation: We classify regulators into three tiers to assess safety. Tier-1 regulators (like the UK FCA and ASIC) are in major financial centers and provide the highest level of oversight. Tier-2 regulators are in established but smaller centers (like the FMA), and Tier-3 regulators are typically offshore.
  • Highest Protection Standards: Brokers regulated by Tier-1 authorities are legally required to segregate client funds (keeping your money separate from the company’s operating capital) and offer negative balance protection (preventing your account from going below zero).
  • Investor Compensation: Regulators like the FCA and CySEC go a step further, requiring brokers to be part of a compensation scheme that protects your capital up to a set amount if the firm becomes insolvent.

Many brokers have multiple global entities with different regulations. Always confirm the specific entity you are opening an account with and what protections apply. We advise avoiding unregulated brokers at all costs: if they handle your capital negligently, you have no legal recourse.

To help you understand exactly how the broker protects your funds, be sure to check out our Trader’s Safety Kit: How to Protect Yourself in Forex and CFD Trading.

💰 Trading Fees Must Be Competitive

A good broker ensures fees don’t consume your profits. Fees are categorized into trading and non-trading costs, and both must be transparent and low.

  • Spreads: These are the primary costs for opening and closing trades. We conduct a live spread test on every broker we review. A good broker will offer an EUR/USD spread of less than 1.0 pip for a commission-free account. See our guide for the best forex brokers with lowest spreads.
  • Commission: For commission-based accounts, we consider a commission of approximately $3.50 per lot per side as the industry standard.
  • Swaps. For traders holding positions overnight, a good broker offers competitive swap fees (the cost of holding a leveraged position overnight). Discover Best low swaps forex brokers.
  • Non-Trading Fees: A quality broker minimizes non-trading charges (like inactivity or withdrawal fees). It’s wise to confirm withdrawal charges, as some brokers advertise free deposits but surprise traders with withdrawal costs.

The best way to test the broker’s fees is to use a demo trading account or open a live account with the minimum deposit first. Alternatively, you can check out the broker review at FXEmpire, where our team of analysts has already tested the spreads for you.

Guide to Broker Fees in the Forex and CFD Industry

💻 Stable and Feature-Rich Platforms

A quality broker must offer industry-leading software that is reliable and highly functional. We always make sure that brokers offer the essential, industry-standard software that most retail traders prefer.

  • MetaTrader 4: This platform is the ‘go-to’ forex trading platform known for its superior charting, technical analysis, and drawing tools. Discover Best MetaTrader 4 brokers.
  • MetaTrader 5: This is an updated version of MT4, which has more features such as extra timeframes and indicators. Discover Best MetaTrader 5 brokers.
  • cTrader: This platform is designed for high-frequency day traders and scalpers and comes with advanced algorithmic trading capabilities. Discover Best cTrader brokers
  • TradingView: This platform is fast becoming a leader in the industry as it is fully browser-based with advanced research tools and charting tools for all financial instruments. Discover Best TradingView forex brokers.
  • In-House Proprietary Software: Some brokers may invest in having their own proprietary trading software.

When we test the platforms, we look at charting, technical indicators, drawing tools, and platform design. Make sure you have enough tools and plugins for your trading strategy and fast execution of trades. You can also check out our list of Best forex trading platforms.

📋Flexible Account Types

Good brokers provide choices to match different trading needs and capital levels.

You will find a variety of account types that vary by pricing mechanism, margin call, base currencies, range of available tradable instruments, etc.

To simplify the thing, we define to main accounts types:

  • Spread-based account (with no commissions but wider spreads, typically STP execution)
  • Commission-based account (with tighter spreads plus commission, often ECN execution).

In my experience, each account type may come with a different minimum deposit. Generally speaking, the higher the minimum deposit is, the better the trading terms, products, and services will be.

Investigate each account type thoroughly to find the one that best suits your needs. Usually, you can test each account first using a demo trading account before opening a live trading account.

⚖️ Leverage and Risk Management

While high leverage is awesome for boosting profits, it’s a double-edged sword because it seriously magnifies your losses, too. That’s why the best brokers, especially those regulated by top-tier authorities, keep things responsible by setting smart leverage limits (like the 1:30 cap for retail traders required by MiFID II). This helps protect newer traders from accidentally wiping out their accounts. (If you want to dive deeper, check out our guide on the Best MiFID regulated forex brokers.)

Seriously, be cautious with any broker advertising crazy high leverage (like 1:1000+). They are usually based offshore in places with almost zero regulation. That said, after testing 80 brokers this year, we did select thebest options for those looking to trade with higher leverage safely.

Before you jump into the deep end, make sure to read our complete guide to leverage and margin in forex and CFD trading.

What to avoid when choosing a forex broker?

It is wise to steer clear of brokers that aren’t regulated by a reputable authority, as there is no legal recourse if they take your capital and handle your funds fraudulently. Also, beware of brokers who promise high returns and that trading is easy.

Brokers regulated by well-established financial regulators have the highest level of investor protection and must follow strict rules to protect your capital. The safety of your funds should always be the number one priority.

How to avoid forex trading scams?

Unfortunately, there are many scam brokers out there nowadays. You can protect yourself by adhering to the following:

  • Always trade with a regulated broker from a well-established financial jurisdiction.
  • Ensure the broker has physical offices in a well-known country and city.
  • Speak to customer support to check they are easy to reach.
  • Use a demo trading account first.
  • Check the legal terms and conditions document carefully and the entity you are trading with.
  • When ready for a live account, start with a small amount of capital.

Meet Our Experts

Get to Know Our Authors

Dan BlystoneBroker Analyst

Dan Blystone began his career in the trading industry in 1998 on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Later, Dan gained insight into the forex industry during his time as a Series 3 licensed futures and forex broker. He also traded at a couple of different prop trading firms in Chicago. Dan is well-equipped to recommend the best forex brokers due to his extensive experience and understanding of the brokerage industry.

Jitan SolankiBroker Analyst

Jitan Solanki is a professional trader, market analyst, and educator. He day trades major currency and index markets and focuses on swing trading US equities and commodities. A qualified Market Technician, Jitan also works with trader education and brokerage companies on various projects. These include market analysis, live trading events, and broker reviews. As an experienced trader and educator, Jitan brings all his qualities in action when reviewing and recommending brokers.

Plamen StoyanovBroker Analyst

Having been a retail trader since 2013, Plamen has gained an in-depth understanding of the challenges that novice traders face today. His expertise is swing trading and day trading with a heavy emphasis on psychological and fundamental analysis. Plamen’s favourite trading instruments include FX majors and gold. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and International Relations. Plamen's broad experience has equipped him with the expertise to recommend the best forex brokers.

Vladimir ZernovBroker Analyst

In more than 15 years of trading in the financial markets, Vladimir dealt with a wide range of brokers and financial instruments. His career as a day-trader at a proprietary trading firm goes back to 2007. Later, Vladimir turned to longer time frames and became an independent trader and analyst managing his own portfolio. Using his experience, he helps traders find the best broker in his reviews.

About the Author

Dan BlystoneBroker Analyst

Dan Blystone began his career in the trading industry in 1998 on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Later, Dan gained insight into the forex industry during his time as a Series 3 licensed futures and forex broker. He also traded at a couple of different prop trading firms in Chicago. Dan is well-equipped to recommend the best forex brokers due to his extensive experience and understanding of the brokerage industry.

Why you can trust FXEmpire

At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough and accurate broker reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.

Why you can trust FXEmpire

FXEmpire was founded in 2011, making us one of the first forex broker review sites. You can trust FXEmpire because of our thorough and unbiased review process. With over a decade of experience, we have a team of industry experts who conduct rigorous tests to ensure our reviews are accurate and unbiased. Our reviews are designed to bring clarity and confidence to the process of choosing a broker, and are based on objective criteria and measurable data. Our editorial team is composed of trading industry professionals and seasoned financial journalists, who ensure that our reviews are accurate and unbiased. Additionally, our review system is based on 9 core categories and over 250 distinct variables, which ensures that all aspects of a broker are considered before giving a final rating. So, you can trust FXEmpire to provide you with honest and informative reviews that will help you make an informed decision on which broker will best enable you to reach your financial goals.
Advertising DisclosureWe prioritize rigorous, unbiased testing through our independent review process. While our ratings are objective, we receive compensation that may influence list placement. Learn how we make money
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