Choosing a forex broker is no easy task. It requires time, effort, and careful consideration. Without this, it’s easy to choose the wrong broker, causing problems in the future. However, just one look at the market and it becomes apparent that the choice of forex brokers is vast.
For that reason, we break down nine of the best forex brokers and assess their pros and cons, features, and regulatory status. It’s important to note that there is no single ‘best’ choice for everyone; all traders have their own specific needs and goals. However, through my aim to compare forex brokers adequately, I believe I have uncovered nine of the top choices on the market today. Let’s begin:
OANDA is among the few international online forex brokers that accept U.S. clients.
The broker’s trading platforms are unique with features of various valuable tools and resources, including the famous Dow Jones Forex Select news and trading calculators.
OANDA does not require a fixed initial deposit on the standard account.
Cons
OANDA’s financial offerings have some irregularities that may only suit some traders
-Trading on OANDA may incur several fees, including a monthly inactivity fee
OANDA is among the few international online forex brokers that accept U.S. clients.
The broker’s trading platforms are unique with features of various valuable tools and resources, including the famous Dow Jones Forex Select news and trading calculators.
OANDA does not require a fixed initial deposit on the standard account.
Cons
OANDA’s financial offerings have some irregularities that may only suit some traders
-Trading on OANDA may incur several fees, including a monthly inactivity fee
The broker provides a personalized Web Trading Platform, enhancing the user experience and catering to individual trading preferences.
Traders benefit from daily trading signals, helping them stay informed about market trends and potential trading opportunities.
Negative Balance Protection ensures that traders do not lose more than their initial investment, safeguarding against excessive losses.
Cons
The broker provides limited educational and research tools, which may hinder traders’ ability to expand their knowledge and make informed trading decisions.
ModMount does not offer MT4, MT5, or algorithmic trading options, limiting the choices available to traders who prefer these platforms.
Traders may incur a inactivity fee if their account remains dormant for an extended period, potentially impacting their account balance.
The broker provides a personalized Web Trading Platform, enhancing the user experience and catering to individual trading preferences.
Traders benefit from daily trading signals, helping them stay informed about market trends and potential trading opportunities.
Negative Balance Protection ensures that traders do not lose more than their initial investment, safeguarding against excessive losses.
Cons
The broker provides limited educational and research tools, which may hinder traders’ ability to expand their knowledge and make informed trading decisions.
ModMount does not offer MT4, MT5, or algorithmic trading options, limiting the choices available to traders who prefer these platforms.
Traders may incur a inactivity fee if their account remains dormant for an extended period, potentially impacting their account balance.
Thorough Regulation and License: markets.com is licensed and regulated by 5 reputable watchdogs. This further strengthens the broker’s credibility as a financial service provider.
Markets.com is not your regular broker, with its blend and IPO offerings. These additional offerings put the broker in a league of its own.
Sleek Proprietary Trading Platform: Besides its MT4 and MT5 trading platforms, the broker has its own customized trading platforms, which excel in every regard as the more popular trading platforms.
Cons
Inactivity Charges: Traders must pay a fee of $10 per month after 90 days of no trading inactivity on markets.com.
No Customer Support Service on Weekends: Since trading is 24/7, it’s only ideal that the customer support service is also available 24/7 so clients can resolve their complaints quickly.
Thorough Regulation and License: markets.com is licensed and regulated by 5 reputable watchdogs. This further strengthens the broker’s credibility as a financial service provider.
Markets.com is not your regular broker, with its blend and IPO offerings. These additional offerings put the broker in a league of its own.
Sleek Proprietary Trading Platform: Besides its MT4 and MT5 trading platforms, the broker has its own customized trading platforms, which excel in every regard as the more popular trading platforms.
Cons
Inactivity Charges: Traders must pay a fee of $10 per month after 90 days of no trading inactivity on markets.com.
No Customer Support Service on Weekends: Since trading is 24/7, it’s only ideal that the customer support service is also available 24/7 so clients can resolve their complaints quickly.
AMP Global offers diverse tradable instruments, including forex, exchange-traded futures, metals, energies, indices, stocks, and crypto CFDs. This allows traders to diversify their portfolios and exploit various market opportunities.
Including the Investor Compensation Fund is a notable advantage for clients trading under the CySEC-regulated entity. This fund offers insurance per client up to 20,000 EUR, providing additional protection for client funds.
AMP Global offers various account funding methods, including bank wire transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallet services. This provides flexibility and convenience for clients when depositing and withdrawing funds.
Cons
The registration requirements to open a new AMP Global live account may be considered complex, involving multiple steps and providing various declarations. This might be a drawback for traders seeking a more straightforward account opening process.
Traders do not have the liberty to pick which trading platform they wish to use since AMP GLOBAL only offers the MT5 trading platform. This means there is no proprietary platform, the MT4 or the cTrader platforms.
AMP GLOBAL forex brokerage offers only one account type for all its clients. This effectively means users have no choice of picking account types that suit their trading needs.
AMP Global offers diverse tradable instruments, including forex, exchange-traded futures, metals, energies, indices, stocks, and crypto CFDs. This allows traders to diversify their portfolios and exploit various market opportunities.
Including the Investor Compensation Fund is a notable advantage for clients trading under the CySEC-regulated entity. This fund offers insurance per client up to 20,000 EUR, providing additional protection for client funds.
AMP Global offers various account funding methods, including bank wire transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallet services. This provides flexibility and convenience for clients when depositing and withdrawing funds.
Cons
The registration requirements to open a new AMP Global live account may be considered complex, involving multiple steps and providing various declarations. This might be a drawback for traders seeking a more straightforward account opening process.
Traders do not have the liberty to pick which trading platform they wish to use since AMP GLOBAL only offers the MT5 trading platform. This means there is no proprietary platform, the MT4 or the cTrader platforms.
AMP GLOBAL forex brokerage offers only one account type for all its clients. This effectively means users have no choice of picking account types that suit their trading needs.
OANDA: Best for advanced traders with excellent research tools.
FOREX.com: Ideal for US traders with competitive pricing.
Tastyfx: Great for options traders with user-friendly platforms.
FP Markets: Low-cost ECN broker with fast execution.
Exness: High leverage and diverse account types.
FXTM: Strong educational resources and copy trading.
eToro: Popular for social trading and cryptocurrency offerings.
Interactive Brokers: Low trading costs and global market access.
AvaTrade: User-friendly platforms and solid educational content.
Broker
Best For
Min. Deposit
Regulation
Platforms
OANDA
Advanced traders
$0
FCA, ASIC, MAS
fxTrade, MT4
FOREX.com
US traders
$100
NFA, CFTC, FCA
Proprietary, MT4
Tastyfx
Options traders
$250
NFA, CFTC
Proprietary
FP Markets
ECN trading
$50
ASIC, CySEC
MT4, MT5, IRESS
Exness
High leverage
$1 for Standard accounts
CySEC, FCA, FSCA
MT4, MT5
FXTM
Education
$200
CySEC, FCA, FSCA
MT4, MT5
eToro
Social trading
$50
FCA, CySEC, ASIC
Proprietary
Interactive Brokers
Low costs
$0
SEC, FCA, IIROC
TWS, IBKR Mobile
AvaTrade
User-friendly
$100
CBI, ASIC, FSCA
MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO
Criteria Breakdown Summary
To help me review the most popular forex brokers on the market, I put together a set of criteria. This included regulatory compliance, forex trading accounts, tradable assets, ease of use, advanced features, spreads and fees, and leverage. I also assessed customer support, educational resources, research tools, and forex trading platforms. I rated each criteria out of five, giving me a thorough overview of each broker.
OANDA US
Best Known for Advanced Research Tools
The first of my forex broker reviews was OANDA US. This broker was established in 1996 and has a reputation for reliability. It is a solid choice for traders who prioritize advanced research tools in particular, and is known for its fxTrade platform.
OANDA offers a range of tradable instruments and it is a good choice for both advanced and beginner traders. For peace of mind, this broker is regulated by the FCA, ASIC, and MAS, making it a solid broker for forex traders.
OANDA is a well-established forex broker with almost 30 years of experience. Source: Oanda
Features
OANDA offers a small choice of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and its popular proprietary platform, fxTrade. This is available in web, desktop, and mobile formats, along with advanced charting and technical analytical tools. There is a range of tradable instruments available, making it easy to diversify portfolios. Additionally, the MarketPlus blog is useful for staying up-to-date with market changes and insights.
Pros
Excellent market research and analysis tools
User-friendly proprietary platform with advanced features
Competitive spreads with no minimum deposit requirement
Regulated by multiple tier-1 authorities
Cons
Limited product range compared to some competitors
Higher minimum deposit for some account types
No social trading or copy trading features
Criteria Evaluation
Regulation: 5/5
Trading Platforms: 4/5
Spreads and Fees: 4/5
Research and Education: 5/5
Customer Support: 4/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Overall, OANDA has positive feedback from users, particularly for their competitive pricing and their extensive research tools. Many users also mention that the customer support is excellent and response times are fast. However, some users mention that the range of assets could be expanded.
They are a good enough broker. Been using them since 2023. Nothing too amazing or extra ordinary. Withdrawals sometimes take a while but it’s not something that is to be considered way too bad or slow. Spreads are okay as well. Sometimes the spreads are really bad, other times they are just about okay.” – Luna Reagan via Trustpilot
“My experience with Oanda has been great as I’ve had constant support and been kept up to date plus had help through deals, information and many other things. And the support is great as I know if in future I need help or am struggling I can message or phone and I will be responded to quickly” – Cory Czarnobay via Trustpilot
Industry experts praise OANDA’s advanced features and its reliability. Our OANDA review provides more details.
Pricing
OANDA offers competitive pricing with spreads starting from 0.6 pips on major currency pairs. There’s no minimum deposit requirement or commission for standard accounts. Active traders can opt for core pricing with raw spreads plus commission.
FOREX.com
Best Known for Competitive Pricing and US Accessibility
FOREX.com is the best forex broker for US clients as it’s one of the few brokers that offers services in the country. Established in 2001, FOREX.com is popular for its range of tradable markets and competitive pricing in particular. Additionally, there is a large range of educational resources aimed toward both advanced and beginner traders. This is a forex broker regulated by the FCA, CFTC, NFA, and other authorities.
FOREX.com is the best forex broker for US clients, with a range of services. Source: Forex.com
Features
FOREX.com has many tools and features for all trading abilities. There are several trading platforms available, including MetaTrader 4 & 5, and their proprietary platform with mobile app. Traders can access accurate market analysis tools, trading signals, and economic calendars. All of this makes it easier to reach solid trading decisions, often on-the-go. Additionally, the Performance Analytics tool allows for development over time.
Pros
Competitive pricing with volume-based discounts
Strong regulatory compliance, ideal for US traders
Extensive range of educational resources
Multiple platform options including proprietary and MT4/MT5
Cons
Higher minimum deposit compared to some competitors
Limited product range on MT4 platform
No social trading features
Criteria Evaluation
Regulation: 5/5
Trading Platforms: 4/5
Spreads and Fees: 4/5
Research and Education: 4/5
Customer Support: 4/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
In general users, particularly those in the US, praise FOREX.com. Many traders also mention its strong regulatory compliance and how easy the proprietary platform is to use. Additionally, users appreciate the range of educational resources and find them useful.
“Great customer service! I really appreciate all the wonderful assistance and support I received from Marcus P. He was kind, patient, answered all my questions, and got me off on the right track. I am looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship here.” – Timothy Walker via Trustpilot
“I have had a live account with Forex.com for about three months. All is well so far. I’ll be increasing funds after my trading strategy proves successful. Good to know that this broker is regulated in the US. The challenge is making a profitable strategy with the account constraints required under US regulation.” – Sid Stanton via Trustpilot
Industry experts recommend FOREX.com for beginner and advanced traders in the US. They also highlight the range of advanced tools. Read our FOREX.com review for more information.
Pricing
FOREX.com offers competitive spreads from 0.8 pips on major currency pairs. There’s a minimum deposit requirement of $100 for standard accounts. There is commission-based pricing on the DMA account type for advanced traders.
Tastyfx (formerly IG US)
Best Known for Options Trading and User-Friendly Platforms
TastyFX was formerly known as IG US and it is a reputable US forex broker with a range of features. This broker is still part of the wider IG Group, and it has a range of user-friendly platforms. There is a strong focus on options trading and it’s a good choice for traders who want to diversify their portfolios. As one of the best forex brokers in the US, I would recommend this broker for beginner and advanced traders.
TastyFX is one of the most reputable US forex brokers on the market. Source: TastyFX
Features
TastyFX is full of features that are designed to make the trading experience easier. The proprietary forex trading platform is easy to use and includes advanced trading and analytical tools. A mobile app is also available for on-the-go trading. However, TastyFX does not give access to MetaTrader, which may be a downside for some traders.
This broker has a range of options and forex pairs. There are many educational resources for learning and development. Overall, TastyFX is one of the strongest regulated forex brokers and ideal for US clients.
Pros
User-friendly platforms suitable for all experience levels
Unique combination of forex and options trading
Strong regulatory compliance for US traders
Competitive pricing with no minimum deposit
Cons
Limited product range compared to international brokers
No MT4/MT5 platform support
Relatively new brand in the US market
Criteria Evaluation
Regulation: 5/5
Trading Platforms: 4/5
Spreads and Fees: 4/5
Research and Education: 4/5
Customer Support: 4/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
TastyFx is relatively new on the US forex market but it still has mostly positive feedback from users so far. Most traders enjoy the site’s ease of use, and the range of educational resources, especially for options.
“Long time user of the platform. Been using IG for over 10 years now, probably a lot longer, easy platform to navigate and now even better that you can trade US options via the partnership TastyTrade. CS is great when you need help.” – Dharms Tailor via Trustpilot
Industry experts recommend TastyFX for beginner and advanced traders, and mention the overall IG group’s strong reputation.
Pricing
Tastyfx offers competitive pricing with spreads starting from 0.8 pips on major currency pairs. There is a minimum deposit requirement of $250. This broker has transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and options are competitively priced.
FP Markets
Best Known for Low-Cost ECN Trading
FP Markets is one of the most reputable forex brokers in the USA, having been founded in 2005. It is classified as an ECN broker, and based in Australia. This broker offers a low-cost trading environment with plenty of reliability and access to many markets. There are many advanced trading tools on offer and fast execution speeds.
As a result, it is one of the best forex brokers for US advanced traders.
FP Markets is a quality forex broker with strong regulation. Source: FP Markets
Features
FP Markets has a large range of features that are suitable for different trading abilities. The standout point is advanced risk management tools, including negative balance protection. Strong regulation is also a plus. This broker offers many trading instruments and advanced platforms. Additionally, there is a social trading platform for copy trading.
Pros
Extremely competitive pricing with raw spreads available
Fast execution speeds ideal for scalping and high-frequency trading
Wide range of tradable instruments across multiple asset classes
Advanced platform options including MT4, MT5, and IRESS
Cons
Higher minimum deposit for some account types
Limited educational resources compared to some competitors
Not available to traders in certain countries, including the US
Criteria Evaluation
Regulation: 4/5
Trading Platforms: 5/5
Spreads and Fees: 5/5
Research and Education: 3/5
Customer Support: 4/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Overall, FP Markets has positive feedback from traders, especially from experienced users, thanks to the low-cost ECN model. Many users also appreciate the fast execution speeds and many tradable assets.
“Needed some help with setting up my account. The online chat with Eli was fantastic, sorted within minutes. Well impressed with the service.” – Nicholas via Trustpilot
“Very quick to respond in the live chat and give a detailed answer. Highly recommend this broker as I’ve had no problems so far and have been using them for over 6 months.” – SP via Trustpilot
Industry experts recommend FP Markets for intermediate to advanced traders. They feel that beginner traders may find the platform challenging at first. Our FP Markets review provides details.
Pricing
FP Markets offers highly competitive pricing with raw spreads starting at 0.0 pips on ECN accounts. There is also a commission of $3 per lot round turn. Standard accounts have 1.0 pip spreads with no commission. The minimum deposit starts at $50 for standard accounts.
Exness
Best Known for High Leverage and Diverse Account Types
Exness is a very popular forex broker, famed for its different account types and high leverage, up to 1:2000. This broker was founded in 2008, which hints toward its reliability and quality. Execution speeds are fast and here are several trading platforms supported.
Overall, Exness is one of the top forex brokers on the market, with excellent regulatory oversight. However, this broker does not provide US forex services.
Exness is a reputable forex broker with high leverage ratios. Source: Exness
Features
Exness has many features that are useful to both beginner and advanced traders. Trading instruments go beyond forex, with stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, metals, and energies available. Exness offers a range of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 & 5, and several proprietary tools. These include the Analytics Portal and Trade Processor. Additionally, Exness is renowned for its social trading options, giving traders the chance to emulate successful past trades.
Pros
High leverage options for experienced traders
Diverse account types to suit different trading styles
Fast execution speeds and reliable platforms
Low minimum deposit requirements
Cons
High leverage can be risky for inexperienced traders
Regulatory status varies by region, with some entities less strictly regulated
Limited research and educational resources compared to some competitors
Criteria Evaluation
Regulation: 3/5
Trading Platforms: 4/5
Spreads and Fees: 4/5
Research and Education: 3/5
Customer Support: 4/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Despite Exness’ popularity, it does receive mixed reviews from users. Many traders enjoy the entire trading environment, including the different account types and high leverage. Fast execution speeds are also regularly mentioned, along with the social trading tools. However, some users would prefer more educational resources.
“Wanted to start Forex trading and was eagerly looking for a nice platform. After an exhaustive search, I chose to go with EXNESS and I am super happy with my decision. It’s not only a smooth platform but also loaded with the most convenient and useful features. Thanks a ton EXNESS for this delightful experience.” – Vijay via Trustpilot
“Availability of numerous trading instruments, easy and multiple deposit and withdrawal options. Low spreads and easy to use app. However there are fields that need improvements. Charts are not colorful, Crypto options are limited and need to increase the number of coins. Lot sizes are slightly bigger so not suitable for low budget traders.” – Mohammed Taher via Trustpilot
Industry experts recommend Exness for its copy trading functions but they express caution where high leverage ratios are concerned. Read our Exness review for details.
Pricing
Exness offers competitive pricing across different account types. Spreads start from 0.3 pips on Standard accounts. Raw Spread accounts have spreads of 0.0 pips and commission of $3.5 per lot. The minimum deposit is as low as $1 on the Standard account.
FXTM
Best Known for Educational Resources and Copy Trading
FXTM is also known as ForexTime and it is a reputable broker in forex circles with a range of features. This forex company is particularly known for its large range of educational resources that cater for all ability types. FXTM also has a copy trading function, which allows users to emulate other traders’ successful trades.
FXTM, aka ForexTime, is known for its educational focus. Source: FXTM
Features
FXTM has a large number of features that suit both beginner and advanced traders alike. There are many tradable instruments including cryptocurrencies, forex, commodities, and stocks. The mobile app is ideal for on-the-go trading and this broker also offers MetaTrader 4 & 5, along with their associated tools. Moreover, FXTM Trading Signals and Trading Central tools are excellent analytical features.
However, FXTM stands out with its commitment to trader education, offering a large range of resources for all trading ability levels.
Pros
Excellent educational resources for traders of all levels
Innovative copy trading platform with transparent performance tracking
Competitive spreads and low minimum deposits
Strong regulatory compliance in multiple jurisdictions
Cons
Product range more limited compared to some competitors
Higher spreads on some account types
Not available to traders in certain countries, including the US
Criteria Evaluation
Regulation: 4/5
Trading Platforms: 4/5
Spreads and Fees: 4/5
Research and Education: 5/5
Customer Support: 4/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Overall, FXTM receives positive feedback from users, particularly for its copy trading and educational focus. Users also appreciate the easy-to-use interface, along with excellent customer support.
“Very good experience… Customer support is also best as compared to other brokers.. deposit/withdrawals were processed very fast…..My account Manager Mr Robin Saini is very polite and always ready to help regarding any issues.” – Amit Kalamkar via Trustpilot
“FXTM is the first and the best broker I’ve ever traded with. Deposit and withdrawals are easy and fast, they also give educational content on technical and fundamental analysis for the week ahead, exchange rate is also relatively favorable, their customer service is also top notch. There has been no issue with them at all since I opened a trading account with them.” – Adeola via Trustpilot
Industry experts recommend FXTM for both beginner and advanced traders, and they also praise the educational offerings. The FXTM Invest copy trading function also receives a notable mention.
Pricing
FXTM offers competitive pricing with spreads from 0.1 pips on ECN accounts and 1.0 pip on standard accounts. The minimum deposit is $200. Standard accounts are commission-free, while ECN accounts have a commission of $2 per lot per side.
eToro
Best Known for Social Trading and Cryptocurrency Offerings
eToro is a unique fx brokerage firm focused on social trading. It also has a large range of cryptocurrencies to trade with, making it stand out above its competitors. This broker was established in 2007 and it is one of the most reliable and used brokers in the market. The interface is extremely easy to use and there are several of the best forex trading platforms to choose from.
eToro is a popular forex broker with many tradable instruments. Source: eToro
Features
eToro’s standout feature is its social trading focus, with a very easy-to-use copy trading function. This helps beginner traders to learn and develop, and allows advanced traders to diversify their strategies. Additionally, there are a large number of tradable instruments, including forex, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and commodities.
There are several trading platforms to choose from and the proprietary app is ideal for on-the-go trading. Finally, there are many educational resources in the eToro Academy.
Pros
Innovative social and copy trading features
User-friendly platform suitable for beginners
Wide range of tradable assets, including cryptocurrencies
No commission on stock trading (for non-leveraged positions)
Cons
Higher spreads compared to some traditional brokers
Limited advanced charting capabilities
Withdrawal fees and currency conversion charges
Criteria Evaluation
Regulation: 4/5
Trading Platforms: 4/5
Spreads and Fees: 3/5
Research and Education: 4/5
Customer Support: 3/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
eToro generally receives mixed feedback from users. Most highlight the social and copy trading functions, and the educational resources available. Traders also enjoy the intuitive interface and range of tradable instruments. However, advanced traders dislike the lack of advanced charting tools and the higher spreads.
“I am glad I joined this platform and I can already see the benefit. It took time but slow progress was made and all this was possible because of eToro’s easy platform that specifies everything clearly. It makes trading even on a phone so much fun and so clear that I almost stopped using a laptop.” – Akbar Bloushi via Trustpilot
“I have been using eToro both as a broker platform and money app for over 3 years now and can’t find any situation where my needs wouldn’t be met in a fast and professional way. My personal account manager is always very happy to help even with non-standard requests which I value a lot.” – Bart Z via Trustpilot
Industry experts recommend eToro for its copy trading focus, and highlight its range of educational resources. Our eToro review gives more details.
Pricing
eToro‘s pricing structure is based on spreads, with no commissions charged on most trades. Spreads start from 1 pip for major forex pairs and vary for other assets. Stock and ETF trading is commission-free for non-leveraged positions. The minimum deposit is $50.
Interactive Brokers
Best Known for Low Trading Costs and Global Market Access
Interactive Brokers has a long history, having been founded in 1978. As a result, it is one of the most well-regarded and reliable brokers amongst forex traders. This trader is known for its access to global markets and low trading costs. There are many tradable assets available, along with advanced platforms, and many analytical tools for trading fx.
Founded in 1978, Interactive Brokers is one of the most reputable forex brokers. Source: Interactive Brokers
Features
Interactive Brokers has a range of features that are particularly useful for advanced traders. A highlight is its advanced platform, called Trader Workstation. This gives access to complex order types, real-time news and data, and advanced charting tools. There are also web and mobile-based platforms. Additionally, this broker has in-depth research tools, including integration with third-party tools.
Pros
Extremely low trading costs, especially for high-volume traders
Extensive global market access across multiple asset classes
Advanced trading platforms and tools suitable for professionals
Strong focus on best execution and price improvement
Cons
Complex platform may be overwhelming for beginners
Higher account minimums for some features and account types
Customer service can be technical and less suited for novices
Criteria Evaluation
Regulation: 5/5
Trading Platforms: 5/5
Spreads and Fees: 5/5
Research and Education: 4/5
Customer Support: 3/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Generally, Interactive Brokers enjoys positive feedback from users, particularly experienced traders. Most enjoy its advanced features, low costs, and global market access. In addition, the range of research tools are also mentioned. However, some users feel the platform is complex, especially for less experienced traders.
“Interactive Brokers is one of those brokers you go to if you want a stable, trusted broker instead of those flashy new apps. If you are planning on investing for the long-term, or you have a lot of money, I definitely think you are better off with them. My main issue is of course the old and outdated UI, which I definitely agree is an issue. I however think it’s “reassuringly outdated”. I’d much rather have a serious and a bit outdated interface than one of those flashy ones with few options and fancy sprinkle animations when you buy something.” – Richard Dubniczky via Trustpilot
“IBKR competitively provides an excellent broker device. I have kept money with them for over ten years. They offer intuitive service. I would suggest using the web browser on a desktop on complex matters. The application is terrific for quick review. No complaints have ever surfaced with me.” – Joe Zao, DDIV via Trustpilot
Industry experts recommend Interactive Brokers for advanced traders in particular, highlighting their execution quality and speed. Experts believe this broker isn’t the best choice for beginners.
Pricing
Interactive Brokers offers tiered and fixed pricing structures. This broker requires a $0 minimum deposit for cash accounts, but certain features may require higher balances.
AvaTrade
Best Known for User-Friendly Platforms and Educational Resources
The final option in my reviews of forex brokers was AvaTrade. This is another reputable choice, having been founded in 2006, and is popular with beginner and intermediate traders. AvaTrade has a good blend of advanced and basic features, and there are many educational resources available.
AvaTrade is a well-established forex broker with many tradable instruments. Source: AvaTrade
Features
AvaTrade has no shortage of features that cater for all trading ability levels. There are many tradable instruments available, including forex, indices, commodities, CFDs on stocks, and cryptocurrencies. MetaTrader 4 & 5 are available, alongside the proprietary platform, AvaTradeGO, which has built-in market analysis. Additionally, there are many advanced features on offer, such as automated trading. The AvaProtect tool is ideal for risk management.
Pros
User-friendly platforms suitable for traders of all levels
Extensive educational resources and trading tools
Innovative risk management features like AvaProtect
Regulated in multiple jurisdictions for enhanced security
Cons
Spreads can be wider compared to some ECN brokers
Limited range of tradable assets compared to some competitors
Inactivity fees may apply after prolonged account dormancy
Criteria Evaluation
Regulation: 4/5
Trading Platforms: 4/5
Spreads and Fees: 3/5
Research and Education: 5/5
Customer Support: 4/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Overall, AvaTrade receives positive feedback from users, particularly for its range of trading platforms. Many users enjoy the AvaTradeGO app for on-the-go trading, and its excellent customer support is also mentioned.
“So far, support has been great. They contact you by phone and email if any issues are encountered and help you resolve it right away.” – Marino Diaz via Trustpilot
“AvaTrade company has got all the tools needed for everyone who wants to start trading, providing educational and efficient trading platforms as well as many other helpful services.” – Maan Yassin via Trustpilot
Industry experts recommend AvaTrade for beginner and advanced traders, and highlight its AvaProtect tool. Our AvaTrade review gives more details.
Pricing
AvaTrade offers competitive spreads from 0.9 pips on major forex pairs. The minimum deposit is $100 for most account types. AvaTrade also offers Islamic swap-free accounts.
Notable Mentions
The nine forex brokers I have reviewed are suitable for various needs, but the following brokers also deserve a notable mention.
Errante
Errante is a relatively new broker, but it has become popular due to its diverse assets and competitive prices. It is a good choice for traders who want an alternative to the usual forex brokers.
Tickmill
Tickmill is renowned for its fast execution speeds and low spreads. It is particularly popular for high-frequency traders and scalpers, and offers standard and ECN accounts.
ActivTrades
ActivTrades offers various trading platforms and competitive pricing. It also has a balance of features that are suitable for both advanced and beginner traders. Read our ActivTrades review for details.
JustMarkets
My final notable mention is JustMarkets. This broker is popular for its user-friendly platforms and low minimum deposits. It is a good choice for beginners or low capital traders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when choosing a forex broker?
When choosing a forex broker, it’s important to consider regulatory compliance, trading platforms, tradable instruments, trading costs, educational resources, and customer support. Additionally leverage options, account types, and execution speeds are important.
Choosing a broker with quality regulation is key for extra protection. Our resource on the best FCA regulated forex brokers give some good insights, and our article on the best MT4 forex brokers.
How do I know if a forex broker is reliable?
To know if a broker is reliable, it’s important to check its regulatory status and user reviews. Authorities like ASIC, CySEC, FCA, or NFA/CFTC regulate reliable forex brokers. It’s also important to check pricing and terms of service transparency. Also check the longevity of each broker in the forex industry.
What’s the difference between ECN and market maker brokers?
ECN forex brokers have direct access to the interbank market. They usually offer transparency pricing and use several liquidity providers, charging a commission per trade. These brokers have tighter spreads and fast execution. On the other hand, market brokers create a market for their users, and these charge fix spreads.
How much money do I need to start forex trading?
Brokers have different minimum deposit amounts. These can be as low as $1 and increase into hundreds of dollars. This ensures that low capital traders can start trading. However, it’s vital to remember that you should only trade with the money you can afford to lose.
What are the risks of forex trading?
All trading carries certain risks, and forex trading is no different. The main risk is the potential for significant financial loss due to market volatility, currency rate fluctuations, and leverage-induced losses. Careful risk management is key to ensure quality decision-making.
Final Thoughts
There are many forex brokers on the market and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. There is no perfect choice; every trader has their own specific needs, goals, and risk tolerance level. For that reason, careful assessment of each broker is important to ensure the right decision is made.
From my reviews of the top nine brokers on the market, it’s clear there are some great choices available. However, regulation and security should always be top of your priority list before making a decision. These are layers of protection that give peace of mind.
However, successful forex trading is more than simply choosing a good broker. It’s about educating yourself with the knowledge and skills to shift and adapt to changing market conditions.
Additionally, we offer several comparisons between brokers. These include the best forex brokers for US traders, the best Cyprus forex brokers, and the best Russian forex brokers. In the end, having as much knowledge and information available creates a better chance of successful and enjoyable trades.
