Compare 10 trusted forex brokers in one guide, with clear details on regulation, deposits, platforms, and account options.
10 Trusted Forex Brokers Compared Side by Side Regulation, Deposits, Platforms & Accounts
Picking a forex broker is a bit like picking a business partner. Once your money is in their account, they decide how fast your orders fill and how safely your funds are held. Yet most traders choose a broker because of a flashy bonus banner or a friend’s tip. Only later do they find out the platform doesn’t suit them, the minimum deposit was too high, or the regulator is one they’ve never heard of.
This guide fixes that. We’ve gathered ten well-known brokers listed in a major independent broker directory, each marked as verified by FM Intelligence. We compare them on the four things that matter most before you open an account:
- Who regulates them
- How much you need to start
- Which platforms you can trade on
- What account types they offer
By the end, you’ll know which broker fits your budget, your trading style and how much risk you’re comfortable with.
Quick Comparison Table
| Broker | Regulators | Platforms | Min. Deposit | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JustMarkets | CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA | MT4, MT5, Web, Mobile App | $1 | 24/7 |
| RoboForex | FSC | MT4, MT5, Web, Other | $10 | 24/7 |
| PU Prime | FSCA | MT4, MT5, Web, Other | $20 | 24/7 |
| Hola Prime Markets | FSC | MT4, MT5, cTrader | $40 | 24/7 |
| EBC Financial Group | ASIC, FCA, FSC, FSCA, SVGFSA | MT4, MT5 | $50 | 24/7 |
| VT Markets | Financial Commission, FSCA | MT4, MT5, Web, Other | $100 | 24/7 |
| FP Markets | CySEC | MT4, MT5, Web | $100 | 24/7 |
| Libertex | CySEC | MT4, MT5 | $100 | 24/7 |
| Tickmill | CySEC, DFSA, FCA, FSA Seychelles, FSCA | MT4, MT5, Web | $100 | 24/7 |
| XS.com | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSC, FSCA, LFSA, MOCI | MT4, MT5 | $500 | 24/7 |
Fast takeaway: Every broker on this list supports MetaTrader and offers round-the-clock customer service. The real differences are how strongly they’re regulated, how much it costs to start and how flexible their accounts are.
Broker-by-Broker Breakdown
1. VT Markets: Flexible Accounts for Every Trader Type
VT Markets stands out for its wide range of account options. Whether you want a simple setup with no commission or raw ECN pricing, there’s an account for you.
- Regulation: FSCA (South Africa), plus membership of the Financial Commission, an independent dispute-resolution body
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, Web Trading and its own app
- Markets: Forex, indices, energies, precious metals, soft commodities, ETFs, share CFDs and bond CFDs
- Accounts: Standard STP, RAW ECN, PRO ECN, Swap-Free, Cent and Demo
- Minimum deposit: $100
Best for: Traders who want to start on a Cent or Standard account and move up to ECN pricing as they grow, without switching brokers.
2. EBC Financial Group: Strong Regulation, Low Entry
EBC holds one of the strongest sets of licences on this list, including two tier-1 regulators: the UK’s FCA and Australia’s ASIC. With a $50 minimum deposit, it combines safety with easy access.
- Regulation: ASIC, FCA, FSC, FSCA, SVGFSA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
- Markets: Forex, commodities, indices, stocks, ETFs and CFDs
- Accounts: Standard and Professional
- Minimum deposit: $50
Best for: Traders who put safety first but still want a low starting cost.
3. FP Markets: Clean Setup, Wide Market Access
FP Markets lists a single Pro Account here, but it covers a wide range of markets, including crypto, which not every broker on this list offers.
- Regulation: CySEC (Cyprus, EU)
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, Web Trading
- Markets: Forex, shares, indices, commodities, metals, crypto and ETFs
- Accounts: Pro Account
- Minimum deposit: $100
Best for: Traders who prefer EU regulation and want forex and crypto in one place.
4. Hola Prime Markets: The Pick for cTrader Users
Hola Prime Markets is the only broker on this list that offers cTrader alongside MT4 and MT5. Scalpers and manual traders like cTrader for its clean interface and advanced order tools.
- Regulation: FSC
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader
- Markets: Forex, indices, commodities, precious metals, stock CFDs and crypto
- Accounts: Standard, Raw Spread, VIP (swap-free option available)
- Minimum deposit: $40
Best for: cTrader users and traders who want raw-spread pricing on a modest budget.
5. Libertex: Simple Choice, Broad CFD Range
Libertex keeps it simple with two account types, while still offering CFDs on almost every major asset class.
- Regulation: CySEC
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
- Markets: CFDs on forex, crypto, indices, stocks, ETFs and commodities
- Accounts: Two account types
- Minimum deposit: $100
Best for: Traders who want an EU-regulated CFD broker without a long list of accounts to choose from.
6. JustMarkets: The Lowest Barrier to Entry
With a $1 minimum deposit, JustMarkets is about as easy to start with as forex trading gets. It also holds four licences, including Dubai’s DFSA and Cyprus’s CySEC, which is impressive for such a low entry point.
- Regulation: CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, Web Trading and Mobile App
- Markets: Forex, gold, commodities, indices and stocks
- Accounts: Standard and Pro
- Minimum deposit: $1
Best for: Complete beginners who want to trade with real money while risking very little.
7. PU Prime: Built for Copy and Social Trading
PU Prime goes beyond the usual MetaTrader setup with its own apps, including copy trading and social trading tools. Its accounts start with a Cent option, which is ideal for practising with small lot sizes.
- Regulation: FSCA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, Web Trading and its own apps
- Markets: Forex, metals, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs and bonds
- Accounts: Cent, Standard, Prime, ECN (Islamic option available)
- Minimum deposit: $20
Best for: Traders who want to copy other traders’ strategies or start small with a Cent account and move up.
8. RoboForex: Huge Asset List on a Tiny Budget
RoboForex combines a $10 minimum deposit with one of the widest choices of assets on this list, including stocks, ETFs, energies, metals and crypto.
- Regulation: FSC
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, Web Trading and its own R-branded platforms
- Markets: Stocks, indices, ETFs, currencies, commodities, energies, metals and crypto
- Accounts: Pro, ProCent, ECN, Prime
- Minimum deposit: $10
Best for: Traders on a tight budget who want to trade more than just forex from the start.
9. Tickmill: Strong Regulation and Low Trading Costs
Tickmill holds five licences, including the UK FCA, CySEC and the DFSA. It offers two accounts, which keeps the choice simple. On the Raw account you pay a commission for tighter spreads. On the Classic account you pay no commission, with the cost built into the spread.
- Regulation: CySEC, DFSA, FCA, FSA Seychelles, FSCA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, Web Trading
- Markets: Forex, commodities, crypto, stock indices, stocks, ETFs, bonds and CFDs
- Accounts: Raw Account, Classic Account
- Minimum deposit: $100
Best for: Active traders and scalpers who want tight pricing and strong regulation.
10. XS.com: The Most Licences, the Most Account Types
XS.com leads this list with seven licences, covering Australia (ASIC), Cyprus (CySEC), South Africa (FSCA), Labuan (LFSA) and more. It also offers the most account types, with at least nine options plus copy-trading accounts.
- Regulation: ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSC, FSCA, LFSA, MOCI
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
- Markets: Forex, metals, shares, indices, energy, futures, crypto and commodities
- Accounts: Cent, Standard, Micro, Pro, Elite, VIP, Extra, Classic, Plus (+ copy-trading accounts)
- Minimum deposit: $500
Best for: Experienced traders with a larger starting balance who want the most regulatory protection and account choice.
Which Broker Wins in Each Category?
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Lowest minimum deposit | JustMarkets | Start with just $1 |
| 🛡️ Most regulators | XS.com | Seven licences worldwide |
| 🏛️ Tier-1 regulation + low deposit | EBC Financial Group | FCA + ASIC from $50 |
| 🎯 Most account variety | XS.com / VT Markets | From Cent to VIP and ECN |
| 🖥️ cTrader access | Hola Prime Markets | Only broker here offering it |
| 🤝 Copy & social trading | PU Prime | Dedicated copy and social apps |
| 📈 Widest asset range on a budget | RoboForex | Stocks, ETFs, crypto from $10 |
| ⚡ Raw pricing for active traders | Tickmill | Raw account + five licences |
How to Choose the Right Broker for You
Step 1: Always Check the Regulator First
Regulation protects your money. Not all licences offer the same level of protection:
- Tier-1 (strongest): FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia)
- Tier-2 (solid): CySEC (EU), DFSA (Dubai), FSCA (South Africa)
- Offshore (lighter oversight): FSC, SVGFSA, FSA Seychelles, LFSA
A broker with several licences often opens accounts under different companies depending on your country. Always check which company your account will be opened under. That company’s regulator is the one that actually protects you.
Step 2: Match the Deposit to Your Budget
Never deposit more than you can afford to lose. If you’re new, a broker with a low minimum such as JustMarkets ($1), RoboForex ($10) or PU Prime ($20) lets you learn with real money while keeping your losses small.
Step 3: Pick a Platform You’re Comfortable With
All ten brokers support MT4 and MT5, so you’re covered if you already use MetaTrader. If you prefer cTrader, choose Hola Prime Markets. If you want to copy other traders, look at PU Prime.
Step 4: Choose the Right Account Type
- Cent / Micro accounts: Trade very small lot sizes. Perfect for practising and testing strategies.
- Standard accounts: No commission, slightly wider spreads. Simple and good for beginners.
- Raw / ECN / Pro accounts: Very tight spreads plus a commission. Best for scalpers and traders who trade often.
- Swap-free / Islamic accounts: No overnight interest charges. Available at VT Markets, Hola Prime Markets and PU Prime.
Step 5: Test with a Demo First
Before you deposit money, open a demo account. Check how fast orders are executed, how spreads behave during news events and how quickly support replies, even if every broker promises 24/7 service.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a broker for its bonus instead of its regulation. A big bonus means nothing if your money isn’t protected. Read the bonus terms carefully, because many have conditions on withdrawals.
- Not checking which company you sign up with. A broker licensed by the FCA may still open your account under an offshore company.
- Using too much leverage on a small account. Low deposits are great, but high leverage on a tiny balance can wipe it out in minutes.
- Not testing a withdrawal. Make a small withdrawal early to confirm the process works smoothly.
- Choosing the wrong account type. Paying commission on a Raw account rarely makes sense if you only place a few trades a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which broker has the lowest minimum deposit?
JustMarkets, at just $1. RoboForex ($10) and PU Prime ($20) are close behind.
Which broker is the most heavily regulated?
XS.com holds the most licences (seven). For tier-1 regulation specifically, EBC Financial Group and Tickmill are both regulated by the FCA, and EBC and XS.com also hold ASIC licences.
Do all these brokers support MetaTrader?
Yes. All ten support both MT4 and MT5.
Which brokers offer Islamic or swap-free accounts?
VT Markets, Hola Prime Markets and PU Prime list swap-free or Islamic options.
Which broker is best for beginners?
JustMarkets, RoboForex and PU Prime suit beginners thanks to low deposits and Cent-style accounts. If safety is your top priority, EBC is a strong alternative, with a $50 minimum deposit and FCA and ASIC licences.
Is customer support available around the clock?
All ten brokers advertise 24/7 customer service.
Final Verdict
There’s no single “best” broker, only the best broker for you. If you’re just starting out, brokers with a low minimum deposit like JustMarkets, RoboForex and PU Prime let you learn without risking much. If regulation matters most to you, EBC Financial Group, Tickmill and XS.com hold the most licences. And if you want room to grow, VT Markets and Hola Prime Markets let you start with a basic account and move up to raw-spread trading.
Use the tables above to build your shortlist, test two or three brokers on a demo account, and only deposit with the one you trust most.
Looking for the latest welcome bonuses, no-deposit offers and in-depth reviews of these brokers? Keep exploring ForexNewBonus.com, your hub for forex bonuses and honest broker reviews.
Risk Warning: Trading forex and CFDs is high-risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Leverage can increase your losses as well as your gains, and you could lose some or all of the money you invest. Broker details such as regulation, minimum deposits and account types can change, so always check the latest information on the broker’s official website before opening an account. This article is for information only and is not investment advice.
Risk warning: Trading forex and CFDs with leverage carries a high risk of losing money. This page is for information only and is not investment advice.
We check each bonus against the broker's published terms and update the page when the rules change. Some links are affiliate links; they never change what we report about an offer.