Reference list for retail traders

Trusted Forex Broker Comparison

Choose by use case: beginners need easy demo and funding, scalpers need low spreads, experienced traders need platforms and clear regulation. The data below is based on publicly available broker information.

Disclosure: the Exness button is an affiliate link. Social Forex may earn a commission if you register, at no extra cost to you. Other broker links are official non-affiliate links.

Beginners / XAUUSD demo

Exness

Easy start with Standard, MT5, and the Social Forex demo path.

Scalping, EAs, low spread

IC Markets

Raw Spread account has very low average EUR/USD spread for traders who understand commissions.

TradingView + broad regulation

Pepperstone

Razor supports TradingView, raw spreads, and multiple regulated entities.

Quick Comparison

Scoring weighs regulation footprint, published trading costs, MT4/MT5/TradingView support, funding, and beginner fit. No single broker fits everyone.

Fit scoreBrokerMain accountIndicative spreadMin. depositPlatformsBest for
4.6
ExnessPartner
Standard / Raw SpreadStandard from 0.2 pips; Zero/Raw variesStandard around $10; Pro from ~$200 by regionMT4, MT5, Exness TerminalBeginners, demo, fast funding, XAUUSD
4.5
IC Markets
Raw SpreadFrom 0.0 pips; avg EUR/USD around 0.1 pips + commission$200MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingViewScalping, EAs, cost-focused traders
4.4
Pepperstone
RazorRaw spreads from 0.0; FX commission varies by platformNo minimum opening balanceMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingViewTradingView/cTrader users and regulation-focused traders
4.0
XM
Ultra LowUltra Low targets lower costs; actual spread varies by symbol$5MT4, MT5Small accounts and MT4/MT5 practice
3.8
FXTM
Edge / AdvantageEdge from 1.2 pips; Advantage from 0.0 + commission$50 Edge; $200 AdvantageMT4, MT5Beginners who want more education/tools

Broker Details

Exness

Partner

Social Forex partner broker. Good for the demo path, but still verify live spread/swap on your account.

4.6
Regulation/entity
Multiple entities; verify your onboarding entity
Min. deposit
Standard around $10; Pro from ~$200 by region
Platforms
MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal
Best for
Beginners, demo, fast funding, XAUUSD

Pros

  • - Easy MT5 demo start
  • - Beginner-friendly Standard account
  • - Supported by the Exness + MT5 guide on this site

Watch-outs

  • - High leverage can increase loss speed
  • - Legal entity differs by country

IC Markets

Official

Strong raw spread and platform mix. Beginners should understand commission before comparing to Standard accounts.

4.5
Regulation/entity
FSA Seychelles; EU/AU entities vary by region
Min. deposit
$200
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
Best for
Scalping, EAs, cost-focused traders

Pros

  • - Competitive raw-spread pricing
  • - Many platforms for technical traders
  • - Good fit for scalping/EAs

Watch-outs

  • - Higher minimum deposit than Exness/XM
  • - Commission makes total cost harder for beginners

Pepperstone

Official

Strong platform range and raw pricing. Best for traders who can choose between Standard/Razor pricing.

4.4
Regulation/entity
FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, BaFin, CMA, SCB by entity
Min. deposit
No minimum opening balance
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
Best for
TradingView/cTrader users and regulation-focused traders

Pros

  • - TradingView support
  • - Broad regulated-entity footprint
  • - No minimum opening balance

Watch-outs

  • - Fees need checking by platform
  • - Not the simplest option for absolute beginners

XM

Official

Accessible with low minimum deposit. Avoid letting bonuses distort risk management.

4.0
Regulation/entity
CySEC; international entities vary by region
Min. deposit
$5
Platforms
MT4, MT5
Best for
Small accounts and MT4/MT5 practice

Pros

  • - Low minimum deposit
  • - MT4/MT5 available
  • - Good for small-account practice

Watch-outs

  • - Spread/conditions vary by account
  • - Bonuses do not replace risk management

FXTM

Official

Has beginner accounts, but account conditions differ significantly. Read details before funding.

3.8
Regulation/entity
Entity varies by region; verify during signup
Min. deposit
$50 Edge; $200 Advantage
Platforms
MT4, MT5
Best for
Beginners who want more education/tools

Pros

  • - Beginner account options
  • - MT4/MT5 available
  • - Education and tools available

Watch-outs

  • - Best pricing usually sits on higher-tier accounts
  • - Onboarding entity needs careful checking

Official Sources

Account conditions, spreads, and legal entities can vary by country. Always verify the exact onboarding entity before depositing.

Content is for reference only, not investment advice. Forex trading carries high risk.