Our Annual Awards aim to guide traders through the often complex forex market by recognising brokers that truly deliver in areas that matter most—spreads, usability, and trust.
Under the leadership of Justin Grossbard, our CEO and Head of Research, CompareForexBrokers combines years of industry experience with a finetuned methodology to ensure our awards reflect genuine excellence.
“As part of this year’s awards, we’ve tested and reviewed over 40 brokers to identify those offering the lowest fees, the best trading platforms, and setting the standard in niche areas like education and risk management,” explains Justin Grossbard. “We also assessed brokers outperforming their competitors in specific financial markets, such as forex, crypto, and shares, alongside the prestigious award for the Best Forex Broker Overall.”
#1 Best Broker Overall for 2025
Winner: Pepperstone
Outstanding Achievement: IC Markets, OANDA, Eightcap
Methodology: Selecting the Best Broker Overall requires a holistic approach to evaluating performance across critical areas that traders value most. Our team begins by assessing global regulatory oversight, ensuring the broker operates under Tier 1 licenses from authorities like ASIC, FCA, and CFTC. We then examine platform functionality, including access to tools like MT4, MT5, and TradingView, to cater to a variety of trading strategies.
In addition, we evaluate execution speeds, customer support quality, and the broker’s ability to deliver low trading costs through competitive spreads and commissions. Client feedback and real-world trading data are also considered to ensure our results reflect actual trader experiences. The brokers in this category must demonstrate consistent excellence across these metrics, providing a reliable, user-friendly, and secure trading environment for all levels of experience.
Pepperstone is the Best Broker Overall for 2025 thanks to low trading costs, fast execution, and advanced platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader. The Razor Account offers spreads from 0.1 pips and $3.50 commissions, ideal for active traders, while the Standard Account suits beginners with no commissions. Regulated by ASIC and FCA, Pepperstone delivers a secure and flexible trading experience for all levels.
Trading Platform Awards
A broker’s platform is its backbone, and the Trading Platform Awards category focuses on brokers that deliver top-tier tools and functionality.
Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or an experienced trader using automated strategies, these platforms provide the features and flexibility to suit a variety of trading approaches.
We assess user experience, tool availability, and integration options to identify platforms that truly enhance trading efficiency.
#1 Best MT4 Broker
Winner: Pepperstone
Outstanding Achievement: BlackBull Markets, IC Markets, Eightcap
Methodology: Selecting the Best MetaTrader 4 (MT4) broker involved comparing each brokers offerings of the worlds most popular trading platform. Execution speed, competitive spreads, platform reliability, Expert Advisors, and integration with additional add-ons were considered.
We also reviewed market accessibility, account flexibility, and regulatory compliance to ensure a secure and efficient trading environment. This award highlights brokers that offer an exceptional MetaTrader 4 experience, balancing affordability, performance, and support for both beginner and advanced traders.
#1 Best MT5 Broker
Winner: Eightcap
Outstanding Achievement: IC Markets, Pepperstone, BlackBull Markets
Methodology: The Best MetaTrader 5 (MT5) Broker award recognises those that excel in delivering a superior MT5 trading experience. We assessed key metrics, including trading costs, execution speeds, platform reliability, and the range of available instruments.
Additionally, we evaluated how well brokers integrate advanced MT5 features like Depth of Market (DOM), algorithmic trading, and multi-asset support. Regulatory compliance and customer support were also considered to ensure a safe and accessible trading environment for users at all levels.
#1 Best Third-Party Trading Platform
Winner: TradingView
Outstanding Achievement: MT4, MT5, cTrader
Methodology: This award evaluates platforms on functionality, ease of use, and broker compatibility. Our team tested platforms across key metrics like charting tools, customisation options, automation features, and execution speed. We prioritised platforms that support seamless integration with brokers and cater to a variety of trading styles.
#1 Best Trading App
Winner: FXCM
Outstanding Achievement: Eightcap, Pepperstone, OANDA
Methodology: The Best Trading App award recognises the mobile platforms that deliver exceptional functionality, ease of use, and reliability for forex and CFD traders.
We tested a range of trading apps across Android and iOS devices, assessing their execution speeds, charting tools, user interfaces, and real-time data availability. The award winner excelled in offering a seamless trading experience, backed by ASIC regulation, robust features, and consistent performance in variable network conditions.
FXCM takes the lead with its trading app offering seamless integration with MT4, TradingView, and Trading Station. The app provides advanced charting, real-time market updates, and supports automated trading through ZuluTrade and Capitalise.ai. Its straightforward design suits both beginner and experienced traders, making it a practical choice for efficient trading.
#1 Best Risk Management Tools
Winner: City Index
Outstanding Achievement: Pepperstone, BlackBull Markets, OANDA
Methodology: The Best Risk Management Tools award identifies brokers that provide the best features to help traders minimise losses and manage their capital effectively.
Our team assessed brokers across key criteria, including access to tools like guaranteed stop-loss orders, negative balance protection, margin close-out levels, and risk calculators. Brokers were also evaluated for educational resources that enhance traders’ understanding of risk.
The winner, City Index, stands out for its comprehensive range of risk tools, making it an excellent choice for cautious and strategic traders.
#1 Best cTrader Broker
Winner: FP Markets
Outstanding Achievement: IC Markets, FxPro, Pepperstone
Methodology: The Best cTrader Broker Award highlights platforms offering superior trading experiences on cTrader. Our team evaluated brokers on key factors such as platform usability, execution speed, low spreads, and access to advanced tools like Level II pricing and automated trading capabilities.
We focused on brokers that provide robust support for cTrader’s powerful features, including advanced charting tools, custom indicators, and seamless trade execution. This category is designed to help traders find brokers that maximise the unique strengths of cTrader.
#1 Best TradingView Broker
Winner: BlackBull Markets
Outstanding Achievement: Pepperstone, City Index, OANDA
Methodology: Our team evaluated brokers offering TradingView integration to determine which delivers the best overall experience. We assessed factors like seamless platform connectivity, access to TradingView’s advanced charting features, and execution reliability.
Key criteria included pricing (spreads and commissions), market coverage, and whether brokers offer enhanced TradingView features, such as TradingView Pro, as part of their service. We also looked at platform usability, customer support, and additional tools available for analysis and trade execution.
The winning broker excels in providing smooth integration, competitive costs, and a trading environment that fully utilises TradingView’s capabilities for both technical analysis and execution.
Lowest Cost Brokers
Trading costs can significantly impact your overall profitability, and our Lowest Cost Brokers category highlights brokers that offer the most competitive pricing. From low spreads to minimal commission fees, these brokers help traders reduce expenses without sacrificing quality.
Our analysis considers average spreads, account fees, and other charges, ensuring that these brokers provide cost-effective solutions for both high-frequency and long-term traders.
#1 Best Raw Account Spreads
Winner: Eightcap
Outstanding Achievement: IC Markets, Pepperstone, Fusion Markets
Methodology: The best raw account spreads award focuses on identifying brokers that consistently deliver tight spreads with low commission fees. We tested live accounts to evaluate spreads on major forex pairs, such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and AUD/USD, and factored in commission costs to determine overall trading expenses.
Additionally, we assessed execution speeds to minimise slippage and platform reliability to ensure a seamless trading experience. The winning broker needed to balance competitive pricing, platform performance, and regulatory compliance to provide traders with a cost-efficient environment for both scalping and long-term strategies.
Eightcap wins the sought after award for low raw account spreads, offering some of the tightest pricing in the market. With spreads starting as low as 0.06 pips on EUR/USD and competitive rates on major and minor pairs, it’s ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders.
#1 Best Standard Account Spreads
Winner: IC Markets
Outstanding Achievement: CMC Markets, Fusion Markets, Pepperstone
Methodology: The Best Standard Account Spreads award recognises brokers offering the tightest average spreads without charging commissions. Our team conducted rigorous testing across 15 brokers using MetaTrader 4, focusing on six major currency pairs.
By analysing spread consistency, cost stability, and overall pricing transparency, we identified brokers that deliver the most cost-effective trading conditions for standard accounts. These brokers excel in maintaining low spread costs, enabling traders to minimise expenses while avoiding commission fees, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced traders.
#1 Lowest Commission in Australia
Winner: Fusion Markets
Outstanding Achievement: Pepperstone, GO Markets, FP Markets
Methodology: The Lowest Commission in Australia award highlights brokers offering the most cost-effective trading conditions for Australian traders. Our team evaluated brokers regulated by ASIC, focusing on RAW accounts with fixed commissions and spreads starting as low as 0.0 pips.
We analysed commission rates for AUD-based accounts to determine the true trading costs, with DNA Markets and Fusion Markets tied for the lowest commission at $2.25 per lot. This award recognises brokers that provide transparent and affordable options for high-frequency and cost-conscious traders.
#1 Lowest Commission in Europe
Winner: Tickmill
Outstanding Achievement: GO Markets, Pepperstone, Eightcap
Methodology: The Lowest Commission in Europe award identifies brokers that offer exceptional value for EUR-based traders. Our analysis compared commission rates and spreads for RAW accounts among brokers regulated in the EU, with a focus on CySEC-approved options.
Tickmill is the winner, closely followed by GO Markets with €2.00 per lot commission fees, delivering the lowest overall trading costs. This category celebrates brokers committed to providing competitive pricing and transparency for European traders.
Best Brokers by Trading Instrument
Our team evaluated brokers across key markets to identify those offering the best trading conditions. This category includes forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, share CFDs, and other asset classes, ensuring traders can find brokers suited to their specific needs.
We assessed pricing, including spreads and commissions, the breadth of tradable instruments within each market, and the leverage options available for balancing flexibility with risk management.
#1 Best Range of Markets
Winner: Vantage Markets
Outstanding Achievement: IG, CMC Markets, Saxo Markets
Methodology: This award highlights brokers with broad market coverage, spanning forex pairs, shares, cryptocurrencies, commodities, indices, ETFs, and bonds.
Our assessment focused on the range of tradable instruments, leverage options, and suitability for diverse trading strategies. Brokers outperforming their peers in offering access to multiple markets while also supporting both CFD and stock trading were given extra points.
#1 Best Broker for Forex
Winner: Pepperstone
Outstanding Achievement: IC Markets, BlackBull Markets, Eightcap
Methodology: This award recognises the top forex broker based on trading costs, platform performance, and market accessibility. Our team evaluated 40 brokers, focusing on spreads, execution speeds, and regulatory oversight. The winning broker excelled in offering low trading fees, diverse currency pairs, and advanced tools, making it an ideal choice for forex traders of all levels.
Pepperstone earns the top spot for forex trading, offering tight spreads from 0.0 pips on its Razor account and ultra-low commissions of $3.50 per side. The broker’s forex-focused platform options—MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and TradingView—cater to both technical and algorithmic traders. With over 60 forex pairs, including majors, minors, and exotics, Pepperstone delivers flexibility for all strategies, from scalping to swing trading.
#1 Best Broker for Crypto
Winner: Eightcap
Outstanding Achievement: Pepperstone, IC Markets, XTB
Methodology: Our best broker for cryptocurrency trading award evaluates brokers based on their crypto CFD offerings, focusing on token variety, competitive spreads, platform integration, and leverage options. We also assessed account features like minimum deposits, execution reliability, and risk management tools to identify the top broker for crypto traders.
#1 Best Broker for Share Trading
Winner: Interactive Brokers
Outstanding Achievement: IC Markets, CMC Markets, eToro
Methodology: Our tested a range of brokers that offer stock trading serviecs to find the best broker for share trading. We focused on those offering direct access to global exchanges, competitive commission structures, and advanced research tools. This award highlights brokers that cater to both casual and active share traders with tools designed to optimise performance.
#1 Best Broker for Share CFDs
Winner: FP Markets
Outstanding Achievement: ThinkMarkets, CMC Markets, eToro
Methodology: This award recognises brokers offering top-tier conditions for share CFD trading. Our analysis included trading costs, platform features, execution speeds, and the range of share CFDs available.
The winner stands out for providing a broad selection of share CFDs, competitive spreads, low commissions, and advanced tools like real-time data and customisable charts. With efficient execution and strong risk management options, this broker is well-suited for share CFD traders.
#1 Best Broker for Indices
Winner: CMC Markets
Outstanding Achievement: Pepperstone, IC Markets, Eightcap
Methodology: This award recognises the top broker for index trading, chosen for its low spreads, fast execution speeds, and access to a broad range of global indices. Our evaluation focused on brokers offering indices across key exchanges like the S&P 500, FTSE 100, and DAX, alongside platform performance and cost efficiency, ensuring the best options for index traders.
#1 Best Broker for Commodities
Winner: City Index
Outstanding Achievement: Pepperstone, IG, CMC Markets
Methodology: This award recognises the broker offering the best trading experience for commodities. Our team reviewed spreads, trading fees, platform functionality, and available CFDs, such as gold, oil, and natural gas. The winning broker stood out with its combination of competitive pricing, fast execution speeds, and a wide selection of tradable commodities.
#1 Best Broker for ETFs
Winner: Interactive Brokers
Outstanding Achievement: Pepperstone, XTB, eToro
Methodology: The Best Broker for ETFs award highlights brokers that excel in ETF trading by providing low fees, a wide range of ETF options, and intuitive platforms. Our analysis considered trading costs, platform usability, and ETF availability. The winner offers exceptional access to global ETFs, advanced charting tools, and seamless execution, making them the top choice for ETF traders.
Specialty Awards
The Specialty Awards recognise brokers that go above and beyond in specific areas like education, risk management, or innovation.
These brokers address the needs of niche traders, offering targeted solutions that improve the overall trading experience. By analysing unique features and specialised services, we highlight the brokers providing valuable resources for traders with distinct goals.
#1 Most Trusted Broker
Winner: OANDA
Outstanding Achievement: Pepperstone, Interactive Brokers, CMC Markets
Methodology: The Most Trusted Broker award evaluates regulatory oversight, broker reputation, and transparency. We prioritise brokers regulated by Tier 1 authorities like the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring strict compliance with client protection standards. Additional factors include years in operation as a brokerage, user feedback and TrustPilot scores, and a clean regulatory record, reflecting the broker’s reliability and credibility.
OANDA’s global regulatory oversight, proven track record, and commitment to transparency make it the Most Trusted Broker for 2025. With financial services licenses across Tier 1 jurisdictions (including FCA and ASIC), strong client protections, unique risk management tools, and positive TrustPilot reviews, OANDA is a reputable broker worldwide.
#1 Best CFD Broker
Winner: Eightcap
Outstanding Achievement: Pepperstone, FP Markets, BlackBull Markets
Methodology:The #1 Best CFD Broker award highlights brokers offering extensive CFD markets, competitive costs, and reliable platforms. Our evaluation considered trading costs like spreads and commissions, regulatory compliance, and platform usability. A key focus was on the range of CFDs available, including forex, shares, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, ensuring the top brokers provide traders with diverse opportunities across multiple asset classes.
#1 Best Copy Trading Broker
Winner: eToro
Outstanding Achievement: Pepperstone, IC Markets
Methodology: We evaluated brokers offering copy trading platforms, focusing on tools that empower traders to replicate experienced traders strategies with ease. The selection process prioritised platforms with user-friendly interfaces, a wide range of signal providers, and features like verified track records and risk management tools. We also considered trading costs, execution speeds, and platform reliability to identify the best brokers for this award.
eToro, the category winner, is known globally for providing the most innovative copy trading tools as well as solid risk management tools to support both beginner and experienced traders.
#1 Best Broker for Scalping
Winner: BlackBull Markets
Outstanding Achievement: Eightcap, FP Markets, BlackBull Markets
Methodology: The Best Broker for Scalping award recognises brokers that cater to the specific needs of high-frequency traders. Our team tested execution speeds, spreads, and platform functionality across multiple brokers.
The winner demonstrated ultra-tight spreads, low latency, and advanced tools, creating the optimal environment for scalping strategies. By providing fast order execution and access to robust trading platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader, the winning broker ensures traders can maximise opportunities from small price movements.
BlackBull Markets stands out as the top broker for scalping, offering unmatched execution speeds (72 ms for limit orders) and raw ECN spreads starting at 0.14 pips. With commissions as low as $3 per lot round turn on the ECN Prime Account and leverage up to 500:1, the broker creates a cost-efficient, low-latency trading environment.
Scalpers benefit from its direct access to Tier 1 liquidity providers, VPS services for minimal latency, and strategically placed data centres. The platform options—MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView—provide advanced tools and flexibility essential for precision in high-frequency trading.
#1 Best Broker for Education
Winner: Capital.com
Outstanding Achievement: CMC Markets, Eightcap, IG Group
Methodology: Our team recognises the importance of quality education for traders at all experience levels. To determine the winner for the best education award, we evaluated brokers on their beginner-friendly resources, intermediate and advanced training, and delivery channels like webinars, eBooks, blogs, and video tutorials.
Brokers offering market research, in-house analyst insights, and a comprehensive glossary earned higher scores. This award highlights brokers with top-tier learning materials designed to empower traders to make informed decisions.
#1 Best Broker for Weekend Trading
Winner: IG Markets
Outstanding Achievement: FXCM
Methodology: The Best Broker for Weekend Trading award highlights the brokers that enable seamless trading opportunities outside regular market hours. Our team tested brokers offering weekend trading on forex, indices, and cryptocurrencies, evaluating execution speeds, platform reliability, and the availability of key markets.
The winner demonstrated superior access to weekend markets, minimal downtime, and competitive spreads, ensuring a reliable trading experience for those seeking to capitalise on opportunities seven days a week.
Regional and Country Awards
Our Country and Regional Awards spotlight brokers with strong local performance and regulatory compliance, ensuring traders can trust their chosen broker. These awards prioritise brokers regulated by reputable authorities like ASIC, FCA, or CySEC, which enforce strict standards to protect traders and uphold transparency.
By focusing on regulated brokers, we aim to provide traders with options that deliver security, quality platforms, and tailored services for their region.
2025 Overall Rankings Table
Broker | Total Score | Trading Costs | Trading Experience | Trust | Trading Platform | Customer Service | Range Of Markets | Education | Funding |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pepperstone | 98 | 8.5 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9.5 | 9 | 9 |
Eightcap | 96 | 9 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 |
Blackbull Markets | 95 | 8.5 | 10 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 9.5 | 8 | 9 |
IC Markets | 93 | 9 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 9 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 |
Fusion Markets | 92 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 |
Oanda | 91 | 8.5 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 9 |
Exness | 88 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
FP Markets | 86 | 9 | 6.5 | 6 | 9 | 9.2 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.7 |
Forex.com | 84 | 6 | 6.8 | 8 | 7.5 | 5.9 | 5.5 | 9 | 5.3 |
Tickmill | 77 | 9.5 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 |
IG Group | 78 | 5 | 5.2 | 10 | 6.5 | 7.8 | 9.5 | 9 | 6.5 |
Go Markets | 76 | 7 | 6.2 | 6 | 9 | 8.6 | 5.2 | 4 | 6.4 |
Admirals | 73 | 7 | 5.6 | 8 | 6.5 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 8 | 6.5 |
FXCM | 77 | 6 | 6.3 | 8 | 6.5 | 7.8 | 10 | 5 | 7.9 |
TMGM | 71 | 7 | 7.6 | 5 | 6.5 | 8 | 6 | 5.5 | 6.1 |
CMC Markets | 73 | 6 | 4.1 | 9 | 6 | 6.4 | 10 | 10 | 5 |
Thinkmarkets | 73 | 7 | 5.4 | 8 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 7 | 6 | 7.8 |
Axi | 68 | 7 | 6.9 | 6 | 4.5 | 6.7 | 7.8 | 7 | 6.6 |
VantageFX | 67 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 |
City Index | 66 | 8 | 7.7 | 7 | 6 | 9.1 | 9 | 5.5 | 6.4 |
Avatrade | 68 | 6 | 5.8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8.5 | 4.5 | 5.9 |
HYCM | 63 | 7 | 6.8 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 | 6 | 6.5 | 5.6 |
FXTM | 62 | 6 | 6.8 | 6 | 7 | 7.9 | 5.5 | 8.5 | 4.4 |
FxPro | 59 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
Markets.com | 62 | 6 | 5.3 | 6.8 | 7.5 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 4.5 | 8.1 |
Plus500 | 61 | 7 | 5.3 | 8 | 2.5 | 5.5 | 8 | 4.5 | 6.5 |
XM | 57 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 6.4 |
Trading.com | 55 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 7 |
Blueberry Markets | 56 | 6 | 6.3 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 11.5 |
Saxo Capital Markets | 55 | 6 | 5.3 | 7 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 7.1 | 9 | 4.3 |
Interactive Brokers | 58 | 7 | 4.8 | 9 | 4 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 9 | 2.9 |
EasyMarkets | 52 | 5 | 4.4 | 6 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 6.4 |
XTB | 51 | 5 | 6.8 | 7 | 4 | 5.6 | 6 | 4 | 6.9 |
Global Prime | 47 | 7 | 2.3 | 4 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 3 | 7.6 |
eToro | 48 | 4 | 5.8 | 8 | 3.5 | 5.2 | 6.2 | 5.5 | 8.5 |
Ox Traders | 47 | 6 | 6.8 | 4 | 6.5 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 2.5 | 6.2 |
Charles Schwab(formerly:TD Ameritrade) | 43 | 7 | 3.8 | 6 | 3 | 6.5 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 3.6 |
Tradersway | 43 | 6 | 4.8 | 3 | 8 | 3.5 | 2.6 | 1.5 | 5.4 |
Kot4x | 34 | 7 | 5.3 | 2 | 3 | 1.9 | 5.8 | 0 | 2 |
ATC Brokers | 36 | 7 | 4.8 | 2.2 | 4 | 4.2 | 2.6 | 1.5 | 2.2 |
Hugo's way | 31 | 5 | 4.4 | 1 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 5.8 | 0 | 4.1 |
Fondex | 30 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
Swissquote | 29 | 3 | 4 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 4 |
Trading 212 | 28 | 2 | 4 | 6.2 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 2 | 5 |
Octafx | 27 | 3 | 5 | 2.2 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 8 |
IQ Option | 10 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Libertex | 10 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Mitrade | 10 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
FBS | 10 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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