FOREX.com vs ThinkMarkets 2025
Dive into our detailed comparison of Forex brokers FOREX.com and ThinkMarkets. Our analysis is based on the broker’s features and our own testing to help you make an informed decision when choosing a broker.
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Our full comparison covers the 10 most important trading factors to help you decide between FOREX.com and ThinkMarkets.
- ThinkMarkets offers lower average spreads on major currency pairs compared to FOREX.com.
- FOREX.com is regulated by a larger number of top-tier authorities, offering potentially greater security.
- ThinkMarkets provides innovative trading platforms like ThinkTrader, which FOREX.com lacks.
1. ThinkMarkets: Lowest Spreads And Fees
When it comes to trading costs, both FOREX.com and ThinkMarkets offer competitive pricing. However, there are some differences to note. Let’s explore the Lowest Commission Brokers to see how these two stack up.
FOREX.com offers competitive spreads on its standard account, while ThinkMarkets offers even tighter spreads, especially on major currency pairs. This is particularly important for traders who are looking for Lowest Fixed Spread Brokers.
When we look at the average standard account spreads for FOREX.com and ThinkMarkets, it’s clear that there are some differences between the two. FOREX.com tends to have higher spreads across most forex pairs, with the exception of EUR/USD, where it’s slightly lower than ThinkMarkets. For instance, the spread for USD/CAD at FOREX.com is significantly higher at 2 compared to ThinkMarkets’ 1.2.
| Standard Account | FOREX.com Spreads | ThinkMarkets Spreads | Industry Spreads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Average | 1.45 | 1.2 | 1.6 |
| EUR/USD | 1.2 | 1.1 | 1.2 |
| USD/JPY | 1.1 | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| GBP/USD | 1.1 | 1.3 | 1.6 |
| AUD/USD | 1.7 | 1.1 | 1.5 |
| USD/CAD | 2 | 1.2 | 1.8 |
| EUR/GBP | 1.3 | 1.1 | 1.5 |
| EUR/JPY | 1.5 | 1.2 | 1.9 |
| AUD/JPY | 1.7 | 1.2 | 2.1 |
Standard Account Analysis Updated April 2025[1]April 2025 Published And Tested Data
ThinkMarkets consistently offers lower spreads across the board, making it a more cost-effective choice for traders who deal with a variety of forex pairs. For example, the spread for AUD/USD is only 1.1 at ThinkMarkets, compared to 1.7 at FOREX.com.
When we compare these brokers to the industry average, we see that ThinkMarkets often comes out ahead, offering lower spreads for most forex pairs. FOREX.com, on the other hand, tends to hover around or above the industry average. Therefore, based on this data, I would argue that ThinkMarkets offers a more cost-effective trading environment when it comes to standard account spreads.
To explain how lower spreads change trading costs, we designed a fee calculator. Pick your currency, trade amount, and pair to see the fee.
Deposit & Withdrawal Fees
Neither FOREX.com nor ThinkMarkets charge any deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a plus for both brokers.
Other Fees
FOREX.com charges an inactivity fee, while ThinkMarkets does not. However, ThinkMarkets charges a fee for overnight financing.
Verdict
When it comes to trading costs, ThinkMarkets has a slight edge due to its lower spreads and commission rates.
ThinkMarkets ReviewVisit ThinkMarkets
2. ThinkMarkets: Better Trading Platforms
Trading platforms are the gateway to the forex market, and both FOREX.com and ThinkMarkets offer a range of options. Let’s compare the Best cTrader Brokers and others to see how these two stack up.
| Trading Platform | FOREX.com | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | Yes |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
1. MetaTrader 4 and 5
Both FOREX.com and ThinkMarkets offer MetaTrader 4 and 5, the most popular trading platforms in the forex industry. It’s always a good idea to compare MetaTrader 4 vs MetaTrader 5 to see which one suits your trading needs better.
2. cTrader and TradingView
FOREX.com does not offer cTrader or TradingView. However, ThinkMarkets offers the innovative ThinkTrader platform, which is comparable to cTrader and TradingView in terms of functionality and user experience.
3. Social And Copy Trading
Neither FOREX.com nor ThinkMarkets offer social or copy trading features. However, there are other best social trading platforms available in the market.
4. VPS and Other Trading Tools
Both brokers offer VPS services for automated trading. FOREX.com also offers a range of other trading tools, including advanced charting, trading signals, and market analysis.
Verdict: When it comes to trading platforms, ThinkMarkets has a slight edge due to its proprietary ThinkTrader platform.
3. Tie: Superior Accounts And Features
FOREX.com offers a range of account types, including Standard, Commission, and Direct Market Access accounts. ThinkMarkets also offers a range of account types, including Standard and ThinkZero accounts. It’s always a good idea to compare the best forex broker demo accounts to see which one suits your trading needs better.
| FOREX.com | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Account | Yes | Yes |
| Raw Account | Yes | Yes |
| Swap Free Account | Yes | No |
| Active Traders | Yes | No |
| Spread Betting (UK) | No | No |
Verdict: Both brokers offer a range of account types to suit different trading needs and styles.
| Broker | Account Types |
|---|---|
| FOREX.com | Standard, Commission, Direct Market Access |
| ThinkMarkets | Standard, ThinkZero |
4. ThinkMarkets: Best Trading Experience
When it comes to the overall trading experience, both FOREX.com and ThinkMarkets have their merits. We’ve found that FOREX.com offers a more traditional approach, with a focus on strong regulation and a wide range of trading instruments. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a well-rounded trading environment.
- FOREX.com is regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, offering a secure trading environment.
- A wide range of trading instruments is available on FOREX.com.
- ThinkMarkets offers the ThinkTrader platform, which is known for its user-friendly interface.
- Our own testing shows that ThinkMarkets has the best trading app, making mobile trading a breeze.
On the other hand, ThinkMarkets really shines when it comes to innovative platforms and mobile trading. The ThinkTrader platform is intuitive and offers a range of advanced features that can help you trade more effectively. If you’re someone who likes to trade on the go, ThinkMarkets has got you covered.
Verdict: For the best overall trading experience and ease of use, ThinkMarkets takes the crown.
5. FOREX.com: Stronger Trust And Regulation
FOREX.com Trust Score
ThinkMarkets Trust Score
Trust and regulation are crucial factors to consider when choosing a forex broker. Both FOREX.com and ThinkMarkets are regulated by multiple top-tier authorities.
FOREX.com is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC, BaFin, FINMA, CFTC, and NFA, among others. On the other hand, ThinkMarkets is regulated by ASIC, FCA, and FSCA. It’s important to choose ASIC Regulated Brokers or those regulated by other top-tier authorities for the best protection.
| FOREX.com | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 Regulation | FCA (UK) CIRO (CANADA) NFA/CFTC (USA) CYSEC (Cyprus) | ASIC (Australia) FCA (UK) CYSEC (Cyprus) |
| Tier 2 Regulation | JFSA (Japan) | JFSA |
| Tier 3 Regulation | CIMA (Cayman) | FSCA (South Africa) FSA-S (Seychelles) CIMA (Cayman) FSC-M (Mauritius) |
Verdict: Both brokers are highly regulated, but FOREX.com has a slight edge due to its regulation by a larger number of top-tier authorities.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
Your capital is at risk up to ‘76% of retail CFD accounts lose money with FOREX.com’
6. FOREX.com: CFD Product Range And Financial Markets
FOREX.com and ThinkMarkets both offer a diverse range of products and CFD markets, but they do have some distinct differences. FOREX.com, for instance, provides a more comprehensive range of trading instruments, including forex, indices, shares, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. It’s an excellent choice for traders looking to diversify their portfolios.
| Product/CFD Market | FOREX.com | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Forex Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Shares | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs | No | No |
| Bonds | No | No |
| Options | No | No |
| Metals | Yes | Yes |
| Energies | Yes | Yes |
| Agricultural | Yes | No |
ThinkMarkets, on the other hand, is more focused on providing competitive spreads and innovative trading platforms. While it offers a similar range of trading instruments, it has fewer options in each category. However, our own testing indicates that ThinkMarkets has the best trading app, which could be a significant advantage for mobile traders.
Verdict: For the most extensive range of CFDs and Markets, FOREX.com is the better choice.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
Your capital is at risk up to ‘76% of retail CFD accounts lose money with FOREX.com’
7. FOREX.com: Superior Educational Resources
When it comes to educational resources, both FOREX.com and ThinkMarkets have a lot to offer, but they cater to different types of traders. FOREX.com provides a wealth of educational material aimed at both beginner and experienced traders. They offer webinars, articles, and even one-on-one training sessions.
- FOREX.com offers webinars for live learning experiences.
- Articles and tutorials are abundant on FOREX.com.
- One-on-one training sessions are available at FOREX.com.
- ThinkMarkets provides a comprehensive FAQ section.
- ThinkMarkets also offers webinars but less frequently than FOREX.com.
- Our own testing did not indicate ThinkMarkets as a leader in educational resources.
ThinkMarkets, on the other hand, focuses more on providing quick answers and solutions through its comprehensive FAQ section. They also offer webinars, but these are less frequent compared to what FOREX.com offers. If you’re a self-starter who prefers to find answers quickly, ThinkMarkets might be more your speed.
Verdict: Based on our testing, FOREX.com offers superior educational resources.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
Your capital is at risk up to ‘76% of retail CFD accounts lose money with FOREX.com’
8. ThinkMarkets: Better Customer Service
Both FOREX.com and ThinkMarkets offer excellent customer service, including 24/5 live chat, phone support, and email support. However, ThinkMarkets offers a slightly higher level of service, with faster response times and more personalized support.
Verdict: ThinkMarkets wins in terms of customer service.
| Broker | Customer Service |
|---|---|
| FOREX.com | Good |
| ThinkMarkets | Better |
9. ThinkMarkets: More Funding Options
When it comes to funding options, both FOREX.com and ThinkMarkets offer a variety of methods to suit different trader needs. FOREX.com provides traditional options like bank transfers and credit cards, but they also offer PayPal, which is a convenient option for many.
ThinkMarkets, on the other hand, offers a similar range of funding options but adds Skrill and Neteller to the mix. These e-wallet options can be particularly useful for traders who prefer quick and easy transactions. Our own testing did not indicate a significant difference in the speed or ease of funding between the two brokers.
| Funding Option | FOREX.com | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Credit Card | ✓ | ✓ |
| PayPal | ✓ | ✗ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cheque | ✓ | ✗ |
| Debit Card | ✓ | ✓ |
| Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Cash | ✗ | ✗ |
Verdict: For a more diverse range of funding options, ThinkMarkets is the better choice.
10. ThinkMarkets: Lower Minimum Deposit
When it comes to starting your trading journey, the minimum deposit can be a significant factor. FOREX.com requires a minimum deposit of $100 for their Standard account and a whopping $25,000 for their DMA account. This might be a bit steep for beginners or those who are cautious about investing large sums initially.
ThinkMarkets, however, takes a different approach. They offer a $0 minimum deposit for their Standard account and a reasonable $500 for their ThinkZero account. This makes it much more accessible for traders who are just starting out or those who prefer to start small.
| Broker | Standard Account | DMA/ThinkZero Account |
|---|---|---|
| FOREX.com | $100 | $25,000 |
| ThinkMarkets | $0 | $500 |
Verdict: ThinkMarkets offers a lower minimum deposit, making it a more accessible option for new traders.
So is ThinkMarkets or FOREX.com the Best Broker?
ThinkMarkets is the winner because it excels in a majority of the categories that matter most to traders, including lower spreads and fees, better trading platforms, and more accessible funding options. The table below summarises the key information leading to this verdict.
| Categories | ThinkMarkets | FOREX.com |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Spreads And Fees | ✅ | ❌ |
| Better Trading Platform | ✅ | ❌ |
| Superior Accounts And Features | ✅ | ✅ |
| Best Trading Experience And Ease | ✅ | ❌ |
| Stronger Trust And Regulation | ❌ | ✅ |
| Top Product Range And CFD Markets | ❌ | ✅ |
| Superior Educational Resources | ❌ | ✅ |
| Superior Customer Service | ✅ | ❌ |
| Better Funding Options | ✅ | ❌ |
| Lower Minimum Deposit | ✅ | ❌ |
ThinkMarkets: Best For Beginner Traders
For beginner traders, ThinkMarkets is the better option due to its lower minimum deposit and user-friendly platform.
FOREX.com: Best For Experienced Traders
For experienced traders, FOREX.com might be more suitable due to its stronger regulatory framework and a wider range of CFD markets.
FAQs Comparing FOREX.com Vs ThinkMarkets
Does ThinkMarkets or FOREX.com Have Lower Costs?
ThinkMarkets has lower costs when it comes to spreads and fees. They offer lower average spreads on major currency pairs compared to FOREX.com. For more detailed information on low spreads, you can explore our list of lowest spread forex brokersin the UK.
Which Broker Is Better For MetaTrader 4?
Both ThinkMarkets and FOREX.com offer MetaTrader 4, but ThinkMarkets has a more user-friendly interface. They also provide additional features that enhance the MT4 experience. For a comprehensive list of top-performing MT4 brokers, check out our best MT4 brokers in the market.
Which Broker Offers Social Trading?
Neither ThinkMarkets nor FOREX.com offer social or copy trading as a feature. If you’re interested in social trading, you might want to consider other brokers. For more options, you can check out the best social trading platforms.
Does Either Broker Offer Spread Betting?
FOREX.com offers spread betting, while ThinkMarkets does not. This is particularly useful for UK traders looking to benefit from tax advantages. For more options, you can explore best spread betting brokers in the UK.
What Broker is Superior For Australian Forex Traders?
In my opinion, ThinkMarkets is superior for Australian Forex traders. Both brokers are ASIC-regulated, but ThinkMarkets was founded in Australia, giving it a home-field advantage. They offer a wide range of products and have a strong reputation in the market. For more details, check out the list of the Best Forex Brokers In Australia.
What Broker is Superior For UK Forex Traders?
For UK traders, I believe FOREX.com is the better option. Both brokers are FCA regulated, but FOREX.com has a more extensive range of CFD markets, which could be a significant advantage for UK traders. They also offer spread betting, which is a plus. For a comprehensive comparison, you can visit Best Forex Brokers In UK.
Article Sources
No commission account spread propiety testing data and published wesbite spread information, centralised on our Standard Account Spreads page.
Other FOREX.com and Plus500 ThinkMarkets Comparisons
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