Independent Broker Comparison

The top forex brokers, compared side by side.

An independent comparison of the top forex brokers, ranked by regulation, trading costs, and platform quality so you can pick with confidence.

Top PicksUPDATED REGULARLY
1
IC Markets
ASIC, CySEC
9.5
2
TabTrade
Mauritius FSC
9.3
3
Plus500
FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS
9.1
4
Admirals
EFSA, FCA, CySEC, ASIC
8.9
5
AvaTrade
CBI, ASIC, CySEC
8.9

How they compare

Ranked by our composite score: regulation strength, real trading costs, and platform quality.

#BrokerMin. DepositRegulationSpread FromScore
1
IC Markets logo
IC Markets
ASIC, CySEC
$200ASIC, CySEC0.10 pips9.5Visit
2
TabTrade logo
TabTrade
Mauritius FSC
$0Mauritius FSC0.01 pips9.3Visit
3
Plus500 logo
Plus500
FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS
$100FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS0.9 pips9.1Visit
4
Admirals logo
Admirals
EFSA, FCA, CySEC, ASIC
€100EFSA, FCA, CySEC, ASIC0.09 pips8.9Visit
5
AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
CBI, ASIC, CySEC
$100CBI, ASIC, CySEC0.84 pips8.9Visit

Frequently asked questions

How do you calculate your rankings?

Our score weighs regulatory strength (register-confirmed licenses count most), real trading costs, platform range, and operating track record. We check each broker's spreads and fees directly rather than relying on marketing claims, and we periodically re-verify regulatory status to make sure a license hasn't lapsed or changed. Brokers with a longer, cleaner operating history score higher than newer or unproven entrants.

Do brokers pay to be featured?

We may earn a commission when you sign up through our links, at no extra cost to you. This never affects which brokers we list or how we rank them — commission rates play no role in our scoring methodology. If a broker leaves our affiliate program, it stays on the list exactly where its score puts it.

What's the minimum amount I need to start trading?

It depends on the broker. Minimum deposits on this list range from $0 to a few hundred dollars, so check the comparison table above before you sign up. Keep in mind that a low minimum deposit doesn't necessarily mean lower risk — position sizing and leverage matter more to your actual exposure than how much you initially fund the account.

Are these brokers regulated?

Yes. Every broker featured here holds at least one license from a recognized regulator, such as ASIC, the FCA, or CySEC. We list each broker's regulators in the table above so you can verify them directly on the regulator's own public register. Some brokers hold multiple licenses across different entities, and which one applies to you can affect the protections you're covered by depending on where you sign up from.

Which broker is best for beginners?

Look for a low minimum deposit, a free demo account, and clear educational resources. Our comparison table highlights minimum deposits and platforms to help you narrow it down. It's also worth opening a demo account with two or three shortlisted brokers before funding a live one, since platform feel and order execution can vary more in practice than marketing pages suggest.

Risk & Advertiser Disclosure

Forex and CFD trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Compare Top Forex Brokers may receive compensation from the brokers listed here when you sign up through our links, at no additional cost to you. This does not affect our rankings, which are based on our own independent research into regulation, trading costs, and platform quality.