How We Test

Commissions & Fees

Education

Mobile Trading Apps

Platforms & Tools

Range of Investments

Research

Trust Score

To learn more about the 100+ regulators tracked in our independent database, visit our Trust Score page.

Overall

The Overall category winner is determined by our proprietary formula that calculates the sum of rankings from our other core categories, including Commissions & Fees, Offering of Investments, Platforms & Tools, Research, Mobile Trading Apps, Education, and Trust Score. Weightings across each category can change from year to year.

Check out ForexBrokers.com's guide to the overall Best Forex Brokers.

Algo Trading

Rankings for the Algo Trading category are determined by the level of accommodation afforded to algorithmic traders. Factors considered include (but are not limited to) each broker's order execution policy, range of available orders, permitted trading strategies, commissions, spreads, and other factors considered important to high-frequency forex traders.

Check out ForexBrokers.com's guide to the Best Brokers for Algo Trading.

Beginners

Rankings for the Beginners category are determined by each broker's ability to cater to forex traders and investors that are new to the forex markets. The testing methodology for the Beginners category is similar to that of the Ease of Use category as well as the Education category. Factors considered include the overall educational experience, quality of materials designed specifically for beginner traders, level of complexity within trading platforms, and the ease of the overall user experience. When determining rankings for this category, we assess each broker's platform, website, educational materials, and client portal.

Check out ForexBrokers.com's guide to the Best Brokers for Beginners.

Commissions & Fees

Scoring for our Commissions & Fees category utilizes a different scoring rubric than our other categories due to the inherent complexity of the category.

First, multiple scenarios are assessed for placing trades. For example, the average reported and/or observed spread for the EUR/USD pair. Brokers are then awarded points depending on how expensive (or inexpensive) their average spreads (in this example) are, relative to their peers. Next, multiple scenarios are assessed for different investor types on a monthly basis, incorporating any miscellaneous account fees, alongside any active trader or VIP rates. The goal is to determine a net, "all-in" cost per trade. All data is analyzed to determine an overall score for the Commissions & Fees category.

Check out ForexBrokers.com's guide to the Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.

Copy Trading

When determining the rankings for the Social Copy Trading category, we consider the range of social copy trading platforms available (whether developed in-house or by a third-party provider) along with the scope and breadth of their related social offerings for traders. For example, some brokers may offer social copy trading on a standalone basis, segmented away from a trading platform, whereas others may integrate it directly within their platform. Beyond the basics, we look at the size of the trader community that can be copied, the length of history of related providers (other traders they wish to copy), and the range of performance statistics and tools available to traders. We also consider the level of control investors have for managing risk thresholds on their account (or on a per-strategy basis).

Check out ForexBrokers.com's guide to the Best Brokers for Copy Trading.

Crypto Trading

When determining the rankings for the Crypto Trading category, we look at which brokers offer the most comprehensive and extensive crypto trading offering. This may include crypto CFDs (where permissible), crypto securities and exchange-traded products (ETPs), structured instruments, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and of course the underlying cryptocurrency assets. We also look at qualitative factors such as the range of trading options – for example, some brokers don’t permit crypto withdrawals, requiring you to sell assets in order to withdraw cash.

Check out ForexBrokers.com's guide to the Best Cryptocurrency Brokers.

Ease of Use

When determining rankings for the Ease of Use category, we recognize brokers that have been able to pack a rich variety of powerful tools and features into a simplified user experience. The brokers that rank highest in this category effectively balance a dense ecosystem of tools and complex features with a clean, intuitive user experience. Our overall approach to ranking brokers in the Ease of Use category is similar to our testing methodology for the Platforms & Tools category; we consider many of the same factors, but our decisions are heavily influenced by the overall user experience.

Check out ForexBrokers.com's guide to the Best Brokers for Ease of Use.

Education

Rankings for our Education category are determined based on the qualitative aspects of each broker's overall body of educational content. Factors considered include (but are not limited to) the variety and depth of offered materials and whether they are organized in a course, module, or academy structure. We also assess the overall level of detail and quality of provided content. We test and assess a variety of educational formats, including interactive courses, videos, written articles, and webinars. Other factors considered include community resources, FAQs, quizzes, and tests.

Check out ForexBrokers.com's guide to the Best Forex Education.

MetaTrader

When determining the rankings for the MetaTrader category, we first assess whether a broker offers both MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader (MT5). Then, we examine the availability of third-party tools such as plugins, add-ons, custom indicators, or other scripts that add value to the default platform experience. We also consider the range of account types offered and the number of markets available within each account and platform configuration. Given that MetaTrader was popularized for its automated trading capabilities, we also consider each broker's overall ability to cater to algorithmic trading.

Check out ForexBrokers.com's guide to the Best Brokers for MetaTrader.

Mobile Trading Apps

As modern mobile devices have evolved, the lines separating the functionality of mobile platforms and their desktop/web platform counterparts have become increasingly blurred. As such, our approach to ranking brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category is similar to our testing methodology for the Platforms & Tools category. In addition to the basic features we look for on any desktop or web platform, we consider the overall layout and responsiveness of the broker's mobile app(s), ease of navigation, and the simplicity of placing trades and managing orders. We also consider the level of customization available within the app(s).

Check out ForexBrokers.com's guide to the Best Forex Trading Apps.

Platforms & Tools

When determining the rankings for the Platforms & Tools category, we test each broker's full trading platform suite. This includes all platform software (whether developed in-house or by a third-party provider) across desktop, web, and mobile devices. Beyond assessing basic features such as a platform's charting capabilities, the versatility of its watchlists, and trade ticket parameters, we consider qualitative factors such as the range and depth of available features, quality of tools, and the level of customization and platform configuration options.

Check out ForexBrokers.com's guide to the Best Forex Platforms and Tools.

Professional Trading

The Professional Trading category is entirely qualitative and rankings are based on a range of factors considered important for professional traders. Factors considered include (but are not limited to) the range of markets available, support for algorithmic trading and complex order types, discounts for high-volume and active trading, and the availability of API connectivity and advanced and speciality trading platforms.

Check out ForexBrokers.com's guide to the Best Brokers for Professional Traders.

Range of Investments

When determining our rankings for the Offering of Investments category, we consider the full range of available markets for each broker. We examine all asset classes and tradeable symbols across each broker’s trading platforms and account for connectivity to national and international exchanges across global markets. Beyond our quantitative data collection, we also consider qualitative factors such as the accessibility of symbols across account types, platforms, websites, and devices.

Check out ForexBrokers.com's guide to the Best Range of Investments for Forex Trading.

Research

When determining rankings for the Research category, we look at the quantity, quality, frequency, and depth of research materials. We assess a wide range of formats, including written articles, video recordings, podcasts, webinars, and other content designed to help traders assess technical and fundamental market opportunities. Factors considered can be as subtle as the level of organization within a broker's video playlist or as complex as the way a broker integrates trading signals within their trading platform.

Check out ForexBrokers.com's guide to the Best Brokers for Forex Research.

TradingView

When determining the rankings for the TradingView category, we first assess whether a broker offers trading integration with TradingView where you can link your account to trade on the TradingView platform. We also consider the broker's “Overall” ranking, as that ranking will indirectly reflect other categories such as its range of markets, trading costs, and other factors important to traders that use TradingView.

Check out ForexBrokers.com's guide to the Best Brokers for TradingView.

Trust Score

Our Trust Score algorithm is powered by our extensive research into each broker's regulatory licences across a range of global regulatory jurisdictions. Licenses and regulatory jurisdictions are categorized by Tier (Tier-1 is reserved for the most stringent regulators, and Tier-5 is for jurisdictions that may not offer any consumer protections whatsoever); learn more by checking out our Trust Score page. Beyond each broker's range of regulatory licenses, we also consider a range of secondary factors. These can include (but are not limited to) the number of years a company has been in business, whether the company is publicly listed, and whether it holds a banking license. Other factors include the existence of national compensation schemes and whether a broker offers indemnity issuance.

Check out ForexBrokers.com's guide to the Most Trusted Forex Brokers.

#1 Banking Services

As a rapidly expanding area of brokerage services, banking features have grown in importance to forex traders who value ease of money transfer and the ability to keep their investing and banking under one roof. Our research team evaluates each broker’s offerings, such as cash management tools, debit and credit cards, traditional bank accounts, mobile deposits, no-fee banking, and branch accessibility.

#1 Charting Technology

Many investors and forex traders demand access to robust charts for analyzing current and historical market prices. When deciding the winner of our award for #1 Charting Technology, our research team considers the number (and quality) of tools, indicators, and features that are available with the broker’s charting software.

#1 Desktop Platform

Brokers that offer a desktop platform, defined as a downloadable Windows-based or Mac-based trading platform, are considered for the #1 Desktop Platform award. This individual award is based in part on the results from our testing of 22 data-based variables within the Platforms & Tools category.

#1 ESG Offering

Our #1 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) award is heavily informed by the testing in our Research category, and highlights the broker that provides the most comprehensive experience for socially responsible investing. We consider the availability of screening tools, third-party ratings, visual data, and other research features that help to identify ESG-related investment opportunities.

#1 Forex Options

This award recognizes the depth of a broker’s offering of forex options. We determine the number and type of available forex options, and whether it’s possible to trade forex options on-exchange (i.e. exchange-traded options on a national stock or derivatives exchange) or off-exchange. We also consider the number and quality of tools available, such as options screeners and pre-defined options strategies.

#1 Fundamental Analysis Provider

When choosing a winner for the #1 Fundamental Analysis Provider award, we examine a range of specialized third-party tools designed to help traders filter out the noise from the myriad news headlines and economic calendar events that affect financial markets. Some tools track keywords and tags across assets to perform complex calculations, while others offer research reports and comprehensive fundamental analysis content.

#1 Innovation

Our award for innovation recognizes achievement in pushing the industry forward. Our team tests and analyzes new tools, experiences, and features that challenge industry standards and unlock new abilities for individual traders and investors. This award is designed to highlight innovations in forex broker trading technology that stand out as unique or radically different than what is available from most brokers. Our Innovation award can be applicable to a wide variety of features and we evaluate contenders across our entire range of award categories.

#1 Institutional Clients

For this award, we focus on the areas of importance to institutional – or, professional – traders, such as those trading independently for a living (e.g., day traders) or those working for a professional institution such as a hedge fund. We look at platform depth, customization, trading tools, portfolio management, and order management, including the availability of complex order types. Results are determined in part by the data collected for the 22 variables within our Platforms & Tools category.

#1 Interactive Educational Experience

This award goes beyond a straightforward evaluation of the standard educational resources or trading courses provided by most forex brokers. When judging this award, we look for innovations in the educational space and take into account the interactive nature of the overall educational experience offered. We consider factors such as the quality and layout of course materials, the availability of interactive tools like quizzes and assessments, and the overall impact and difficulty of the educational content.

#1 MetaTrader Plug-In Provider

The MetaTrader software suite has long enjoyed a rich market of third-party plugins designed to enhance the default platform experience. When determining the winner of the #1 MetaTrader Plug-In Provider award, our team looks at the availability of custom widgets and/or indicators that provide traders with real-time information to complement their trading platform experience. We also examine calculators, tools, and programs that enhance technical and sentiment analysis.

#1 Mobile App

Awarded to the broker with the best mobile app for retail traders, our research team evaluates the richness (and sophistication) of available features within the trading app. Also considered is the quality of the app’s design and how it impacts the overall user experience. A dozen individual variables are assessed for each mobile app as part of our testing within the Mobile Trading category.

#1 Most CFDs

A contract for difference, or CFD, is a tradeable instrument that tracks the price of an underlying security or asset. CFDs are not available to traders in the U.S. but are otherwise offered by brokers around the world. Our award for #1 Most CFDs recognizes the international broker that offers the largest number of CFDs, worldwide.

#1 Most Cryptos

To choose the winner for our #1 Most Cryptos award, our team examines the full scope of a broker’s cryptocurrency offering, including whether crypto is offered through a third party or the broker offers an in-house solution. We consider additional features, such as whether the crypto is available as a CFD or the underlying asset, the ability to deposit and withdraw crypto with the broker, the availability of crypto wallets, and the ability to stake crypto and earn interest.

#1 Most Currency Pairs

This award recognizes the broker that offers the largest number of currency pairs. Our calculation includes cross-currency pairs, exotic pairs, and forex pairs that may be quoted in both directions (i.e. EUR/USD and USD/EUR count as two distinct pairs).

#1 Most Tradeable Symbols

When determining the winner for this Industry Award, we count each individual product as a trading symbol (i.e., TSLA is the ticker symbol for Tesla), and recognize the broker with the largest number of tradeable symbols across all available asset classes and underlying markets.

#1 New Trading Tool

Our #1 New Trading Tool award is partly based on data collected during our testing across all primary categories, with particular attention given to Research, Education, Platforms & Tools, Mobile Trading, and Investment Options. This award recognizes a new innovative product or feature launched by a broker during the previous calendar year that impacts the trading experience. Our editorial team looks for tools that push the industry forward in a unique way, whether that be in investment research, portfolio management, education, account offering, etc.

#1 Risk Management Tool

When determining the winner of this award, we look at a range of specialized risk management tools. We look for the availability of features including (but not limited to) automated stop-loss reminders, guaranteed stop-loss orders, and specialized tools that help traders calculate risk-reward ratios in real time. We’ve also tested tools that provide risk-management analysis on a pre-trade or post-trade basis.

#1 Sentiment Analysis Provider

Factors considered for the #1 Sentiment Analysis Provider award include (but are not limited to), the availability of specialized tools designed to help traders identify sentiment trends and changes in sentiment.

#1 Technical Analysis Provider

Factors considered for the #1 Technical Analysis Provider award include (but are not limited to) the availability and quality of specialized technical analysis tools, such as pattern recognition, heat maps, and technical indicators. We also examine the technical analysis content provided (or algo-generated) by in-house staff.

#1 Trading Signals Technology Provider

Factors considered for the #1 Trading Signals Technology Provider award include (but are not limited to) the number of qualitative parameters used to assess and categorize signals (i.e. probability, strength, and patterns). We also consider the user experience along with conveniences such as the ability to automatically copy a signal into a new order window.

#1 VIP Client Experience

Deciding factors when evaluating the best VIP Client Experience include any minimum deposit requirements, the availability (and quality) of associated perks, lifestyle benefits, entry to special events, and access to discounted trading costs (such as reduced commissions and/or spreads).

#1 Web Platform

Brokers that offer a web trading platform, defined as a trading platform that runs through a web browser (such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge), are considered for the #1 Web Platform award. The winner of this award is determined in part by the results from our testing of 22 data-based variables within our Platforms & Tools category.