Focus Markets vs FreshForex Comparison: Which Is Better for Traders?
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - Focus Markets or FreshForex?
Our pick: FreshForex
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - FreshForex looks preferable to Focus Markets.
FreshForex scored 4.1/5 and ranks 40 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas Focus Markets has 3.8/5 and ranks 60.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is Focus Markets suitable for?
Focus Markets is suitable for experienced Forex/CFD traders who trade via MT5 and independently use external analytics.
Who is FreshForex suitable for?
FreshForex is suitable for beginners thanks to educational materials, a wide selection of instruments, and experienced traders looking for various accounts.
Comparison Table of Focus Markets and FreshForex
| Broker | Focus Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2019 | 2003 |
| Regulated in Countries | Mauritius, Australia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:2000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Review | Focus Markets Review | FreshForex Review |
Focus Markets Review
Focus Markets is a broker aimed primarily at independent Forex and CFD traders who value access to popular markets, the familiar MetaTrader 5 platform, and a clear trading account structure. It is not the most versatile option for beginners who need strong education, regular analytics, and a wide selection of services within the broker’s ecosystem.
Focus Markets is best suited to experienced traders who already use external analytics sources, make trading decisions independently, and are looking for a broker for active CFD trading. For beginner clients, the broker may be less convenient due to its weak educational base and limited support in making trading decisions.
Pros and Cons of Focus Markets
Pros
- More than 700 CFD instruments are available, including Forex, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
- MetaTrader 5 is supported with WebTrader, mobile versions, Expert Advisors, and one-click trading.
- The broker does not charge internal fees for deposits and withdrawals.
- Various deposit methods are available: cards, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, and e-wallets.
Cons
- Limited selection of trading accounts.
- No MetaTrader 4, cTrader, or proprietary trading platform.
- Weak analytics: no regular market reviews, trading ideas, signals, or third-party analytical services.
- No educational materials for beginners.
FreshForex Review
FreshForex is a broker with a long history in the market, a wide selection of trading accounts, high leverage, and an affordable minimum deposit. It is suitable for active traders who value flexibility in choosing trading instruments, are interested in high-risk strategies, and are willing to work with an offshore company without licenses from leading global regulators. Thanks to the availability of a demo account, a variety of analytical materials, and training courses, FreshForex may also be of interest to novice traders who want to hone their skills without making large investments.
Pros and Cons of FreshForex
Pros
- Extensive experience (since 2004).
- Minimum deposit from $25.
- Wide selection of currencies and cryptocurrencies for accounts.
- Various analytical and educational materials.
Cons
- No licenses from reputable regulators.
- High spreads and commissions on a number of instruments.
- No PAMM accounts or copy trading.
- No online chat or support via messengers.
FreshForex is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | Focus Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 4.5/5 | 3/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2019 | 2003 |
| Regulated in Countries | Mauritius, Australia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Regulators |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets combines a regulated Australian division with international structures in Mauritius and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Client protection depends on the legal entity.
Pros
- There is a division supervised by ASIC.
- The group’s international structure is disclosed.
Cons
- No compensation fund.
- No information about additional funds insurance.
FreshForex
FreshForex does not have licenses from leading global regulators, which increases the risks for clients. It operates in an offshore jurisdiction, so the level of investor protection is limited.
Pros
- Long-standing presence on the market (since 2004)
Cons
- Lack of regulation by authoritative bodies
- Limited legal protection for clients
Account Opening
| Broker | Focus Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
Focus Markets
Opening an account with Focus Markets is convenient and fairly fast: registration is completed online, the questionnaire is clear, and document verification usually takes up to 24 business hours.
Pros
- Fully online registration.
- Clear 3-step questionnaire.
- Wide selection of account base currencies.
Cons
- Mandatory KYC verification is required.
- Additional documents may be requested.
- No instant activation of a live account.
FreshForex
Opening an account with FreshForex is quick, with detailed verification and a wide selection of currencies, including cryptocurrencies. The minimum deposit of $25 makes the broker accessible to most traders.
Pros
- Quick registration and verification
- Minimum deposit of $25
- Large selection of currencies and cryptocurrencies for accounts
Account Types
| Broker | Focus Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
|
|
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:2000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ account lineup covers traders’ basic needs, but remains limited: only Standard and Raw are available, with no cent, Islamic, or fixed-spread account.
Pros
- Standard and Raw accounts are available.
- 30-day demo account.
- Trader copy trading is available.
Cons
- No cent account.
- No Islamic account.
- No fixed-spread account.
FreshForex
FreshForex offers a wide range of accounts, including ECN, cent, and Islamic accounts, as well as a demo account. However, the lack of PAMM and copy trading limits the options for passive investors.
Pros
- A variety of accounts for different levels of traders
- Islamic accounts and demo accounts are available
Cons
- No PAMM accounts or copy trading
Commissions
| Broker | Focus Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 3.5/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 1.2 | 1.8 |
| Commission per Lot | $3.5 | $3.3 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ fees are average: spreads and swaps on Standard are typical for the market, the Raw commission is $3.5 per lot per side, and withdrawals are free of broker fees.
Pros
- No withdrawal fee from the broker.
Cons
- An account inactivity fee may apply.
FreshForex
FreshForex's commissions are above average, especially for certain currency pairs, but the absence of inactivity fees and a unique cashback program partially compensate for this drawback.
Pros
- No inactivity fees
- No deposit/withdrawal fees
- Cashback program with different refund schemes
Cons
- High spreads and swaps
- Commissions on some pairs are above average
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | Focus Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
|
|
Focus Markets
Deposits and withdrawals at Focus Markets are convenient: many methods are available, there are no internal fees, and withdrawal times are usually 1–3 business days.
Pros
- Cards, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, and e-wallets are available.
- No internal broker fees.
- Most deposits are processed quickly.
Cons
- Withdrawals are reviewed by the finance department.
- Fees from banks and providers may apply.
FreshForex
FreshForex ensures fast and convenient account funding and withdrawals with more than 20 methods without broker commissions.
Pros
- No commission for deposits/withdrawals
- Support for cryptocurrencies and e-wallets
- Fast processing of requests
Markets and Products
| Broker | Focus Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Forex | 50 | 52 |
| Precious Metals | 5 | 13 |
| Energy Carriers | 3 | 3 |
| Indices | 8 | 12 |
| Stocks | 500 | 133 |
| Cryptocurrency | 140 | 71 |
| ETF | - | 7 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets offers a wide selection of CFD instruments: Forex, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- More than 700 instruments.
- Leverage up to 1:500.
Cons
- No real stocks or ETFs.
- No soft commodities.
FreshForex
FreshForex offers an extensive selection of trading instruments, but with limitations such as the absence of soft commodities and an average number of CFDs.
Pros
- Large number of currency pairs
- Wide selection of cryptocurrencies
- High leverage up to 1:2000
Cons
- No soft commodities or bonds
- Average number of CFDs on stocks
Trading Platforms
| Broker | Focus Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
Focus Markets
Focus Markets offers the reliable and functional MT5 platform, but the selection is limited: there is no MT4, cTrader, or proprietary broker platform.
Pros
- MetaTrader 5 is available.
- WebTrader and mobile versions are available.
Cons
- No MetaTrader 4.
- No cTrader.
- No proprietary platform.
FreshForex
FreshForex offers reliable and popular MT4 and MT5 platforms with a variety of tools and versions for different devices.
Pros
- Access to MT4 and MT5, proven platforms.
- A large arsenal of indicators and tools.
- Versions for PC, MacOS, iPhone, Android, and Web.
Cons
- Lack of proprietary or alternative platforms.
- May be complex for beginner traders.
Analytics
| Broker | Focus Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ analytics are weak: there are no regular market reviews, trading ideas, signals, or third-party services such as Trading Central or Autochartist.
Cons
- No market reviews.
- No trading signals.
- No analytics from third-party providers.
FreshForex
FreshForex offers comprehensive and timely analytics, including a variety of analysis methods and useful tools for traders.
Pros
- Daily forecasts and Forex analytics.
- A variety of analysis methods.
- Additional tools such as a calculator and economic calendar.
Education
| Broker | Focus Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Focus Markets
Education at Focus Markets is poorly developed: instead of a full knowledge base, the broker offers only an FAQ, with no courses, webinars, video lessons, or market analysis materials.
Pros
- There is an FAQ on key questions.
Cons
- No educational courses.
- No webinars or video lessons.
- No materials on strategies or market analysis.
FreshForex
FreshForex offers an extensive educational program, including webinars, consultations, and literature suitable for beginners.
Pros
- A variety of educational materials and courses.
- Free webinars and consultations with experts.
- A comprehensive glossary of Forex terms for beginners.
Cons
- Lack of advanced courses for experienced traders.
Customer Support
| Broker | Focus Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Email Support |
|
|
| Hotline Phones | — |
|
| Social Media | — |
Telegram
YouTubeFocus Markets
Focus Markets’ technical support is basic: online chat, email, and an FAQ are available, with a 24/5 schedule, but there are few contact channels and limited public feedback on service quality.
Pros
- Online chat is available on the website.
- Support operates 24/5.
Cons
- No clearly specified social networks or messengers.
- Limited number of public reviews.
FreshForex
FreshForex's technical support is competent and responsive, but the lack of online chat and messengers slightly reduces the convenience of communication.
Pros
- Quick response to tickets and calls
- Polite and qualified staff
Cons
- No online chat
- No support via messengers
Comparisons of Focus Markets and FreshForex with other brokers
Focus Markets Comparisons
Conclusion
FreshForex stands out as the better overall pick, while Focus Markets trails on aggregate criteria.
FreshForex scored 4.1/5 and ranks 40 in our rating; Focus Markets has 3.8/5 and ranks 60.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: Focus Markets or FreshForex?
FreshForex comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.1/5, position 40) versus Focus Markets (score 3.8/5, position 60).
Which broker is better for beginners: Focus Markets or FreshForex?
FreshForex is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — Focus Markets or FreshForex?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with Focus Markets and FreshForex?
Focus Markets: MetaTrader 5. FreshForex: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with Focus Markets and FreshForex?
Focus Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, Cryptocurrency. FreshForex: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by Focus Markets and FreshForex?
Focus Markets: Standard, Raw. FreshForex: Classic, Market Pro, ECN, Classic.Cent. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by Focus Markets and FreshForex?
Focus Markets: Neteller, Skrill, Swift, Visa, Mastercard. FreshForex: WebMoney, Volet, SticPay, M-Pesa, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Мир, Online banking. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — Focus Markets or FreshForex — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
