Headway vs Orbex 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 - Headway or Orbex?
Our pick: Headway
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - Headway looks preferable to Orbex.
Headway scored 4.4/5 and ranks 19 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas Orbex has 3.6/5 and ranks 61.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is Headway suitable for?
Headway is suitable for beginners and retail traders who value a low entry threshold, tight spreads, Copytrade, and access to Forex, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
Who is Orbex suitable for?
Broker Orbex is suitable for novice traders due to educational materials and for experienced investors seeking a variety of markets.
Comparison Table of Headway and Orbex
| Broker | Headway | Orbex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2021 | 2009 |
| Regulated in Countries | South Africa | Mauritius, Seychelles, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:2000 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | Headway Review | Orbex Review |
Headway Review
Headway is a broker with accessible starting conditions, a low minimum deposit, competitive fees, and a fairly wide range of instruments. Its strengths include a Cent account from $1, tight spreads, low commission on the Pro account, support for MT4/MT5, the availability of Copytrade, and convenient ways to deposit and withdraw funds. At the same time, the broker still lags behind larger competitors in the strength of regulation, depth of analytics, and overall reputation, since it is a young company with an FSCA license.
Headway is best suited for beginner traders who need a low entry threshold, as well as retail traders looking for low-cost trading in Forex, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. The broker may also be interesting for those who want to use copy trading or start with a small amount of capital. However, traders who prioritize the strongest possible regulation, advanced analytics, and the widest possible product lineup may find Headway less suitable.
Pros and Cons of Headway
Pros
- Low entry threshold: a Cent account is available with a deposit from $1.
- Tight spreads and low trading commissions.
- Cent, Standard, and Pro accounts are available, as well as a demo account and an Islamic account.
- Wide range of instruments, especially stocks, cryptocurrencies, and Forex.
- Many deposit and withdrawal methods with no broker-side fees.
Cons
- Regulation is limited to an FSCA license, with no Tier-1 jurisdictions.
- A young company with a relatively short operating history.
- Analytics and education are only at a basic level.
- According to reviews, the quality of customer support is not always consistent.
Orbex Review
Broker Orbex offers various trading instruments, account types, and extensive analytical and educational materials. These factors make it an attractive choice for novice traders seeking educational resources and experienced investors who require access to various markets.
Orbex can be a good choice for those looking for diversity in trading opportunities and value educational resources.
Pros and Cons of Orbex
Pros
- Extensive educational materials.
- Analytical reviews and forecasts from experienced analysts.
- Availability of PAMM accounts.
- A wide range of trading assets.
Cons
- Lack of stringent regulation.
- Above-average commissions.
- Mixed reviews about customer support.
Reliability
| Broker | Headway | Orbex |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2021 | 2009 |
| Regulated in Countries | South Africa | Mauritius, Seychelles, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Regulators |
Headway
Headway is a moderately reliable broker with an FSCA license, but in terms of regulatory strength and reputation it lags behind companies with Tier-1 licenses and a longer operating history.
Pros
- Has an active FSCA license
- The legal entity is clearly disclosed
Cons
- No strong Tier-1 regulation
- A young company without a long track record
Orbex
Orbex is regulated by the FSA and FSC, but the absence of oversight by strict regulators may raise trust issues.
Pros
- Presence in the international market.
Cons
- Lack of oversight by strict Forex broker regulators.
Account Opening
| Broker | Headway | Orbex |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
Headway
Opening an account with Headway is convenient and fairly fast. The registration procedure is simple, the interface is clear, and the overall process meets the expectations of most modern traders.
Pros
- Simple registration
- User-friendly interface
- Quick start
Orbex
Opening an account with Orbex is simple and structured, but requires attention to detail.
Pros
- Easy online registration process.
- Fast verification if documents are in English.
Cons
- Requirement for detailed profile completion.
- Necessity to upload several documents.
Account Types
| Broker | Headway | Orbex |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 5/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:2000 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
Headway
Headway offers a fairly diverse range of accounts that suits beginners, retail traders, and more experienced users.
Pros
- Cent, Standard, and Pro are available
- A demo account is available
- Copytrade and an Islamic account are available
Orbex
Orbex offers a variety of accounts that satisfy most traders.
Pros
- Wide selection of accounts for different levels of experience.
- Additional options such as VPS and PAMM accounts.
- Opportunity to trade without swaps.
Cons
- Absence of cent accounts.
- No accounts with fixed spreads.
Commissions
| Broker | Headway | Orbex |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.5/5 | 1.5/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.8 | 1.5 |
| Commission per Lot | $1.5 | $4 |
Headway
Headway's fees are low: the broker offers tight spreads, very low commission on the Pro account, and fee-free withdrawals, although swaps remain average for the market.
Pros
- Tight spreads
- Low commission on Pro
- No withdrawal fee
Cons
- Swaps are average for the market
Orbex
Orbex's commissions are higher than the market average.
Pros
- No commissions for depositing or withdrawing funds.
Cons
- High transaction commission on Premium accounts.
- Above-average swap costs.
- Inactivity fee.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | Headway | Orbex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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|
Headway
Deposits and withdrawals at Headway are well organized: many payment methods are available, the broker does not charge fees, and transactions are processed fairly quickly.
Pros
- Wide selection of methods
- No broker fees
- Fast processing of transactions
Cons
- The set of methods depends on the country
- A verified account is required for cards
- External network/payment-system fees may apply
Orbex
Orbex offers convenient and fast methods for depositing and withdrawing without commissions.
Pros
- Wide selection of methods.
- No commissions.
- Fast processing of most operations.
Markets and Products
| Broker | Headway | Orbex |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 56 | 36 |
| Precious Metals | 3 | 4 |
| Energy Carriers | 3 | 1 |
| Indices | 32 | 5 |
| Stocks | 292 | 146 |
| Cryptocurrency | 58 | 11 |
| Soft Commodities | - | 3 |
Headway
Headway offers a fairly wide range of markets and instruments, especially stocks, cryptocurrencies, and Forex. However, the lineup is not fully comprehensive: the broker does not provide CFDs on soft commodities.
Pros
- Wide selection of stocks
- Many cryptocurrencies
- Synthetic instruments are available
Cons
- No CFDs on soft commodities
- Limited metals and energy instruments
Orbex
Orbex offers a variety of markets and products with flexible leverage.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | Headway | Orbex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
Headway
Headway offers a convenient and functional set of platforms based on MT4 and MT5, complemented by web versions and its own mobile app. The selection is solid, though it lacks some niche professional alternatives.
Pros
- MetaTrader 4 and 5 are available
- Web versions are available
- There is a mobile app
Cons
- No cTrader or TradingView
Orbex
Orbex offers MT4 and MT5, providing good functionality and accessibility.
Pros
- Availability of MT4 and MT5.
- Accessibility on different devices.
- Wide range of functionalities.
Cons
- Lack of WebTrader versions.
- No alternative to MetaTrader.
Analytics
| Broker | Headway | Orbex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 5/5 |
Headway
Headway's analytics are basic: an economic calendar, news, and a blog are available, but it lacks expert forecasts, signals, and additional tools for full analytical support.
Pros
- An economic calendar is available
- News and a blog are available
Cons
- Little expert analysis
- No trading signals
- No Autochartist or calculators
Orbex
Orbex offers high-quality analytics with extensive tools and expert reports.
Pros
- Comprehensive market analysis.
- Use of AI and algorithms.
- Live streams and expert reports.
Education
| Broker | Headway | Orbex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
Headway
Headway's education is primarily suited to beginners: there is a basic course and a blog, but in depth and variety the section falls short of brokers with a more developed educational ecosystem.
Pros
- A beginners' course is available
- Supplemented by the blog
Cons
- Few learning formats
- No webinars or video tutorials
- Materials are basic
Orbex
Orbex offers a variety of educational materials, including webinars and books.
Pros
- Webinars and seminars in different languages.
- Free e-books.
- Video tutorials on working with MT4.
Cons
- No personalized training.
Customer Support
| Broker | Headway | Orbex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media |
Instagram
Facebook
Telegram
YouTube
LinkedIn
TikTok
Twitter
Pinterest
Google NewsHeadway
Headway's customer support looks accessible and convenient: there are many contact channels and support operates 24/7, but according to reviews, service quality is not always consistent.
Pros
- Many contact channels
- Online chat available
- 24/7 support
Cons
- Mixed customer reviews
- Response quality is not always consistent
- Not all issues are resolved equally quickly
Orbex
Orbex's customer support has mixed reviews.
Pros
- 24/7 operation.
- A variety of communication channels.
- Quick response in some cases.
Cons
- Variable quality of service.
Comparisons of Headway and Orbex with other brokers
Conclusion
Headway stands out as the better overall pick, while Orbex trails on aggregate criteria.
Headway scored 4.4/5 and ranks 19 in our rating; Orbex has 3.6/5 and ranks 61.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: Headway or Orbex?
Headway comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.4/5, position 19) versus Orbex (score 3.6/5, position 61).
Which broker is better for beginners: Headway or Orbex?
Headway 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) — Headway or Orbex?
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 Headway and Orbex?
Headway: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Orbex: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with Headway and Orbex?
Headway: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, Cryptocurrency. Orbex: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by Headway and Orbex?
Headway: Cent, Standard, Pro. Orbex: Starter, Premium, Ultimate. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by Headway and Orbex?
Headway: Online wallets, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard. Orbex: Skrill, Neteller, FasaPay, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Przelewy24. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — Headway or Orbex — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
