Best ECN Brokers in Forex for 2024
We rigorously test brokers on real accounts and evaluate them using our methodology. Here are the best Forex ECN brokers based on our analysis:
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IC Markets - Best ECN broker - A wide range of trading assets. Low spreads. Variety of trading platforms. - 2
Pepperstone - Wide selection of trading platforms. Tight spreads and favourable trading conditions. Numerous regulatory licenses. - 3
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Roboforex - A variety of trading platforms. Over 12,000 trading assets. Different types of trading accounts. - 5
AMarkets - A wide range of trading assets. Extensive analytical capabilities using modern tools and trading robots. No commissions on many operations. - 6
FXOpen - Wide range of trading assets. Low spreads and commissions. Support for various trading platforms. - 7
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Dukascopy Bank SA - Wide range of trading assets. High-quality trading platforms. Quality technical support. - 9
FXTM - A wide range of trading assets. Low fee per transaction. Availability of popular trading platforms. - 10
Alpari - A wide range of trading accounts. Flexible conditions for depositing and withdrawing funds. Diversity of trading platforms.
An ECN broker is an online platform that connects individual traders directly with other market participants in real-time. This means there are no dealing desks or intermediaries in this process. Thanks to direct connections to liquidity providers such as banks and other financial institutions, ECN brokers can offer traders more competitive spreads and higher execution speeds than traditional brokers. Moreover, they provide access to a broader range of markets and more sophisticated trading tools than other accounts.
Top 10 Best ECN Brokers of 2024
We understand how crucial it is for traders to find the right broker, so we have compiled a comprehensive list of leading Forex ECN brokers that stand out for their trading conditions, customer service, and commission fees.
Our team of experts has thoroughly analyzed all these Forex brokers to ensure they meet all the requirements for safe and reliable trading. Therefore, if you are looking for an experienced ECN broker who can provide you with competitive spreads and fast execution speed while keeping your funds secure, consider this complete list of the best Forex ECN brokers.
1. IC Markets
IC Markets is a reliable and versatile broker that offers a wide range of services and tools for trading in the financial markets. The company provides impressive trading instruments, high-quality trading platforms, advanced analytical tools, and valuable education for traders of all levels.
IC Markets is likely most suitable for experienced traders who value deep liquidity, tight spreads, and advanced trading tools. Beginner traders can also benefit from the educational materials offered by the company, but they should be prepared for some additional expenses and a higher minimum deposit requirement.
Pros and Cons of IC Markets
Pros
- A wide range of trading assets.
- Low spreads.
- Variety of trading platforms.
- Quality educational materials.
- Efficient customer support service.
Cons
- High minimum deposit.
2. Pepperstone
Pepperstone is a significant and reliable broker that offers a broad range of trading instruments and attractive trading conditions. With regulation by serious authorities, clients can be confident in the security of their funds.
The broker is suitable for various types of traders. Beginners will find extensive educational materials, including trading guides, webinars, instructional videos, and Forex trading courses. Experienced traders will also appreciate Pepperstone's opportunities, including favorable trading conditions, various trading platforms, and access to complex trading instruments.
The broker's technical support operates at a high level, offering clients quick and efficient responses to any questions.
Pepperstone is an excellent choice for traders of all experience levels. With a unique combination of educational materials, trading tools, and high-quality customer service, this broker ensures excellent conditions for successful trading.
Pros and Cons of Pepperstone
Pros
- Wide selection of trading platforms.
- Tight spreads and favourable trading conditions.
- Numerous regulatory licenses.
- A large number of trading assets.
Cons
- Lack of diversity in types of trading accounts.
- Withdrawals are only available via bank transfer, which can prolong the process for an extended period.
3. Vantage
Vantage broker offers various trading instruments and platforms, making it attractive for multiple traders. The availability of extensive analytical tools and educational materials can benefit novice traders looking to deepen their knowledge.
Vantage could be a good choice for intermediate and advanced traders seeking a variety of trading instruments and platforms.
Pros and Cons of Vantage
Pros
- Wide range of trading assets.
- Diversity of trading platforms.
- Free VPS.
- Extensive analytical tools.
Cons
- There are complaints about the quality of technical support in the reviews.
4. RoboForex
RoboForex is recognized as one of the few Forex brokers with an impeccable reputation. The company strictly adheres to its regulations, does not delay payments, and provides fair quotes. RoboForex can be a good choice for both novice and professional traders due to its robust offerings, which include a variety of trading instruments, account types, platforms, and competitive trading conditions. The broker's commitment to transparency and customer service further solidifies its standing in the Forex community.
Pros and Cons of Roboforex
Pros
- A variety of trading platforms.
- Over 12,000 trading assets.
- Different types of trading accounts.
- Competent 24/7 customer support.
- Loyalty programs and bonus offers for clients.
- Low spreads and fees.
Cons
- Regulation in an offshore jurisdiction.
- Beginner traders may find a lack of educational materials.
5. AMarkets
AMarkets is a versatile broker offering a full range of services in the Forex market. It enables independent trading and investing funds in copy trading with equal success.
Traders can access several accounts with low spreads, permitted scalping, and fast trade execution. Up-to-date analytics, valuable services, and rapid fund withdrawal support a stable technical platform.
Investors who are not keen on engaging in independent trading can still achieve significant profits by copying the trades of successful traders. Building a portfolio is time-efficient and offers the possibility of passive income.
Pros and Cons of AMarkets
Pros
- A wide range of trading assets.
- Extensive analytical capabilities using modern tools and trading robots.
- No commissions on many operations.
- Convenience and simplicity of opening an account and managing it.
Cons
- Not the most extensive educational materials.
- On some assets, spreads are higher than those of competing Forex brokers.
6. FXOpen
FXOpen is a highly regulated broker with licenses from leading international bodies, which guarantees the safety of investments and compliance with strict standards. The broker offers a wide range of trading instruments, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios. Low spreads and commissions make FXOpen an attractive choice for those looking for a cost-effective trading environment. The availability of various platforms gives traders the flexibility to choose a trading instrument.
FXOpen is ideal for experienced traders who can analyze the market independently and make informed trading decisions without significant educational support. The broker is especially attractive to those who seek variety in trading tools and prefer to use advanced trading platforms.
Pros and Cons of FXOpen
Pros
- Wide range of trading assets.
- Low spreads and commissions.
- Support for various trading platforms.
Cons
- Lack of educational materials.
7. Exness
Broker Exness is one of the most attractive companies offering brokerage services for clients worldwide in the Forex market.
Partnership with leaders in financial analytics, minimal commissions, numerous positive client reviews, a well-established operational scheme, and a decent selection of real assets and account currencies makes trading with the broker profitable and secure.
Pros and Cons of Exness
Pros
- Wide selection of trading accounts.
- Instant fund withdrawal.
- Variety of trading platforms.
- A variety of analytical tools.
Cons
- Limited selection of educational materials.
- Average selection of markets and products.
- Deposit fees.
8. Dukascopy Bank SA
Dukascopy Bank SA is a broker with a long history and a good reputation. The company provides its clients with a wide range of services and products for trading in international financial markets. The broker has reliable trading tools, including modern trading platforms and access to liquidity from its bank. In addition, Dukascopy Bank SA ensures a high level of security and confidentiality of its clients' data, making it one of the most reliable brokers in the market. Dukascopy Bank SA is an attractive option for traders looking for a reliable partner for successful trading in the financial markets.
Pros and Cons of Dukascopy Bank SA
Pros
- Wide range of trading assets.
- High-quality trading platforms.
- Quality technical support.
- Diverse analytical tools.
Cons
- Fees for deposit and withdrawal.
- Insufficient educational materials.
9. FXTM
FXTM stands out in the market due to its wide range of trading instruments, including many currency pairs, stocks, metals, and other products. It makes it attractive to traders looking to diversify their portfolios. Support for various devices' popular MT4 and MT5 platforms ensures trading flexibility and accessibility. In addition, FXTM offers competitive commission terms on the Advantage account, making it a favorable choice for active traders. The availability of educational materials such as e-books, videos, and webinars supports beginners and helps them develop their trading skills. With no deposit fees, the variety of deposit and withdrawal methods is convenient for clients worldwide.
FXTM is ideal for traders seeking various trading instruments and flexible platforms. It will be especially attractive for beginners due to its extensive training resources and for active traders interested in using an Advantage account to minimize commissions.
Pros and Cons of FXTM
Pros
- A wide range of trading assets.
- Low fee per transaction.
- Availability of popular trading platforms.
- Availability of educational materials.
- A variety of deposit and withdrawal methods.
Cons
- Issues with technical support.
- High spreads.
10. Alpari
Alpari has established itself as a stable and reliable broker, providing its services on Forex for over 20 years. The broker is widely popular among professional traders due to its wide range of trading accounts and instruments and convenient and practical services for investing—PAMM accounts and portfolios. Beginning traders will find quality support, training courses, and favorable trading conditions at Alpari.
Overall, Alpari is an excellent choice for beginners and professional traders.
Pros and Cons of Alpari
Pros
- A wide range of trading accounts.
- Flexible conditions for depositing and withdrawing funds.
- Diversity of trading platforms.
Cons
- Licensing in the Comoros does not provide the same level of investor protection as in countries with stricter regulators.
- Fees for fund withdrawal and inactivity charges.
- Limited choice in terms of different asset classes.
What are ECN and NDD?
ECN (Electronic Communication Network) and NDD (No Dealing Desk) are two types of Forex brokerage accounts that differ from traditional DD (Dealing Desk) or MM (Market Maker) accounts.
ECN accounts provide traders with direct market access, connecting liquidity providers and enabling market participants to obtain the best prices for buying and selling currency pairs. Thus, transactions on ECN accounts do not go through a dealer or broker, ensuring no conflict of interest.
NDD accounts also provide direct market access, but unlike ECN accounts, they may use STP (Straight Through Processing) technology, allowing brokers to send client orders for execution through liquidity providers, maintaining transparency and fairness in execution. NDD accounts also avoid conflicts of interest between the broker and the client.
Both accounts offer fast order execution, low spreads, and no requotes, making them attractive to traders who value honesty and transparency in Forex trading. However, ECN accounts may have higher transaction fees than NDD accounts.
Liquidity providers for both accounts can be significant banks, hedge funds, market makers, and other financial institutions.
It's important to note that some brokers may label their accounts as ECN or NDD but still use Dealing Desk technology, so it's crucial to thoroughly research a broker's trading conditions and reputation before making a choice.
How Does an ECN Broker Work?
An ECN broker is a company that connects traders with other participants in the financial market through an Electronic Communication Network (ECN). Orders and requests to buy or sell assets are sent directly to the interbank market, where they find counterparts among other participants. Thus, an ECN broker is not a dealer and does not counteract its clients but provides access to the market without the need to go through a dealing desk.
Clients of an ECN broker have access to the liquidity of the interbank market, where they can engage in trading, receive quotes without delays, and monitor the real-time market situation. An ECN broker has no interest in whether a client loses or earns from trading, as their revenue comes from the commission charged for providing services to their clients. Therefore, ECN brokers typically do not counteract traders and do not manipulate prices.
ECN Broker Commissions
ECN brokers typically charge a commission for trading on their accounts. This commission can vary depending on the volume of trading operations and may be expressed in percentages or dollars per lot. Some ECN brokers may also charge a fee for fund withdrawals or inactivity on the account. Additional fees may also be for using specific tools or services, such as expedited order execution or access to premium instruments. To learn about particular commissions at an ECN broker, it is recommended to refer to the official sources of information on the broker's website or contact their customer support.
Who is Suitable for an account with ECN Brokers?
An ECN account suits traders and investors who prefer direct market access, minimal spreads, and fast order execution. ECN brokers provide direct access to the interbank market, allowing traders to trade at the best prices available in the market.
ECN accounts are also ideal for traders who trade in large volumes and require high liquidity. Additionally, there are no conflicts of interest between the trader and the broker on ECN accounts, as client orders are processed through the interbank market, making trading transparent and fair for all participants.
However, it is worth noting that ECN accounts may not be suitable for beginner traders, as they require a certain level of knowledge and experience for effective trading.
Pros and Cons of an ECN Broker
Advantages
- Direct Access to Liquidity: ECN brokers provide their clients real-time direct access to market liquidity. This means that traders can trade with the best prices offered by various liquidity providers in the market.
- Narrow Spreads: ECN brokers typically have minimal spreads, meaning traders can get more favorable quotes for entering and exiting the market.
- Fast Order Execution: ECN brokers use NDD (No Dealing Desk) technology, meaning a trader's order is executed instantly without delays.
- Anonymity: ECN brokers ensure the anonymity of market participants. This means traders can trade on the market without disclosing their names or personal details.
- No Conflict of Interest: ECN brokers are not interested in clients losing their deposits, as they are not counter-parties to their users. Instead, they earn from commissions, which means it is not in their interest for their traders to lose money.
Disadvantages
- Commissions: Unlike traditional brokers, ECN brokers usually charge commissions for trading on their platforms.
- High Deposit Requirements: Many ECN brokers require deposits that are significantly higher than those of traditional brokers.
- Complexity of Use: ECN brokers typically offer more complex trading platforms and tools than traditional brokers, which can be challenging for beginners.
- Risk of Liquidity Loss: In some cases, ECN brokers may face issues with market liquidity loss, which can lead to price slippage during order execution.
Comparison of STP and ECN Accounts
ECN (Electronic Communication Network) and STP (Straight Through Processing) are two different types of brokerage accounts in the financial markets, each with its own characteristics.
STP brokers pass client trades to external liquidity providers to offer direct market access without intermediaries. At the same time, ECN brokers aggregate their clients' orders with those of other market participants, creating a more liquid and deeper trading environment.
Here are the main differences between STP and ECN brokers:
| Parameter | ECN | STP |
|---|---|---|
| Level of Liquidity | Direct access to interbank liquid pools | A limited number of liquidity providers, no interbank access |
| Nature of Order Execution | Orders interact with each other based on supply and demand | Orders are sent directly to the market |
| Spread | Only variable spread. It can be very low during periods of high liquidity | Higher fixed or variable spread |
| Commissions | Brokers charge commissions for trading operations | Brokers may use different pricing models, including commissions and/or spreads |
| Minimum Deposit | Higher | Lower |
How to Open an ECN Account with a Forex Broker - A Step-by-Step Guide
- Select a broker that offers ECN accounts. Their website usually indicates this in the 'Account Types' or 'Order Execution Technology' section.
- Register an account on the broker's website. You may need to provide personal information such as your full name, email address, phone number, and more.
- Verify your identity. Brokers typically require uploading a copy of your passport or other identity document to confirm your identity.
- Fund your account. Choose a payment method and deposit funds into your account.
- Open an ECN account. Go to the 'Open Account' section on the broker’s website and select the type of account you need. Then, enter the required information and confirm the account opening.
- Set up your trading terminal. If you are familiar with the trading terminal, setting it up for an ECN account will be straightforward. If not, refer to the user guide or training materials usually provided by the broker.
- Start trading. Once your ECN account is verified and funded, you can begin trading.
Note that the steps may vary slightly depending on the broker with whom you are opening an ECN account. To avoid any issues, familiarize yourself with the requirements and instructions of your broker before opening an account.
How is the Best ECN Brokers List Compiled?
In compiling the list of the best ECN brokers, the following critical criteria were considered, reflecting the specifics of working with ECN platforms:
The list only includes brokers that offer ECN services or have ECN accounts. This ensures that every broker in the list specializes in providing direct access to the interbank market, which is a crucial advantage of the ECN model.
The ranking of ECN brokers is based on our own Forex brokers list. This rating is based on a comprehensive analysis of service quality, reliability, trade execution, and other essential factors.
The assessments given to brokers are derived from our methodology. This methodology includes a detailed analysis of various aspects of their activities, including commission transparency, trade execution quality, the level of customer support, and overall reliability.
These criteria ensure that the brokers on our list offer quality and reliable ECN services, which are critically important for professional traders in the Forex market.
Conclusion
ECN brokers offer their clients a more transparent and reliable environment for trading in the financial markets. Thanks to electronic communication networks and direct access to interbank liquidity pools, traders can access more favorable trading conditions. Additionally, ECN brokers typically do not have a conflict of interest with their clients, as they are not dealing desks and are not interested in opposing trades.
However, it should be noted that ECN accounts may be less suitable for beginner traders due to their more complex technical structure and higher commissions. Furthermore, due to the direct access to interbank liquidity pools and the lack of spread regulation, traders may sometimes face higher volatility and the risk of slippage.
ECN brokers can be a good choice for experienced traders looking for better trading conditions and willing to pay extra commissions. But when choosing an ECN broker, it is always essential to ensure their reliability, licensing, and reputation in the market.
FAQ
Which ECN is best?
The best ECN brokers are known for their reliability, competitive spreads, fast execution speeds, and transparency. Some of the top ECN brokers include:
- IC Markets: Known for its low spreads, fast execution, and strong regulatory framework.
- Pepperstone: Offers competitive spreads and high-speed trade execution.
- Dukascopy: Provides deep liquidity and advanced trading tools.
- FXTM (ForexTime): Known for flexible account options and reliable trading conditions.
- FXOpen: Offers low spreads and fast execution with a focus on professional trading.
Are ECN brokers better?
ECN brokers have several advantages that may make them preferable for certain traders:
- Transparency: ECN brokers provide access to real market prices from multiple liquidity providers.
- Tight Spreads: ECN brokers typically offer narrower spreads due to direct access to the interbank market.
- No Conflict of Interest: ECN brokers do not trade against their clients, reducing the potential for conflicts of interest.
- High Liquidity: ECN brokers offer deep liquidity, which can lead to better order execution and less slippage.
However, ECN accounts might come with commissions per trade, and the trading conditions can vary depending on the broker. Whether ECN brokers are better depends on your specific trading style and preferences.
Which broker is best, ECN or STP?
The choice between an ECN and an STP broker depends on your trading needs and preferences:
- ECN Broker: Offers direct market access with tight spreads, high transparency, and deep liquidity. Suitable for professional traders and those who prioritize the best possible market conditions.
- STP Broker: Processes orders directly to liquidity providers without dealing desk intervention, offering competitive spreads and fast execution. Ideal for traders looking for simplicity and low-cost trading.
Both ECN and STP brokers have their advantages. ECN brokers might be better for traders looking for the most transparent and direct trading environment, while STP brokers might be preferred by those who want straightforward trading with competitive costs.
Is ECN better than a market maker?
ECN brokers generally have several advantages over market makers:
- Transparency: ECN brokers provide direct access to real market prices from multiple liquidity providers.
- Tight Spreads: ECN brokers often offer tighter spreads because they aggregate prices from various sources.
- No Conflict of Interest: ECN brokers do not trade against their clients, minimizing potential conflicts of interest.
However, market makers can offer fixed spreads and no commissions, which might be attractive to some traders. The choice depends on your trading style and what you value most in a broker.
Is an ECN account good for scalping?
Yes, an ECN account is excellent for scalping. The main advantages include:
- Tight Spreads: ECN accounts typically offer very tight spreads, which is crucial for scalpers who make numerous short-term trades.
- Fast Execution: ECN brokers provide fast order execution, minimizing slippage and delays.
- High Liquidity: Access to deep liquidity pools allows scalpers to enter and exit trades quickly.
Due to these benefits, ECN accounts are a popular choice among scalpers and other high-frequency traders.
