Our Broker Testing Methodology

Our evaluation process is twofold – combining quantitative analysis of key broker metrics with qualitative insights from hands-on tests by our industry experts and active traders.

Our Approach: Data Meets Real-World Testing

We take a comprehensive and structured approach to broker assessments, ensuring our reviews are both transparent and actionable for traders of all experience levels.

• Quantitative Evaluation – We score brokers across eight core categories, analyzing over 200 data points related to regulation, costs, platforms, market access, and more. These scores, ranging from 1-5, are considered when determining an overall rating.
• Qualitative Hands-On Testing – Numbers only tell part of the story. Our team of real traders and industry professionals personally test each broker’s platform, tools, and services, providing firsthand insights that go beyond just data.

What Matters Most: 8 Factors We Analyze In Every Broker

We assign brokers an overall rating by evaluating their performance in eight critical areas:

1. Regulation & Trust – Is the broker regulated by a credible authority? Do they offer fund protection measures like segregated accounts and negative balance protection? Is there a history of scams or security breaches?
2. Accounts & Banking – What account types are available? How seamless is the deposit and withdrawal process? What are the minimum deposit requirements and transaction fees?
3. Assets & Markets – Which markets and asset classes are available? Can traders access forex, stocks, commodities, indices, and crypto? Are these offered via CFDs, direct trading, or other instruments?
4. Fees & Costs – Does the broker offer competitive spreads and commissions? Are there hidden costs like overnight or inactivity fees? How do their fees compare to industry standards?
5. Platforms & Tools – How intuitive and feature-rich are the broker’s trading platforms? Do they support mobile, web, and desktop trading? How do they compare to industry-leading platforms like MetaTrader 4?
6. Research – What trading research tools are available? Are market insights, analysis, and screening tools useful and up-to-date? Are they suitable for both new and experienced traders?
7. Education – Does the broker offer quality educational resources? Are their tutorials, webinars, and trading guides helpful for beginners and advanced traders alike?
8. Customer Support – Is support available when traders need it? How fast and helpful are their responses? What contact methods do they offer (live chat, phone, email, and increasingly social media)?

Our detailed ratings are displayed at the top of every broker review and compared to averages. In the example above, you can see our detailed ratings for IG.

Why Our Testing Stands Out

• 200+ Data Points – We analyze hard facts and figures to ensure objective rankings.
• Real Traders, Hands-On Testing – Our testing panel includes real traders who provide firsthand feedback.
• No Hidden Agendas – We maintain full transparency and call out brokers who fail to meet industry standards.
• Holistic Approach – We go beyond basic data comparisons, assessing the real-world trading experience.
• Evolving Ratings – We don’t sit still – we test and retest, tracking new products and performance changes, and regularly updating our ratings.

By blending data-driven ratings with practical, hands-on testing, we give traders a complete picture – helping you choose a broker that truly fits your needs.

Ready to find the right broker? Check out BrokerListings.com’s broker reviews for 2025.