Best ECN Brokers 2026
Discover the top ECN brokers for 2026, offering unmatched trading conditions, low spreads, and lightning-fast execution for active traders.
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In our ECN-style testing with FOREX.com’s account, execution averaged 40ms with moderate slippage during fast market moves. Spreads on EUR/USD started at about 0.1 pips with a $6 commission per lot. Liquidity was deep but somewhat fragmented during off-hours. Best for experienced traders using limit-order based strategies.
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2Established in 2019, FXGT is an offshore broker offering CFD trading on over 185 instruments. Using MT4, MT5, and FXGT Trader (introduced in 2024), alongside five account types (Mini, Standard+, ECN Zero, PRO, and Optimus), FXGT serves a wide range of traders.
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3FP Markets, founded in 2005 in Australia, is a trading broker regulated by ASIC and CySEC, offering a wide variety of tradable assets. It provides Standard and Raw accounts suitable for all types of traders. It also offers comprehensive trading tools, including the MetaTrader suite and TradingView along with useful trading suggestions from Trading Central and AutoChartist.
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4Established in 2020 as LonghornFX, LHFX is a forex and CFD broker offering over 170 instruments. It accepts Bitcoin payments with withdrawals in under 30 minutes and provides an ECN account for active traders, featuring spreads from 0.0 pips with a competitive $6 per lot commission.
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5TMGM is a broker supervised by ASIC, offering forex and CFD trading in a variety of markets such as stocks, indices, crypto, and commodities. Their account options offer a choice of either no commission or no spreads, with competitive rates overall.
Top ECN Brokers Comparison
| Broker |  |
USD Account |
Fast Execution |
EUR/USD Spread |
Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✓ | ✓ | 1.2 | 1:50 | |
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✓ | ✗ | 2.2 | 1:5000 | |
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✓ | ✓ | 0.1 | 1:30 (UK), 1:500 (Global) | |
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✓ | ✗ | 0.08 | 1:500 | |
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✓ | ✗ | 0.3 | 1:500 | |
| Broker | |
USD Account |
Fast Execution |
EUR/USD Spread |
Leverage |
Broker Details Comparison
| Broker | Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Leverage |
Assets |
Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✓ | $100 | 0.01 Lots | 1:50 | Forex, Stock CFDs, Futures, Futures OptionsForex, CFDs, Stock CFDs, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto | WebTrader, Mobile, MT4, MT5, TradingView |
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✓ | $5 | 0.01 Lots | 1:5000 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | FXGT Trader, FXGT App, MT4, MT5 |
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✓ | $40 | 0.01 Lots | 1:30 (UK), 1:500 (Global) | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, ETFs, Crypto | Iress, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
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✓ | $10 | 0.01 Lots | 1:500 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities | MT4, MT5 |
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✓ | $100 | 0.01 Lots | 1:500 | CFDs, Stocks, Energies, Indices, Metals, Cryptos, Forex | MT4, MT5, TradingView, TradingCentral |
| Broker | Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Leverage |
Assets |
Platforms |
Safety Comparison
Compare how safe the Best ECN Brokers 2026 are.
| Broker | Trust Rating |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
Negative Balance Protection |
Segregated Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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✗ | ✓ | ✗ | |
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✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
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✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
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✗ | ✓ | ✗ | |
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✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Broker | Trust Rating |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
Negative Balance Protection |
Segregated Accounts |
Mobile Trading Comparison
Compare the mobile trading features of the Best ECN Brokers 2026.
| Broker | Mobile Apps |
iOS Rating |
Android Rating |
Smart Watch App |
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iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
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iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
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iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
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iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
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iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
| Broker | Mobile Apps |
iOS Rating |
Android Rating |
Smart Watch App |
Comparison for Beginners
Compare how suitable the Best ECN Brokers 2026 are for beginners.
| Broker | Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Education Rating |
Support Rating |
Fractional Shares |
Demo Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✓ | $100 | 0.01 Lots | ✗ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $5 | 0.01 Lots | ✗ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $40 | 0.01 Lots | ✗ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $10 | 0.01 Lots | ✗ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $100 | 0.01 Lots | ✗ | ✗ | ||
| Broker | Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Education Rating |
Support Rating |
Fractional Shares |
Demo Competitions |
Comparison for Advanced Traders
Compare how suitable the Best ECN Brokers 2026 are for advanced or professional traders.
| Broker | Automated Trading |
VPS |
API |
AI |
Pro Account |
Leverage |
Low Latency |
Extended Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | 1:50 | ✓ | ✗ |
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Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:5000 | ✗ | ✗ |
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Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:30 (UK), 1:500 (Global) | ✓ | ✗ |
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Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:500 | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:500 | ✗ | ✗ |
| Broker | Automated Trading |
VPS |
API |
AI |
Pro Account |
Leverage |
Low Latency |
Extended Hours |
Accounts Comparison
Compare the trading accounts offered by Best ECN Brokers 2026.
| Broker | Demo Account |
Interest on Cash |
Islamic Account |
Joint Account |
Managed Account |
PAMM |
MAM |
LAMM |
Pro Account |
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✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Broker | Demo Account |
Interest on Cash |
Islamic Account |
Joint Account |
Managed Account |
PAMM |
MAM |
LAMM |
Pro Account |
Detailed Rating Comparison
Compare how we rated the Best ECN Brokers 2026 in key areas.
| Broker | Trust |
Platforms |
Assets |
Mobile |
Fees |
Accounts |
Research |
Education |
Support |
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| Broker | Trust |
Platforms |
Assets |
Mobile |
Fees |
Accounts |
Research |
Education |
Support |
Fee and Cost Comparison
Compare the cost of trading with the Best ECN Brokers 2026.
| Broker | Cost Rating |
Fixed Spreads |
Inactivity Fee |
CFD Stocks Spread |
EUR/USD Spread |
Crypto Spread |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✗ | $15 | 0.14 | 1.2 | BTC 1.4%, ETH 2% | |
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✗ | $0 | 31.9 (Apple Inc) | 2.2 | Variable | |
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✗ | $0 | Variable | 0.1 | 17.3 (Bitcoin) | |
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✗ | $10 | Apple (210) | 0.08 | 185119.9 (BTC) | |
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✗ | ✗ | Variable | 0.3 | Variable | |
| Broker | Cost Rating |
Fixed Spreads |
Inactivity Fee |
CFD Stocks Spread |
EUR/USD Spread |
Crypto Spread |
Broker Popularity
See how popular the Best ECN Brokers [year] are in terms of number of clients.
| Broker | Popularity |
|---|---|
| FOREX.com |
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| FP Markets |
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Why Trade With FOREX.com?
FOREX.com is a top-tier brokerage suitable for forex traders of all skill levels. It offers more than 80 currency pairs, has small spreads starting from 0.0 pips, and features low fees. The platform provides powerful charting tools that include over 100 technical indicators and multiple research aids.
Pros
- Numerous educational materials such as tutorials, webinars, and a comprehensive YouTube channel are available to assist you in learning about the financial markets.
- FOREX.com provides top-tier forex pricing beginning at 0.0 pips. They also offer competitive cashback rebates up to 15% for dedicated traders.
- FOREX.com has over 20 years of experience with strong regulatory oversight, and has received multiple awards, including second place in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards. As such, FOREX.com is globally reputed as a reliable trading brokerage.
Cons
- The funding options are not as extensive as those of top competitors such as IC Markets and lack several widely-used e-wallets, particularly UnionPay and POLi.
- FOREX.com has expanded their trading offerings, but these remain limited to forex and CFDs. Unfortunately, they don't provide options to invest in actual stocks, ETFs, or cryptocurrencies.
- US clients do not have negative balance protection, so you can potentially owe more than your original account deposit.
Why Trade With FXGT?
FXGT, with its Optimus account, targets traders by offering high leverage of up to 1:5000. This allows for the potential of increased profits and losses, but with less regulatory protection.
Pros
- FXGT offers several platforms like MT4, MT5, and its own FXGT Trader, introduced in 2024, to accommodate different trading styles, including MetaTrader's automated trading with Expert Advisors (EAs).
- Five account types are available for different trading needs, including accounts for beginners and advanced traders. The Optimus account, originally for traders, now offers the highest leverage up to 1:5000, which can increase both profit and loss.
- FXGT excels by offering access to over 30 popular cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This benefits traders looking to diversify into digital assets, providing an extra market beyond traditional forex and stocks.
Cons
- FXGT offers about 185 assets, which is limited compared to leading brokers like Saxo with 72,000+ instruments. FXGT lacks access to many international stocks.
- FXGT is regulated by regional authorities like the Seychelles FSA and South Africa's FSCA, but it lacks licenses from top regulators such as the UK's FCA or Australia's ASIC. Therefore, traders might not receive the same level of investor protections, strict oversight, or dispute resolution mechanisms.
- FXGT provides some research, including a market analysis section and economic calendar, but these are not as comprehensive as those from brokers like IG. Traders seeking detailed analysis, in-depth reports, or third-party research will find FXGT's resources lacking.
Why Trade With FP Markets?
FP Markets offers a great combination of reasonable pricing and quality services for traders. They maintain affordable trading costs, along with growing their investment options, analytical tools, and research capabilities. Additionally, they provide top-notch support for urgent trading concerns.
Pros
- FP Markets provides an excellent range of assets for trading, including a variety of commodities and more than 10,000 stocks.
- FP Markets offers a variety of platforms including MetaTrader, cTrader, Iress, and TradingView, making it one of the most adaptable brokers for traders.
- FP Markets provides reliable support 24/5, usually responding within one minute based on tests.
Cons
- Traders Hub offers comprehensive research including Daily Report, Technical Report, Market Insights, and Fundamental Analysis. However, it needs to broaden its daily content and keep its forex news up to date to rival top platforms like IG.
- The Iress platform from FP Markets is exclusively for Australian clients. It mainly focuses on stock trading more than forex trading. Data costs can quickly add up if you're not an active trader or if you don't have a high-end account.
- The pricing in the Raw account is great, but the Standard account isn't as competitive. It has a higher average spread of 1.1 pips on EUR/USD trading, whereas IC Markets averages at 0.8 pips.
Why Trade With LHFX?
LHFX is a leading choice for short-term crypto traders looking for an MT4 broker with ECN execution. With an expanded range of digital tokens in 2024 and improved payment options, Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals are now completed in just 30 minutes, ranking it among the fastest for fund access.
Pros
- Opening an account with LHFX is quick and requires only a $10 deposit, making it accessible for traders with limited funds.
- LHFX has improved its regulation by obtaining a license from South Africa's FSCA, enhancing its credibility with increased oversight.
- In December 2025, LHFX added MT5 to desktop, web, and mobile, offering advanced charting and trading tools with over 38 indicators, 21 timeframes, and algorithmic trading features.
Cons
- LHFX is missing key research tools such as an economic calendar, trading calculators, and currency converters. We encountered error messages when accessing its market analysis.
- LHFX supports only MT4, lacking add-ons available at firms like Admirals. Without alternatives like cTrader, TradingView, or a proprietary app, this limited selection may be restrictive for many traders.
- LHFX uses Bitcoin for deposits and withdrawals, so any USD, EUR, or GBP deposits are automatically converted to Bitcoin. This can be inconvenient for traders who prefer traditional banking options.
Why Trade With TMGM?
TMGM is an excellent choice due to its wide variety of assets, various account options, multiple platform choices, and reasonable pricing. It's well-suited for trading and traders.
Pros
- Wide variety of assets available, encompassing 10,000 international stocks. Suitable for all types of traders.
- HUBx provides copy trading support for new traders and those with limited time.
- Get a free VPS for automated trading.
Cons
- Shares can only be traded on the IRESS account and are not tradeable through MT4 and MT5.
- A $30 monthly fee applies to trading accounts that are either inactive for over 6 months or contain less than $500.
Filters
Methodology
We analyzed a wide range of online brokers to identify those offering true ECN (Electronic Communication Network) trading.
Using hands-on testing and evaluating over 200 data points, we assessed brokers based on key factors like execution speed, spreads, and overall performance.
The ECN brokers featured here are ranked by the top ratings from our detailed analysis to help you find the best fit for your needs.
What to Look For in an ECN Broker
Choosing the right ECN broker can elevate your trading experience, offering smoother execution, tighter spreads, and the transparency needed to maximize your potential profitability.
Here’s what to consider when choosing the best ECN broker:
Low Spreads
Prioritize an ECN broker with low spreads, reducing your trading costs and allowing you to retain more of your profits.
While many brokers advertise minimum spreads, it’s more important to consider the average spreads they offer, as these provide a more realistic picture of what you’ll pay under typical market conditions.
Tight and consistent spreads are especially critical for frequent or high-volume traders, as even small differences can add up over time.
Tip: Opt for ECNs with ‘raw spreads’ (these are the actual market prices of currency pairs in forex trading, without any broker markups) and are often very low or even zero, and clear commission structures with no hidden charges.
IC Markets has trumped the competition in our tests over the years, with an average spread on the EUR/USD of 0.1 pips 24/5.
High liquidity
High liquidity in markets means you can execute trades without delay and price deviations. What’s more, spreads are tighter, meaning you pay less to trade, keeping more of your money.
Look for ECN brokers that connect traders directly to liquidity provider networks, including banks, hedge funds, financial institutions, and other traders, as these are likely to have much higher liquidity than ECNs that rely on internal pools.
Pepperstone impresses here, providing top-of-the-book liquidity, offering deep liquidity at the quoted price, helping you secure trades under optimal conditions.
Fast Execution
Brokers with fast execution minimize price slippage and allow for trading at more favorable prices.
Price slippage occurs when the market moves against you when your order is being processed, and you buy or sell at a worse price than expected.
ECNs have direct-to-market access and process orders quicker than other types of brokers. Consider execution speeds carefully when choosing your broker.
FxPro is a stellar option on this front, with average execution speeds of under 12ms.
Regulation
Regulatory bodies oversee financial markets and protect traders.
Check your broker’s regulatory status displayed on their website and make sure the ECN provider you are considering is regulated by a competent authority, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the US, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, or the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) in Australia.
Eightcap has earned our trust with authorization from three tier-one regulators (ASIC, FCA, CySEC) and reliable ECN trading conditions.
Platform
Focus on user-friendliness, the number of markets you get exposure to, and technical features such as advanced charting tools, order types, and customizable technical indicators.
Access to real-time market data, robust risk management features, and excellent integrated features like market summaries and technical insights can really enhance the trading environment in our experience.
cTrader, offered by ECN brokers like IC Markets, is a great option here, sporting 65 technical indicators and a highly customizable trading interface that’s fast and reliable.
Customer Support
Prioritize ECN brokers that provide 24/7 support channels like live chat, phone, and email with representatives knowledgeable about trading and ECN specifics.
For instance, I’ve personally tested the support at various ECN brokers over the years and Fusion Markets does a noticeably good example of explaining how their ECN-style trading conditions work in their Zero account.
Leverage
Active traders often borrow money from a broker to invest in security, stock, or currency to open larger positions than they could with their own capital, magnifying both wins and losses.
Consider your experience level and risk tolerance when choosing an ECN through leverage. Select a lower leverage ratio if you are risk-averse and choose higher ratios only if you are a capable trader with solid risk management strategies.
Check and compare the highest leverage ratio available on each ECN platform to find a level that fits your risk profile, keeping an eye on the different fees on offer.
For example, IC Trading offers high leverage up to 1:500 while Pepperstone provides leverage up to 1:30 for retail investors.
FAQ
What Is an ECN Broker?
ECN brokers are financial intermediaries using electronic communications networks (ECNs) to offer traders direct access to financial markets, a wide range of competitive bid/ask spreads, and fast execution speeds.
What Are the Pros of Using an ECN Broker?
- Anonymity – you can keep trading strategies and order flows private
- Automated trading solutions
- Direct market executions
- Greater market transparency
- Tight spreads and fast execution speeds
What Are the Cons of Using an ECN Broker?
- Access fees and commission charges
- Limited liquidity in some markets, increasing the potential for slippage
What’s the Difference Between ECN and STP Brokers?
ECN brokers provide price quotations from multiple market participants, act as a medium for liquidity providers, offer lower trading spreads, and often have access fees and commission charges than other trading accounts, potentially increasing your trading costs.
However, STP brokers use liquidity pools to route orders to liquidity providers, such as hedge funds and banks and they generally charge commissions and earn from spreads.
The key difference is how they connect traders. STP brokers link you with various providers who might take your trade, while ECN brokers act as a central hub for all trades, making them a primary source for getting the best rates and quick transactions.