Best ECN Brokers 2025
Discover the top ECN brokers for 2025, offering unmatched trading conditions, low spreads, and lightning-fast execution for active traders.
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In our tests, Dukascopy’s ECN model offered excellent execution, averaging 20–25ms with almost no slippage, even during major news events. EUR/USD spreads often reached 0.1 pips, with commissions starting at $7 per lot, adjusted by volume. Liquidity was outstanding, making it an ideal option for institutional-style and algorithmic trading.
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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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While using PlexyTrade's ECN account, we observed average execution speeds of 45–50ms with moderate slippage during high volatility. EUR/USD spreads were about 0.3 pips, with a $7 commission per lot. Liquidity was adequate for small trades but limited during peak volatility, making it better for swing traders.
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4Established 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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5Established 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.
Top ECN Brokers Comparison
| Broker |  |
USD Account |
Fast Execution |
EUR/USD Spread |
Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✓ | ✓ | 0.1 | 1:200 | |
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✓ | ✓ | 1.2 | 1:50 | |
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✓ | ✓ | 0.7 | 1:2000 | |
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✓ | ✗ | 2.2 | 1:5000 | |
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✓ | ✗ | 0.08 | 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 | 1:200 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Bonds, Binary Options | JForex, MT4, MT5 |
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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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✓ | $50 | 0.01 | 1:2000 | CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto | MT4, MT5 |
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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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✓ | $10 | 0.01 Lots | 1:500 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities | MT4 |
| Broker | Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Leverage |
Assets |
Platforms |
Safety Comparison
Compare how safe the Best ECN Brokers 2025 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 2025.
| 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 2025 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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✓ | $100 | 0.01 Lots | ✗ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $50 | 0.01 | ✗ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $5 | 0.01 Lots | ✗ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $10 | 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 2025 are for advanced or professional traders.
| Broker | Automated Trading |
VPS |
API |
AI |
Pro Account |
Leverage |
Low Latency |
Extended Hours |
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Yes (EAs & FIX APIs) | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:200 | ✓ | ✗ |
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Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | 1:50 | ✓ | ✗ |
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Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:2000 | ✓ | ✗ |
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Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:5000 | ✗ | ✗ |
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Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 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 2025.
| 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 2025 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 2025.
| Broker | Cost Rating |
Fixed Spreads |
Inactivity Fee |
CFD Stocks Spread |
EUR/USD Spread |
Crypto Spread |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✗ | CHF 100 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | |
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✗ | $15 | 0.14 | 1.2 | BTC 1.4%, ETH 2% | |
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✗ | ✗ | 5 | 0.7 | 1.1 | |
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✗ | $0 | 31.9 (Apple Inc) | 2.2 | Variable | |
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✗ | $10 | Apple (210) | 0.08 | 185119.9 (BTC) | |
| Broker | Cost Rating |
Fixed Spreads |
Inactivity Fee |
CFD Stocks Spread |
EUR/USD Spread |
Crypto Spread |
Broker Popularity
See how popular the Best ECN Brokers 2025 are in terms of number of clients.
Why Trade With Dukascopy?
If you're an experienced trader, Dukascopy offers the tools you need: JForex for algorithmic strategies, competitive spreads from 0.1 pips, leverage up to 1:200, and the assurance of a Swiss-regulated bank and broker.
Pros
- Dukascopy offers top-notch research, including a professional TV studio in Geneva for financial news, market analysis, and daily expert insights.
- The proprietary JForex platform is advanced, offering tools for algorithmic trading, detailed charting, and access to deep liquidity for traders.
- Dukascopy is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) as a broker and a bank, providing high-level financial security and compliance with strict standards.
Cons
- JForex offers many features, but its complexity makes it less ideal for beginner traders who might prefer simpler platforms.
- Certain account types, like MT4/MT5 accounts, need a higher minimum deposit of $1,000. This might not be suitable for traders with limited budgets.
- Dukascopy offers educational resources and 24/7 support, but its complex platforms and tools require extensive testing and can overwhelm new traders.
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
- The Web Trader remains one of the top platforms for budding traders, boasting a sleek design and more than 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
- FOREX.com provides top-tier forex pricing beginning at 0.0 pips. They also offer competitive cashback rebates up to 15% for dedicated traders.
- Numerous educational materials such as tutorials, webinars, and a comprehensive YouTube channel are available to assist you in learning about the financial markets.
Cons
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform provides around 600 instruments for trading, which is considerably less than the 5,500+ options accessible on its other platforms.
- US clients do not have negative balance protection, so you can potentially owe more than your original account deposit.
- 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.
Why Trade With Plexytrade?
Plexytrade is a new trading platform offering attractive features such as a 1:2000 leverage, zero spreads on certain instruments, and quick execution speeds of less than 46 milliseconds. However, the company is not regulated which is a substantial issue, and the lack of research and educational tools puts it behind other leading platforms.
Pros
- Different VPS packages start at $50 monthly, but they are free after reaching certain deposit amounts.
- Plexytrade is a unique offshore broker that accepts US residents as clients. This makes it one of the few offshore brokers that serve US-based traders.
- Plexytrade provides up to 1:2000 leverage, one of the highest rates available. It's designed for experienced traders who opt to bypass regulatory safeguards.
Cons
- The platform doesn't offer social or copy trading options. This means that novice traders cannot mirror the actions of more accomplished traders, unlike on platforms such as eToro.
- Plexytrade, offering about 100 instruments, limits the options for traders interested in a variety of assets. This is particularly noticeable when compared to Blackbull, which has 26,000 securities.
- Plexytrade only accepts deposits and withdrawals through cryptocurrencies. It does not support bank cards, wire transfers, or e-wallets.
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).
- 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.
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
- 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.
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
- LHFX has improved its regulation by obtaining a license from South Africa's FSCA, enhancing its credibility with increased oversight.
- LHFX excelled in testing with low fees, offering 0.0-pip spreads and a competitive $6 commission per lot. Its ECN model provides direct market access, tight spreads, and fast execution—ideal for scalpers and traders.
- Opening an account with LHFX is quick and requires only a $10 deposit, making it accessible for traders with limited funds.
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.
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.