Best Brokers 2025
After our hands-on tests and analysis, these brokers have proven themselves the best when you consider the overall trading package.
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1Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a top brokerage firm offering access to 150 markets in 33 countries and a range of investment services. With 40 years in the field, this company listed on Nasdaq strictly follows the rules set by authorities such as the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC. It's recognized as one of the most reliable brokers for global trading.
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2NinjaTrader is a US-based brokerage regulated for trading futures. It offers three different pricing plans for varied needs and budgets, along with extremely low margins on popular contracts. The company's renowned charting software and trading platform provides extensive customization options and excellent technical analysis features.
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3eToro is a platform for social investing that provides options for both short and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto. The platform is recognized for its easy-to-use, community-oriented interface and reasonable fees. With oversight from FINRA and SIPC, and used by millions globally, eToro is a reputed name in the industry. Trading on eToro is facilitated by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
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4Plus500US, a reputable broker since 2021, is authorized by the CFTC and NFA. It offers futures trading on forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and interest rates. With a quick 10-minute signup, a $100 minimum deposit, and an easy-to-use web platform, Plus500 is enhancing its services for traders in the US.
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5Established in 1999, FOREX.com is part of StoneX, a global financial services company that serves over a million customers. It's regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia, and other countries. The broker offers a wide range of markets beyond forex and provides competitive pricing on advanced platforms.
Compare Brokers
| Broker |  |
USD Account |
Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Leverage |
Copy Trading |
Regulator |
Instruments |
Platforms |
Account Currencies |
Automated Trading |
AI |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✓ | ✓ | $0 | $100 | 1:50 | ✗ | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF | Capitalise.ai & TWS API | ✓ | ✗ | |
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✓ | ✓ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | 1:50 | ✗ | NFA, CFTC | Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal | USD | NinjaScript or via Automated Trading Interface | ✗ | ✗ | |
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✓ | ✓ | $100 | $10 | ✗ | ✓ | SEC, FINRA | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader | USD | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | |
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✓ | ✓ | $100 | 0.0 Lots | ✗ | ✗ | CFTC, NFA | Futures on Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Agriculture, Forex, Interest rates, Energy, Equity Index future contracts | WebTrader, App | USD | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | |
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✓ | ✓ | $100 | 0.01 Lots | 1:50 | ✗ | NFA, CFTC | Forex, Stock CFDs, Futures, Futures OptionsForex, CFDs, Stock CFDs, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto | WebTrader, Mobile, MT4, MT5, TradingView | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✓ | ✗ | |
| Broker | |
USD Account |
Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Leverage |
Copy Trading |
Regulator |
Instruments |
Platforms |
Account Currencies |
Automated Trading |
AI |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
Safety Comparison
Compare how safe the Best 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 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 Brokers 2025 are for beginners.
| Broker | Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Education Rating |
Support Rating |
Fractional Shares |
Demo Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✓ | $0 | $100 | ✓ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ✗ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $100 | $10 | ✓ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $100 | 0.0 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 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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Capitalise.ai & TWS API | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | 1:50 | ✓ | ✓ |
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NinjaScript or via Automated Trading Interface | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:50 | ✓ | ✗ |
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✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
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✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | 1:50 | ✓ | ✗ |
| Broker | Automated Trading |
VPS |
API |
AI |
Pro Account |
Leverage |
Low Latency |
Extended Hours |
Accounts Comparison
Compare the trading accounts offered by Best Brokers 2025.
| Broker | Demo Account |
Interest on Cash |
Islamic Account |
Joint Account |
Managed Account |
PAMM |
MAM |
LAMM |
Pro Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✓ | USD: 4.8%, GBP: 4.7% | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | USD: 4.9% | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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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 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 Brokers 2025.
| Broker | Cost Rating |
Fixed Spreads |
Inactivity Fee |
CFD Stocks Spread |
EUR/USD Spread |
Crypto Spread |
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✗ | $0 | 0.003 | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value | 0.12%-0.18% | |
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✗ | $25 | ✗ | 1.3 | Floating | |
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✓ | $10 | $0 | ✗ | BTC 0.75% | |
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✗ | $0 | ✗ | 0.75 | ✗ | |
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✗ | $15 | 0.14 | 1.2 | BTC 1.4%, ETH 2% | |
| Broker | Cost Rating |
Fixed Spreads |
Inactivity Fee |
CFD Stocks Spread |
EUR/USD Spread |
Crypto Spread |
Broker Popularity
See how popular the Best Brokers 2025 are in terms of number of clients.
| Broker | Popularity |
|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers |
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| eToro USA |
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| NinjaTrader |
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| FOREX.com |
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Why Trade With Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers is ideal for seasoned traders due to its robust charting platforms, updated data, and adaptability, especially with the IBKR Desktop application. Its exceptional pricing and advanced order features appeal to traders, and its variety of stocks remains unmatched in the market.
Pros
- IBKR is a highly regarded brokerage, regulated by prime authorities. This ensures the safety and reliability of your trading account.
- IBKR provides a cost-effective platform for traders by offering low fees, narrow spreads, and clear pricing.
- The TWS platform is designed for intermediate to advanced traders. It includes over 100 order types and a dependable real-time market data feed that rarely experiences downtime.
Cons
- Customer service may take time to respond, and there may be delays in fixing problems based on tests. It could be difficult to reach the customer service promptly.
- Only one active session per account is allowed, which means you can't run the desktop version and mobile app at the same time. This can sometimes lead to a frustrating trading experience.
- TWS's platform may be difficult for beginners to grasp because of its complexity. Plus500's web platform, on the other hand, is more appropriate for those new to trading.
Why Trade With NinjaTrader?
NinjaTrader consistently satisfies active futures traders with its low-cost service and high-quality analysis tools. It offers superior charting features, including hundreds of indicators and over 10 chart types.
Pros
- You can access thousands of applications and add-ons from developers worldwide for trading.
- NinjaTrader provides detailed charting software for active traders, complete with custom technical indicators and widgets.
- Traders can access a free platform and trade simulation capabilities with the unlimited demo.
Cons
- You need to register with partner brokers to trade in securities other than forex and futures.
- Some payment methods require a withdrawal fee.
- The advanced trading tools require an additional fee.
Why Trade With eToro USA?
eToro is a top choice for traders due to its top-notch social investing and copy trading services. The broker caters well to new traders with its low deposit requirement, commission-free trading, and user-friendly platform.
Pros
- A free demo account enables new users and potential traders to test the broker without risk.
- Traders can use Smart Portfolios for a simpler approach, covering multiple sectors and markets like renewable energy and artificial intelligence.
- The low minimum deposit and simple account setup allow beginners to start trading quickly.
Cons
- Traders used to third-party charting tools won't find MetaTrader 4 platform integration.
- The exclusive terminal does not accommodate trading bots and lacks extra equity market analysis tools.
- There are fewer trading options available, including only stocks, ETFs, and cryptos, compared to competitors.
Why Trade With Plus500US?
Plus500US is an excellent choice for beginners, offering a user-friendly platform, low trading margins, and access to the Futures Academy to improve trading skills. Its powerful tools and reliable service earned it second place in DayTrading.com's annual 'Best US Broker' award.
Pros
- The account setup, pricing structure, and web platform make futures trading simpler than competitors like NinjaTrader.
- Plus500 is a reputable publicly traded company with over 24 million traders and sponsors the Chicago Bulls.
- Plus500US stands out for its low fees, competitive trading margins, and no charges for inactivity, live data, routing, or platform use.
Cons
- Plus500US is expanding its investment options, but it currently only offers around 50+ futures and no stocks.
- The private trading platform is easy to use, but doesn't have the advanced analysis tools that platforms like MetaTrader 4 do.
- Plus500US lacks social trading features, unlike competitors such as eToro US, which might enhance its appeal to aspiring 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
- 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.
- 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.
Filters
The Best Brokers for Trading
When you’re choosing a broker for trading, it’s important that they have certain qualities. The best ones usually:
- Charge low fees
- Provide great charting tools
- Offer fast transaction speeds
- Allow access to various global markets
- Support trading with borrowed funds
- Have reasonable minimum deposit requirements
- Are reliable and trustworthy
Every broker we’ve listed meets these standards.
How We Evaluate Trading Brokers
Here are the main factors we consider when comparing trading platforms.
Trust
It’s crucial to choose a broker you can trust. This helps protect you from fraud and ensures your money is safe. We only recommend platforms we trust, based on their regulatory approvals, experience, and reputation.
Fees
Low fees are essential in trading because each transaction can add up, impacting your potential earnings. We evaluate brokers based on trading and non-trading fees each year. It’s not just about low fees; we also look at what kind of service you get for those fees. Opting for the cheapest broker might mean you miss out on platform features or face hidden charges.
Platforms
A high-quality platform is vital for trading. Many traders rely on technical analysis using charts to spot opportunities. Some brokers offer user-friendly platforms suitable for beginners, while others have advanced tools for experienced traders. We suggest using a demo account first to check if a platform works for you. This way, you can test the waters without risking real money.
Markets
Different brokers offer access to different markets. It’s important that a broker allows you to trade the assets you’re interested in, such as stocks, foreign currencies, or commodities. We check what markets and instruments each broker offers to ensure they can meet the needs of various traders.
Order Execution
Fast execution of trades is critical because market prices can change quickly. A delay could cause you to miss out on good deals. We analyze brokers based on their transaction speed and the likelihood that you’ll get the price you want.
Leverage & Margin Requirements
Trading with borrowed funds, or leverage, can increase your potential profits but also your risk. It’s important to understand the leverage options and margin requirements of your broker. Beginners should be cautious and manage risks carefully.
Minimum Deposit
For new traders, a low minimum deposit can be important. The platforms we recommend have manageable entry requirements, suitable for everyone from beginners to more experienced traders.
Our Evaluation Method
To find the best brokers for trading, we analyze quantitative data and qualitative insights based on seven key factors:
- Verification of the broker’s regulatory credentials
- Detailed examination of trading fees
- Evaluation of the platform’s suitability for short-term traders
- Comparison of available markets
- Inspection of order execution speeds
- Assessment of leverage options
- Review of the minimum deposit required
Conclusion
Choosing a broker for trading is a personal choice based on individual needs. However, our recommended platforms offer a solid starting point, having been thoroughly vetted for their ability to support short-term trading effectively.
FAQ
What Is Trading?
Trading is a strategy where individuals buy and sell financial instruments within a short timeframe to make a profit from quick price changes.
What Are The Benefits Of Trading?
Trading can offer quick profits and helps minimize risks that can occur overnight as trades are often closed by the end of the trading day.
What Are The Risks Of Trading?
Trading involves several risks, including potential financial loss due to market volatility or impulsive decisions. There is also a risk of falling for scam brokers, so it’s important to choose regulated and reputable ones.
Do I Need A Broker To Trade?
Yes, you typically need a broker to trade. They provide the platform and tools necessary to execute trades in different markets.
What Brokers Do Traders Use?
We have reviewed and ranked the best brokers for traders. Our comparisons take into account regulatory compliance, fees, platform quality, order execution speed, and minimum deposit requirements.
How Do I Open A Trading Account?
To open a trading account, you need to register with a broker. You will usually provide personal details and some information about your trading experience. Most regulated brokers will also ask for identity verification, which can take around 15 minutes.
How Much Money Do I Need To Start Trading?
The amount needed to start trading varies by platform. Some brokers require thousands of dollars, particularly for advanced features, but many offer a minimum deposit of less than $500 or even no minimum at all.