Alison Heyerdahl
Edited by
Author
Alison Heyerdahl
Edited by
Alison Heyerdahl
Head of Content

Alison Heyerdahl is the Head of Content at FxScouts, a Chartered Market Technician (CMT), and an experienced trader, as well as a financial writer with extensive expertise in Forex trading, broker analysis, and market research. She has reviewed 100+ brokers, publishes weekly YouTube trading videos, and co-hosts the “Let’s Talk Forex” podcast.

 

Learn more about Alison Heyerdahl
Author
Author
Chris Cammack
Partner Manager and Financial Writer

Chris Cammack is the Partner Manager and a financial writer at FxScouts. Chris builds and maintains our relationships with our partners to provide our users with the best Forex trading experience.

Learn more about Chris Cammack

FOREX.com vs. IG

In the fast-paced world of forex trading, choosing the right broker is crucial. IG and FOREX.com are two popular options, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. This comparison will dive into the key features of both platforms,helping you decide which one best suits your trading style and goals.

Select Brokers to Compare

Regulation

Regulation
Australian Securities & Investment CommissionCayman Islands Monetary AuthorityCyprus Securities and Exchange CommissionFinancial Conduct Authority
Monetary Authority of Singapore
Australian Securities & Investment CommissionBermuda Monetary AuthorityBundesanstalt für FinanzdienstleistungsaufsichtCommodity Futures Trading Association
Dubai Financial Services AuthorityFinancial Conduct AuthorityFinancial Markets Authority of New ZealandFinancial Services AgencyFinancial Sector Conduct AuthorityMonetary Authority of SingaporeSwiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority
Trading Desk Type
Market Maker
Market Maker
Trading Instruments
Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Stock CFDs, Forex, Indices, Metals
Bonds, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Digital 100s, Stock CFDs, ETFs, Forex, Indices, Interest Rates

Conditions

Forex Pairs
83
80
Crypto Pairs
11
10
Pros
  • Well regulated with licences from top-tier authorities including the FCA and CFTC
  • Wide range of assets with thousands of tradable markets
  • Comprehensive trading academy with well-structured educational material
  • Well regulated
  • Tight spreads
  • Great platform choice
  • Excellent education
  • Excellent market analysis
Cons
  • High inactivity fees - charging $15 monthly after 12 months of no trading activity
  • Limited demo account - typically expiring after 90 days
  • Well regulated
  • Tight spreads
  • Great platform choice
  • Excellent education
  • Excellent market analysis
% Lose with this broker
75%
68%
Leverage
200:1
200:1
Spread
0.70 pips
0.60 pips
Hedging
Yes
Yes
Scalping
Yes
Yes
Account Types
Commission, DMA Account, MT4, MT5, Raw Spread, Standard
DMA, Live Account, Spread Betting
Islamic Account
Yes
Yes
Trading Platforms
MT4, MT5, FOREX.com Web Trader, TradingView
MT4, L2 Dealer, TradingView
Funding Methods
Bank Transfer, Maestro, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Visa
Bank Transfer, Mastercard, Paypal, Visa
Trading Commissions
Fees Included in Spread
Fees Included in Spread
Min. Deposit
USD 100
USD 0
Trading Cost
USD 8
USD 6
ACY Securities ACY Securities
FOREX.com
IG
Trust Rating
5
5
Trading Conditions
4.5
4.5
Trading Platforms
4.5
4.5
Deposit & Withdrawal
4.5
5
Assets Available
4
5
Education & Research
5
5
Customer Service
3.5
4
Beginner Friendly
3
4
Analysis Research
5
5
Overall Rating
4.47
/ 5
4.69
/ 5
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How Do IG and FOREX.com Compare?

The radar chart above illustrates the comparison between IG and FOREX.com across several key metrics, with the highest possible score being 100 in each category.

Helping You Choose the Right Broker

At FxScouts, our mission is to assist traders in finding the broker that best suits their needs. Comparing brokers side-by-side is an effective method to achieve this goal. We evaluated IG and FOREX.com, using our standard criteria: trust and regulation, trading platforms, costs and trading conditions, and educational and market analysis resources.

Trust and Regulation

Trust and regulation are crucial when selecting a Forex broker. A broker’s credibility is largely built on its regulatory status. We spend considerable time verifying the safety of each broker by examining their regulatory licenses. The more top-tier authorities regulating a broker, the higher its trust rating.

In our comparison:

  • IG holds six Tier 1 and three Tier 2 licences.
  • FOREX.com holds four Tier 1 and no Tier 2 licences.

Based on these findings, IG earned a higher trust rating than FOREX.com.

Is IG financially regulated?

Yes IG was founded in 1974 and is regulated by ASIC, BMA, BaFin, CFTC, DFSA, FCA, FMA, FSA-Japan, FSCA, MAS and FINMA.

 

Is FOREX.com financially regulated?

Yes FOREX.com was founded in 2001 and is regulated by ASIC, CIMA, CySEC, FCA and MAS.

 

Trading Costs Comparison

When comparing brokers, trading costs are a significant factor. We consider the minimum deposit required to open an account and ongoing costs, including spreads and commissions. We measure the cost to trade one lot of EUR/USD using the broker’s account with the lowest minimum deposit, including both the spread and any commission charged.

We found that IG has overall lower trading costs than FOREX.com.

Top Overall Brokers by Broker Score

Trading Platforms Offered

Trading Platforms Offered Traders prefer brokers that offer a variety of trading platforms. We rate brokers higher if they support multiple platforms like MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, cTrader, and proprietary platforms.

  • FOREX.com supports MT4, L2 Dealer and TradingView
  • IG supports MT4, MT5, FOREX.com Web Trader and TradingView

Copy Trading Availability

Copy trading is beneficial for beginner traders or those unable to trade full-time. In this case both FOREX.com and IG offer copy trading.

Range of Trading Instruments

A broader range of CFD instruments provides more trading opportunities. FOREX.com offers a greater variety of instruments compared to IG:

  • FOREX.com: 83 Forex pairs.
  • IG: 80 Forex pairs.

Cryptocurrency Trading

For those interested in trading cryptocurrencies, FOREX.com offers 11 cryptocurrencies, while IG offers 10 cryptocurrencies. Therefore, FOREX.com is the better choice for cryptocurrency trading.

Deposit and Withdrawal Processes

Traders prefer brokers with quick and cost-effective deposit and withdrawal processes. We favor brokers that process withdrawals within 24 hours using multiple methods without charging fees.We found that FOREX.com charges a withdrawal fee and IG does not. Overall, IG has better deposit and withdrawal processes than FOREX.com. 

Educational Support?

We often find that brokers offer very little in the way of educational materials, forcing traders to use other third-party sites or self-educate elsewhere. Beginner traders need well-structured, well-presented materials in multiple formats to get a good start at trading. More experienced traders also benefit from webinars led by experts in the field and advanced trading strategy sections with new trading ideas. 

FOREX.com and IG both have very good educational support. Both FOREX.com and IG offer educational support for more experienced traders.

Market Analysis Materials

Access to frequent and high-quality market research and analysis is crucial.

We found that IG offers better research analysis than FOREX.com and that both FOREX.com and IG offer frequent webinars.

Overall Verdict

  • IG:

    Founded in London in 1974, IG is a global leader in online trading, known for its competitive pricing, powerful platforms, and access to over 17,000 markets. While IG holds licences from top-tier regulators, Malaysian traders are onboarded through IG International Limited, regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA).

    Trading under the Bermuda entity gives Malaysian clients access to IG’s full global product range, including forex, indices, shares, commodities, ETFs, and bonds—often with higher leverage limits than are available under stricter regulatory jurisdictions. All instruments are accessible through IG’s award-winning proprietary platforms, MetaTrader 4, L2 Dealer for direct market access, and TradingView integration.

    IG offers a single multi-asset account with no minimum deposit requirement and spreads starting from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD. Traders also benefit from advanced tools such as ProRealTime charting, Autochartist, and integrated Reuters news, alongside a comprehensive library of educational resources and market analysis. However, Malaysian traders should be aware that offshore regulation provides fewer investor protections compared to local licensing.

  • FOREX.com:

    Founded in 2001, Forex.com is a well-regulated broker with excellent education and low fees that is more suited to serious beginners and more experienced traders. Beginners with low minimum deposits may be put off by the relatively high trading costs on Forex.com's entry-level Standard and MetaTrader accounts. But experienced traders will be interested in the RAW Spread Account, with a minimum deposit of 100 USD. This account has some of the most competitive spreads (0.0 pips on the EUR/USD) combined with some of the lowest commissions in the industry. 

    FOREX.com provides support for MT4, MT5, TradingView and its own trading platform and traders will appreciate the range of trading tools on offer, including AI Performance Analytics, Trading Central, and subsidised VPS hosting.  

    Education and market analysis are both excellent and experienced traders will appreciate the wide range of tradable assets, including over 80 currency pairs, 2500 share CFDs, commodities, indices, precious metals, and cryptocurrencies. Overall, FOREX.com ticks all the boxes for those with looking for a wide range of assets and a choice of trading platforms.

Overall Ratings

  • IG: 4.69
  • FOREX.com: 4.47

For more detailed reviews, please read our comprehensive assessments of IG and FOREX.com.

XM
AvaTrade
CySEC, ASIC
Regulators
ASIC, FSCA
1000:1
Leverage
400:1
MT4, MT5
Platforms
MT4, MT5
0.6 pips
Min. Spread
0.9 pips
USD 5
Min. Deposit
USD 100
HFM
XM
FCA, FSCA
Regulators
CySEC, ASIC
1000:1
Leverage
1000:1
MT4, MT5
Platforms
MT4, MT5
0.0 pips
Min. Spread
0.6 pips
USD 0
Min. Deposit
USD 5
AvaTrade
Pepperstone
ASIC, FSCA
Regulators
FCA, ASIC
400:1
Leverage
200:1
MT4, MT5
Platforms
MT4, MT5
0.9 pips
Min. Spread
0.01 pips
USD 100
Min. Deposit
USD 0
IC Markets
FxPro
CySEC, FSA-Seychelles
Regulators
FCA, CySEC
500:1
Leverage
200:1
MT4, MT5
Platforms
MT4, MT5
0.1 pips
Min. Spread
0.4 pips
USD 200
Min. Deposit
USD 100
Unbiased Expertise

Independent, in-depth reviews and comparisons of all well regulated Forex brokers, empowering you to make informed choices.

Educational Resources

Comprehensive guides for all levels, from the basics of Forex to advanced strategies tailored for your experience.

Transparent Information

A focus on facts, accuracy, and up-to-date data to give you the insights you need to succeed in your Forex journey.

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Best Forex Brokers in 2026

To identify the best forex brokers, we compiled a comprehensive list of all well-regulated brokers. We then ranked them based on their overall score, considering key factors such as regulation, trading conditions, platform quality, and customer support.

Swipe to scroll

Overall Rating
Our overall rating evaluates brokers on platform quality, fees, service, regulation, and instruments. Higher scores reflect better performance and reliability.
Official Site
Click to visit the broker’s official website for more information and to open an account.
Min. Deposit
The minimum amount of money required to open an account with this broker.
Min. Spread
Trading Cost
Licenced by
Displays the financial regulators licensing the broker, shown by national flags, ensuring compliance with financial standards for safer trading.
Accepts Traders from %s
Compare
Select two brokers using the checkboxes to compare their features, fees, platforms, and more side by side.
Visit Broker
75.18% of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 5
0.60 pips
USD 6
CySEC Regulated BrokersASIC Regulated BrokersDFSA Regulated Forex BrokersInternational Financial Services Commission
Visit Broker
72.90% of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 0
0 pips
USD 10
FCA Regulated Forex BrokersFinancial Services Conduct AuthorityFinancial Services CommissionThe Seychelles Financial Services Authority
Capital Markets Authority
Visit Broker
N/A of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 50
1 pips
USD 10
ASIC Regulated BrokersFinancial Services Conduct AuthorityFinancial Services Authority – St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Visit Broker
N/A of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 100
0 pips
USD 6
ASIC Regulated BrokersFinancial Services Conduct AuthorityThe Seychelles Financial Services AuthorityFinancial Services Commission
Capital Markets Authority
Visit Broker
76% of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 100
0.90 pips
USD 9
ASIC Regulated BrokersFinancial Services Conduct AuthorityCySEC Regulated BrokersFinancial Services Agency
Central Bank of IrelandFinancial Regulatory Services AuthorityIsrael Securities Authority
Visit Broker
77.41% of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 10
0.70 pips
USD 17
CySEC Regulated BrokersThe Seychelles Financial Services AuthorityFinancial Regulatory Services Authority
Visit Broker
70.81% of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 200
0.10 pips
USD 8
CySEC Regulated BrokersThe Seychelles Financial Services AuthoritySecurities Commission of the BahamasCapital Markets Authority
Visit Broker
N/A of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 0
0.10 pips
USD 8
Financial Markets Authority of New ZealandThe Seychelles Financial Services Authority
Visit Broker
74% of retail CFD accounts lose money
USD 100
0 pips
USD 6
CySEC Regulated BrokersFCA Regulated Forex BrokersFinancial Services Conduct AuthorityThe Seychelles Financial Services Authority
DFSA Regulated Forex Brokers
Visit Broker
89% of retail CFD accounts lose money
AUD 0
0 pips
USD 4.50
ASIC Regulated BrokersVanuatu
XM
4.5
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
The minimum amount of money required to open an account with this broker.
USD 5
Min. Spread
0.6 pips
Trading Cost
USD 6
Licenced by
regulatorregulatorregulatorregulator
Accepts Traders from %s
HFM
4.4
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
The minimum amount of money required to open an account with this broker.
USD 0
Min. Spread
0.0 pips
Trading Cost
USD 10
Licenced by
regulatorregulatorregulatorregulator
regulator
Accepts Traders from %s
ACY Securities
4.4
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
The minimum amount of money required to open an account with this broker.
USD 50
Min. Spread
1 pips
Trading Cost
USD 10
Licenced by
regulatorregulatorregulator
Accepts Traders from %s
FP Markets
4.6
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
The minimum amount of money required to open an account with this broker.
USD 100
Min. Spread
0.0 pips
Trading Cost
USD 6
Licenced by
regulatorregulatorregulatorregulator
regulator
Accepts Traders from %s
AvaTrade
4.6
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
The minimum amount of money required to open an account with this broker.
USD 100
Min. Spread
0.9 pips
Trading Cost
USD 9
Licenced by
regulatorregulatorregulatorregulator
regulatorregulatorregulator
Accepts Traders from %s
NAGA
4.3
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
The minimum amount of money required to open an account with this broker.
USD 10
Min. Spread
0.7 pips
Trading Cost
USD 17
Licenced by
regulatorregulatorregulator
Accepts Traders from %s
IC Markets
4.5
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
The minimum amount of money required to open an account with this broker.
USD 200
Min. Spread
0.1 pips
Trading Cost
USD 8
Licenced by
regulatorregulatorregulatorregulator
Accepts Traders from %s
BlackBull Markets
4.3
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
The minimum amount of money required to open an account with this broker.
USD 0
Min. Spread
0.1 pips
Trading Cost
USD 8
Licenced by
regulatorregulator
Accepts Traders from %s
Tickmill
4.6
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
The minimum amount of money required to open an account with this broker.
USD 100
Min. Spread
0.0 pips
Trading Cost
USD 6
Licenced by
regulatorregulatorregulatorregulator
regulator
Accepts Traders from %s
Fusion Markets
4.4
Read Review

Our broker ratings are derived from rigorous testing by industry experts and experienced traders. We thoroughly evaluate regulatory compliance, security, transparency, trading performance, and customer service. We never accept payment for higher scores, ensuring our ratings remain unbiased, factual, and trustworthy—so you can confidently choose a reliable broker for your financial safety and trading success.

For detailed information about our testing methodology click here.

Min. Deposit
The minimum amount of money required to open an account with this broker.
AUD 0
Min. Spread
0 pips
Trading Cost
USD 4
Licenced by
regulatorregulator
Accepts Traders from %s
Listen Now!

Let's Talk Forex with Alison & Chris


Alison and Chris cover a range of topics, including how to choose a Forex broker, safety and regulation, how to reduce your risk, trading psychology, trading platforms, and trading strategies, among others.

The FxScouts podcast helps beginner Forex traders get the best start to their trading careers.