Demo accounts are a valuable tool enabling traders to hone their skills without risking real money. They allow beginners to familiarize themselves with trading in a live market environment. New and experienced traders can use demo accounts to test strategies and trading ideas.
Another advantage of forex demo accounts is that they provide a way of learning and mastering a trading platform without having to open and fund a live account. Traders can experience how to use the available order types, charting software, watchlists, news, and other tools offered within the platform – making them better prepared when they start to trade with real money.
FX Empire is an industry leader with over ten years of experience reviewing forex brokers. Considering the different needs of traders, we broke down this list into major categories.
We carefully considered the needs of demo traders and focused on the points which benefit this group the most.
Our team of experts has identified each broker’s strengths and weaknesses using FX Empire’s comprehensive methodology. Here’s how we test.
Now let’s go through the selected brokers.
Founded in 2005, MultiBank has a long track record as a CFD broker and has grown to have a significant global presence. The Dubai-based broker is regulated across five continents and maintains over 20 offices worldwide.
MultiBank Demo Account Features
MultiBank offers demo accounts for each of its account types: Standard (spreads from 1.5 pips), Pro (spreads from 0.8 pips), and ECN (spreads from 0.0 pips plus $3 commission). Traders can choose between the feature-rich MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader platforms. These platforms have sophisticated order types and charting and can accommodate algorithmic traders.
Clients of MultiBank can also benefit from FIX API (providing direct access to the market), and Virtual Private Servers (VPS), providing stable and reliable trading conditions. MAM (Multi-Account Manager) and PAMM (Percentage Allocation Management Module) accounts allow fund managers to overlook and manage multiple accounts from a single MultiBank account without creating an investment fund. Customer support at MultiBank Group is first class, and we experienced almost zero wait times in our tests.
Our review showed that MultiBank Group is strong in the category of fees. When demo account holders move on to trading live, they can benefit from tight spreads, low commissions, and minimal swap fees.
Tickmill is an award-winning CFD broker founded in 2014. With five entities primarily licensed by first and second-tier regulators, the London-based broker received a high trust rating in our review. Traders can choose between various CFD instruments, including forex, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
Tickmill Demo Account Features
Tickmill is a broker that can cater well to both beginners and advanced traders, and this is reflected in their educational offerings. Almost 90 video tutorials cover everything from trading basics to more nuanced topics like the psychology of trading. There is also a valuable series of platform tutorials to help new traders make the most of the MT4 and MT5 platforms, which are both available via demo.
A variety of account types provides options for beginners getting started and advanced traders looking for lower trading costs. Traders can test all account types via the demo, and a good range of base currencies are available (the currency in which your account is denominated). We had a great experience with support in our tests, open during office hours.
Our examination showed that Tickmill offers tight spreads in some instruments, for example, 0.9 pips in the Dax 40. This makes it easier for traders to achieve profitability when they begin to trade live.
Sydney-based FP Markets has won over 40 industry awards and has an impressive operating history of 18 years. With entities regulated by top-tier ASIC and CySEC, it earned a high trust score in our review. FP Markets has carved out a niche with rock-bottom spreads in some instruments. For example, in our tests, we measured spreads as low as 1.69 pips in GBP/JPY, which is much better than the industry average.
FP Markets Demo Account Features
FP Markets offers a great range of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTrader, IRESS, and a mobile trading app. The demo account is available for each platform.
Demo traders can access trading in CFDs on forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
The FP Markets Academy, which includes high-quality trading courses, video guides, platform tutorials, and ebooks, is an excellent resource for new traders. We experienced strong support in our tests via online chat. Responsive operators are on hand 24/7 to answer your questions.
Established in 2011, FXTM is a global forex and CFD broker headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus. Top-tier authorities, including the UK FCA and CySEC, regulate various entities of FXTM. Demo traders have access to trading in CFDs on forex, indices, commodities, and shares. The variety of major, minor, and exotic currency pairs is better than average.
FXTM Demo Account Features
The FXTM app is intuitive and user-friendly, making it a good starting point for demo traders. Watchlists, tracking of open, pending, and closed positions, 1-click trading, and trading from the chart are among the features within the app. Standard order types are available, including market orders, limit orders, and stop-loss orders.
FXTM compliments its demo account with in-depth educational content, including helpful articles, ebooks, and video content. Specific trading strategies are outlined that new users can get started with and test in their demo accounts. Another positive point is that clients of FXTM are assigned a dedicated customer solutions representative, providing a personalized experience.
Founded in 2010, IronFX is a global forex and CFD broker with an impressive range of tradable instruments, tools, and account types. The Cyprus-based broker has entities regulated by top-tier CySEC and FCA and an unregulated offshore entity.
IronFX Demo Account Features
IronFX offers a MetaTrader 4 demo account that traders can use for an unlimited time. The MT4 demo platform is available via desktop, web, and mobile. A detailed user guide covers everything from getting started to auto-trading and custom indicators.
In our tests, IronFX received a high score for tradable instruments – offering CFDs on forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. CFDs on futures are also available, including futures on metals, giving demo traders a diverse range of markets to test. The new IronFX School helps to guide the development of demo traders with an easy-to-digest ‘Introduction to Forex’ course in video format and quizzes at the end of each module.
In selecting the best forex brokers for beginners we used the results of our advanced proprietary methodology. All of the brokers listed were among the leaders in our tests.
FXEmpire has been reviewing brokers since 2010 and has pioneered the in-depth evaluation of CFD brokers. Our process has taken years to refine and involved hundreds of reviews. We’ve gone to a granular level – with over 250 data points in our analysis of each broker – so you can feel confident in selecting the right platform.
To provide the most comprehensive view, we break down the brokers according to nine different categories:
In our individual broker reviews, we explain complex areas like regulatory status, so you can easily understand the safety of your funds and the benefits you are guaranteed.
Data is gathered through live testing, research, detailed questionnaires, and in-person broker demonstrations. An account is opened with each broker, focusing primarily on the services of one entity and testing using the most standard account type and platform. We conduct live tests of spreads and measure overnight swap fees and account-related costs.
Our side-by-side analysis reveals whether a broker is competitive in relation to the industry as a whole. Trading platforms take time to master, but we have already done the legwork for you and our evaluations highlight their important features and usability.
FX Empire abides by strict guidelines for editorial integrity. Scoring is based on objective criteria and mostly measurable data, so our reviews cannot be swayed by individual preferences or biases. The review process is independent and follows a strict protocol. In addition, all facts are carefully checked and rechecked, as reviews are continually updated. Read more about our review process here.
For this best brokers page we selected the best forex brokers for the UK, but, as traders have different needs, we separated the brokers into the categories where they stood out as winners.
The team of forex and CFD analysts and editors at FXEmpire is composed of trading industry professionals and seasoned financial journalists. Our experts have been published on leading financial websites such as Investopedia and Forbes. In addition, they all have extensive trading experience.
Defiantly the coolest dude you will ever meet
Bob Mason has been an author with FX Empire since December 2016 and has had works published for publications including, but not limited to The Jerusalem Post, KITCO and The Huffington Post.
Dan Blystone began his career in the trading industry in 1998 on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Later Dan gained insight into the forex industry during his time as a Series 3 licenced futures and forex broker. He also traded at a couple of different prop trading firms in Chicago. Dan is well-equipped to recommend the best forex brokers due to his extensive experience and understanding of the brokerage industry.
Mr.Hyerczyk is a technical analyst, market researcher, educator and trader. Jim is an expert in the area of patterns, price and time analysis, Forex and stocks.
Jitan Solanki is a professional trader, market analyst, and educator. He day trades major currency and index markets and focuses on swing trading US equities and commodities. A qualified Market Technician, Jitan also works with trader education and brokerage companies on various projects. These include market analysis, live trading events, and broker reviews. As an experienced trader and educator, Jitan brings all his qualities in action when reviewing and recommending brokers.
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Having been a retail trader since 2013, Plamen has gained an in-depth understanding of the challenges that novice traders face today. His expertise is swing trading and day trading with a heavy emphasis on psychological and fundamental analysis. Plamen’s favourite trading instruments include FX majors and gold. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and International Relations. Plamen's broad experience has equipped him with the expertise to recommend the best forex brokers.
Personal: Name: Svetlana Ni Professional Achievements: Regular author of columns and analytical articles in well-known financial publications. Participant
In more than 15 years of trading in the financial markets, Vladimir dealt with a wide range of brokers and financial instruments. His career as a day-trader at a proprietary trading firm goes back to 2007. Later, Vladimir turned to longer time frames and became an independent trader and analyst managing his own portfolio. Using his experience, he helps traders find the best broker in his reviews.
Consider the following questions when searching for a suitable forex demo account to work with.
Take into account the regulatory status of the broker. Forex brokers regulated by top-tier financial authorities must undergo audits, meet capital requirements, and provide segregated accounts and negative balance protection. A compensation fund is sometimes available in the event of broker insolvency.
Tip: you can search the regulator’s website to confirm the broker’s status and check for any disciplinary action. The broker’s size and operating history are also worth considering. You can usually find these on the company’s LinkedIn page.
Read more about Best regulated forex brokers.
An intuitive, easy-to-navigate platform will allow you to launch into the trading world with minimal hitches. The most user-friendly platforms are typically browser-based platforms created by the broker. Look for easy-to-implement features such as watchlists, trading from the chart, search, news, and a customizable interface.
The MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms have advanced features like backtesting, automated trading, and a wide range of order types – but are less user-friendly. Also, check on the availability of a good, broker-designed (proprietary) mobile app. This is especially important as MetaTrader is no longer available on iOS.
Read more about Best MetaTrader 4 brokers and Best MetaTrader 5 brokers.
Many brokers offer a selection of account types that cater to different trader profiles. For example, often STP accounts are geared towards beginners or more casual traders and are based on a spread-only pricing model. ECN accounts typically have tighter spreads but charge a commission. Tip: Brokers often offer demo accounts for all account types so you can test each of them to see what works best for you.
Working with a broker that keeps costs such as the spread to a minimum can make the difference between profit and loss at the end of the day. For example, a spread of 1 pip or less in EUR/USD is competitive and makes it much less expensive to enter and exit positions in the market. This is a crucial point for day traders. Inactivity fees and fees for withdrawing funds are other areas to keep an eye on when considering a broker.
Leverage is one of the most appealing features of CFD trading and can work in your favor when used wisely. Beware of using excessive leverage, even if it is tempting. It’s an enthralling feeling to control a large position in the market. But when markets are moving fast, and you are holding a highly leveraged position, there is a high risk of losing money. Accounts can get wiped out in seconds.
As a demo trader in the process of getting oriented in the markets, having solid support on hand is essential. Check the hours of availability, for example, whether help is on hand 24/7 or only during business hours. Chat support is the most convenient, so look for an easy-to-access chat window built into the broker platform. In the case of a platform outage, it is also important to be able to contact support via phone.
Strong educational materials can provide the guidance needed to succeed in the markets. Look for beginner-friendly materials beyond articles, such as video tutorials, live webinars, and courses.
A common scam in the forex and CFD industry involves vendors offering a trading strategy that guarantees an outlandishly high return in little time. These may involve automated trading using bots or a signal service where trades are shared via chat or social media. Nobody can guarantee returns with certainty, and it is more likely that such strategies will lose money. When assessing strategy or signal providers, you should look for a live track record audited by a third party, but remember that past performance does not guarantee future results.
Traders should also be highly cautious about opening an account with an unregulated offshore broker. Such brokers may offer a straightforward account opening process, bonuses, and high levels of leverage but client funds are not protected. Meanwhile, brokers regulated by top-tier authorities must undergo regular audits and are held accountable for misconduct. Traders can also benefit from having their funds held in segregated accounts, negative balance protection, and a compensation fund in the event of broker insolvency.
Dan Blystone began his career in the trading industry in 1998 on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Later Dan gained insight into the forex industry during his time as a Series 3 licenced futures and forex broker. He also traded at a couple of different prop trading firms in Chicago. Dan is well-equipped to recommend the best forex brokers due to his extensive experience and understanding of the brokerage industry.
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough and accurate broker reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.