Forex Spread Comparison Tool
The Forex Spread Comparison tool ranks 18 brokers by all-in trading cost for any of 28 pairs. All-in cost (pips) = spread + commission ÷ $10 (the pip value per standard lot). Filter by account type, broker type, deposit, and regulation; the built-in calculator multiplies cost-per-lot (spread × $10 + commission) by your lots and monthly trades to show real dollar costs.
- All-in cost = raw spread + (round-trip commission ÷ $10), expressed in pips — the true metric for comparing brokers on equal footing.
- Cost per lot = spread × $10 + commission; monthly cost = cost-per-lot × lots × trades (defaults: 1 lot, 20 trades/month on EUR/USD).
- The table auto-highlights the cheapest 25% of brokers green and the most expensive 25% red, sorted by all-in cost by default.
- For 'Best Available' accounts, the tool auto-selects raw or standard — whichever yields the lower all-in cost for that pair.
- You can shortlist and compare up to 4 brokers side-by-side across spread, commission, regulation, fees, leverage, and platforms.
Compare typical spreads across 18 major forex brokers. Find the lowest all-in trading costs for your preferred pair and trading style.
Typical EUR/USD spreads across 18 forex brokers (indicative, last updated 2026-04-01). Verify current spreads with each broker.
| Broker | Type | EUR/USD Spread | Min Deposit | Regulation | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG | Market Maker | 0.6 pips | $0 | FCA, ASIC, NFA | 4.6/5 |
| IC Markets | ECN | 0.8 pips | $200 | ASIC, CySEC, FSA | 4.7/5 |
| Pepperstone | ECN | 0.8 pips | $0 | FCA, ASIC, CySEC | 4.7/5 |
| Plus500 | Market Maker | 0.8 pips | $100 | FCA, ASIC, CySEC | 4.1/5 |
| Saxo Bank | STP | 0.8 pips | $0 | FCA, ASIC, FSA | 4.5/5 |
| Admirals | STP | 0.8 pips | $25 | FCA, CySEC, ASIC | 4.3/5 |
| AvaTrade | Market Maker | 0.9 pips | $100 | CBI, ASIC, FSCA | 4.3/5 |
| Exness | ECN | 1.0 pips | $1 | FCA, CySEC, FSA | 4.5/5 |
| FP Markets | ECN | 1.0 pips | $100 | ASIC, CySEC, FSA | 4.5/5 |
| eToro | Market Maker | 1.0 pips | $50 | FCA, CySEC, ASIC | 4.2/5 |
| Vantage | ECN | 1.0 pips | $50 | ASIC, FCA, CIMA | 4.3/5 |
| FOREX.com | Market Maker | 1.2 pips | $100 | NFA, FCA, ASIC | 4.4/5 |
| OANDA | Market Maker | 1.3 pips | $0 | FCA, ASIC, NFA | 4.5/5 |
| RoboForex | ECN | 1.3 pips | $10 | FSC | 4.1/5 |
| FxPro | STP | 1.4 pips | $100 | FCA, CySEC, FSCA | 4.4/5 |
| FXTM | ECN | 1.5 pips | $10 | FCA, CySEC, FSCA | 4.2/5 |
| XM | Market Maker | 1.6 pips | $5 | CySEC, ASIC, IFSC | 4.3/5 |
| Tickmill | ECN | 1.6 pips | $100 | FCA, CySEC, FSA | 4.4/5 |
See how spread differences translate to real dollar costs based on your trading frequency.
How to Use the Spread Comparison Tool
Select a currency pair to see typical spreads across all brokers. Use filters to narrow by broker type, account type, deposit, or regulation. Click column headers to sort. Click the + button to compare up to 4 brokers side-by-side.
The "All-in Cost" column combines spread plus commission converted to pips — your true cost comparison metric. Green rows = best 25%, red rows = most expensive 25%.
What is a Spread in Forex?
The spread is the difference between the bid and ask price of a currency pair. It's the primary cost of executing a trade. For a standard lot (100,000 units), each pip of spread costs approximately $10 on USD pairs. A 1.0 pip spread on EUR/USD costs $10 per trade.
Fixed vs Variable Spreads
Fixed spreads remain constant regardless of market conditions, offered primarily by market makers. They provide cost certainty but are wider on average. Variable spreads fluctuate with liquidity — tighter during peak hours (sometimes 0.0 pips) but may widen during news events. Most active traders prefer variable spreads for lower average costs.
ECN vs STP vs Market Maker
ECN brokers connect you to a network of liquidity providers, offering the tightest raw spreads plus a per-lot commission. Best for active traders. STP brokers pass orders to liquidity providers without a dealing desk, with slightly wider spreads. Market makers set their own prices with wider spreads but no commission — simpler for beginners.
Understanding All-in Trading Costs
True trading cost = spread + commission + slippage + swaps. To convert commission to pips: divide round-trip commission by $10 (pip value for standard lot). Example: $7 commission = 0.7 pips. Add to raw spread for all-in comparison.
Why Lowest Spread Isn't Always Best
- Execution quality — a 0.0 pip spread with 2 pips of slippage costs more than a stable 0.5 pip spread.
- Regulation — offshore brokers may offer lower spreads but minimal client protection.
- Hidden fees — inactivity fees, withdrawal charges, and conversion costs can exceed spread savings.
- Spread stability — some brokers widen dramatically during moderate volatility.
Regulatory Bodies Explained
Tier 1 (FCA, ASIC, NFA): Strongest client protections, segregated funds, compensation schemes. Tier 2 (CySEC, MAS, FINMA): Good protection, EU-compliant or strong Asian/Swiss oversight. Offshore (FSC, FSA Seychelles): Less protection but higher leverage available.
Best Brokers by Trading Style
Scalping: Lowest raw spreads + commission, fast execution. IC Markets, Pepperstone, Tickmill. Day Trading: Balance of cost and platform features. Pepperstone, FP Markets, FOREX.com. Swing Trading: Standard accounts work well since fewer trades means spread difference is minimal. Consider swap rates and no inactivity fees.
Red Flags When Choosing a Broker
- No regulation or offshore-only regulation
- Difficulty withdrawing funds — read reviews specifically about withdrawals
- Excessive bonuses with strings attached
- Spreads dramatically different from advertised (test on demo first)
- No negative balance protection
Frequently Asked Questions
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Spread data is compiled from broker websites and updated quarterly. Actual spreads vary based on market conditions, account type, and trading volume. Past spreads are not indicative of future spreads. Trading forex carries significant risk of loss. Broker listings may include affiliate links — we earn a commission if you sign up, but this does not affect our rankings or data.