Awards – Broker Of The Year Awards 2023
The DayTrading.com Broker Awards for 2023. This year has seen big changes in the trading sector and our Awards acknowledge those brands that have adapted best, and maintained a customer focus. In addition to Best Overall Broker, Best Forex Broker and Best Trading App, we also award a Best US Broker Award in what is a fairly unique market.
From innovation to customer service, we have tried to include every aspect of what makes a broker stand out. In a hugely competitive market, spreads and trading costs are very similar across the industry.
So, post ESMA, we have looked at the overall health of a firm too, and how they are helping customers trade responsibly, and profitably.
With some notable brands taking actions that clearly disregarded the best interests of their customers this year, we have awarded firms who treat customers fairly.
Below we detail the winners and explain the basis on which we made each Award decision. We also mention notable runners up where the call was close. Feel free to send us your feedback and contribute to the winners and losers over the next 12 months.
Best Forex Broker Award
Winner: Eightcap
Runners Up: Pepperstone , IC Markets
Eightcap have long been a growing force in Australia, but this year the global offering expanded considerably, adding both cryptocurrency and funded account support. Alongside what was already a high class forex offering the brand continues to excel.
IC Markets and Pepperstone remain hugely important in the forex sector. Both organisation offer great market coverage, customer service, regulatory protection and risk management tools.
This year however, Eightcap claimed the award for Best Forex Broker 2023.
Best Binary Broker Award
Winner: IQ Cent
Runner Up: Pocket Option
IQ Cent have been improving their offering throughout the last few years. With binary and digital options coming under further scrutiny, IQ Cent are still able to offer their services to traders around the world.
With a slick platform and considerable market depth, traders are able to access most major markets with clear risk management expectations and simplified strategies. The growing number of accounts on the platform illustrate the focus and drive to provide a quality service.
Pocket Option – last year’s winners – continue to offer a solid service too, again, available to most nations around the world. This year however, the expanded offering at IQ Cent means they took home the ‘gold’.
Best US Broker Award
Winner: Oanda
Runner Up: Nadex
Breaking into the US has been the aim of many brokers over the last decade. Where others have failed, Oanda have pulled it off. Offering US traders a unique but expanded suite of trading options, Oanda are gaining a foothold.
As many US apps attempt to ‘gamify’ trading, Oanda offer a more professional and serious platform – a welcome policy ofter the GameStop debacle that showed the true colours of many brands operating in the US over the last 12 months.
Nadex continue to offer US traders with a great range of trading vehicles, including digital options, priced from 0-100.
As retail trading continues to grow in the US, doubtless other brands will appear, but for now Oanda represent the best in the US.
Best Crypto Award
Winner: Eightcap
Runner Up: eToro
After the collapse of FTX, many traders are concerned about the viability of crypto exchanges. More traditional brokers such as Eightcap and eToro however, can offer confidence and peace of mind to potential traders, as well as offering access to cryptos via CFDs.
Eightcap have made such significant strides in this area, that they have scooped this year’s “Best Crypt Broker” award.
They have been adding new crypto pairs throughout the year, but also offering levels of customer support that crypto exchanges simply do not attempt to match. With regulatory oversight also part of the package, they offer a route to crypto trading that gives traders more confidence.
eToro also offer a good CFD crypto range.
Best Trading App Award
Winner: CMC
Runners Up: Pepperstone
The gamification of many trading apps means that traders are not treated with the respect they deserve by many application developers. CMC Markets buck that trend, offering a great trading app that delivers on all the functions that clients want.
With a user rating that illustrates high user satisfaction, the CMC app is the best we have used over the last 12 months. It must be noted that many apps come down to personal choice, but even with that in mind CMC Markets have clearly invested time and effort into improving their offering.
Pepperstone have also thought about their app and the user experience extensively – they were winners of this award last year – but CMC have managed to surpass them this time around.
Best Prop Trading Firm
Winner: SuperFunded
A new award for 2023, the prop trading area, or funded accounts, has boomed over the last 12 months, and there are a huge range of new firms offering traders the chance to trade with additional funds.
SuperFunded came out on top in our testing, covering range of account types, customer service and trade execution.
Traders at SuperFunded retain up to 90% of successful trade profit and the trading platform is delivered by EightCap, who are a highly rated broker in their own right.
Best MT4/MT5 Broker
Winner: IC Markets
Runners Up: Eightcap
IC Markets have long been at the head of brands offering MT4 and MT5 integration.
Either winners or runners up over the last few years, IC Markets continue to improve their integrations, and also expand the range of functions available. This flexibility ensures traders can create setups and tools that suit their trading style and frequency.
Customer support for the MetaQuote’s platforms is also excellent at IC Markets – an important factor when the platforms offer more complexity than other, more basic, platforms.
Best Overall Broker
Winner: Pepperstone
Pepperstone have been awarded the “Best Overall Broker” this year.
Super strong in every category, Pepperstone have come out on top during a year that has seen competition reaching new levels.
With the choice of “best” often being subjective, our traders generally go for a brand that performs well regardless of the trader preferences. Pepperstone offers strong regulation (trader confidence and safety), a huge range of markets and trading vehicles, a cutting edge platform, mobile trading, high quality customer service and impressive customer satisfaction too.
Pepperstone excel in multiple departments, and in doing-so, have won the top award from DayTrading.com.
Top Rated Award-Winning Brokers
These are the 5 top rated brokers that have also won awards:
- Forex.com - 5 Awards
- NinjaTrader - 1 Award
- OANDA US - 6 Awards
- Kwakol Markets - 3 Awards
- IG Group - 5 Awards
#1 - Forex.com
Forex.com boasts a global reputation with multiple awards and 20+ years experience. Regulated in the US, EU, UK and Canada they provide a huge range of markets, not just forex, and offer competitive fees on a cutting-edge platform. The brand also provides a suite of additional tools, from performance analytics and SMART Signals to advanced charts and strategy builders.
"Forex.com is an excellent broker for forex traders with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads, low commissions and powerful platforms. The brand is also heavily regulated while its parent company is listed on the NASDAQ, giving it a high trust score."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Spot Metals
- Regulator: NFA, CFTC
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
- Min. Deposit: $100
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:50
Forex.com Awards
Forex.com has won 5 awards:
- Best CFD Broker 2022 - Rankia
- Best HNW Service 2022 - Dubai Forex Expo
- Best US Broker 2020 - DayTrading.com
- Best US Broker 2019 - DayTrading.com
- Runner-Up - Best Forex Broker 2019 - DayTrading.com
Forex Trading
Forex.com is a leading FX broker. The brand offers a wide range of currency pairs and some of the lowest fees in the industry. Spreads on the EUR/USD come in as low as 0.0 with a $7 commission per $100k.
Stocks Trading
Forex.com offers access to thousands of US, EU and UK stocks, with spreads of just 1 point. Speculate on household names as well as new IPOs. US stocks are available from just 1.8 cents per share.
Pros
- Excellent trading tools including Trading Central, SMART Signals and MetaTrader 4
- Up to 15% cashback rebates for active traders
- Top-rated forex and CFD broker
Cons
- $15 monthly inactivity fee
- Investment offering varies between countries
- No copy trading platform
#2 - NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.
"We recommend NinjaTrader for high-volume futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
- Regulator: NFA, CFTC
- Platforms: eSignal
- Min. Deposit: $50
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:50
NinjaTrader Awards
NinjaTrader has won one award:
- 2021 Benzinga Global Fintech Awards
Forex Trading
NinjaTrader supports the trading of popular currencies including the EUR/USD. The trading software also offers unique features tailored to forex trading, including specific order and market windows.
Stocks Trading
Stocks can be traded by connecting the NinjaTrader platform to supporting brokers. You can then take positions on large public companies and household names via advanced trading software.
Crypto Trading
Trade micro Bitcoin futures with low fees and leading charting tools. Get exposure to Bitcoin through CME Group's centralized exchange with robust risk management tools.
Pros
- Low fees with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract
- Widely respected and heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC
- Industry-leading futures broker with multiple awards
Cons
- Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
- Premium platform tools come with an extra charge
- Withdrawal fee on some funding methods
#3 - OANDA US
OANDA is a popular brand offering exceptional execution, low deposit requirements and advanced charting and trading platform features. The top-rated brand has over 25 years of experience and is regulated by trusted agencies, including the NFA/CFTC. Around the clock support is available, alongside flexible contract sizes and automated trade executions.
"We recommend OANDA for US traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium market research and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is a particularly good pick if you want a heavily regulated broker with a secure trading environment."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Crypto
- Regulator: NFA, CFTC
- Platforms: MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
- Min. Deposit: $0
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:50
OANDA US Awards
OANDA US has won 6 awards:
- Best US Broker 2023 - DayTrading.com
- Best Trading Tools winner 2021 - Online Personal Wealth Awards
- Awarded highest overall client satisfaction 2021 - Investment Trends US Leverage Trading Report, Margin Forex
- Awarded highest client satisfaction for mobile platform/app 2021 - Investment Trends US Leverage Trading Report, Margin Forex
- Voted Most Popular Broker 2021 - TradingView Broker Awards
- Voted Best Forex and CFD Broker 2021 - TradingView Broker Awards
Forex Trading
OANDA offers 68 forex pairs, more than many alternatives. The broker's in-house platform also offers impressive execution speeds and a suite of advanced charting and analysis tools.
Crypto Trading
Speculate on the world's biggest cryptos by market cap. Commissions are lower than many peers starting at 0.25%. Clients can spot trade cryptocurrencies on Paxos's itBit exchange through the OANDA platform via OANDA’s partnership with Paxos. Users can trade digital currencies in a few taps through the iOS and Android mobile app.
Pros
- API facilitates access to 25 years of historical data and rates from 200+ currencies
- Transparent pricing structure with no hidden charges
- Reliable, trustworthy and secure brand with authorization from tier-one regulators
Cons
- Customer support not available on the weekend
#4 - Kwakol Markets
Kwakol Markets is a Nigerian headquartered broker with strong regulatory oversight in Australia and Canada. A great selection of asset classes are available, including synthetic products that simulate realistic market activity. Clients can trade on the MT4, MT5 and cTrader platforms, as well as a copy trading solution whereby a fee is only paid on profitable trades.
"Kwakol Markets is a good option for newer traders with a dedicated learning academy, copy trading and a choice of reliable platforms. New clients can also sign up and start trading in four straightforward steps."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
- Regulator: ASIC, FINTRAC
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, AutoChartist
- Min. Deposit: $1
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:1000
Kwakol Markets Awards
Kwakol Markets has won 3 awards:
- Best Broker Africa 2022 - UF Awards
- Most Trusted Broker Nigeria 2022 - UF Awards
- Best Emerging Broker 2022 - - UF Awards
CFD Trading
CFDs are available on a breath of underlying assets, including stocks, indices, commodities, forex and cryptos. High leverage up to 1:500 is available alongside a 0.01 minimum lot size and award-winning software. For the tightest spreads from 0 pips, opt for the Premium account.
Forex Trading
Kwakol Markets offers a wider range of forex pairs than most competitors, with 90+ assets available. Users get fast execution speeds through the ECN model and competitive spreads. On the negative side, not all currency pairs are available on MT4.
Stocks Trading
Trade stocks with zero commissions and ultra-fast trade executions. Clients get exposure to US, EU, Asian and Russian stock markets on both the MT4 and MT5 platforms. Stocks are available as CFDs, so users will not own the underlying shares.
Crypto Trading
Trade cryptos against fiat currencies, other cryptocurrencies and metals like gold. This separates the broker from many alternatives that only offer cryptos paired with the USD. High leverage up to 1:20 on cryptos is available, plus support for Expert Advisors and copy trading.
Pros
- Excellent market analysis tools
- 2FA login security
- 0.01 Lot trading
Cons
- Regional restrictions in certain countries
- The only base currency is USD
- High deposits for premium features
#5 - IG Group
IG is an award-winning broker that has an excellent reputation globally. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across a comprehensive suite of markets. IG is also multi-regulated, provides a great trading app and has 50 years experience.
"IG offers a superb all-round package. Beginners will appreciate the user-friendly web platform and secure trading environment while established investors will rate the 17,000+ markets and top-tier market research."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
- Regulator: FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA
- Platforms: MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
- Min. Deposit: $0
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
IG Group Awards
IG Group has won 5 awards:
- Best Customer Service 2022 - Online Money Awards
- Best Spread Betting Provider 2022 - Online Money Awards
- Best Platform for the Active Trader 2022 - ADVFN International Financial Awards
- Best Multi Platform Provider 2022 - ADVFN International Financial Awards
- Best Finance App 2022 - ADVFN International Financial Awards
CFD Trading
IG offers an impressive suite of 17,000+ CFD instruments. Negative balance protection ensures accounts cannot drop below zero while custom price alerts and the IG Academy enhance the trading experience.
Forex Trading
IG offers currency trading on its award-winning web platform and mobile app. Comprehensive charts and forex analysis tools are also available through ProRealTime.
Stocks Trading
IG offers 13,000+ shares, with more listed firms than most competitors. Fees are low with no commission on US stocks. Extended hours trading is also available alongside ultra-fast execution speeds of 0.014 seconds.
Crypto Trading
11 popular cryptos are available, plus two crypto crosses. A crypto index is also offered, following the value of the top 10 digital currencies by market cap. All cryptos are available via CFDs.
Pros
- IG is an LSE-listed company with a transparent financial history and a great track record
- 24/5 customer support is available
- Over 17,000 assets are available spanning stocks, forex, commodities, baskets, futures, options and more
Cons
- No copy trading platform
- Inactivity charge