Binary Options Alternatives

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Written By
Contributor Image
Written By
William Berg
William contributes to several investment websites, leveraging his experience as a consultant for IPOs in the Nordic market and background providing localization for forex trading software. William has worked as a writer and fact-checker for a long row of financial publications.
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Edited By
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Edited By
Tobias Robinson
Tobias is a partner at DayTrading.com, director of a UK limited company and active trader. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial industry and contributed via CySec to the regulatory response to digital options and CFD trading in Europe. Toby’s expertise and dedication to financial education make him a trusted voice in the industry, including a BBC investigation into digital options.
Updated

While binary options are a simple and potentially lucrative form of trading, some investors will want to expand their trading repertoire to include alternative instruments. This guide explores the best alternatives to binary options, from CFDs to spread betting and futures. We also explain how these trading instruments compare to binary options, unpacking their respective merits and drawbacks. Read on for a list of the best binary options alternatives.

Best Alternatives To Binary Options Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    Interactive Brokers

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5

    $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, eSignal, TradingCentral
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
  2. 2
    IG
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
  3. 3
    IQCent
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    2.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.1 / 5

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    IFMRRC
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    Online Platform, TradingView
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, Mastercard
    USD, EUR
  4. 4
    RedMars

    Ratings
    3.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    4.6 / 5

    €250
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    CySEC, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos
    MT5
    Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, Visa
    USD, EUR
  5. 5
    Capitalcore
    40% Deposit Bonus up to $2,500

    Ratings
    3.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    0 / 5
    0 / 5

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:2000
    IFSA
    Forex, Metals, Stocks, Cryptos, Futures Indices
    WebTrader, Pro
    Ethereum Payments, Mastercard, Visa, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Debit Card, Credit Card, PayPal
    USD
  6. 6
    Videforex
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    TradingView
    Skrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB
  7. 7
    xChief
    $100 No Deposit Bonus

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    VFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices
    MT4, MT5
    Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Credit Card, UnionPay, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, Perfect Money, Debit Card, Ethereum Payments, FasaPay, Volet
    USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF
  8. 8
    Axofa
    10% Deposit Bonus

    $1
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    SVGFSA
    Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
    MT5
    Debit Card, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer
    USD, IDR
  9. 9
    Sage FX
    $1,500 trading competition

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    Pending
    Forex, indices, cryptos
    TradeLocker
    Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
  10. 10
    InstaTrade

    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5

    $1
    0.01
    1:1000
    BVI FSC
    FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures
    InstaTrade Gear, MT4
    Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, RUB

This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category:

  1. Interactive Brokers - Over 8,000 CFDs are offered on a vast array of instruments, encompassing stocks, indices, forex, and commodities. Moreover, the TWS platform lends itself to seasoned day traders, offering a comprehensive selection of over 100 order types and algorithms, alongside premium market data sourced from reputable sources such as Reuters and Dow Jones.
  2. IG - IG offers a huge selection of 17,000+ CFDs, providing more trading opportunities than most CFD brokers. Traders can go long or short on popular markets like stocks, currencies, commodities and cryptos, while custom price alerts and the IG Academy continue to enhance the trading experience.
  3. IQCent - CFDs are available on forex, indices, commodities and cryptos, although the range of 100+ instruments is limited compared to alternatives such as Quotex with 400+. Leverage is available up to 1:500 but the $250 minimum deposit is noticeably higher than competitors.
  4. RedMars - RedMars caters to various short-term trading styles across popular asset classes, including 7 commodities, 14 indices, and 120+ stocks. Leverage is available up to 1:30 (retail) and 1:500 (pro), amplifying results. However, there is no calculator to help with understanding margin requirements and the depth of investments is limited.
  5. Capitalcore - The range of CFDs at Capitalcore is narrow, with 6 precious metals, 6 indices, and a slim suite of stocks. Notably, there are no commodities such as oil or gas and spreads vary greatly. Tiered leverage is available depending on the account, from 1:100 to 1:2000.
  6. Videforex - Videforex CFDs are available on forex, indices, cryptocurrencies and commodities with up to 1:500 leverage and tight spreads from near zero. CFDs incur a commission fee of 1%–2.5% and up to 5% for leveraged trades.
  7. xChief - You can trade a competitive range of CFDs encompassing crypto, indices, energies and metals, with very high leverage up to 1:1000. ECN pricing is available, with spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions from $2.50. A Cent account is also available for those on a smaller budget.
  8. Axofa - CFDs are available on popular asset classes with a competitive $1 minimum deposit. The MT5 integration will allow serious short-term traders to utilize the vast library of technical tools, bots and indicators, but the lack of any CFD trading education puts the broker behind many alternatives.
  9. Sage FX - Trade CFDs on forex, stocks, metals, energies, indices, cryptos and dollar futures. Sage FX offers tight spreads and high leverage on all instruments from 1:100 to 1:500.
  10. InstaTrade - InstaTrade offers the flexibility to trade CFDs across various markets, from stocks and indices to forex and commodities. Where it excels is its dynamic leverage up to 1:1000, amplifying potential returns and losses with negative balance protection preventing accounts from falling below zero.

Binary Options Alternatives Comparison

Binary Options Alternatives Comparison
Broker CFD Leverage Minimum Deposit Minimum Trade Regulators
Interactive Brokers logo
1:50 $0 $100 FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
IG logo
1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) $0 0.01 Lots FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
IQCent logo
1:500 $250 $0.01 IFMRRC
RedMars logo
1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) €250 0.01 Lots CySEC, AFM
Capitalcore logo
1:2000 $10 0.01 Lots IFSA
Videforex logo
1:500 $250 $0.01 -
xChief logo
1:1000 $10 0.01 Lots VFSC
Axofa logo
1:1000 $1 0.01 Lots SVGFSA
Sage FX logo
1:500 $10 0.01 Lots Pending
InstaTrade logo
1:1000 $1 0.01 BVI FSC

Interactive Brokers

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Interactive Brokers Quick Facts

FTSE Spread0.005% (£1 Min)
GBPUSD Spread0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
Stocks Spread0.003
Leverage1:50
RegulatorFCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Pros

  • The new IBKR Desktop platform takes the best of TWS while adding bespoke tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to create a genuinely impressive trading experience for day traders at every level.
  • IBKR is one of the most respected and trusted brokerages and is regulated by top-tier authorities, so you can have confidence in the integrity and security of your trading account.
  • IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries, most recently the Saudi Stock Exchange.

Cons

  • Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
  • TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.
  • IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

FTSE Spread1.0
GBPUSD Spread0.9
Stocks Spread0.02
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading, while IG has also added TradingView integration.
  • The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our 'Best Trading App' award.
  • As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust.

Cons

  • Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests.
  • While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients.
  • IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.

IQCent

"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

IQCent Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
FTSE Spread1.4
GBPUSD Spread0.8
Stocks SpreadN/A
Leverage1:500
RegulatorIFMRRC
PlatformsOnline Platform, TradingView
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • CFD trading fees are competitive based on tests, including 0.7 pips on major forex pairs such as EUR/USD
  • There's an accessible $0.01 minimum stake for new day traders with a small budget
  • Keen traders can take part in trading contests with cash prizes

Cons

  • The broker is not overseen by a respected regulator, though this is common among binary options firms
  • There's no automated trading support for algo traders
  • The market analysis is very basic with limited technical summaries and insights from analysts

RedMars

"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

RedMars Quick Facts

FTSE Spread15
GBPUSD Spread0.7
Stocks SpreadVariable
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
RegulatorCySEC, AFM
PlatformsMT5
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • Getting started on RedMars is incredibly easy - you can be up and running in just a few minutes based on tests
  • The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies
  • The broker is one of a limited number of firms to offer an account specially designed for VIPs with premium support and invites to exclusive events

Cons

  • The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
  • With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
  • RedMars falls short for newer traders, with little in the way of education, no beginner-friendly platform, a steep minimum deposit, and inadequate support during testing

Capitalcore

"The major selling points of Capitalcore are its high leverage options up to 1:2000 and zero commission or swap fees. However, its weak regulatory oversight from the IFSA and non-existent education place it far behind the top brokers."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Capitalcore Quick Facts

Bonus Offer40% Deposit Bonus up to $2,500
FTSE Spread25
GBPUSD Spread0.5
Stocks Spread1.5 (Apple)
Leverage1:2000
RegulatorIFSA
PlatformsWebTrader, Pro
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • The support team are available 24/7 and responded within minutes during testing with helpful responses.
  • The Capitalcore platform provides comprehensive charting tools and a wide range of 150+ technical indicators, ideal for detailed market analysis.
  • Unlike most brokers, Capitalcore offers an unlimited demo account that takes under 5 minutes to open.

Cons

  • Capitalcore is not regulated by major financial authorities and has an unproven reputation, raising concerns about the safety of client funds.
  • The web platform was inconsistent during testing, with occasional technical glitches that meant the trading platform wouldn’t load.
  • Platform support is limited to proprietary software, so there's no integration with the market-leading MetaTrader or cTrader, which offer built-in economic news and support automated trading.

Videforex

"Videforex will serve traders looking for a no-frills, easy-to-use platform to speculate on the direction of popular financial markets through binaries. With a sign-up process that takes a matter of minutes and a web-accessible platform, getting started is a breeze. "

William Berg, Reviewer

Videforex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
FTSE SpreadFloating from 0.2
GBPUSD SpreadFloating from 0.1
Stocks SpreadNA
Leverage1:500
PlatformsTradingView
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB

Pros

  • Videforex regularly runs trading contests, offering practice opportunities and cash prizes to beginners and experienced traders, with position sizes from just ¢0.01.
  • Traders can earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options, bringing it in line with competitors like IQCent.
  • Videforex is one of the few brokers with 24/7 multilingual video support, providing comprehensive assistance for active traders.

Cons

  • The client terminal needs improvements based on our latest tests, sporting sometimes slow and unresponsive widgets which could dampen the experience for day traders.
  • The absence of any educational tools is a serious drawback for newer traders who can find blogs, videos and live trading sessions at category leaders.
  • Videforex lacks authorization from a trusted regulator, meaning traders may receive little to zero safeguards like segregated client accounts.

xChief

"xChief continues to prove popular with investors looking to trade highly leveraged CFDs on the popular MetaTrader platforms. The broker's rebate scheme and investment accounts will particularly appeal to seasoned traders. However, the lack of top-tier regulatory oversight is a major drawback."

William Berg, Reviewer

xChief Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$100 No Deposit Bonus
FTSE Spread70
GBPUSD Spread0.9
Stocks Spread50
Leverage1:1000
RegulatorVFSC
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF

Pros

  • The low minimum deposit of $10 will appeal to beginners, as well as the beginners’ guides in the Library
  • xChief offers STP/ECN execution with low spreads from 0.0 pips and low commission rates starting from $2.50 per side
  • xChief delivers a high-quality day trading environment via the MT4 and MT5 platforms, with market-leading charts, indicators and tools

Cons

  • The Classic+ and Cent accounts provide access to fewer instruments than the other account types, at 50+ and 35+, respectively
  • xChief is an offshore broker with weak regulatory oversight from the VFSC, so traders will receive limited safeguards
  • Fees and minimums are imposed on most withdrawal methods, including a €60 minimum for SWIFT bank transfers

Axofa

"Axofa could be a good option for clients looking for social trading features alongside the MT5 platform. The low entry requirements and ECN spreads are particularly promising, but the lack of transparency and respected regulatory oversight raises security concerns."

William Berg, Reviewer

Axofa Quick Facts

Bonus Offer10% Deposit Bonus
FTSE SpreadNA
GBPUSD SpreadFrom 1.6 pips
Stocks SpreadNA
Leverage1:1000
RegulatorSVGFSA
PlatformsMT5
Account CurrenciesUSD, IDR

Pros

  • Low ECN spreads are available from 0.0 pips, plus reasonable commissions at $3.50 per side
  • The broker offers a range of local payment methods, especially for clients in Asia, as well as crypto deposits
  • Axofa offers the MetaTrader 5 platform which will particularly serve intermediate to experienced traders looking for advanced charting tools

Cons

  • There is a lack of transparency around pricing and account conditions, which significantly reduces the trust score
  • The offshore operations and lack of any regulatory oversight is a major concern
  • There is limited verifiable information about the broker’s owners and background

Sage FX

"Sage FX will suit forex traders looking for high leverage and ECN spreads. The broker's prop trading service will also appeal to users looking for funded accounts with up to $200K available."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

Sage FX Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$1,500 trading competition
FTSE Spread5.0
GBPUSD Spread0.9
Stocks SpreadN/A
Leverage1:500
RegulatorPending
PlatformsTradeLocker
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD

Pros

  • Ability to deposit and withdraw via Bitcoin
  • Bonus offers and trading competitions
  • Low starting deposit from $10

Cons

  • Lacks educational resources and other extra features
  • Not regulated by any reputable body
  • Relatively narrow range of asset classes

InstaTrade

"Although InstaTrade offers active trading on a comprehensive platform, it stands out with its fairly unique Fixed Income Structured Product (FISP), providing passive investment opportunities with up to 50% returns in 6 months if conditions are met. "

Christian Harris, Reviewer

InstaTrade Quick Facts

FTSE Spread660
GBPUSD Spread0.2
Stocks Spread8 (Apple Inc)
Leverage1:1000
RegulatorBVI FSC
PlatformsInstaTrade Gear, MT4
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, RUB

Pros

  • Despite an average investment offering of around 300 assets, InstaTrade offers a particularly strong suite of currency pairs, catering to advanced traders seeking opportunities in volatile exotics.
  • InstaTrade delivers an excellent suite of charting tools for day traders with its web trader comprising 250+ indicators, 11 chart types and a user-friendly design.
  • VPS hosting caters to algo trading strategies with a dedicated physical server providing rapid execution speeds as low as 9 milliseconds.

Cons

  • InstaTrade sports one of the most cluttered websites and client cabinets in the industry, potentially overwhelming new traders, especially compared to XTB’s intuitive trading journey and resources.
  • InstaTrade’s growing educational tools provide valuable information for aspiring traders, but still trail category leaders like eToro with no structured course based on experience level.
  • InstaTrade is registered in the offshore jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, resulting in limited regulatory safeguards for retail investors.

Binary Options Explained

The simple definition is that binary options are a simplified type of speculation where traders make straightforward price predictions about an asset over a set period. With the most basic contracts, investors need only predict if an asset’s price will be higher or lower than its current value after the contract expires. For example, will Twitter’s share price be higher or lower than $40 in six hours?

Binary options are similar to sports or event gambling in that users stake money for a fixed-odds return. Payouts on traditional binary options can reach 95%, while a losing trade will see the investor lose their initial stake.

Types Of Binary Options

Traders worldwide can use this investment vehicle to make price predictions on a wide range of markets. However, there are significant regional differences between European-style binary options and the alternatives for US residents.

Before diving into the alternatives to binary options, here is a brief overview of the differences between the USA and European-style instruments:

European Binary Options

European or traditional binary options allow investors to stake funds on the price movement of an asset in exchange for a fixed payout if their prediction is correct. However, some binary options brokers offer alternative variants for different trading strategies:

US-Style Binary Options

US-style binary options, also sometimes referred to as fixed-return options, differ because they are exchange-traded rather than sold over-the-counter (OTC) by individual brokers. This gives investors more flexibility to exit positions early and provides traders with additional security.

All US-style binary options offer a set payout of $100 per contract, with investors profiting from the difference between the price paid for a contract and the set final value.

Brokers often make their money from commissions for buying, selling and settling winning trades, similar to some of our binary options alternatives.

Markets

Binary options offer access to an excellent range of markets. However, it is worth noting that none of these assets are owned during the trade. Binary options are simply derivatives with which to speculate on price movements.

Here are some of the markets that binary options traders typically have access to:

Note, not all of the binary options alternatives listed below offer such wide market access.

Best binary options alternatives
Trading Binary Options On Focus Option

Pros Of Binary Options

Here are some of the reasons that binary options are popular with global investors:

Cons Of Binary Options

Here are some examples of why traders may prefer alternatives to binary options:

Binary Options Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    Pocket Option
    50% Deposit Bonus

    Ratings
    2 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.2 / 5

    $50
    $1
    MISA
    Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos
    Web, MT4, MT5
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Volet, Perfect Money, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, WebMoney, FasaPay, Ethereum Payments, Maestro, JetonCash, Airtel
    USD
  2. 2
    IQCent
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    2.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.1 / 5

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    IFMRRC
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    Online Platform, TradingView
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, Mastercard
    USD, EUR
  3. 3
    CloseOption
    $10 Welcome Gift

    $5
    $1
    National Bank of Georgia
    Binary Options on Forex & Cryptos
    Own
    PayPal, WebMoney, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD
  4. 4
    Videforex
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    TradingView
    Skrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB
  5. 5
    Binarium

    $5
    $1
    Forex, Stocks, Cryptos
    Own
    QIWI, Yandex Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, WebMoney, Wire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, AUD, RUB
  6. 6
    BinaryCent
    20% - 200% deposit bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    VFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities
    Own
    Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, Credit Card, Skrill, WebMoney, Neteller, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Ethereum Payments
    USD
  7. 7
    RaceOption
    20% - 200% Deposit Bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    Binary Options, CFDs
    TradingView
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Skrill, Perfect Money, Mastercard, Visa, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB
  8. 8
    World Forex
    100% Deposit Bonus

    $1
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    SVGFSA
    Forex, CFD Stocks, Metals, Energies, Cryptos, Digital Contracts
    MT4, MT5
    Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Google Wallet, Apple Pay, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Volet
    USD, EUR, RUB

Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:

  1. Pocket Option - Established in 2017, Pocket Option is a binary options broker offering high/low contracts on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. With over 100,000 active users and a global reach, the platform continues to prove popular with budding traders.
  2. IQCent - IQCent is an offshore binary options and CFD broker based in the Marshall Islands. The brand continues to offer a range of unique account types with bonuses and perks, including payout boosts, TradeBacks and free rollovers. With 100+ assets, around-the-clock trading and 98% payouts, the firm is popular with aspiring short-term traders.
  3. CloseOption - CloseOption is a Georgia-headquartered broker with over a decade in the trading industry. The brand offers high/low binary options trading on forex and crypto markets, with decent payouts, welcome bonuses, 24/7 customer support and intuitive trading software.
  4. Videforex - Launched in 2017, Videforex offers access to stock, index, crypto, forex and commodities markets via binary options and CFDs. The proprietary platform, mobile app and integrated copy trading are user-friendly and will suit new and casual traders, and the market analysis tools and trading contests provide good ways to improve your trading skills.
  5. Binarium - Binarium is an established international broker offering binary options trading on diverse markets including stocks, indices, forex, commodities and cryptocurrencies. Traders can start trading with as little as $1 and earn payouts up to 80% of their stake.
  6. BinaryCent - BinaryCent is an unregulated binary options broker that offers 24/7 trading on forex, cryptos and stocks with payouts up to 95%. Despite its lack of regulation, this broker takes client security seriously and stores client funds in European banks. The broker also offers CFDs with very high leverage up to 1:500.
  7. RaceOption - RaceOption is a binary options broker operating from the Marshall Islands. With over 1,500 clients, the broker aims to offer fast funding, low fees and a secure trading environment. Traders can access over 100 binary options and CFDs, plus copy trading and weekly prizes.
  8. World Forex - World Forex is an offshore broker registered in St Vincent and the Grenadines, offering commission-free trading with a $1 minimum deposit and 1:1000 leverage. Digital contracts are also available, offering beginners a straightforward way to speculate on popular financial markets.

Pocket Option

"Pocket Option excels for its easy-to-use web platform which provides a best-in-class user experience for short-term binary traders. The $50 minimum deposit is also accessible for beginners while opening an account is really easy. Looking at the negatives, Pocket Option still trails alternatives in its market offering and regulatory credentials."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Pocket Option Quick Facts

Bonus Offer50% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsBinary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos
RegulatorMISA
PlatformsWeb, MT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$50
Minimum Trade$1
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • The web platform shines for its straightforward design and usability that will appeal to beginners looking to speculate on popular financial markets in a few clicks
  • The MetaTrader platforms offer integrated analysis with helpful technical summaries for short-term traders
  • Extremely fast and smooth sign-up process that takes less than 2 minutes

Cons

  • The MISA is a weak regulator with limited investor protection for retail traders
  • The maximum binary contract length of 4 hours is restrictive for longer-term trading strategies. Alternatives like Videforex offer binaries up to 1 month
  • Despite offering competitive payouts up to 92%, binary brokers like IQCent offer higher returns up to 98% based on tests

IQCent

"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

IQCent Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsBinary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorIFMRRC
PlatformsOnline Platform, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$250
Minimum Trade$0.01
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • There's an accessible $0.01 minimum stake for new day traders with a small budget
  • The broker's 24/7 customer support is fast and reliable, responding within 1 minute during tests
  • The broker offers up to 98% payouts on binary options, which is more than alternatives like Pocket Option, only offering up to 92%

Cons

  • The market analysis is very basic with limited technical summaries and insights from analysts
  • The broker is not overseen by a respected regulator, though this is common among binary options firms
  • There's no automated trading support for algo traders

CloseOption

"CloseOption is a good pick for traders seeking a user-friendly binary options platform with high payouts and joining bonuses."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

CloseOption Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$10 Welcome Gift
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsBinary Options on Forex & Cryptos
RegulatorNational Bank of Georgia
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade$1
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • The user-friendly platform is compatible with most web browsers
  • Multiple global payment methods are available
  • New traders can get started with a $5 minimum deposit

Cons

  • CloseOption is not regulated by a well-regarded trading authority
  • Binary options are only available on fiat and digital currencies
  • Clients need to deposit $50,000+ to qualify for the best payouts

Videforex

"Videforex will serve traders looking for a no-frills, easy-to-use platform to speculate on the direction of popular financial markets through binaries. With a sign-up process that takes a matter of minutes and a web-accessible platform, getting started is a breeze. "

William Berg, Reviewer

Videforex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsBinary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
PlatformsTradingView
Minimum Deposit$250
Minimum Trade$0.01
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB

Pros

  • Videforex regularly runs trading contests, offering practice opportunities and cash prizes to beginners and experienced traders, with position sizes from just ¢0.01.
  • Traders can earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options, bringing it in line with competitors like IQCent.
  • Videforex is one of the few brokers with 24/7 multilingual video support, providing comprehensive assistance for active traders.

Cons

  • The absence of any educational tools is a serious drawback for newer traders who can find blogs, videos and live trading sessions at category leaders.
  • Videforex lacks authorization from a trusted regulator, meaning traders may receive little to zero safeguards like segregated client accounts.
  • The client terminal needs improvements based on our latest tests, sporting sometimes slow and unresponsive widgets which could dampen the experience for day traders.

Binarium

"Binarium has been designed with simplicity in mind, featuring a fast, fully digital sign-up process and an intuitive platform and app with 4 chart types and 12 indicators. With binaries spanning 5 minutes to 3 months, it caters to short- and medium-term traders."

William Berg, Reviewer

Binarium Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Cryptos
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade$1
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, AUD, RUB

Pros

  • The $10,000 demo account, deposit-doubling welcome bonus, smooth sign-up, and 24/7 support make for an attractive onboarding experience.
  • Binarium claims to segregate client funds with EU banks, meaning traders’ money should not be misused and providing an important layer of protection, which is especially relevant given its offshore status.
  • Binarium has the best education centre we’ve seen amongst binary options brands, complete with information on core topics like trading basics and account options, plus professional video guides to using the platform.

Cons

  • Payouts of up to 80% are on the low side of binary options platforms based on our evaluations, which may deter traders looking for the possible best returns, though you can get back up to 15% of losing trades.
  • Binarium has some way to go to match the investment offering of binary firms like Quotex, with a particularly weak selection of around 20 currencies and 3 cryptocurrencies.
  • Despite being operational since 2012, Binarium is an unregulated broker with limited transparency on its website, raising safety concerns and potentially putting your capital at risk.

BinaryCent

"Traders who want a reliable binary options broker with a streamlined platform and high payouts should try out BinaryCent."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

BinaryCent Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% - 200% deposit bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities
RegulatorVFSC
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$250
Minimum Trade$0.01
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • Accepts a wide range of funding methods, including cryptos and e-wallets
  • Simple and straightforward proprietary platform for binary options trading
  • Trade binary contracts from $0.10 allowing trading opportunities for all budgets

Cons

  • Not available to traders based in the US
  • Not overseen by any reputable regulator, raising risks and reducing customer protections
  • The $250 minimum deposit is higher than most binary options brokers

RaceOption

"RaceOption will appeal to investors looking for a feature-rich binary options trading experience with regular contests, account-based perks, and copy trading. The catch is its unregulated status, with little to zero investor protections available based on our investigations."

William Berg, Reviewer

RaceOption Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% - 200% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsBinary Options, CFDs
PlatformsTradingView
Minimum Deposit$250
Minimum Trade$0.01
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB

Pros

  • Payouts on popular underlying assets like EUR/USD can reach 95%, beating out most alternatives based on our evaluations, and increasing potential returns, while the first 3 trades are risk-free in Silver and Gold accounts.
  • RaceOption is in the less than 1% of brokers that offers video chat, available 24/7 in multiple languages, although the knowledge of agents about trading and regulatory issues needs improvement from our direct experience.
  • RaceOption makes account funding a breeze with fee-free and near-instant deposits via bank cards and cryptos, plus guaranteed withdrawals processing within 1 hour.

Cons

  • While still affordable for many retail investors, the $250 minimum deposit raises the entry barrier, especially compared to Deriv and World Forex who are designed for budget traders.
  • RaceOption is one of the only brokers not to offer a demo account, which when considered alongside the absence of education, makes this broker a poor choice for beginners.
  • RaceOption is an unregulated, high-risk broker that doesn’t provide investor compensation or legal recourse options should you run into trading or withdrawal issues.

World Forex

"World Forex provides both highly leveraged CFDs and digital contracts, making this a good broker for clients who want flexible and rewarding ways to trade. The copy trading service will also appeal to newer traders."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

World Forex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer100% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, CFD Stocks, Metals, Energies, Cryptos, Digital Contracts
RegulatorSVGFSA
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$1
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, RUB

Pros

  • Low deposit of $1
  • MT4, MT5 and a proprietary trading terminal
  • 10+ accepted payment methods

Cons

  • Withdrawal fees apply
  • No negative balance protection
  • Weak regulation

Alternatives To Binary Options

Many alternative instruments offer solutions if binary options do not fulfil your trading needs. While this list is not exhaustive, some examples of the most popular and valuable binary options alternatives are:

Binary Options Alternative 1: CFDs

Our first binary options alternative is contracts for difference, or CFDs. CFDs are hugely popular trading instruments for forex and commodity markets. Similarly to binary options, investors have no ownership of an underlying asset and only trade on its market price.

Unfortunately for American investors, CFDs are heavily restricted in the US. However, in this article, there are other binary options alternatives listed that are available in the US.

Markets

This binary options alternative boasts a more comprehensive selection of markets, partly due to the many more brokers offering CFDs than binary options.

Using CFDs, traders can speculate on major, minor and exotic forex pairs, indices, stocks, ETFs, commodities, cryptos, bonds and interest rates markets.

Complexity

CFDs are slightly more complex than binary options despite being governed by the same principles of going either long or short on an asset. However, investors need not be experts to open a CFD trade.

The positive side of this added complexity, traders have more order types to choose from to create more precise positions.

Profit & Loss Potential

CFD trading promises the potential for far greater payouts through leverage. Some global CFD brokers offer leverage of 1:500 or even higher.

However, with greater potential for reward comes greater risk. Losses are not capped and can quickly wipe out significant capital when trading using high leverage. Our excerpts advise investors to use tools like a stop loss or trailing stop to minimize losses on CFDs.

Fees & Commissions

CFDs can be a cost-effective way of trading versus some of the other binary options alternatives outlined below. Typical broker fees are competitive and charged either through commission or are contained within the spread of a product.

However, customers should ensure that their broker has no hidden charges such as inactivity, deposit, withdrawal or platform fees.

Safety & Regulation

Regarding safety, CFDs rank higher than binary options due to a higher proportion of brokers being regulated.

However, this is not to say that fraudulent CFD brokers do not exist. For maximum protection, prospective clients should favour brokers regulated by a reputable body such as the FCA or ASIC.

Strategies

CFDs may have the least strategies available of all the binary options alternatives in this guide. Investors must ultimately pick between going long or short on an asset. While hedging is possible, other instruments are better suited to this strategy.

CFD Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    Interactive Brokers

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5

    $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, eSignal, TradingCentral
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
  2. 2
    IG
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
  3. 3
    IQCent
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    2.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.1 / 5

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    IFMRRC
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    Online Platform, TradingView
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, Mastercard
    USD, EUR
  4. 4
    RedMars

    Ratings
    3.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    4.6 / 5

    €250
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    CySEC, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos
    MT5
    Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, Visa
    USD, EUR
  5. 5
    Capitalcore
    40% Deposit Bonus up to $2,500

    Ratings
    3.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    0 / 5
    0 / 5

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:2000
    IFSA
    Forex, Metals, Stocks, Cryptos, Futures Indices
    WebTrader, Pro
    Ethereum Payments, Mastercard, Visa, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Debit Card, Credit Card, PayPal
    USD
  6. 6
    Videforex
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    TradingView
    Skrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB
  7. 7
    xChief
    $100 No Deposit Bonus

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    VFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices
    MT4, MT5
    Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Credit Card, UnionPay, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, Perfect Money, Debit Card, Ethereum Payments, FasaPay, Volet
    USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF
  8. 8
    Axofa
    10% Deposit Bonus

    $1
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    SVGFSA
    Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
    MT5
    Debit Card, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer
    USD, IDR
  9. 9
    Sage FX
    $1,500 trading competition

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    Pending
    Forex, indices, cryptos
    TradeLocker
    Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
  10. 10
    Forwex

    Ratings
    0.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    3 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    2.3 / 5
    0.5 / 5
    0.3 / 5
    0 / 5
    0 / 5

    $10
    0.001 Lots
    1:2000
    CFDs, Forex, Precious Metals, Crypto
    Own
    Debit Card, Credit Card, Mastercard, Visa, Wire Transfer, Ethereum Payments, Bitcoin Payments, Paybis
    USD, EUR, GBP

Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons

  1. Interactive Brokers - Over 8,000 CFDs are offered on a vast array of instruments, encompassing stocks, indices, forex, and commodities. Moreover, the TWS platform lends itself to seasoned day traders, offering a comprehensive selection of over 100 order types and algorithms, alongside premium market data sourced from reputable sources such as Reuters and Dow Jones.
  2. IG - IG offers a huge selection of 17,000+ CFDs, providing more trading opportunities than most CFD brokers. Traders can go long or short on popular markets like stocks, currencies, commodities and cryptos, while custom price alerts and the IG Academy continue to enhance the trading experience.
  3. IQCent - CFDs are available on forex, indices, commodities and cryptos, although the range of 100+ instruments is limited compared to alternatives such as Quotex with 400+. Leverage is available up to 1:500 but the $250 minimum deposit is noticeably higher than competitors.
  4. RedMars - RedMars caters to various short-term trading styles across popular asset classes, including 7 commodities, 14 indices, and 120+ stocks. Leverage is available up to 1:30 (retail) and 1:500 (pro), amplifying results. However, there is no calculator to help with understanding margin requirements and the depth of investments is limited.
  5. Capitalcore - The range of CFDs at Capitalcore is narrow, with 6 precious metals, 6 indices, and a slim suite of stocks. Notably, there are no commodities such as oil or gas and spreads vary greatly. Tiered leverage is available depending on the account, from 1:100 to 1:2000.
  6. Videforex - Videforex CFDs are available on forex, indices, cryptocurrencies and commodities with up to 1:500 leverage and tight spreads from near zero. CFDs incur a commission fee of 1%–2.5% and up to 5% for leveraged trades.
  7. xChief - You can trade a competitive range of CFDs encompassing crypto, indices, energies and metals, with very high leverage up to 1:1000. ECN pricing is available, with spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions from $2.50. A Cent account is also available for those on a smaller budget.
  8. Axofa - CFDs are available on popular asset classes with a competitive $1 minimum deposit. The MT5 integration will allow serious short-term traders to utilize the vast library of technical tools, bots and indicators, but the lack of any CFD trading education puts the broker behind many alternatives.
  9. Sage FX - Trade CFDs on forex, stocks, metals, energies, indices, cryptos and dollar futures. Sage FX offers tight spreads and high leverage on all instruments from 1:100 to 1:500.
  10. Forwex - Forwex is a CFD broker that allows you to speculate on asset price movements without owning the underlying asset through extremely high leverage up to 1:2000. It offers CFDs on currencies, cryptocurrencies, and precious metals but excludes other commodities, indices, stocks, ETFs, and bonds, which are found on many other platforms. Given the high-risk nature of this derivative product, the lack of CFD educational guides for aspiring investors is also a major drawback.

Binary Options Alternatives Comparison

Binary Options Alternatives Comparison
Broker CFD Leverage Minimum Deposit Minimum Trade Regulators
Interactive Brokers logo
1:50 $0 $100 FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
IG logo
1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) $0 0.01 Lots FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
IQCent logo
1:500 $250 $0.01 IFMRRC
RedMars logo
1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) €250 0.01 Lots CySEC, AFM
Capitalcore logo
1:2000 $10 0.01 Lots IFSA
Videforex logo
1:500 $250 $0.01 -
xChief logo
1:1000 $10 0.01 Lots VFSC
Axofa logo
1:1000 $1 0.01 Lots SVGFSA
Sage FX logo
1:500 $10 0.01 Lots Pending
Forwex logo
1:2000 $10 0.001 Lots -

Interactive Brokers

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Interactive Brokers Quick Facts

FTSE Spread0.005% (£1 Min)
GBPUSD Spread0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
Stocks Spread0.003
Leverage1:50
RegulatorFCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Pros

  • With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
  • IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries, most recently the Saudi Stock Exchange.
  • There's a vast library of free or paid third-party research subscriptions catering to all types of traders, plus you can enjoy commission reimbursements from IBKR if you subscribe to Toggle AI.

Cons

  • TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.
  • Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
  • IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

FTSE Spread1.0
GBPUSD Spread0.9
Stocks Spread0.02
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met.
  • IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis.
  • The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our 'Best Trading App' award.

Cons

  • Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests.
  • IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
  • While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients.

IQCent

"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

IQCent Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
FTSE Spread1.4
GBPUSD Spread0.8
Stocks SpreadN/A
Leverage1:500
RegulatorIFMRRC
PlatformsOnline Platform, TradingView
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • The broker's 24/7 customer support is fast and reliable, responding within 1 minute during tests
  • IQCent is one of the few binary options brokers that also offers a copy trading service for hands-off traders
  • There's an accessible $0.01 minimum stake for new day traders with a small budget

Cons

  • IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 100 assets with no stocks
  • There's no automated trading support for algo traders
  • IQCent charges a punitive $10 monthly inactivity fee if you fail to place at least 1 trade per month

RedMars

"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

RedMars Quick Facts

FTSE Spread15
GBPUSD Spread0.7
Stocks SpreadVariable
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
RegulatorCySEC, AFM
PlatformsMT5
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies
  • Clients in the EU, in particular, can trade with peace of mind knowing RedMars is authorized by the CySEC with up to €20K compensation available through the ICF in the event of bankruptcy
  • The broker is one of a limited number of firms to offer an account specially designed for VIPs with premium support and invites to exclusive events

Cons

  • With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
  • RedMars falls short for newer traders, with little in the way of education, no beginner-friendly platform, a steep minimum deposit, and inadequate support during testing
  • The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.

Capitalcore

"The major selling points of Capitalcore are its high leverage options up to 1:2000 and zero commission or swap fees. However, its weak regulatory oversight from the IFSA and non-existent education place it far behind the top brokers."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Capitalcore Quick Facts

Bonus Offer40% Deposit Bonus up to $2,500
FTSE Spread25
GBPUSD Spread0.5
Stocks Spread1.5 (Apple)
Leverage1:2000
RegulatorIFSA
PlatformsWebTrader, Pro
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • Capitalcore is one of the only brokers to charge zero swap fees, which may appeal to Islamic traders looking to comply with Islamic Finance.
  • The Capitalcore platform provides comprehensive charting tools and a wide range of 150+ technical indicators, ideal for detailed market analysis.
  • Unlike most brokers, Capitalcore offers an unlimited demo account that takes under 5 minutes to open.

Cons

  • The web platform was inconsistent during testing, with occasional technical glitches that meant the trading platform wouldn’t load.
  • Capitalcore’s threadbare education and research seriously trail category leaders like IG, making it less suitable for aspiring traders.
  • Capitalcore is not regulated by major financial authorities and has an unproven reputation, raising concerns about the safety of client funds.

Videforex

"Videforex will serve traders looking for a no-frills, easy-to-use platform to speculate on the direction of popular financial markets through binaries. With a sign-up process that takes a matter of minutes and a web-accessible platform, getting started is a breeze. "

William Berg, Reviewer

Videforex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
FTSE SpreadFloating from 0.2
GBPUSD SpreadFloating from 0.1
Stocks SpreadNA
Leverage1:500
PlatformsTradingView
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB

Pros

  • Videforex is one of the few brokers with 24/7 multilingual video support, providing comprehensive assistance for active traders.
  • Videforex regularly runs trading contests, offering practice opportunities and cash prizes to beginners and experienced traders, with position sizes from just ¢0.01.
  • Traders can earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options, bringing it in line with competitors like IQCent.

Cons

  • The absence of any educational tools is a serious drawback for newer traders who can find blogs, videos and live trading sessions at category leaders.
  • Videforex lacks authorization from a trusted regulator, meaning traders may receive little to zero safeguards like segregated client accounts.
  • The client terminal needs improvements based on our latest tests, sporting sometimes slow and unresponsive widgets which could dampen the experience for day traders.

xChief

"xChief continues to prove popular with investors looking to trade highly leveraged CFDs on the popular MetaTrader platforms. The broker's rebate scheme and investment accounts will particularly appeal to seasoned traders. However, the lack of top-tier regulatory oversight is a major drawback."

William Berg, Reviewer

xChief Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$100 No Deposit Bonus
FTSE Spread70
GBPUSD Spread0.9
Stocks Spread50
Leverage1:1000
RegulatorVFSC
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF

Pros

  • The broker offers several account types to suit different traders, including a Cent account for beginners and pro-level hedging/netting accounts
  • The broker offers a turnover rebate scheme geared towards active investors, as well as trading credits and several other occasional bonuses
  • xChief offers STP/ECN execution with low spreads from 0.0 pips and low commission rates starting from $2.50 per side

Cons

  • The Classic+ and Cent accounts provide access to fewer instruments than the other account types, at 50+ and 35+, respectively
  • The total range of 150+ assets is much lower than most competitors who typically offer hundreds
  • Fees and minimums are imposed on most withdrawal methods, including a €60 minimum for SWIFT bank transfers

Axofa

"Axofa could be a good option for clients looking for social trading features alongside the MT5 platform. The low entry requirements and ECN spreads are particularly promising, but the lack of transparency and respected regulatory oversight raises security concerns."

William Berg, Reviewer

Axofa Quick Facts

Bonus Offer10% Deposit Bonus
FTSE SpreadNA
GBPUSD SpreadFrom 1.6 pips
Stocks SpreadNA
Leverage1:1000
RegulatorSVGFSA
PlatformsMT5
Account CurrenciesUSD, IDR

Pros

  • Axofa offers the MetaTrader 5 platform which will particularly serve intermediate to experienced traders looking for advanced charting tools
  • Low ECN spreads are available from 0.0 pips, plus reasonable commissions at $3.50 per side
  • The $1 minimum deposit across all 3 accounts will appeal to novices and those on a budget

Cons

  • Our team found inconsistencies between international subsidiaries and website information
  • The offshore operations and lack of any regulatory oversight is a major concern
  • There is limited verifiable information about the broker’s owners and background

Sage FX

"Sage FX will suit forex traders looking for high leverage and ECN spreads. The broker's prop trading service will also appeal to users looking for funded accounts with up to $200K available."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

Sage FX Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$1,500 trading competition
FTSE Spread5.0
GBPUSD Spread0.9
Stocks SpreadN/A
Leverage1:500
RegulatorPending
PlatformsTradeLocker
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD

Pros

  • Fast withdrawal processing
  • Flexible accounts with STP and ECN solutions available
  • Ability to deposit and withdraw via Bitcoin

Cons

  • Relatively narrow range of asset classes
  • Lacks educational resources and other extra features
  • Not regulated by any reputable body

Forwex

"Forwex is built for CFD traders looking for extremely high leverage, a slick sign-up and a user-friendly web platform. However, the limited charting package consisting of two chart types and eight indicators, alongside the lack of regulatory oversight, woeful customer support, and restrictions on strategies like scalping, make this broker a poor choice for most day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Forwex Quick Facts

FTSE SpreadNA
GBPUSD SpreadFrom 0.1
Stocks SpreadNA
Leverage1:2000
PlatformsOwn
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP

Pros

  • Support for crypto accounts, based in BTC, makes the broker an attractive option for clients familiar with digital assets and interested in cryptocurrency trading.
  • Opening a Forwex account is a breeze, with no fees for deposits or withdrawals and activation taking less less than 24 hours during testing, making you feel ready to start your trading journey.
  • The web-based platform is very receptive with a dashboard that makes finding instruments a snap and creating a favorites list of frequently traded assets hassle-free.

Cons

  • Forwex's customer support is the worst we've encountered with a basic ticketing system that marked our unanswered queries as closed, making for a frustrating user experience that will deter beginner traders.
  • No support for a demo account means you can't practice day trading with virtual money in a risk-free environment, a service found at over 90% of the brokers we've evaluated.
  • Forwex needs a dedicated mobile app, which is a significant drawback in today's on-the-go market. Most competitors offer mobile platforms with real-time quotes, charting tools, and account management features.

Binary Options Alternative 2: Vanilla Options

Vanilla options are a popular derivative due to their high payouts and ability to cash settle. This also makes them one of the best alternatives to binary options.

Markets

Options are a primarily US-focussed instrument for making predictions about single stocks. Also available are indices and some commodities.

Complexity

Understanding regular options is more complex vs learning binary options. Contract prices are determined by a set of complex variables referred to as the Greeks, and investors need to be equipped with knowledge of financial concepts such as implied volatility and hedge ratios.

Profit & Loss Potential

Unlike binary options, there are no limits on the profit investors can make with a successful options trade. Options contracts also contain high innate leverage, with one contract based on 100 units of an asset.

However, with this potential for high rewards comes unlimited risk.

Fees & Commissions

Several brokers specialize in low-cost options trading– shop around to find competitive fees and commissions.

Safety & Regulation

Vanilla options are a highly regulated instrument versus some of the other binary options alternatives listed in this guide. When trading with a trusted broker, investors can trade this binary options alternative with confidence.

Strategies

Investors can choose to write options contracts or purchase them from an exchange as speculative assets or for hedging existing trades. Options spreads can be used to profit from various trading metrics such as volatility or direction.

Traders can also sell covered calls to lock in smaller but safer profits consistently– a strategy available with binary options.

Vanilla Options Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    FOREX.com
    Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5

    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
    MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN
  2. 2
    NinjaTrader

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    2.9 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.2 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
    NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Cheque
    USD
  3. 3
    Interactive Brokers

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5

    $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, eSignal, TradingCentral
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
  4. 4
    eToro USA
    Invest $100 and get $10
    Securities trading offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc. (“the BD”), member of FINRA and SIPC. Cryptocurrency offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk. https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    3.4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5

    $100
    $10
    SEC, FINRA
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
    eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer
    USD
  5. 5
    IG
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
  6. 6
    Moomoo
    Get up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000

    Ratings
    4.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    3.3 / 5

    $0
    $0
    1:2
    SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
    Desktop Platform, Mobile App
    Wire Transfer, ACH Transfer
    USD, HKD, SGD
  7. 7
    Firstrade
    Deposit Bonus Up To $4000

    $0
    $1
    SEC, FINRA
    Stocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Cryptos, Fixed
    Own
    ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Cheque, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service
    USD
  8. 8
    Zacks Trade

    $2500
    $3
    FINRA
    Stocks, ETFs, Cryptos, Options, Bonds
    Own
    Wire Transfer, ACH Transfer, Cheque
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, RUB, PLN, CZK, HUF
  9. 9
    BinaryCent
    20% - 200% deposit bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    VFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities
    Own
    Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, Credit Card, Skrill, WebMoney, Neteller, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Ethereum Payments
    USD

Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:

  1. FOREX.com - Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
  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.
  3. Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
  4. eToro USA - eToro is a social investing platform that offers short-term and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options and crypto. The broker is well-known for its user-friendly community-centred platform and competitive fees. With FINRA and SIPC oversight and millions of users across the world, eToro is still one of the most respected brands in the industry. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
  5. IG - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
  6. Moomoo - Moomoo is an SEC-regulated app-based investment platform that offers a straightforward and affordable way to invest in Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean, Australian and US stocks, ETFs and other assets. Margin trading is available and the brand offers a zero-deposit account as well as several bonuses.
  7. Firstrade - Firstrade is a US-headquartered discount broker-dealer with authorization from the SEC. The company is also a member of FINRA/SIPC. With welcome bonuses, powerful tools and apps, plus commission-free trading, Firstrade Securities is a popular online brokerage. It is also quick and easy to open a new account.
  8. Zacks Trade - Zacks Trade is a FINRA-regulated US broker offering trading on stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, bonds and more through a proprietary terminal. The broker is geared toward active traders and offers very affordable fees on most assets as well as an app and a vast amount of market data.
  9. BinaryCent - BinaryCent is an unregulated binary options broker that offers 24/7 trading on forex, cryptos and stocks with payouts up to 95%. Despite its lack of regulation, this broker takes client security seriously and stores client funds in European banks. The broker also offers CFDs with very high leverage up to 1:500.

FOREX.com

"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

FOREX.com Quick Facts

Bonus OfferActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
  • Alongside a choice of leading platforms, FOREX.com offers a superb suite of supplementary tools including Trading Central research, SMART Signals pattern scanner, trading signals, and strategy builders.
  • With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.

Cons

  • FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
  • There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
  • Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.

NinjaTrader

"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

NinjaTrader Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • You can get thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries
  • Traders can get free platform access and trade simulation capabilities in the unlimited demo
  • NinjaTrader continues to deliver comprehensive charting software for active day traders with bespoke technical indicators and widgets

Cons

  • Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
  • There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
  • The premium platform tools come with an extra charge

Interactive Brokers

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Interactive Brokers Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
RegulatorFCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$100
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Pros

  • While primarily geared towards experienced traders, IBKR has made moves to broaden its appeal in recent years, reducing its minimum deposit from $10,000 to $0.
  • The TWS platform has clearly been built for intermediate and advanced traders and comes with over 100 order types and a reliable real-time market data feed that rarely goes offline.
  • With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.

Cons

  • You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
  • TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.
  • Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.

eToro USA

"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

eToro USA Quick Facts

Bonus OfferInvest $100 and get $10
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
RegulatorSEC, FINRA
PlatformseToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade$10
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC
  • Investors can access Smart Portfolios for a more hands-off approach, covering a range of sectors and markets such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence
  • The online broker offers an intuitive social investment network with straightforward copy trading on cryptos

Cons

  • There's a narrower range of day trading instruments available compared to competitors, with only stocks, ETFs and cryptos
  • The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
  • There's no MetaTrader 4 platform integration for traders who are accustomed to using third-party charting tools

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis.
  • IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, plus recently added US-listed futures and options, providing ample diversification opportunities.
  • The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our 'Best Trading App' award.

Cons

  • While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients.
  • Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests.
  • IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders.

Moomoo

"Moomoo remains an excellent choice for new and intermediate stock traders who want to build a diverse investment portfolio. What really stands out is the broker's user-friendly app and the low trading fees."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Moomoo Quick Facts

Bonus OfferGet up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
RegulatorSEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC
PlatformsDesktop Platform, Mobile App
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$0
Leverage1:2
Account CurrenciesUSD, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • The broker offers access to extended pre-market trading hours
  • It is reassuring that Moomoo holds licenses with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), among others
  • Moomoo is a Member of FINRA and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), adding another level of security for prospective clients

Cons

  • There is no phone or live chat support - common options at most other brokers
  • It's a shame that there is no 2 factor authentication (2FA), despite the other security features on offer
  • There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers

Firstrade

"We recommend Firstrade for beginner investors looking to trade US stocks with no commissions. There is a wealth of free education plus premium-quality research and trading ideas from Morningstar, Briefing.com, Zacks and Benzinga."

William Berg, Reviewer

Firstrade Quick Facts

Bonus OfferDeposit Bonus Up To $4000
Demo AccountNo
InstrumentsStocks, ETFs, Options, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Cryptos, Fixed
RegulatorSEC, FINRA
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$1
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • Multiple customer support options
  • Access to education, research, and tools
  • SIPC member

Cons

  • No copy trading
  • Visa Credit/debit card deposits and withdrawals not accepted
  • No forex or futures trading

Zacks Trade

"Zacks Trade will suit active day traders with experience using powerful platforms. Fees and margin rates are low while the market research is excellent."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

Zacks Trade Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, ETFs, Cryptos, Options, Bonds
RegulatorFINRA
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$2500
Minimum Trade$3
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, RUB, PLN, CZK, HUF

Pros

  • Demo account
  • Comprehensive research and data
  • Regulated by FINRA with access to the Securities Investor Protection Corporation

Cons

  • High minimum requirement of $2,500
  • Withdrawal fees apply if removing funds more than once per month
  • No forex, commodities or futures trading

BinaryCent

"Traders who want a reliable binary options broker with a streamlined platform and high payouts should try out BinaryCent."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

BinaryCent Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% - 200% deposit bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Cryptos, Options, Commodities
RegulatorVFSC
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$250
Minimum Trade$0.01
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • Simple and straightforward proprietary platform for binary options trading
  • Payouts up to 95% are higher than most competitors and increases profit potential
  • Copy trading and binary options bots are useful for beginner traders

Cons

  • Not available to traders based in the US
  • Not overseen by any reputable regulator, raising risks and reducing customer protections
  • The $250 minimum deposit is higher than most binary options brokers

Binary Options Alternative 3: Futures

Futures are one of the most unique alternatives to binary options and forex trading. These are agreements to buy or sell an asset for a set price at a specific time. These derivatives were primarily used within the commodities industry as a hedge against future price fluctuations but are now a well-used financial instrument for many markets.

This type of trading involves the delivery of physical assets at expiry. It is exchange-traded rather than sold over-the-counter (OTC). Futures contracts are primarily associated with US markets, but EU and UK investors can still get involved.

Markets

While futures were first used on commodity markets such as cattle, wheat and orange juice, this instrument has expanded to cover assets like equities and cryptocurrencies.

Complexity

Futures are a fairly complex product compared to binary options. Though, with a thorough education, these contracts offer far greater strategic potential and can form a vital element of an expert investor’s trading arsenal.

Profit & Loss Potential

Futures contracts typically involve 1,000 units of a specific asset, and most futures brokers offer the opportunity to trade on margin for enhanced trading leverage. This gives investors the chance to make significant trading profits or losses.

It is with mentioning that futures can also be utilized to hedge against spot instruments to reduce risk.

Fees & Commissions

Fees for futures contracts can be higher than other instruments and binary options alternatives. However, traders will often receive a fee discount for high-volume trading or creating high-capital accounts.

Holding positions overnight will also come with swap fees, so this binary options alternative is best utilized for day trading or short-term swing trading.

Safety & Regulation

As with many binary options alternatives for US citizens, American futures contracts are regulated by the CTFC. Combined with the exchange-traded nature of futures contracts, this instrument is one of the safest to trade vs binary options.

Strategies

Regarding strategy, most traders will not hold futures contracts until expiry but look to resell their positions before the contract is automatically closed out. This is to avoid having to take delivery of the physical asset, such as barrels of oil.

Futures pricing can swing dramatically based on news and events, so acting quickly to any upcoming market changes will pay dividends with this instrument.

Futures Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    FOREX.com
    Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5

    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
    MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN
  2. 2
    NinjaTrader

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    2.9 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.2 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
    NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Cheque
    USD
  3. 3
    Interactive Brokers

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5

    $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, eSignal, TradingCentral
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
  4. 4
    IG
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
  5. 5
    Plus500 US
    Welcome Deposit Bonus up to $200
    Trading with leverage involves risk.

    Ratings
    3.5 / 5
    3.7 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    4.3 / 5

    $100
    0.0 Lots
    CFTC, NFA
    Futures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest Rates
    WebTrader, App
    ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Mastercard, Visa
    USD
  6. 6
    Moomoo
    Get up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000

    Ratings
    4.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3 / 5
    2 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    3.3 / 5

    $0
    $0
    1:2
    SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
    Desktop Platform, Mobile App
    Wire Transfer, ACH Transfer
    USD, HKD, SGD
  7. 7
    Capitalcore
    40% Deposit Bonus up to $2,500

    Ratings
    3.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    0 / 5
    0 / 5

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:2000
    IFSA
    Forex, Metals, Stocks, Cryptos, Futures Indices
    WebTrader, Pro
    Ethereum Payments, Mastercard, Visa, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Debit Card, Credit Card, PayPal
    USD
  8. 8
    Videforex
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    TradingView
    Skrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB
  9. 9
    Axofa
    10% Deposit Bonus

    $1
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    SVGFSA
    Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
    MT5
    Debit Card, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer
    USD, IDR
  10. 10
    InstaTrade

    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5

    $1
    0.01
    1:1000
    BVI FSC
    FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures
    InstaTrade Gear, MT4
    Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, RUB

Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:

  1. FOREX.com - Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
  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.
  3. Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
  4. IG - Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
  5. Plus500 US - Plus500 is a well-established broker that entered the US market in 2021. Authorized by the CFTC and NFA, it provides futures trading on forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and interest rates. With a 10-minute sign-up, a manageable $100 minimum deposit, and a straightforward web platform, Plus500 continues to strengthen its offering for traders in the US.
  6. Moomoo - Moomoo is an SEC-regulated app-based investment platform that offers a straightforward and affordable way to invest in Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean, Australian and US stocks, ETFs and other assets. Margin trading is available and the brand offers a zero-deposit account as well as several bonuses.
  7. Capitalcore - Capitalcore is an offshore broker, based in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and established in 2019. Traders can choose from four accounts (Classic, Silver, Gold, VIP) with lower spreads and larger bonuses as you move through the tiers. Where Capitalcore distinguishes itself is its high leverage up to 1:2000 and zero swap fees, though these don’t compensate for the weak oversight from the IFSA and paltry education and research.
  8. Videforex - Launched in 2017, Videforex offers access to stock, index, crypto, forex and commodities markets via binary options and CFDs. The proprietary platform, mobile app and integrated copy trading are user-friendly and will suit new and casual traders, and the market analysis tools and trading contests provide good ways to improve your trading skills.
  9. Axofa - Axofa is a forex and CFD broker registered in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The broker offers three account types with access to forex, commodities and indices. With ECN processing, low minimum deposits and no commissions, Axofa remains an attractive option, although the broker does not hold a reputable license.
  10. InstaTrade - InstaTrade, based in the British Virgin Islands, is an online broker specializing in fixed income structured products and active trading through CFDs. Its zero-spread accounts, excellent research notably through InstaTrade TV, and access to the popular MT4 alongside its own web-accessible InstaTrade Gear, make it an attractive option for short-term traders at every level.

FOREX.com

"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

FOREX.com Quick Facts

Bonus OfferActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
  • Alongside a choice of leading platforms, FOREX.com offers a superb suite of supplementary tools including Trading Central research, SMART Signals pattern scanner, trading signals, and strategy builders.
  • FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.

Cons

  • Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
  • There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
  • FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.

NinjaTrader

"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

NinjaTrader Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC
  • Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract
  • You can get thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries

Cons

  • Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
  • There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
  • The premium platform tools come with an extra charge

Interactive Brokers

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Interactive Brokers Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies
RegulatorFCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$100
Leverage1:50
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Pros

  • IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries, most recently the Saudi Stock Exchange.
  • While primarily geared towards experienced traders, IBKR has made moves to broaden its appeal in recent years, reducing its minimum deposit from $10,000 to $0.
  • With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.

Cons

  • IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
  • TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.
  • You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, plus recently added US-listed futures and options, providing ample diversification opportunities.
  • The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our 'Best Trading App' award.
  • IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis.

Cons

  • IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders.
  • Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges.
  • IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.

Plus500 US

"Plus500 US stands out as an excellent choice for beginners, offering a very user-friendly platform, low day trading margins, and access to the Futures Academy to enhance trading skills."

Michael MacKenzie, Reviewer

Plus500 US Quick Facts

Bonus OfferWelcome Deposit Bonus up to $200
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsFutures on Forex, Commodities, Cryptos, Indices, Interest Rates
RegulatorCFTC, NFA
PlatformsWebTrader, App
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.0 Lots
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • The trading app provides a terrific user experience with a modern design, a clean layout and mobile-optimized charts
  • The Futures Academy is an excellent resource for new traders with engaging videos and easy-to-follow articles, while the unlimited demo account is great for testing strategies
  • Plus500 is a publicly traded company with a good reputation, over 24 million traders, and a sponsor of the Chicago Bulls, instilling a sense of trust

Cons

  • Despite competitive pricing, Plus500 US lacks a discount program for high-volume day traders, a scheme found at brokers like Interactive Brokers
  • While Plus500 US continues to broaden its investment offering, it's currently restricted to around 50+ futures with no stocks
  • Plus500 US does not offer social trading capabilities, a feature available at alternatives like eToro US which could strengthen its offering for aspiring traders

Moomoo

"Moomoo remains an excellent choice for new and intermediate stock traders who want to build a diverse investment portfolio. What really stands out is the broker's user-friendly app and the low trading fees."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Moomoo Quick Facts

Bonus OfferGet up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsStocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
RegulatorSEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC
PlatformsDesktop Platform, Mobile App
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade$0
Leverage1:2
Account CurrenciesUSD, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • Moomoo's analytics and insights are impressive and detailed compared to other brands
  • There are reduced options contract fees from $0.65 to $0
  • Moomoo is a Member of FINRA and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), adding another level of security for prospective clients

Cons

  • There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers
  • There is no phone or live chat support - common options at most other brokers
  • It's a shame that there is no 2 factor authentication (2FA), despite the other security features on offer

Capitalcore

"The major selling points of Capitalcore are its high leverage options up to 1:2000 and zero commission or swap fees. However, its weak regulatory oversight from the IFSA and non-existent education place it far behind the top brokers."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Capitalcore Quick Facts

Bonus Offer40% Deposit Bonus up to $2,500
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, Metals, Stocks, Cryptos, Futures Indices
RegulatorIFSA
PlatformsWebTrader, Pro
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:2000
Account CurrenciesUSD

Pros

  • The Capitalcore platform provides comprehensive charting tools and a wide range of 150+ technical indicators, ideal for detailed market analysis.
  • Capitalcore is one of the only brokers to charge zero swap fees, which may appeal to Islamic traders looking to comply with Islamic Finance.
  • Unlike most brokers, Capitalcore offers an unlimited demo account that takes under 5 minutes to open.

Cons

  • Capitalcore’s threadbare education and research seriously trail category leaders like IG, making it less suitable for aspiring traders.
  • Capitalcore is not regulated by major financial authorities and has an unproven reputation, raising concerns about the safety of client funds.
  • Platform support is limited to proprietary software, so there's no integration with the market-leading MetaTrader or cTrader, which offer built-in economic news and support automated trading.

Videforex

"Videforex will serve traders looking for a no-frills, easy-to-use platform to speculate on the direction of popular financial markets through binaries. With a sign-up process that takes a matter of minutes and a web-accessible platform, getting started is a breeze. "

William Berg, Reviewer

Videforex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsBinary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
PlatformsTradingView
Minimum Deposit$250
Minimum Trade$0.01
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB

Pros

  • Videforex is one of the few brokers with 24/7 multilingual video support, providing comprehensive assistance for active traders.
  • Videforex regularly runs trading contests, offering practice opportunities and cash prizes to beginners and experienced traders, with position sizes from just ¢0.01.
  • Traders can earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options, bringing it in line with competitors like IQCent.

Cons

  • The absence of any educational tools is a serious drawback for newer traders who can find blogs, videos and live trading sessions at category leaders.
  • Videforex lacks authorization from a trusted regulator, meaning traders may receive little to zero safeguards like segregated client accounts.
  • The client terminal needs improvements based on our latest tests, sporting sometimes slow and unresponsive widgets which could dampen the experience for day traders.

Axofa

"Axofa could be a good option for clients looking for social trading features alongside the MT5 platform. The low entry requirements and ECN spreads are particularly promising, but the lack of transparency and respected regulatory oversight raises security concerns."

William Berg, Reviewer

Axofa Quick Facts

Bonus Offer10% Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
RegulatorSVGFSA
PlatformsMT5
Minimum Deposit$1
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, IDR

Pros

  • The broker offers a range of local payment methods, especially for clients in Asia, as well as crypto deposits
  • Axofa offers the MetaTrader 5 platform which will particularly serve intermediate to experienced traders looking for advanced charting tools
  • The $1 minimum deposit across all 3 accounts will appeal to novices and those on a budget

Cons

  • There is a lack of transparency around pricing and account conditions, which significantly reduces the trust score
  • There is limited verifiable information about the broker’s owners and background
  • Our team found inconsistencies between international subsidiaries and website information

InstaTrade

"Although InstaTrade offers active trading on a comprehensive platform, it stands out with its fairly unique Fixed Income Structured Product (FISP), providing passive investment opportunities with up to 50% returns in 6 months if conditions are met. "

Christian Harris, Reviewer

InstaTrade Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsFISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures
RegulatorBVI FSC
PlatformsInstaTrade Gear, MT4
Minimum Deposit$1
Minimum Trade0.01
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, RUB

Pros

  • InstaTrade claims to "guarantee" returns through the structured element of its passive trading solution (FISP), with applications approved within 24 hours.
  • Despite an average investment offering of around 300 assets, InstaTrade offers a particularly strong suite of currency pairs, catering to advanced traders seeking opportunities in volatile exotics.
  • InstaTrade delivers an excellent suite of charting tools for day traders with its web trader comprising 250+ indicators, 11 chart types and a user-friendly design.

Cons

  • InstaTrade is registered in the offshore jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, resulting in limited regulatory safeguards for retail investors.
  • InstaTrade’s growing educational tools provide valuable information for aspiring traders, but still trail category leaders like eToro with no structured course based on experience level.
  • Marketing of the FISP, especially phrasing around the “guarantee of profitability” and the “elimination of risks of trading on financial markets” raises concerns.

Binary Options Alternative 4: Spread Betting

One of the top instruments in our binary options alternatives examples is spread betting. Spread betting works similarly to CFD trading but comes with tax advantages in some regions as it is classed as gambling rather than trading.

Markets

As there are fewer spread betting brokers than CFD providers, there will be a smaller range of assets to choose from. However, spread betting speculation is still available for forex, indices, commodities, stocks and crypto markets.

Complexity

Spread betting is a reasonably straightforward instrument. However, expert traders can add complexity using order tools such as stop losses, take profit levels and automated trading bots.

Profit & Loss Potential

As with CFDs, traders can access significant leverage to multiply potential profits and losses when spread betting.

However, these levels are still likely lower than the high leverage available through international CFD brokers. This is because most spread betting providers are EU or UK-based and therefore have to comply with ESMA regulations limiting maximum margin.

Fees & Commissions

Fees and commissions are low with this alternative to binary options but will vary from broker to broker.

Safety & Regulation

Spread betting tends to be safer than CFDs and binary options due to the EU regulation of most brokers. In addition, as a more obscure field, fewer fraudulent providers are out there.

Strategies

As with CFDs, the range of strategies available is relatively limited. This binary options alternative is best suited to strong, short-term directional price movements, with significant profits available for successful speculation.

Spread Betting Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    IG
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons

  1. IG - IG offers spread betting on 17,000+ markets, including currencies, indices, shares and commodities - more than almost every alternative. Notably, IG also offers spread bets on less commonly offered assets like IPOs, allowing experienced traders to diversify their portfolios. For casual traders, IG also offers the opportunity to spread bet on weekend markets – a terrific feature that we don’t come across often.

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading, while IG has also added TradingView integration.
  • IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis.
  • The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met.

Cons

  • Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests.
  • IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders.
  • Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges.

Binary Options Alternative 5: Stock Trading

Stock trading is the most simple and common form of trading and one of the most popular alternatives to binary options. Investors can purchase single stocks, ETFs or mutual funds containing hand-picked segments of specific sectors or global markets.

Markets

The best stock trading brokers will offer thousands of stocks from many international regions, with equities from the USA, EU and UK reasonably standard for all. Some brokers will support mutual fund investing, while others may focus solely on single stocks and ETFs for day trading.

Complexity

Suitable for beginners up to experts, stock trading offers opportunities for day trading, swing trading, long-term investing or earning profit from dividends. This can be as simple as buying a stock and holding it for an extended period to as complex as setting up an automated dividend portfolio targeting the biggest yielding companies in a region.

Profit & Loss Potential

While margin trading is possible through some brokers, most stock trading is done on cash accounts. As a result, stock trading does not typically offer as much profit potential as derivative assets such as binary options, CFDs or vanilla options.

Fees & Commissions

Of all the binary options alternatives available, stock trading has the most variance in its fees. Some brokers allow free investing, while others charge commissions per stock or a dealing fee per trade.

In addition, some more traditional brokers, specifically international companies, will charge account fees. To offset these, many regions, including the USA and UK, offer tax-advantaged stock accounts that investors can use for retirement or general savings.

Safety & Regulation

There is no shortage of highly regulated brokers when making a stock trading investment. Regional regulators also protect the equities themselves for additional peace of mind. This is a key benefit over some of the other binary options alternatives explored below, including crypto exchanges.

Strategies

One of the greatest strengths of stock investing is the flexibility afforded for trading. Traders can hold positions for an unrestricted period, going long or short on an asset.

With this binary options alternative, investors can target high dividend-yield stocks to be paid an income from holding equities. Or, traders can set up bots to buy and sell based on preset parameters. Investors can even hedge spot stocks with futures positions to reduce risk.

Stock Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    FOREX.com
    Active Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5

    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Futures, Futures Options
    MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN
  2. 2
    Interactive Brokers

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5

    $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, eSignal, TradingCentral
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
  3. 3
    eToro USA
    Invest $100 and get $10
    Securities trading offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc. (“the BD”), member of FINRA and SIPC. Cryptocurrency offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk. https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    3.4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5

    $100
    $10
    SEC, FINRA
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
    eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer
    USD
  4. 4
    NinjaTrader

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    2.9 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.2 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
    NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Cheque
    USD
  5. 5
    IG
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
  6. 6
    Videforex
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    $250
    $0.01
    1:500
    Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    TradingView
    Skrill, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB
  7. 7
    Capitalcore
    40% Deposit Bonus up to $2,500

    Ratings
    3.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    0 / 5
    0 / 5

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:2000
    IFSA
    Forex, Metals, Stocks, Cryptos, Futures Indices
    WebTrader, Pro
    Ethereum Payments, Mastercard, Visa, Perfect Money, Bitcoin Payments, Debit Card, Credit Card, PayPal
    USD
  8. 8
    Sage FX
    $1,500 trading competition

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    Pending
    Forex, indices, cryptos
    TradeLocker
    Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
  9. 9
    InstaTrade

    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5

    $1
    0.01
    1:1000
    BVI FSC
    FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures
    InstaTrade Gear, MT4
    Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, RUB
  10. 10
    Empower

    $1 (Cash), $100,000 (Robo Advisor)
    Variable
    SEC, FINRA
    Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Fixed Income
    Own
    Wire Transfer
    USD

This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category:

  1. FOREX.com - FOREX.com provides access to a wide array of US, EU, and UK stock CFDs, featuring spreads as narrow as 1 point. This enables you to speculate on established household names and emerging IPOs, fostering ample opportunities for diversification within stock portfolios. US stocks are accessible from as low as 1.8 cents per share.
  2. Interactive Brokers - IBKR provides access to an unparalleled array of equity products originating from 24 diverse countries. Whether seeking capital appreciation, dividends, or voting rights, you can directly invest in stocks. Alternatively, you can engage in speculative trading on price movements through CFDs, futures and more than 13,000 ETFs. IBKR also enhanced its European equity derivatives offering in 2024 by adding trading on CBOE Europe Derivatives (CEDX).
  3. eToro USA - You can trade 3000+ popular US stocks and ETFs at eToro US, with zero commissions and fractional shares available. The broker remains an excellent choice for beginner stock traders, thanks to its comprehensive eToro Academy and user-friendly stock market research features.
  4. NinjaTrader - Stocks can be traded by connecting the NinjaTrader platform to supporting brokers. The firm also provides access to a range of index futures via standard and micro contracts, including the E-Mini S&P 500 Index Futures and E-Mini Russell 2000 Index Futures.
  5. IG - IG offers 13,000+ shares to trade or invest in, with more listed firms than nearly every competitor. The broker also excels for its zero commissions on US shares, while out-of-hours trading provides access to 70+ shares, plus popular ETFs and trusts, when the markets are closed.
  6. Videforex - Trade binary options and CFDs on global stocks from US, European, Russian and Asian exchanges, as well as 37 indices covering a wide range of global markets. The access to stocks trumps many binary options brokers.
  7. Capitalcore - Capitalcore offers just 18 stocks spanning major US firms like Apple, Netflix and Nvidia and a handful of futures indices. However, this falls way short of the 16,000+ global stocks and indices at alternatives like IG. Also, the lack of screeners and market insights results in a very limiting stock trading experience.
  8. Sage FX - Speculate on price movements of 37 US and European blue chip stock CFDs, including Adidas, Intel and Volkswagen. On the negative side, the selection of stocks is limited vs alternatives and direct share dealing isn't provided.
  9. InstaTrade - InstaTrade offers an average selection of around 200 global stocks and indices, subject to your location. A modest commission rate of 0.1% on US shares is applied, complemented by various tools designed to keep you informed on stock market developments, though its 'Stock Markets' analytics hadn't been updated for 4+ months during our latest round of testing.
  10. Empower - Empower offers opportunities on a range of sectors spanning major US stock exchanges, from financial services to technology and manufacturing. We rate the commission-free pricing and thousands of mutual funds and ETFs available in the self-investing account or ready-made portfolios.

FOREX.com

"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

FOREX.com Quick Facts

Bonus OfferActive Trader Program With A 15% Reduction In Costs
Fractional SharesNo
Demo AccountYes
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Stock Exchanges

FOREX.com offers trading on 14 stock exchanges:

  • Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
  • Borsa Italiana
  • CAC 40 Index France
  • DAX GER 40 Index
  • Dow Jones
  • Euronext
  • FTSE UK Index
  • Hang Seng
  • Hong Kong Stock Exchange
  • IBEX 35
  • Japan Exchange Group
  • Nasdaq
  • S&P 500
  • SIX Swiss Exchange

Pros

  • Alongside a choice of leading platforms, FOREX.com offers a superb suite of supplementary tools including Trading Central research, SMART Signals pattern scanner, trading signals, and strategy builders.
  • There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
  • The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.

Cons

  • FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
  • Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
  • There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.

Interactive Brokers

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Interactive Brokers Quick Facts

Fractional SharesYes
Demo AccountYes
RegulatorFCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF

Stock Exchanges

Interactive Brokers offers trading on 16 stock exchanges:

  • Borsa Italiana
  • CAC 40 Index France
  • Chicago Mercantile Exchange
  • Euronext
  • IBEX 35
  • Japan Exchange Group
  • Korean Stock Exchange
  • London Metal Exchange
  • London Stock Exchange
  • Nasdaq
  • Nasdaq Nordic & Baltics
  • New York Stock Exchange
  • Russell 2000
  • Shenzhen Stock Exchange
  • Tadawul
  • Toronto Stock Exchange

Pros

  • There's a vast library of free or paid third-party research subscriptions catering to all types of traders, plus you can enjoy commission reimbursements from IBKR if you subscribe to Toggle AI.
  • With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
  • IBKR is one of the most respected and trusted brokerages and is regulated by top-tier authorities, so you can have confidence in the integrity and security of your trading account.

Cons

  • IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
  • You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
  • TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.

eToro USA

"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

eToro USA Quick Facts

Bonus OfferInvest $100 and get $10
Fractional SharesYes
Demo AccountYes
RegulatorSEC, FINRA
PlatformseToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
Minimum Deposit$100
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD

Stock Exchanges

eToro USA offers trading on 3 stock exchanges:

  • Dow Jones
  • New York Stock Exchange
  • S&P 500

Pros

  • A free demo account means new users and prospective day traders can try the broker risk-free
  • Investors can access Smart Portfolios for a more hands-off approach, covering a range of sectors and markets such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence
  • eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC

Cons

  • There's a narrower range of day trading instruments available compared to competitors, with only stocks, ETFs and cryptos
  • There's no MetaTrader 4 platform integration for traders who are accustomed to using third-party charting tools
  • Average fees may cut into the profit margins of day traders

NinjaTrader

"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

NinjaTrader Quick Facts

Fractional SharesNo
Demo AccountYes
RegulatorNFA, CFTC
PlatformsNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
Minimum Deposit$0
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD

Stock Exchanges

NinjaTrader offers trading on 2 stock exchanges:

  • Chicago Mercantile Exchange
  • New York Stock Exchange

Pros

  • You can get thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries
  • NinjaTrader continues to deliver comprehensive charting software for active day traders with bespoke technical indicators and widgets
  • Traders can get free platform access and trade simulation capabilities in the unlimited demo

Cons

  • The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
  • Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
  • There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods

IG

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IG Quick Facts

Fractional SharesNo
Demo AccountYes
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
PlatformsWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$0
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD

Stock Exchanges

IG offers trading on 20 stock exchanges:

  • Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
  • Bombay Stock Exchange
  • Borsa Italiana
  • Deutsche Boerse
  • Dow Jones
  • Euronext
  • Hong Kong Stock Exchange
  • IBEX 35
  • Japan Exchange Group
  • Korean Stock Exchange
  • London Stock Exchange
  • National Stock Exchange Of India
  • Russell 2000
  • S&P 500
  • SIX Swiss Exchange
  • Shanghai Stock Exchange
  • Shenzhen Stock Exchange
  • Tadawul
  • Taiwan Stock Exchange
  • Toronto Stock Exchange

Pros

  • The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met.
  • IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, plus recently added US-listed futures and options, providing ample diversification opportunities.
  • The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our 'Best Trading App' award.

Cons

  • Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges.
  • While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients.
  • Stock and CFD spreads still trail the cheapest brokers like CMC Markets based on tests.

Videforex

"Videforex will serve traders looking for a no-frills, easy-to-use platform to speculate on the direction of popular financial markets through binaries. With a sign-up process that takes a matter of minutes and a web-accessible platform, getting started is a breeze. "

William Berg, Reviewer

Videforex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Fractional SharesNo
Demo AccountYes
PlatformsTradingView
Minimum Deposit$250
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, RUB

Stock Exchanges

Videforex offers trading on 7 stock exchanges:

  • Dow Jones
  • FTSE UK Index
  • Hong Kong Stock Exchange
  • IBEX 35
  • Nasdaq
  • S&P 500
  • SIX Swiss Exchange

Pros

  • Videforex regularly runs trading contests, offering practice opportunities and cash prizes to beginners and experienced traders, with position sizes from just ¢0.01.
  • Videforex is one of the few brokers with 24/7 multilingual video support, providing comprehensive assistance for active traders.
  • Traders can earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options, bringing it in line with competitors like IQCent.

Cons

  • The client terminal needs improvements based on our latest tests, sporting sometimes slow and unresponsive widgets which could dampen the experience for day traders.
  • Videforex lacks authorization from a trusted regulator, meaning traders may receive little to zero safeguards like segregated client accounts.
  • The absence of any educational tools is a serious drawback for newer traders who can find blogs, videos and live trading sessions at category leaders.

Capitalcore

"The major selling points of Capitalcore are its high leverage options up to 1:2000 and zero commission or swap fees. However, its weak regulatory oversight from the IFSA and non-existent education place it far behind the top brokers."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Capitalcore Quick Facts

Bonus Offer40% Deposit Bonus up to $2,500
Fractional SharesNo
Demo AccountYes
RegulatorIFSA
PlatformsWebTrader, Pro
Minimum Deposit$10
AutomationNo
Account CurrenciesUSD

Stock Exchanges

Capitalcore offers trading on 5 stock exchanges:

  • DAX GER 40 Index
  • Dow Jones
  • FTSE UK Index
  • Nasdaq
  • S&P 500

Pros

  • Unlike most brokers, Capitalcore offers an unlimited demo account that takes under 5 minutes to open.
  • The support team are available 24/7 and responded within minutes during testing with helpful responses.
  • Capitalcore is one of the only brokers to charge zero swap fees, which may appeal to Islamic traders looking to comply with Islamic Finance.

Cons

  • The web platform was inconsistent during testing, with occasional technical glitches that meant the trading platform wouldn’t load.
  • Capitalcore’s threadbare education and research seriously trail category leaders like IG, making it less suitable for aspiring traders.
  • Platform support is limited to proprietary software, so there's no integration with the market-leading MetaTrader or cTrader, which offer built-in economic news and support automated trading.

Sage FX

"Sage FX will suit forex traders looking for high leverage and ECN spreads. The broker's prop trading service will also appeal to users looking for funded accounts with up to $200K available."

Tobias Robinson, Reviewer

Sage FX Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$1,500 trading competition
Fractional SharesNo
Demo AccountYes
RegulatorPending
PlatformsTradeLocker
Minimum Deposit$10
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD

Stock Exchanges

Sage FX offers trading on 0 stock exchanges:

Pros

  • Low starting deposit from $10
  • Prop trading accounts with multiple funding tiers
  • Ability to deposit and withdraw via Bitcoin

Cons

  • Relatively narrow range of asset classes
  • Not regulated by any reputable body
  • Lacks educational resources and other extra features

InstaTrade

"Although InstaTrade offers active trading on a comprehensive platform, it stands out with its fairly unique Fixed Income Structured Product (FISP), providing passive investment opportunities with up to 50% returns in 6 months if conditions are met. "

Christian Harris, Reviewer

InstaTrade Quick Facts

Fractional SharesNo
Demo AccountYes
RegulatorBVI FSC
PlatformsInstaTrade Gear, MT4
Minimum Deposit$1
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, RUB

Stock Exchanges

InstaTrade offers trading on 12 stock exchanges:

  • Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
  • CAC 40 Index France
  • DAX GER 40 Index
  • Dow Jones
  • Euronext
  • FTSE UK Index
  • Hong Kong Stock Exchange
  • IBEX 35
  • Japan Exchange Group
  • Nasdaq
  • S&P 500
  • SIX Swiss Exchange

Pros

  • Despite an average investment offering of around 300 assets, InstaTrade offers a particularly strong suite of currency pairs, catering to advanced traders seeking opportunities in volatile exotics.
  • InstaTrade claims to "guarantee" returns through the structured element of its passive trading solution (FISP), with applications approved within 24 hours.
  • VPS hosting caters to algo trading strategies with a dedicated physical server providing rapid execution speeds as low as 9 milliseconds.

Cons

  • Profits are only guaranteed in the FISP if investors do not reach the 50% profit level and attract other users with a total sum of $4 for each dollar in compensation.
  • InstaTrade’s growing educational tools provide valuable information for aspiring traders, but still trail category leaders like eToro with no structured course based on experience level.
  • InstaTrade is registered in the offshore jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, resulting in limited regulatory safeguards for retail investors.

Empower

"Empower is best for hands-off investors looking for a US-regulated platform and robo-advisor with free financial planning services. However, investors need to be willing to make a large minimum investment and pay higher than average fees for premium services."

William Berg, Reviewer

Empower Quick Facts

Fractional SharesNo
Demo AccountNo
RegulatorSEC, FINRA
PlatformsOwn
Minimum Deposit$1 (Cash), $100,000 (Robo Advisor)
AutomationYes
Account CurrenciesUSD

Stock Exchanges

Empower offers trading on 4 stock exchanges:

  • Dow Jones
  • Nasdaq
  • New York Stock Exchange
  • S&P 500

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly financial dashboard with customizable widgets
  • Award-winning customer support team
  • Millions of active users and good industry reputation

Cons

  • No demo account for prospective users
  • Only available in the US
  • No forex, commodity or crypto trading

Binary Options Alternative 6: Cryptocurrency

The newest market on this list, cryptocurrency products can be traded as derivatives through binary options, CFDs or spread betting. However, the asset class has far more utility to investors.

Markets

There are more and more crypto tokens being created at all times, with thousands of coins and projects in existence. While not all of these are legitimate, more cautious investors can stick to more well-known coins such as Bitcoin and Ethereum for greater peace of mind.

Complexity

Similarly to stock investing, cryptocurrency trading can be as simple or complex as a trader desires. Investors can buy and hold crypto tokens, stake them for interest or utilize bots on sites such as Pionex for round-the-clock automated trading.

Profit & Loss Potential

The crypto markets are notoriously volatile and have seen some meteoric price rises and falls in their brief history. Investors should be prepared for these conditions or even a complete collapse of a coin like Terra in 2022.

Fees & Commissions

Many exchanges offer very low, competitive fees on this binary options alternative. These are usually displayed in the form of maker and taker fees, often shown as a percentage.

Safety & Regulation

Crypto is almost entirely unregulated and scams are rife within the broker space and the coins themselves. As a result, more cautious investors may wish to avoid this binary options alternative or track selected crypto markets using a more secure ETF.

Strategies

Traders can buy and hold tokens long-term or take advantage of the volatile crypto markets to day trade.

Advanced strategies such as spot/futures arbitrage are available for major tokens such as BTC and ETH and can yield solid and low-risk returns.

Similarly to dividend investing, traders can stake crypto tokens for a fixed reward, with some providers offering upwards of 10% annual returns for this strategy.

Crypto Brokers

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    NinjaTrader

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    2.9 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.2 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
    NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Cheque
    USD
  2. 2
    eToro USA
    Invest $100 and get $10
    Securities trading offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc. (“the BD”), member of FINRA and SIPC. Cryptocurrency offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk. https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    3.4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5

    $100
    $10
    SEC, FINRA
    Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto
    eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader
    ACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer
    USD
  3. 3
    Interactive Brokers

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5

    $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, eSignal, TradingCentral
    Cheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF
  4. 4
    IG
    Forex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.9 / 5
    5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
    Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    PayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
  5. 5
    OANDA US
    CFDs are not available to residents in the United States.

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    2.8 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    3.7 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:50
    NFA, CFTC
    Forex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)
    OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist
    Wire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
  6. 6
    Uphold
    Terms Apply. Cryptoassets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

    Ratings
    3 / 5
    0 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    2.3 / 5
    0 / 5
    0 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.4 / 5

    $0
    $1
    Cryptos
    Desktop Platform, Mobile App
    Wire Transfer, ACH Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Debit Card, Credit Card, Mastercard, Visa, Ethereum Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP
  7. 7
    IQCent
    20% to 200% Deposit Bonus

    Ratings
    2.5 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    2.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5