If you want to automate your trading you need a broker with built-in automation features or an open interface – an API – you can to connect 3rd party automation software to. We have tested and listed the best brokers with auto trading features and/or external software connectivity.
Best Automated Trading Brokers
These are the 6 best brokers with support for automated trading in 2026:
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- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $100
- Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
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- Demo account
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradeLocker
- Min. deposit: $50
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- Demo account
- Regulator: CySEC, FSCA, FSA, ADGM/FRSA
- Min. deposit: $10-$250 (location and tier dependent)
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- Demo account
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- Min. deposit: $5
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5
Automation: Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $0
- Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
73-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs -
6
Automation: Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader- Demo account
- Regulator: FSC
- Min. deposit: $200
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- AvaTrade 4.9/5 In our automation tests, AvaTrade ran EAs smoothly on MT4/MT5 with quick fills and low slippage. We could keep strategies online 24/7 using a third-party VPS, and MT5 backtests lined up well with live execution. For “no-code” or copy automation, the DupliTrade and ZuluTrade integrations provide signals reliably across FX, indices, and commodities - making AvaTrade a practical pick for set-and-forget systems.
- Plexytrade 3.9/5 Established in 2024 and headquartered in Saint Lucia, Plexytrade is an ECN/STP broker. Geared towards active traders, it supports four account options, crypto deposits and withdrawals, plus very high leverage up to 1:2000 made possible by its unregulated status.
- NAGA 4.1/5 NAGA is a German-headquartered social investing platform offering copy trading on thousands of financial markets including CFDs and real stocks. Founded in 2015, the company is publicly listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and regulated in the EU, Middle East and globally. The firm offers an all-in-one web platform and mobile app, but traders can also synchronize their NAGA accounts with popular third-party software, including MT4 and MT5.
- XM 4.8/5 In our automation tests, XM was steady: low-latency fills on MT4/MT5, clean EA handling, and VPS support that kept strategies running without hiccups. Backtests matched live behaviour closely across FX, metals and indices, which gave us confidence in deployment.
- Pepperstone 4.8/5 Pepperstone delivered speed and uptime for algos in testing - MT4/MT5, cTrader and API connectivity. Slippage stayed tight across FX, indices and commodities.
- IC Trading 4.2/5 In our use, IC Trading supported MT4/MT5 automation with VPS for continuous operation. Execution was brisk with controlled slippage on FX, indices and commodities in tests.
Community Sentiment
See how users rate these brokers based on the average customer ratings submitted on DayTrading.com, plus ratings from Trustpilot, the Apple App Store and Google Play.
| Broker | Our Users' Rating | Trustpilot Score | Trustpilot Reviews | iOS App Rating | Android App Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | 13668 | ||||
| Plexytrade | 94 | ||||
| NAGA | - | 4106 | |||
| XM | 3079 | ||||
| Pepperstone | 3726 | ||||
| IC Trading | 608 |
AvaTrade
Celebrating 20 Years in the industry, AvaTrade offers active traders everything they need: an intuitive WebTrader, powerful AvaProtect risk management, a smooth 5-minute sign-up process, and dependable support you can rely on in fast-moving markets.
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
AvaTrade quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
- Regulator
- ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, JFSA, BVI, FSRA/ADGM, AFM, CMA-Kenya, CIRO (via Friedberg Direct)
- Platforms
- WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
- Minimum Deposit
- $100
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, ZAR
Automation
Pros
- The WebTrader excelled in our hands-on tests, sporting a user-friendly interface for beginners, complete with robust charting tools like 6 chart layouts and 60+ technical indicators.
- Support at AvaTrade performed excellently during testing, with response times of 3 minutes and localized support in major trading jurisdictions, including the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
- AvaFutures traders can now use TradingView for 100+ indicators, screeners and a calendar, the sharing of trade ideas, commissions from $0.45, intraday margins from $60, and access to exchanges like CME and EUREX.
Cons
- The AvaSocial app is good but not great – the look and feel, plus the navigation between finding strategy providers and account management needs upgrading to rival category leaders like eToro.
- AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but work is still needed in terms of customizability – frustratingly widgets like market watch and watchlists can’t be hidden, moved, or resized.
- While signing up is a breeze, AvaTrade lacks an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides the raw spreads and ultra-fast execution many day traders are looking for.
Plexytrade
Plexytrade is a newcomer in the brokerage scene with attention-grabbing features like 1:2000 leverage, zero spreads on select instruments and fast execution speeds of less than 46 milliseconds. However, the absence of regulation is a significant concern, while the non-existent research and educational tools place it far behind industry frontrunners.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Plexytrade quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, TradeLocker
- Minimum Deposit
- $50
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR
Automation
Pros
- Sub 50ms execution speeds are fast enough for intraday trading setups.
- Plexytrade accommodates a range of trading methods and short-term strategies, including scalping, hedging, and automated trading.
- The choice of accounts provides a solution for various trading styles, with Gold Raw appealing to day traders owing to its spreads from 0.0 pips.
Cons
- Deposits and withdrawals are exclusively facilitated through cryptocurrencies, as Plexytrade does not support bank cards, bank wire transfers, or e-wallets.
- There are no research and educational materials, falling short of alternatives like IG, while access to the economic calendar is restricted to clients with balances of $500.
- There are no social or copy trading features for inexperienced traders to replicate the trades of more experienced investors, trailing category leaders like eToro.
NAGA
NAGA is a snug fit for beginners who like to learn by watching others, delivering a more advanced social trading network than the majority of CFD brokers, featuring a leaderboard with top traders by profit and win rate, and a one-tap autocopy function in the platform and app that’s a standout.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
NAGA quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs on Forex, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Crypto, Real Stocks and Futures
- Regulator
- CySEC, FSCA, FSA, ADGM/FRSA
- Platforms
- NAGA Platform, NAGA App, MT4, MT5, TradingView, TradingCentral
- Minimum Deposit
- $10-$250 (location and tier dependent)
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, PLN
Automation
Pros
- During testing, we were approved to begin trading very quickly; after we provided our ID and proof of address, approval was granted the next business day, and the onboarding process included a suitability questionnaire — a responsible step that some brokers fail to include.
- The copy-trading feature is the main reason to open a NAGA account, and it’s more advanced than what most CFD brokers offer. You can check a leaderboard of top traders by profit and win rate, then automatically copy their trades in the same app - only eToro offers something similar.
- NAGA stands out among social brokers for its wide range of assets, offering over 4,000 tradable options. These include forex pairs, stock, ETF, and index CFDs, commodity CFDs, crypto, and even exchange-traded futures, which are rare for retail clients.
Cons
- The 1:30 leverage limit only applies to clients in the EU (under CySEC) and the GCC (through Abu Dhabi’s ADGM). Clients from LATAM, Asia, and Africa use the Seychelles or FSCA entities, where leverage can go up to 1:1000 and there’s no compensation scheme. This mix of high leverage and little protection is a risk, along with concerns about its suspended Trustpilot score in 2026.
- The $50 monthly inactivity fee is on the high end of the scale. It kicks in after two months of no activity, not every quarter like some brokers. If your balance falls below $50 while your account is inactive, NAGA takes whatever is left and closes your account.
- NAGA’s pricing structure is tough on smaller accounts. There’s only one account type, but it has six tiers based on your deposit. The EUR/USD spread is about 1.7 pips at the Iron tier and drops to a competitive 0.9 pips at Diamond ($50,000 deposit) or 0.7 pips at Crystal ($100,000 deposit).
XM
With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
XM quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
- Regulator
- CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, SCA, FSA, FSC-Belize, FSC-Mauritius, CMA-Kenya, CMA-UAE
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- Minimum Deposit
- $5
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, ZAR
Automation
Pros
- XM secured a category 5 license from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates in late 2025, strengthening its regulatory credentials and making it a strong option for traders in the Middle East.
- XM has rolled out platform upgrades with integrated TradingView charts and an XM AI assistant, delivering faster execution, smarter analysis, and a sleeker, more intuitive trading experience.
- XM’s customer support has delivered over years of testing, with 24/7 assistance in 30 languages, response times of under 2 minutes and a growing Telegram channel.
Cons
- XM is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader, which is favored over MetaTrader by some serious traders for its smoother user experience and superior charting package.
- While the XM app stands out for its usability and exclusive copy trading products, the selection of technical analysis tools needs to be improved to meet the needs of advanced traders.
- Although trusted and generally well-regulated in some regions, XM also has global entities registered with the weak regulators like FSC (Belize) and FSA (Seychelles), whilst UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
Pepperstone
Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/5 support (18h a day on weekends).
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Pepperstone quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto CFDs, Spread Betting
- Regulator
- FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFin, DFSA, SCA, SCB, CMA-Kenya
- Platforms
- Pepperstone Trading Platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
Automation
Pros
- Offers a dedicated CopyTrading app for traders who want a less active approach to trading, available in some countries.
- There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.
- After adding spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools for financial spread bettors in supported countries.
Cons
- Despite improvements to its range of markets, crypto CFD offerings are still fairly limited compared to other brokers who focus on this area, such as Eightcap, and there's no option to invest in real coins.
- Execution may not feel as reliable in fast markets as headline speeds suggest. In our own testing, execution was fast at desired prices, but some community complaints focus on slippage, stop-loss fills and spread-sensitive order triggers during volatile conditions.
- Overnight holding fees are higher than that found with some Market Maker brokers (usually Benchmark + 2.5%). This makes pepperstone an ideal broker for day traders and forex scalpers but less suitable for swing traders who often keep position open overnight.
IC Trading
With superior execution speeds averaging 40 milliseconds, deep liquidity, and powerful charting software, IC Trading delivers an optimal trading environment tailored for scalpers, day traders, and algorithmic traders.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IC Trading quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Cryptos, Futures
- Regulator
- FSC
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
- Minimum Deposit
- $200
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
Automation
Pros
- IC Trading provides industry-leading spreads, including 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD, making it ideal for day traders.
- Trading Central and Autochartist are valuable tools for in-depth technical summaries and actionable trading ideas and are accessible from within the account area or the cTrader platform.
- IC Trading offers unusual flexibility in its accounts, enabling traders to open up to 10 live and 20 demo accounts, meaning you can run separate profiles for different activities, such as manual trading and algo trading.
Cons
- Despite being part of the trusted IC group, IC Trading is authorized by a weak regulator - the FSC of Mauritius, with limited financial transparency and regulatory safeguards.
- Customer support performed poorly during testing with multiple attempts to connect via live chat and no one available to assist, plus unanswered emails, raising concerns about its ability to address urgent trading concerns.
- The educational resources are greatly in need of improvement, unless you navigate to the IC.com website, posing a limitation for beginners in search of a comprehensive learning journey, especially compared to category leaders like eToro.
Automation Through Copy Trading
Automated trading does not necessarily mean that you run special software or coded algorithms that make trading decisions for you, you can also simply automatically copy what other traders do.
This is called copy trading, and is becoming very popular due to its simplicity. It does not require any programming skills or other complications – just find another trader that seems successful and automatically copy their trades.
There are many different brokers and platforms that facilitate copy trading in different ways. To learn more and get started with copy trading, consult the list of the best copy trading brokers.
Automation Through High-Frequency Trading
For active traders, automation doesn’t always mean copying others, it can also mean deploying your own high-speed strategies. High-frequency trading (HFT) uses custom algorithms to scan the market and place trades in milliseconds, aiming to capture tiny price movements at scale.
Unlike copy trading, HFT is more advanced and requires technical know-how, but it gives you full control over your strategy. You’ll need a broker with low latency, raw spreads, and access to tools like FIX APIs and VPS hosting.
If you want to go deeper into automation, see our list of top HFT brokers.