Best Brokers With Volatility Index (VIX) In 2025

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James Barra
James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. As a former management consultant, he has worked on major operational transformation programmes at prominent European banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.
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Paul Holmes
Paul has over 14 years experience in the trading industry, both as a full-time trader and working with leading brokers. He’s traded indices and forex, developed proprietary day trading techniques, and built his own MetaTrader algorithms. He excels at delivering simple-to-follow guides for beginners to experienced traders.  
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Michael MacKenzie
Michael is a writer and editor with over a decade in journalism and publishing. His niche lies in editing and fact-checking content in the financial services sector, with a focus on online brokers and trading platforms. Michael previously reported on politics and economics in the Middle East and edits books for established publishers.
Updated

Want to trade market volatility? Dig into the best brokers with the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) and related instruments, based on the tests of our experts who’ve traded volatility indexes across multiple platforms.

Top 6 Brokers For Trading Volatility Index

We've exhaustively evaluated 226 brokers and these 6 jump out as the best brokers for trading volatility indices:

Why Are These Brokers The Best For VIX Trading?

Here’s a rundown of why these brokers stand out for trading the VIX and volatility-based instruments:

  1. eToro USA is the best broker for trading the volatility index in 2025 - When we tested eToro USA, we accessed VIX futures CFDs and ETF options (like VXX) via the proprietary platform, with execution smooth and charts real-time. Spreads hovered near 2 points on VIX futures, and integrated sentiment tools helped refine entry timing. However, U.S. traders cannot use leverage on CFDs, limiting advanced strategies.
  2. Dukascopy - During our hands-on tests of Dukascopy, its VOL.IDX/USD CFD on MT4 was impressively responsive, with execution under 0.2 s and slippage almost non-existent during VIX-like spikes. Spreads averaged ~2 points, and historical tick data made back-testing precise. The VOL.IDX fills a unique niche alongside major equity indices.
  3. AvaTrade - AvaTrade offers smooth volatility index trading with stable spreads even during market spikes based on our tests. The platform’s risk management tools excel here, letting you trade VIX with confidence. Execution is fast and slippage minimal - ideal for reacting to sudden sentiment shifts without getting caught out by platform lag or price jumps.
  4. XM - Our trades on XM’s VIX Futures CFDs through MT5 executed with impressive speed and exceptionally low spreads - often around 0.07 index points. We experienced smooth order entry and zero slippage even during volatility surges. The MT5 platform also supports micro‑lot trading, ideal for precision control in high-stress market periods.
  5. IC Markets - IC Markets delivers raw pricing on volatility indices with impressive execution speed - crucial when trading sharp intraday VIX swings. Ideal for scalpers, the depth of liquidity minimizes requotes even in peak volatility. Its cTrader and MT5 platforms handle rapid-fire VIX trades smoothly, giving active traders a real edge during market turbulence.
  6. Deriv - During our tests, Deriv’s synthetic volatility indices, especially Volatility 75, offered round-the-clock tradability with consistent pricing and minimal slippage. Spreads averaged around 1.5 points, even in high activity. The DTrader platform stood out for fast execution and flexible risk controls, making it a strong pick for weekend or off-market volatility plays.

Compare The Best VIX Brokers By Key Features

Find the right VIX broker for you based on our comparison of core features that matter to volatility traders:

Compare The Best VIX Brokers By Key Features
Broker Minimum Deposit To Trade The VIX Minimum Trade On The VIX Fast Execution Platforms Regulator
eToro USA $100 $10 eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader SEC, FINRA
Dukascopy $100 0.01 Lots JForex, MT4, MT5 FINMA, JFSA, FCMC
AvaTrade $100 0.01 Lots WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
XM $5 0.01 Lots MT4, MT5, TradingCentral ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
IC Markets $200 0.01 Lots MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
Deriv $5 0.01 Lots Deriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView MFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSA

How Safe Are The Best VIX Brokers?

Compare how well the top brokerages protect client funds when day trading volatility indices:

How Safe Are The Best VIX Brokers?
Broker Trust Rating Guaranteed Stop Loss Negative Balance Protection Segregated Accounts
eToro USA 3.3
Dukascopy 3.5
AvaTrade 4.8
XM 4.1
IC Markets 4.6
Deriv 3.5

Compare Mobile Platforms For Trading VIX

If you’re trading on the go, see which of our top brokers offer strong mobile tools for volatility index trading:

Compare Mobile Platforms For Trading VIX
Broker Mobile Apps iOS Rating Android Rating Smart Watch App
eToro USA iOS & Android 4.3 4
Dukascopy iOS & Android 4.6 3.7
AvaTrade iOS & Android 4.3 4
XM iOS, Android & Windows 4.7 3.9
IC Markets iOS & Android 3.1 4.2
Deriv iOS & Android 4.2 4.5

Are The Top VIX Brokers Good For Beginners?

See which of our leading providers offer demo accounts, support, and education for getting started VIX trading:

Are The Top VIX Brokers Good For Beginners?
Broker Demo Account Minimum Deposit Minimum Trade Education Rating Support Rating
eToro USA $100 $10 3 3
Dukascopy $100 0.01 Lots 3.5 4
AvaTrade $100 0.01 Lots 4.5 4.3
XM $5 0.01 Lots 4.8 4.9
IC Markets $200 0.01 Lots 3.5 4.5
Deriv $5 0.01 Lots 3.8 3.8

Are The Top VIX Brokers Good For Advanced Traders?

Experienced traders will value our top platforms with low latency and tools to maximize VIX strategies:

Are The Top VIX Brokers Good For Advanced Traders?
Broker Automated Trading VPS AI Pro Account Leverage Low Latency Extended Hours
eToro USA -
Dukascopy Yes (EAs & FIX APIs) 1:200
AvaTrade Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
XM Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader 1:1000
IC Markets Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
Deriv Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, DBots 1:1000

Compare Detailed Ratings Of The Top VIX Brokers

See how the leading brokers for trading volatility stack up across our nine core scoring categories:

Compare Detailed Ratings Of The Top VIX Brokers
Broker Trust Platforms Assets Mobile Fees Accounts Research Education Support
eToro USA 3.3 3.5 2.9 4.2 3.4 3 3.5 3 3
Dukascopy 3.5 4.3 3.8 4.2 3 3.5 4.5 3.5 4
AvaTrade 4.8 4.3 4.5 4.2 3.8 4.3 4.3 4.5 4.3
XM 4.1 4.8 4.5 4.3 4 4.5 4.3 4.8 4.9
IC Markets 4.6 4 3.5 3.7 4.6 4 4 3.5 4.5
Deriv 3.5 4.5 4.8 4.4 3.3 4 2.5 3.8 3.8

Compare Trading Fees

Costs can add up, so here’s how the best VIX trading platforms compare on spreads and other charges:

Compare Trading Fees
Broker Cost Rating Fixed Spreads Inactivity Fee
eToro USA 3.4 $10
Dukascopy 3 CHF 100
AvaTrade 3.8 $50
XM 4 $5
IC Markets 4.6 $0
Deriv 3.3 $25

How Popular Are The Top VIX Brokers?

See which of the best brokers for VIX trading have the most client sign-ups:

Why Trade The VIX With 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 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

  • A free demo account means new users and prospective day traders can try the broker risk-free
  • The broker's Academy offers comprehensive learning materials for beginners to advanced-level investors
  • The low minimum deposit and straightforward account opening process means beginners can get started quickly

Cons

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

Why Trade The VIX With Dukascopy?

"If you’re an experienced trader, Dukascopy provides the tools you need: JForex for algorithmic strategies, competitive spreads from 0.1 pips, leverage up to 1:200, and the peace of mind of using a Swiss-regulated bank and broker."

Christian Harris Christian Harris, Reviewer

Dukascopy Quick Facts

Bonus Offer10% Equity Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Bonds, Binary Options
RegulatorFINMA, JFSA, FCMC
PlatformsJForex, MT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:200
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, PLN, CZK, AED, SAR, HUF, MXN

Pros

  • Dukascopy is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) as both a broker and a bank, ensuring top-tier financial security and adherence to strict standards.
  • Dukascopy features some of the best research we’ve seen, even a professional TV studio in Geneva covering financial news, market analysis, and daily insights from professionals.
  • The proprietary JForex platform is highly advanced, offering tools for algorithmic trading, extensive charting, and access to deep liquidity for short-term traders.

Cons

  • Dukascopy's withdrawal fees are higher than most competitors we’ve tested, particularly for bank wire transfers, which may deter traders who require frequent access to their funds.
  • While JForex is feature-rich, it has a steep learning curve, making it less suitable for beginner traders who might prefer simpler platforms.
  • While Dukascopy provides some educational resources and 24/7 support, the complexity of its platforms and tools required extensive testing and may overwhelm newer traders.

Why Trade The VIX With AvaTrade?

"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 Jemma Grist, Reviewer

AvaTrade Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
PlatformsWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD

Pros

  • 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.
  • Years on, AvaTrade remains one of the few brokers offering a bespoke risk management tool, AvaProtect, that insures losses up to $1M for a fee and is easy to activate on the platform.
  • AvaTrade launched AvaFutures to offer low-margin access to global markets, then expanded further in 2025 as one of the first brokers to add CME’s Micro Grain Futures - financially settled contracts at 1/10th the size of standard contracts for key commodities like corn, wheat, and soybeans.

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.
  • Although the deposit process itself is smooth, AvaTrade still doesn’t facilitate crypto payments, a feature increasingly offered by brokers like TopFX, which caters to crypto-focused traders.
  • 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.

Why Trade The VIX With 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, even earning our ‘Best MT4/MT5 Broker’ award in recent years."

Christian Harris Christian Harris, Reviewer

XM Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY

Pros

  • XM’s Zero account is ideal for day trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, 99.35% of orders executed in <1 second, and no requotes or rejections.
  • XM’s growing roster of 1,000+ instruments provides diverse short-term trading opportunities, with unique turbo stocks, fractional shares, and more recently thematic indices.
  • XM’s customer support has delivered over years of testing, with 24/5 assistance in 25 languages, response times of <2 minutes and now a growing Telegram channel.

Cons

  • XM is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader and TradingView which are increasingly being favored over MetaTrader for their smoother user experience and superior charting packages.
  • Although trusted and generally well-regulated, the XM global entity is registered with the weak IFSC regulator and UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
  • XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable or web-accessible solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.

Why Trade The VIX With IC Markets?

"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders."

Christian Harris Christian Harris, Reviewer

IC Markets Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower
Minimum Deposit$200
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • IC Markets offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
  • As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
  • IC Markets secured DayTrading.com's 'Best MT4/MT5 Broker' in 2025 for its seamless, industry-leading MetaTrader integration, refined over years to maximize the platform experience.

Cons

  • There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
  • While IC Markets offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
  • The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.

Why Trade The VIX With Deriv?

"Deriv is ideal for active traders seeking alternative and unique ways to speculate on global financial markets, from multipliers and accumulator options to its bespoke synthetic indices, which mimic real market movements and are available 24/7, allowing for continuous trading opportunities regardless of market hours."

Christian Harris Christian Harris, Reviewer

Deriv Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Multipliers, Accumulators, Synthetic Indices, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, ETFs
RegulatorMFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSA
PlatformsDeriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP

Pros

  • Deriv stands out with its innovative products, from multipliers and derived indices to its addition of accumulator options, providing exclusive short-term trading opportunities.
  • Account funding is a breeze with a very low minimum deposit of $5 and a huge selection of payment options, plus Tether was added to the cashier in 2023.
  • After integrating TradingView and adding MT5 web trader, Deriv now offers a first-class selection of charting tools across desktop, web and mobile devices.

Cons

  • Apart from the MFSA in the EU, Deriv lacks top-tier regulatory credentials, reducing the level of safeguards like access to investor compensation.
  • Leverage up to 1:1000 will appeal to traders with a large risk appetite but frustratingly there is no ability to flex the leverage in the account area.
  • While the Academy launched in 2021 is a step in the right direction, there is limited education on advanced trading topics for seasoned traders and no live webinars to upskill new traders.

How DayTrading.com Chose The Best Brokers For Trading The VIX

We followed a three-step process to find the top brokers for trading the VIX and related volatility products:

  1. VIX Access Verified – We manually logged into each platform in our database of 226 brokerages to confirm whether volatility indexes were available, such as CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) derivatives, VIX-linked ETFs/ETNs, or VIX CFDs. This ensured we only included brokers that genuinely support volatility trading.
  2. Product Testing – For each shortlisted broker, we personally tested the VIX trading experience. This involved checking the type and quality of the VIX product, trading conditions (spreads, execution, margin), platform tools and usability for volatility-focused strategies, and reliability during market hours.
  3. Broker Ranking by Overall Score – We then ranked these brokers based on overall ratings, using our in-house scoring system that pulls from 200+ data points across nine key categories. Only brokers that passed product-level volatility index testing and scored the highest overall scores made it into our final list.

DayTrading.com Testing Methodology Snapshot

What Is a Volatility Index?

A volatility index is a real-time gauge of expected market turbulence. For active traders, it’s essentially a barometer of fear, momentum, and uncertainty. This makes it a powerful tool for spotting short-term trading opportunities.

The most well-known volatility index is the VIX, often called the “fear index”. Created by the CBOE (Chicago Board Options Exchange), the VIX measures expected 30-day volatility in the S&P 500, based on options pricing.

When the VIX rises, it typically reflects increased nervousness in the market, often during sell-offs or major news events. When it drops, markets are seen as calmer or more complacent.

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For day traders, the VIX is more than just a sentiment gauge. It can be traded directly or used to time entries and exits across major indices, individual stocks, or even options. High volatility means wider price swings, faster momentum, and more setups, but also more risk.

What Types of Volatility Indices Do Brokers Offer?

We’ve spent hours combing through volatility indexes on trading platforms, and not all providers offer the same volatility products.

While there are technically more volatility indexes, here’s a breakdown of the four types that are primarily available to retail traders from our research:

1. VIX (CBOE Volatility Index)

2. VSTOXX (EU Volatility Index)

3. GVZ (Gold Volatility Index)

4. Volatility 75 Index (Synthetic VIX)

What Should I Look For When Choosing A Broker To Trade A Volatility Index?

Some brokers specialize in regulated market instruments (like VIX futures or VSTOXX CFDs), while others offer synthetic indices that trade 24/7 with tight spreads and algorithmic volatility.

Before you choose a platform, ask the same questions I did during testing:

VIX price chart and buy/sell buttons with open trade below
XTB offers the most user-friendly chart we tested for day trading the VIX

What Is The Typical Spread Charged By Brokers On The VIX?

We analyzed VIX spreads from five leading brokers (Pepperstone, XTB, CMC Markets, IG, and XM) to come up with an average.

While the average spread came out at around 2.0, that’s that’s skewed by CMC Markets’ unusually wide spread of 8.0 during our latest tests.

A more realistic figure based on the median and trimmed average puts the typical VIX spread at around 0.6 to 0.7. This better reflects what day traders can expect on most top platforms during normal trading conditions.

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Spreads on the VIX, like most instruments, will fluctuate depending on market conditions.

What Leverage Do Brokers Offer On The VIX?

We investigated the maximum leverage available to trade the VIX at various brokers during our tests. For most regulated platforms, the maximum leverage is 1:5, meaning a 20% margin is required.

Some offshore brokers may offer higher leverage, but this may increase the risk of large losses. Unregulated brokers do not offer the same fund safeguards in our experience.

Bottom Line

We’ve watched the number of brokers offering a volatility index increase over the years, with many day traders drawn to these products where significant price fluctuations open up opportunities to generate profits.

However, our analysis shows the quality of providers can vary dramatically, from spreads and commission on volatility indices to the speed of execution and the quality of the trading software.

To find the right provider for your needs, turn to our rankings of the top VIX brokers.

FAQ

How Is The Volatility Index Calculated?

The VIX, or Volatility Index, is calculated by the CBOE using SPX options, specifically those with expiries between 23 and 37 days out. These include both monthly SPX options (expiring the third Friday of each month) and weekly SPX options (expiring every other Friday).

The VIX blends these options to create a 30-day forward-looking estimate of market volatility, not based on historical movement, but on real-time options pricing. It reflects how much traders are willing to pay for protection (or speculation) around the S&P 500.

For day and short-term traders, VIX spikes often signal market fear, higher intraday volatility, and wider price swings – making it a key sentiment indicator for short-term setups.

Why Is The Volatility Index Referred To As The “Fear Gauge”?

The VIX is often called the “fear gauge” because it rises when traders expect higher risk or turbulence, usually due to economic shocks, geopolitical events, or sudden sell-offs.

It doesn’t measure fear directly – it measures expected volatility, but since traders often buy SPX options as protection during uncertainty, rising VIX levels correlate closely with increased market anxiety.

For short-term traders, a rising VIX often means bigger moves, faster reversals, and higher risk-reward potential, but also more risk. It’s a warning light and an opportunity signal in one.

Article Sources

The writing and editorial team at DayTrading.com use credible sources to support their work. These include government agencies, white papers, research institutes, and engagement with industry professionals. Content is written free from bias and is fact-checked where appropriate. Learn more about why you can trust DayTrading.com