Best ECN Brokers In 2025
True electronic communication network (ECN) brokers use advanced technology to connect traders directly to liquidity providers, enabling faster executions, tighter spreads, and greater transparency – ideal for short-term trading strategies that thrive on speed and efficiency.
Dig into our selection of the best ECN brokers – we put each and every one through their paces, running tests, assigning ratings, and compiling a final ranking.
Top 6 ECN Brokers 2025
We have personally tested 229 brokers and these are the 6 best ECN brokers:
Why Are These Brokers the Best for ECN Trading?
Here's a snapshot of why these are the top pure ECN providers:
- Dukascopy is the best ECN broker in 2025 - In our tests, Dukascopy’s ECN model delivered top-tier execution, averaging 20–25ms with near-zero slippage - even during high-impact news events. Spreads on EUR/USD often hit 0.1 pips, with a commission starting from $7 per lot, tiered by volume. Liquidity was exceptional, making it a standout choice for institutional-style and algo trading.
- FOREX.com - In our ECN-style testing with FOREX.com’s account, execution averaged 40ms with moderate slippage during fast market moves. Spreads on EUR/USD started near 0.1 pips, plus a $6 commission per lot. Liquidity was deep but slightly fragmented during off-hours. Best suited for experienced traders using limit-order dependent strategies.
- Plexytrade - When we spent time using PlexyTrade’s ECN account, execution speeds averaged 45–50ms with moderate slippage during volatile periods. Spreads on EUR/USD were around 0.3 pips, plus a $7 commission per lot. Liquidity was fair for smaller trade sizes but showed limitations during peak volatility - more suited to swing traders.
- AZAforex - During our investigations, AZAforex’s ECN environment showed average execution speeds around 55ms, with noticeable slippage during major market moves. Spreads on EUR/USD hovered near 0.4 pips, and commission was $10 per lot. Liquidity was sufficient for low to medium volume, but less reliable for fast scalping or larger trades.
- World Forex - When we used World Forex’s ECN account, execution speeds averaged around 50ms with occasional slippage during rapid market moves. Spreads started near 0.3 pips on majors, paired with a $7 commission per lot. Liquidity was stable during peak hours but thinner during off-peak periods, making it best suited for moderate-frequency traders.
- VT Markets - When we evaluated VT Markets’ ECN Raw account, execution speeds averaged 35–40ms with consistently low slippage. Spreads on major pairs like EUR/USD often hit 0.0 pips, paired with a $6 round-turn commission. Liquidity was reliable across sessions, making it a solid option for day trading and automated trading systems.
Compare the Best ECN Brokers Across Key Areas
Zero in on the right true ECN broker for you with our comparison of key features important to active traders:
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Leverage | Platforms | Regulators |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dukascopy | $100 | 1:200 | JForex, MT4, MT5 | FINMA, JFSA, FCMC |
| FOREX.com | $100 | 1:50 | WebTrader, Mobile, MT4, MT5, TradingView | NFA, CFTC |
| Plexytrade | $50 | 1:2000 | MT4, MT5 | - |
| AZAforex | $1 | 1:1000 | Mobius Trader 7 | GLOFSA |
| World Forex | $1 | 1:1000 | MT4, MT5 | SVGFSA |
| VT Markets | 50 - 500 USD | 1:500 | VT Markets App, Webtrader, Web Trader+, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral | ASIC, FSCA, FSC |
How Safe Are These ECN Trading Providers?
Here's how our top ECN brokers protect your funds:
| Broker | Trust Rating | Guaranteed Stop Loss | Negative Balance Protection | Segregated Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dukascopy | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| FOREX.com | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | |
| Plexytrade | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| AZAforex | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | |
| World Forex | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | |
| VT Markets | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
Compare Mobile ECN Trading
Here's how these brokers measure up if you want ECN trading capabilities on your mobile:
| Broker | Mobile Apps | iOS Rating | Android Rating | Smart Watch App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dukascopy | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| FOREX.com | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| Plexytrade | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| AZAforex | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| World Forex | iOS, Android + Web Browser | ✘ | ||
| VT Markets | iOS & Android | ✘ |
Are the Top ECN Brokers Good for Beginners?
Beginners should use ECN brokers that allow trading with virtual money (a demo account) and have other features that new traders require:
| Broker | Demo Account | Minimum Deposit | Minimum Trade | Education Rating | Support Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dukascopy | ✔ | $100 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| FOREX.com | ✔ | $100 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| Plexytrade | ✔ | $50 | 0.01 | ||
| AZAforex | ✔ | $1 | 0.0001 Lots | ||
| World Forex | ✔ | $1 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| VT Markets | ✔ | 50 - 500 USD | 0.01 Lots |
Are the Top ECN Brokers Good for Advanced Traders?
Seasoned traders need sophisticated features to elevate the ECN trading environment:
| Broker | Automated Trading | VPS | AI | Pro Account | Leverage | Low Latency | Extended Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dukascopy | - | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | 1:200 | ✔ | ✘ |
| FOREX.com | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | 1:50 | ✔ | ✘ |
| Plexytrade | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | 1:2000 | ✔ | ✘ |
| AZAforex | - | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | 1:1000 | ✘ | ✘ |
| World Forex | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | 1:1000 | ✘ | ✘ |
| VT Markets | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | 1:500 | ✘ | ✘ |
Compare the Ratings of Our Top ECN Brokers
See how the top ECN brokers rate side-by-side in every critical area from our hands-on tests:
| Broker | Trust | Platforms | Assets | Mobile | Fees | Accounts | Research | Education | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dukascopy | |||||||||
| FOREX.com | |||||||||
| Plexytrade | |||||||||
| AZAforex | |||||||||
| World Forex | |||||||||
| VT Markets |
Compare Trading Fees
Discover the most cost-efficient ECN brokers in the market:
| Broker | Cost Rating | Fixed Spreads | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dukascopy | ✘ | CHF 100 | |
| FOREX.com | ✘ | $15 | |
| Plexytrade | ✘ | - | |
| AZAforex | ✔ | $0 | |
| World Forex | ✔ | - | |
| VT Markets | ✘ | $0 |
How Popular Are These ECN Account Brokers?
Lots of traders prefer the most popular brokers with ECN accounts (those with the most users):
| Broker | Popularity |
|---|---|
| FOREX.com | |
| Dukascopy | |
| VT Markets | |
| World Forex |
Why Open An ECN Account With Dukascopy?
"Dukascopy suits binary traders seeking the peace of mind of using a well-known brokerage whose banking services are regulated by FINMA in Switzerland, with legitimacy and credibility that’s a step up from most offshore firms. Dukascopy is particularly good for experienced binary traders, especially those seeking automation through chained option contracts. "
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Dukascopy Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Bonds, Binary Options |
| Regulator | FINMA, JFSA, FCMC |
| Platforms | JForex, MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:200 |
| Account Currencies | USD, 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.
- The proprietary JForex platform is highly advanced, offering tools for algorithmic trading, extensive charting, and access to deep liquidity for short-term traders.
- 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.
Cons
- Some account types, such as the MT4/MT5 accounts, require a higher minimum deposit of $1,000, which may not be ideal for traders with smaller budgets.
- 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.
Why Open An ECN Account With 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."
FOREX.com Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Forex, Stock CFDs, Futures, Futures Options |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | WebTrader, Mobile, MT4, MT5, TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, 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.
- There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
- 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
- Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
- 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.
Why Open An ECN Account With 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."
Plexytrade Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Crypto |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:2000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- Despite lacking regulation, Plexytrade provides negative balance protection and reinforces safety protocols by holding client funds in segregated accounts.
- Plexytrade accommodates a range of trading methods and short-term strategies, including scalping, hedging, and automated trading.
- There are various VPS packages starting from $50 per month, but they become complimentary once specific deposit thresholds are reached.
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.
Why Open An ECN Account With AZAforex?
"AZAforex is best suited to active traders looking for a choice of American and Chinese options, with different payout structures to standard high/low options. It’s also excellent for mobile traders, offering a dedicated app that provides a more comprehensive experience if you’re trading on the go compared to the mobile-optimized web browsers most firms use."
AZAforex Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Binary Options |
| Regulator | GLOFSA |
| Platforms | Mobius Trader 7 |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.0001 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, MYR, IDR, CHF, RUB, THB, VND, UAH, CNY |
Pros
- AZAforex provides high leverage of up to 1:1000, allowing for potentially greater returns with smaller capital. While this comes with increased risk, it's an attractive feature if you are an experienced trader looking for aggressive growth strategies.
- AZAforex supports a huge and growing variety of payment methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies, providing flexibility for funding and withdrawals. This variety accommodates traders from different regions and preferences.
- Few brokers offer binary options as part of their portfolio. Still, AZAforex includes them, allowing you to speculate on short-term price movements with fixed risk and reward up to 90%.
Cons
- AZAforex still operates without regulation from a recognized financial authority, which raises concerns about transparency, fund safety, and accountability. You may have no recourse in disputes, making it riskier than regulated brokers.
- AZAforex offers basic trading guides and a blog but lacks robust educational tools such as video tutorials, webinars, or interactive learning resources. This makes it less appealing for beginners who need comprehensive learning support. A lot of the content is outdated, too.
- While functional during testing, the Mobius Trader 7 platform is proprietary and not widely used by other brokers. This creates risks of potential price manipulation or discrepancies in market data, as there's no external verification like with MetaTrader or cTrader.
Why Open An ECN Account With World Forex?
"World Forex is best for traders wanting to place all-or-nothing trades on currencies or metals through digital contracts. It’s also a stand-out option for traders wanting to use advanced third-party platforms like MetaTrader, plus mobile traders due to the dedicated binary options app via the FX BO Lite add-on."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
World Forex Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Forex, CFD Stocks, Metals, Energies, Cryptos, Digital Contracts |
| Regulator | SVGFSA |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, RUB |
Pros
- Low deposit of $1
- Demo account
- Educational content
Cons
- No negative balance protection
- Withdrawal fees apply
- Weak regulation
Why Open An ECN Account With VT Markets?
"VT Markets is a great choice for regular traders who are looking for very tight spreads and powerful charting software. The broker's share CFD offering is particularly strong, with hundreds of commission-free assets spanning multiple global markets."
VT Markets Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Stocks, Indices |
| Regulator | ASIC, FSCA, FSC |
| Platforms | VT Markets App, Webtrader, Web Trader+, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | 50 - 500 USD |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD |
Pros
- Traders can access a range of analysis tools supplied by reputable providers, including Trading Central’s Market Buzz AI tool and a customizable economic calendar
- Market-leading MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 charting platforms are offered, with advanced technical capabilities and access to Expert Advisors (EAs)
- A proprietary copy trading service, VTrade, is available on two platforms, with access to 100+ providers
Cons
- Unlike similar brands like Fusion Markets, VT Markets does not offer crypto trading
- The broker’s bonus schemes have stringent terms and conditions, including restrictions on minimum deposits and payment methods used
How DayTrading.com Chose The Best ECN Trading Brokers
To find the top brokers with ECN trading, we ran in-depth tests on 25+ platforms, focusing specifically on their ECN accounts.
Each broker was rated from 1 to 100 (higher being better) based on their performance in key areas during our evaluations: execution speed, slippage, spreads, commissions, and liquidity. We analyzed how each ECN setup handled fast-paced strategies used by day traders.
Our final rankings reflect both hard data and hands-on experience, pinpointing the brokers with the most reliable, low-latency ECN environments for active traders.
How To Choose A Broker For ECN Trading
Based on our tests, these are the key factors to consider when choosing a reliable ECN broker, complete with standout performers in each area:
- Execution Speed & Slippage: Look for brokers with sub-40ms execution and minimal slippage during volatile sessions. Top pick: IC Markets averaged 25–30ms execution with near-zero slippage during our tests, even during major news events.
- Trading Fees & Commission: Prioritize brokers offering raw spreads near 0.0 pips and low commissions per lot. Top pick: Fusion Markets delivered spreads from 0.0 pips and a $4.50 round-turn commission, the lowest we recorded.
- Liquidity Depth: Deep liquidity supports stable fills, even under pressure from scalping or algorithmic trading. Top pick: Dukascopy offered exceptional liquidity and consistent execution, with a tiered commission model for high-volume traders.
- Regulation: Ensure the broker is licensed by a trusted financial authority such as the SEC (US), FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), or CySEC (Cyprus). Top pick: Pepperstone is fully regulated by both the FCA and ASIC, with a transparent ECN model via its Razor account.
- Accessibility: Some brokers cannot serve specific countries due to regulatory restrictions. Top pick for US traders: FOREX.com is one of the few leading ECN-style brokers regulated and available in the United States.
- Platform Availability: Choose a broker that supports platforms you’re comfortable with (we enjoy using MT4, MT5, or cTrader). Top pick: Eightcap supports both MT4 and MT5 with full ECN access through its Raw account.
- Deposit & Withdrawal Speed: Fast and reliable funding methods are important for active traders. Top pick: GO Markets delivered smooth funding and prompt withdrawals during our time using the broker.
- Customer Support: Responsive support is key, especially when dealing with live markets and fast execution. Top pick: Vantage offered fast and helpful support with detailed guidance on ECN setup and usage.
- Demo Account Access: A demo trading account lets you test ECN conditions and pricing risk-free before committing funds. Top pick: Exness provides full-featured demos with accurate ECN-style pricing and order execution.
What Is An ECN Broker?
An ECN (Electronic Communication Network) broker connects traders directly to a pool of liquidity providers, including banks, hedge funds, and other traders, and all without using a dealing desk.
This means that your trades are matched electronically with real market participants, not internalized or routed through a market maker taking the opposite side.
We’ve seen that ECN brokers are particularly popular with short-term traders, such as scalpers and day traders, due to their tight spreads, fast execution speeds, and increased transparency.
They are also among the fastest growing brokerage models globally based on our research, and are often sought out by forex traders.
How ECN Trading Works: A Day Trading Example
I’m using an ECN broker and place a 1 lot EUR/USD buy order at 1.08500 during a volatile London session:
- My broker scans its liquidity network (which may include 15+ providers) for the best available price.
- A matching sell order is found at 1.08500 from a liquidity provider (e.g. a bank).
- My trade is filled in ~30 milliseconds with 0.0 pip spread, and I’m charged a $6 commission.
- Minutes later, I closes the trade at 1.08540.
- My net profit is 40 pips minus $6 commission, with no further broker markups or interference.
ECN Brokers Vs STP Brokers
ECN and STP (Straight Through Processing) brokers both operate without a dealing desk, but there are key distinctions:
- STP brokers route orders to a select group of liquidity providers, often including their own in-house sources. The broker may add a small markup to the spread.
- ECN brokers act as a neutral hub, connecting traders to a wider, decentralized network of institutions and participants, typically offering raw spreads plus a fixed commission.
Another difference is trade size. ECN brokers generally require a minimum lot size of 0.1 due to institutional liquidity constraints, making them better suited to more experienced or higher-volume traders.
Both models offer fast execution, but we’ve found true ECN accounts generally provide deeper liquidity, tighter raw spreads, and a more direct connection to the market.
Pros Of ECN Brokers
- Execution speed: ECN brokers such as IC Markets or Fusion Markets delivered 25–35ms execution speeds in our tests (among the fastest in the industry).
- Transparency: Trades are matched on real-time market pricing. ECN brokers don’t take the opposite side of your trade, reducing conflict of interest.
- Low spreads: ECN brokers offer raw interbank spreads, often from 0.0 pips, which is ideal for scalping and other short-term strategies.
- After-hours access: Some ECN brokers allow trading during extended market hours, useful for reacting to after-hours news or economic data.
- Scalping compatible: Because of fast order matching and raw pricing, ECN brokers are really suited to forex scalping, although not all brokers allow this so check before opening an account.
- Oversight: Many top ECN brokers are regulated by ‘green tier’ agencies in our Regulation & Trust Rating (including SEC, FCA, ASIC, CySEC), helping to safeguard your funds. See our list of top ECN brokers for licensed platforms.
Cons Of ECN Brokers
Downsides to trading with an ECN broker include:
- Commissions: Our research shows ECN brokers typically charge a fixed commission, often ranging from $4.50 to $7.00 per round-turn lot. For lower-volume or micro-account traders, this may make costs proportionally higher.
- Variable spreads during volatility: While base spreads are tight, ECN pricing is dynamic. During major market events, spreads may spike temporarily based on actual market liquidity – a key consideration for short-term traders.
- Higher minimum deposits: Some ECN brokers require larger deposits, such as $200 at IC Markets, to open an account, especially when offering raw spreads and institutional-grade access. In contrast, elsewhere we’re seeing a growing number of no deposit brokers.
FAQ
How Do ECN Brokers Make Money?
ECN brokers typically make money from commissions charged to the customer on each trade. This is in contrast to market maker models that generally take their cut from the spread.
What Is The Difference Between A Market Maker And ECN Broker?
Market makers help ensure there’s enough liquidity so trades can be executed seamlessly. Market maker brokers typically take the opposing side of a trade. In contrast, ECN brokers connect buyers and sellers, drawing on various liquidity providers.
ECN brokers usually offer tighter spreads, faster order execution and increased transparency.