Managed trading accounts are investment vehicles that are typically overseen by experienced traders. These individuals will monitor the portfolio’s performance, and buy and sell assets on your behalf. Managed accounts are best if you want a hands-off approach to trading.
In this guide, we share our pick of the best managed trading accounts and explain the key things to consider when deciding which broker to use.
Top Managed Trading Account Providers 2026
These 6 brokers offer managed trading accounts and received the highest overall ratings in our in-depth reviews. All 6 managed trading account brokers are available in Iraq.
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- Demo account
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- Min. deposit: $5
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- Demo account
- Regulator: FSC
- Platforms: R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView
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- Demo account
- Regulator: FMA, FSA
- Min. deposit: $0
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- Demo account
- Platforms: eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
- Min. deposit: $50
61% of retail CFD accounts lose money. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. -
- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $0
- Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
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- Demo account
- Platforms: InstaTrade Gear, MT4
- Min. deposit: $1
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.
This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category in 2026:
- XM 4.8/5 During our tests, XM’s MAM platform delivered strong administrative control and flexible risk allocation across multiple accounts. Transparency was solid, with transparent reporting on performance and trade history. Personalization relied on the money manager’s setup. Spreads on major pairs averaged 1 pip, with no additional commission on Standard accounts.
- RoboForex 4.5/5 When we tried RoboForex’s CopyFX platform, we found excellent transparency - trader stats, risk levels, and historical performance were easy to track. Customization included flexible investment terms and risk filters. Reporting was detailed and refreshed regularly. Spreads on major pairs averaged 0.4–0.6 pips, with no commission for investors using CopyFX.
- BlackBull 4.5/5 When we used BlackBull’s managed account solution, we found excellent transparency and reliable reporting - real-time metrics, equity tracking, and trade history were all accessible. Customization included multiple allocation methods and investor control over deposits. Admin tools were robust. Spreads on majors averaged 0.2–0.4 pips, plus $3 commission per lot traded.
- eToro 4.0/5 When we tested eToro’s managed trading account solution (CopyTrader), transparency was standout - real-time stats, risk scores, and portfolio composition were easily accessible. While strategy customization was limited, setup was seamless. Reporting was detailed and auto-generated. Flexibility came from switching or adjusting traders anytime. Spreads on majors averaged 1 pip, with no admin or performance fees.
- IG 4.8/5 When we tested IG’s managed account setups, access was via approved third-party money managers rather than a built-in PAMM/MAM system. Transparency was great - performance, reporting, and trade analytics were easy to track. Spreads on majors averaged 0.6–0.8 pips, with no extra commissions.
- InstaTrade 3.0/5 When we tested InstaTrade’s managed account set up, transparency was solid - detailed stats on trader performance, drawdowns, and history were available. Customization options included flexible deposit terms and profit-share settings. Reporting was timely and easy to interpret. Administration tools worked smoothly. Spreads averaged 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, with no hidden management fees.
Best Managed Trading Accounts in 2026 Comparison
| Broker | Copy Trading | MAM Account | PAMM Account | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | ✔Yes | ✘No | ✘No | $5 |
| RoboForex | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | ✘No | $10 |
| BlackBull | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | $0 |
| eToro | ✔Yes | ✘No | ✘No | $50 |
| IG | ✘No | ✘No | ✘No | $0 |
| InstaTrade | ✔Yes | ✘No | ✘No | $1 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | 3133 | ||||
| RoboForex | 773 | ||||
| BlackBull | 3515 | ||||
| eToro | 32200 | ||||
| IG | 10134 | ||||
| InstaTrade | 16 |
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, 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
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 growing roster of 1,400+ instruments provides diverse short-term trading opportunities, with unique turbo stocks, fractional shares, and more recently thematic indices.
Cons
- XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
- 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.
- 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.
RoboForex
RoboForex is great if you want a vast range of 12,000+ day trading markets with ECN accounts, powerful charting and loyalty promotions. It also stands out for stock traders with its user-friendly R StocksTrader platform, featuring 3,000+ shares, fees from $0.01 and sophisticated watchlists.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
RoboForex quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Crypto
- Regulator
- FSC
- Platforms
- R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView
- Minimum Deposit
- $10
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR
Pros
- RoboForex secured the 'Best Forex Broker 2025' title in DayTrading.com's Awards after broadening their FX offering, cutting spreads and opening up services in various countries.
- RoboForex is known for its tight spreads starting from 0 pips and low minimum deposits from $10, making it accessible to those on a budget. The ability to trade with micro lots further lowers the barrier to entry for new traders.
- In 2026, RoboForex introduced swap-free trading across all accounts, removing overnight interest charges, and potentially appealing to swing forex traders, though spreads and commissions may still apply.
Cons
- Despite offering a range of platforms, RoboForex still doesn't support the increasingly popular cTrader. This might deter traders who prefer this specific platform for their day trading activities and is available at firms like Fusion Markets.
- RoboForex now restricts base currency options to USD and EUR. This limitation may inconvenience day traders preferring to manage their accounts in other currencies, while potentially leading to conversion fees.
- Despite 15+ years in the industry and registering with the Financial Commission, RoboForex is authorized by one ‘Red-Tier’ regulator – the FSC in Belize, lowering the level of regulatory protections for traders.
BlackBull
After improving its trading infrastructure with Equinix servers in London, reducing latency for traders, BlackBull is an obvious choice if you want to day trade stock CFDs with ECN pricing. With competitive spreads and no commission on a growing roster of digital tokens paired with USD, BlackBull also works for active crypto traders.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
BlackBull quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
- Regulator
- FMA, FSA
- Platforms
- BlackBull Invest, BlackBull CopyTrader, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, ZAR, SGD
Pros
- BlackBull offers every ingredient for day traders; fast execution speeds of <100ms and tight spreads from 0.0 pips.
- With two ECN-powered accounts (Standard and Prime), plus Prime+ - an active trader rewards program offering trading rebates - BlackBull accommodates beginners through to high-volume active traders.
- BlackBull is a much greater fit for aspiring traders following the overhaul of its ECN Prime account, now featuring improved spreads averaging 0.16 on EUR/USD and a more accessible minimum deposit of $0 compared to the old $2,000.
Cons
- Although the Education Hub now features improvements like webinars and tutorials, the courses we’ve explored need more focus on explaining the wider economic factors influencing prices.
- Despite a growing selection of 2,180+ assets, including additions to its Asia Pacific indices, they are mainly stocks with an average selection of currency pairs and indices.
- Unlike most top brokers, BlackBull charges an irritating $5 withdrawal fee, which can detract from the overall cost-effectiveness, especially for active traders who frequently move funds.
eToro
eToro's social trading platform leads the pack with a terrific user experience and active community chat that can help beginners find opportunities. There are also competitive fees on thousands of CFDs and real stocks, plus excellent rewards for experienced strategy providers.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
eToro quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs
- Regulator
- FCA, CySEC, MiCA, MFSA, FSRA, ASIC, FSAS, MAS, GFSC
- Platforms
- eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
- Minimum Deposit
- $50
- Minimum Trade
- $10
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, DKK
Pros
- The copy trading app facilitates a best-in-class social environment, with an engaging social feed and community chat that we love using.
- eToro introduced automated crypto staking (except for Ethereum which requires opt-in) providing a route to passive income.
- Charts are powered by TradingView and offer strong technical analysis features, including 9 chart types and over 100 indicators.
Cons
- There are no guaranteed stop loss orders which would be a useful risk management feature for beginners.
- There are limited contact methods aside from the in-platform live chat.
- The lack of additional charting platforms like MT4 will reduce the appeal for seasoned day traders accustomed to using third-party software.
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 robust trade execution for experienced day traders.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IG quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs (not in US), Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting (UK only)
- Regulator
- CFTC, NFA, FCA, BaFin, ASIC, FINMA, MAS, JFSA, FMA, DFSA, BMA
- Platforms
- Web, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, ProRealTime
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
Pros
- As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust.
- IG obtained a crypto asset license from the FCA, allowing it to re-enter the UK market to provide buying, selling and storing opportunities on 55+ digital tokens with fees from 1.49%, and all within an FCA-licensed environment.
- IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, plus added US-listed futures and options as well as an AI Index, providing diversification opportunities.
Cons
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12-$18 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
- 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 has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders.
InstaTrade
InstaTrade offers active trading on a comprehensive platform, fast execution that can hit sub 10ms, and VPS hosting, making it a strong fit for algo traders deploying fast-paced, high-volume trading strategies.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
InstaTrade quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures
- Platforms
- InstaTrade Gear, MT4
- Minimum Deposit
- $1
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01
- Account Currencies
- USD, 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.
- Our analysis of third-party user reviews about the InstaTrade and wider InstaForex brands found instances of withdrawal complaints and account blocks.
What Are Managed Trading Accounts?
Managed trading accounts are portfolios that are owned by an individual but managed by a third party.
You give control – usually to a money manager – to trade assets such as forex without your prior approval. They should make decisions based on your risk appetite, personal wealth and financial goals.
Managers are usually compensated by a fee, often calculated as a percentage of assets under management (AUM). Alternatively, you may pay a routine subscription fee, for example monthly, and/or a percentage of any profits.
Importantly, they require you to take a leap of faith and put your trust (and money) in the lap of an external party. This can be uncomfortable for many individuals.
Managed account brokers should provide you with regular reports on your account, including a list of its holdings and its performance.
Royston WildAuthorTypes Of Managed Trading Accounts
These trading vehicles fall into several categories:
- Copy trading: This is the most straightforward managed account solution that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Copy trading platforms allow you to mirror the strategies of a wide range of experienced traders, with the best brokers providing performance leaderboards and risk ratings to help you find suitable strategy providers.
- Multi-account manager (MAM) accounts or percentage allocation management module (PAMM) accounts: PAMM accounts distribute profits or losses among traders based on their initial deposit. MAM, a variant of PAMM, offers flexibility by allowing non-proportional trade allocations, enabling traders to assume varying levels of risk, leading to potentially different returns.
- Separately managed accounts (SMAs): These are actively supervised by a human portfolio manager (or team of managers) who will monitor your account’s performance, conduct research, and buy or sell securities based on your preferences. These are popular with longer-term investors and high-net-worth individuals.
- Robo advisors: These are digital platforms that use algorithms to manage the portfolio. These automated systems are much cheaper to employ than human-managed SMAs, meaning that they have grown rapidly in popularity since being introduced in 2008. The downside is that the level of portfolio customization that you enjoy tends to be lower.
Analysts at Statista expect assets under management (AUMs) in the robo advisor market to continue growing steadily, as the chart below shows.
How To Compare Managed Trading Accounts
You have plenty of choice when it comes to deciding which managed account provider to go with. However, there are multiple factors we, and you, should consider:
Trading Performance
Reputable managed account brokers supply a wide range of information on who makes trading decisions, their philosophy, and other elements that influence their decision-making.
You should choose a company that provides comprehensive reports showing the historical performance of the accounts they supervise.
Total return, risk-adjusted return, volatility, and performance against key benchmarks are critical criteria that you should pore over carefully.
Capital Requirements
Managed account providers typically demand that you meet minimum investment amounts. The exact value differs from brokerage to brokerage, although they can be high (sometimes running into six-figure amounts).
If you want an accessible option, IG Smart Portfolios are available with a $500 minimum investment.
Commission and Fee Structure
Employing the expertise of a market professional involves taking on extra cost. In fact, the expense of using a managed account can be high.
Fees may be applied on an annual basis and charged as a percentage of total assets under administration (AUMs). These can vary considerably amongst account providers, but most charge between 1% and 3% of AUM.
Alternatively, some providers charge a monthly subscription fee and a cut of any profits, known as a performance fee.
That said, eToro is popular because it does not charge any additional fees to copy trades beyond the usual spreads and transaction fees. The downside is that the expertise and performance of master traders can vary dramatically.
Importantly, large fees can significantly erode investment returns. Keeping costs to a minimum is essential, although you may be willing to accept higher expenses if you expect to make a better return with a specific provider, for example.
Robo advisors tend to charge lower fees than account providers that employ money managers. I think these can be a good option for traders operating on a low budget.
Royston WildAuthorCustomer Support
The extra fees that you often pay for managed accounts should (in theory) guarantee a good level of customer service. You will want to be able to contact your provider quickly and easily, and to receive regular updates on your holdings and the performance of your portfolio.
You can consult user feedback on review websites like Trustpilot to assess the quality of a provider’s customer support.
Alternatively, we test the customer support of managed account brokers as part of our review process, with IG standing out for its 24/7 reliable assistance.
Technology and User Interface
Some money managers operate sophisticated in-house trading platforms, while others outsource their non-core functions to third-party providers.
It is important to select an account provider which has stable online technology and offers a user-friendly interface. After all, if you cannot understand any of the reports or information provided to you, how can you tell how close you are to meeting your financial goals?
FxPro offers a MAM account through the industry’s most popular platform – MetaTrader 4, so if you are already familiar with this forex trading software you can skip a steep learning curve.
I also recommend that you check that the managed account provider you are planning to use is recognized and approved by your local regulator.
In the UK, for example, clients can ascertain an account provider’s regulatory status through the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Royston WildAuthorBottom Line
Managed trading accounts can be extremely useful if you have little time or energy to build and supervise your portfolio. They can also provide tax benefits, and allow you to benefit from the expertise of a professional.
However, these accounts may require high investment amounts and can attract elevated fees (though cheaper options are often provided by robo advisors).
When comparing brokers with managed trading accounts, it is important to consider customer support, interfaces and fees. It is also critical to evaluate the skill of the investment manager by considering past trading performance.
FAQ
What Is A Managed Trading Account?
A managed trading account is a financial product where a human (or automated) advisor is delegated day-to-day management of your portfolio.
This third party should execute transactions based on your risk tolerance, financial goals and economic circumstances, and closely monitor the portfolio’s performance.
What Is The Difference Between A Managed And Unmanaged Trading Account?
Managed trading accounts provide a hands-off approach to trading. You give control to a manager who will buy or sell securities and assets on your behalf.
Conversely, unmanaged accounts require you to take action and make trading decisions.
Are Managed Trading Accounts Worth The Fees?
Managed trading accounts may be worth it if you do not want to actively trade and have the capital to meet the sometimes large minimum investment requirements.
However, these accounts do not necessarily beat the market and returns can be below average due to the fees incurred.