Options are derivative contracts that give you the right to buy or sell an underlying asset at a certain price on or before a set date. As well as allowing investors and companies to hedge against price swings, options contracts are a popular way to speculate on market movements and can be used as tradeable assets in their own right.
Our experts have evaluated and compared dozens of options brokers. To find the best brokers for options trading, we considered:
- The commission on options contracts
- The markets you can trade
- The quality of the options trading platform
- The leverage and margin rates available
- The broker’s regulatory status and reputation
List of Best Options Brokers 2026
These are the 6 best options brokers in Hong Kong based on our tests:
-
- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $100
- Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
-
- Demo account
- Platforms: xStation
- Min. deposit: $0
69-80% of accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. -
- Demo account
- Platforms: WebTrader, App
- Min. deposit: $100
81% of retail CFD accounts lose money. -
- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $0
- Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
-
- Demo account
- Regulator: NFA, CFTC, CySEC
- Min. trade: 1 contract
-
- Demo account
- Instruments: Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA, MAS, SFC, ASIC, CIRO, JFSA, SC
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.
Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:
- AvaTrade 4.9/5 When we tested AvaTrade’s options via AvaOptions, we found strong pricing transparency, with spreads from 0.9 pips on major forex pairs. The platform offers advanced risk tools and over 40 FX options, regulated across multiple regions. Low minimum deposits and flexible position sizes suit both beginners and experienced options traders.
- XTB 4.8/5 XTB has rolled out options trading for German and Spanish clients with growing market access, transparent fees and the same intuitive XTB trading interface.
- Plus500 4.1/5 During our tests, Plus500 offered streamlined options trading via an easy-to-use platform with rapid execution. While the range is limited to CFDs on forex options, costs are embedded in tight spreads. No commissions, low minimum deposit, and strong regulation make it accessible for casual and mobile-focused options traders.
- IG 4.8/5 When we tested IG’s options trading, the platform stood out for its tight spreads (as low as 0.1 points on major indices), robust execution, and deep range - covering thousands of global options. Low minimum trade sizes, superb regulation, and seamless mobile/web usability make it ideal for active and cost-conscious options traders.
- NinjaTrader 4.5/5 During our hands-on tests, NinjaTrader impressed with advanced charting, automated options trading, and low commissions starting at $0.09 per micro contract. The platform offers a free version with core features and paid plans for advanced tools. While it offers powerful tools for experienced options traders, beginners may find the learning curve steep.
- Moomoo 3.2/5 When we tested Moomoo’s US options, the platform impressed with $0 commission on equity options and just $0.50 per index contract. It supports 13 strategies, real‑time Level 2 data (with $100 avg. balance), and fast execution. FCA/SEC regulation, low deposits, but note: options positions cannot be transferred out once opened, which users reported as restrictive during our live trades.
Best Options Brokers 2026 Comparison
| Broker | Options Trading | Margin Trading | Trading Platform | Minimum Deposit | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade | $100 | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, JFSA, BVI, FSRA/ADGM, AFM, CMA-Kenya, CIRO (via Friedberg Direct) |
| XTB | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | xStation | $0 | FCA, CySEC, KNF, DFSA, FSC, SCA, CMF, Bappebti |
| Plus500 | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | WebTrader, App | $100 | FCA, CySEC, EFSA, ASIC, FMA, FSCA, MAS, ISA, FSA, DFSA, SCA, JFSA, SCB, CIRO, BAPPEBTI, OJK, BI |
| IG | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | Web, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, ProRealTime | $0 | CFTC, NFA, FCA, BaFin, ASIC, FINMA, MAS, JFSA, FMA, DFSA, BMA, CONSOB |
| NinjaTrader | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal | $0 (live trades must meet intraday margin minimums, e.g., $50 to trade micro contracts) | NFA, CFTC, CySEC |
| Moomoo | ✔Yes | ✔Yes | Desktop Platform, Mobile App | $0 | SEC, FINRA, MAS, SFC, ASIC, CIRO, JFSA, SC |
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 | 13597 | ||||
| XTB | 3004 | ||||
| Plus500 | 20117 | ||||
| IG | 10157 | ||||
| NinjaTrader | 1246 | ||||
| Moomoo | 740 |
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, 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
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.
- 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 in 2025 as one of the first brokers to add CME’s Micro Grain Futures, and then later in the year went further by integrating with TradingView.
Cons
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
XTB
XTB stands out as a top choice for new day traders with the terrific xStation platform, low trading costs, no minimum deposit, and excellent educational tools, many of which are seamlessly integrated into the platform.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
XTB quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs on shares, Indices, ETFs, Raw Materials, Forex currencies, cryptocurrencies, Real shares, Real ETFs
- Regulator
- FCA, CySEC, KNF, DFSA, FSC, SCA, CMF, Bappebti
- Platforms
- xStation
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- 0.01 Lots
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP
Pros
- XTB offers fast withdrawals with payment within 3 business days, depending on the method and amount.
- First-class 24/5 customer support is available, including a friendly live chat with response times of under two minutes during testing.
- The xStation platform continues to impress with its user-friendly interface and intuitive features, including customizable news feeds, sentiment heatmaps, and trader calculator, reducing the learning curve for newer traders.
Cons
- XTB discontinued support for MT4, limiting traders to its proprietary platform, xStation, potentially deterring advanced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader suite.
- Trading fees are competitive with average spreads of around 1 pip on the EUR/USD but still trail the cheapest brokers like IC Markets, plus there's an inactivity fee after 12 months.
- XTB does not offer a raw spread account, which is becoming increasingly common among competitors like Pepperstone, and may disappoint day traders looking for the tightest spreads.
Plus500
Plus500 offers a super-clean experience for traders with a CFD trading platform that sports a modern design and dynamic charting. That said, the broker’s research tools are limited, fees trail the cheapest brokers, and there’s room for enhancement in its educational resources.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Plus500 quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- CFDs on Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Options, Crypto
- Regulator
- FCA, CySEC, EFSA, ASIC, FMA, FSCA, MAS, ISA, FSA, DFSA, SCA, JFSA, SCB, CIRO, BAPPEBTI, OJK, BI
- Platforms
- WebTrader, App
- Minimum Deposit
- $100
- Minimum Trade
- Variable
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, CZK
Pros
- In 2025 Plus500 added new share CFDs in emerging sectors like quantum computing and AI, offering opportunities in stocks like IonQ, Rigetti, Duolingo, and Carvana
- AI Bites has been added, giving active traders real-time, AI-generated market summaries, technical analysis, and social sentiment next to charts, aiding in short-term trading decisions
- The broker offers low commission trading on a diverse range of markets, minimizing additional fees while appealing to established traders
Cons
- Plus500’s lack of support for MetaTrader or cTrader charting tools might be a deal breaker for advanced day traders looking for familiarity
- The absence of social trading means users can’t follow and replicate the trades of experienced traders
- Algo trading and scalping are not supported, which may deter some day traders
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, CONSOB
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12-$18 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
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.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
NinjaTrader quick facts
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Futures, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto (non-futures depend on provider)
- Regulator
- NFA, CFTC, CySEC
- Platforms
- NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal
- Minimum Deposit
- $0 (live trades must meet intraday margin minimums, e.g., $50 to trade micro contracts)
- Minimum Trade
- 1 contract
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
Pros
- The market replay function is a standout feature — you can download tick-by-tick historical data, rewind to any specific date, and interact with it as if trading live, making it genuinely useful for both strategy testing and real-world practice
- NinjaTrader's ecosystem gives traders access to thousands of add-ons and applications from developers across more than 150 countries, covering indicators, strategies, and custom tools that go well beyond what the platform ships with natively
- Nano contracts — one-hundredth the size of standard contracts — allow traders to size positions with precision and manage risk at a much smaller scale, a meaningful advantage for those building positions gradually
Cons
- Intraday margin requirements can spike by as much as four times in the 15 minutes leading up to major economic news releases, and may stay elevated for several minutes after volatility subsides — a detail that can catch underprepared traders off guard at exactly the wrong moment.
- NinjaTrader was fined $250k in 2025 for failing to implement an adequate anti-money laundering (AML) program and for supervisory failures.
- NinjaTrader was acquired by Kraken in May 2025, and while it continues to operate independently for now, traders who value long-term stability may have reservations about how the platform's direction and pricing could shift under new ownership.
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
- Demo Account
- ✔Yes
- Instruments
- Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
- Regulator
- SEC, FINRA, MAS, SFC, ASIC, CIRO, JFSA, SC
- Platforms
- Desktop Platform, Mobile App
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Minimum Trade
- $0
- Account Currencies
- USD, CAD, AUD, JPY, MYR, HKD, SGD, CNY
Pros
- API Skills provides agentic investing to retail traders, whereby users can connect their personal AI agents like Claude or OpenAI to Moomoo's infrastructure to execute algo strategies in plain natural language
- Moomoo is a Member of FINRA and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), adding another level of security for prospective clients
- There are reduced options contract fees from $0.65 to $0
Cons
- Moomoo has faced multiple regulatory penalties in recent years, including fines and orders in 2026 that stopped it temporarily accepting some Japanese and Chinese clients
- There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers
- The account range is narrow compared to other brokerages in its class with no managed portfolios or robo-advisor solutions
Best Options Brokers For Beginners
These 3 options brokers are best for new traders with a low minimum deposit, a beginner-friendly platform and free education:
- Webull
- IG
- eToro USA
Best Options Brokers For Active Traders
These 3 options brokers are best for active traders with competitive fees, advanced tools and perks for high-volume traders:
- AvaTrade
- FOREX.com
- NinjaTrader
Cheapest Options Brokers
These 3 options brokers offer commission-free trading with no hidden charges:
- Webull
- SoFi Invest
- Firstrade
Best Options Trading Platforms
These 3 options brokers offer the best platforms with a user-friendly interface, reliable order execution and sophisticated analysis tools:
What To Look For In An Options Broker
To compile a list of the best brokers for options, we considered several key factors:
Low Commissions On Options Contracts
Most brokers charge a per-contract fee for options trading. To find the cheapest options brokers, we compared the commission per contract, which typically comes in at around $0.65 per contract. We also look for firms that offer discounts for high-volume traders.
Alongside direct trading fees, we consider non-investing charges. These can take the form of market data fees, regulatory charges, deposit and withdrawal fees, and inactivity penalties. Together, this gives us an objective view of the overall pricing.
A Range Of Tradable Markets
Options contracts can be traded on a range of underlying markets, from stocks and bonds to commodities and currencies. Importantly, the best brokers offer an array of options instruments, allowing traders to build a diverse portfolio.
We compare the underlying markets available to find the options brokers with the greatest breadth and depth in their product portfolio.
Regulated With A Good Reputation
Our team places the highest priority on safety so we always recommend picking an options broker that is regulated by a top-tier financial body. Using a regulated broker to trade options will help protect you from scams and provide security for your funds.
We verify the regulatory status of all the options brokers we review. To do this, we check the broker’s license number (often found at the bottom of the brokerage’s website) on the regulator’s register to confirm they are authorized and which countries they are allowed to accept options traders from.
Only regulated and trustworthy firms make our list of the best options brokers.
High-Quality Platform
The platform is your window to the financial markets and the tool where you can analyze instruments and execute trades. As a result, choosing a reliable, efficient and powerful platform is important.
Our team test the options platform available where possible, either by downloading the desktop software, opening the web trader, or using the mobile app. The key things we look for are a well-designed and easy-to-use interface, rich charting and analysis tools, and straightforward order management.
Margin
While some investors trade options with a cash account, many use a margin account so they can increase their buying power and prospective profits in return for a modest outlay.
Our team compare the margin requirements set by brokers, that is the funds or securities that must be deposited in your account as collateral. We also consider the cost of trading on margin, which is typically a percentage charge based on the amount you borrow.
Our Methodology
To find the best options brokers, our team spend thousands of hours each year, testing, comparing and rating firms.
The categories with the largest weighting in our options broker rankings are the fee per contract, the range of underlying assets, the quality of platforms, margin rates, and the firm’s regulatory credentials and safety record.
Our team also factor in the overall trading experience during the evaluation process to inform the final rating we assign to each options broker.
FAQ
Which Is The Best Options Broker?
We have compiled a list of the best options brokers in 2026. These are the 5 top options trading platforms in Hong Kong based on our experts’ findings.
What Is An Options Broker?
Options brokers give traders the ability to trade options contracts on the markets they support, such as US stocks. These derivative contracts give you the right to buy or sell the underlying asset for a set price on or by a certain date.
Article Sources
- An Investor's Guide to Trading Options, Virginia B. Morris, Bess Newman
- Trading Stock Options: Basic Option Trading Strategies and How to Use Them to Profit in Any Market, Brian Burns
- Option Trader's Playbook, Joseph Kellogg, John Elliot
- eToro - Options App
- AvaTrade - Options Platform
- Webull - Options Trading Conditions
- Forex.com - Options Trading Conditions
- IG - Options Trading Conditions
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