After over a month of meticulous, unbiased research and analysis of nearly 100 brokers, I’m excited to reveal the best forex brokers for scalping. This study has been powered by our custom-built infrastructure for spread monitoring and Expert Advisors (EAs) specifically designed to measure each broker’s platform speed and execution performance.
Why This Study Matters
Choosing the right forex broker is critical for scalping success. Scalping requires speed, precision, and cost-efficiency, and not every broker is built for that. That’s why we focused on three key factors:
- Trading Costs (spread + commission)
- Order Execution Speed
- Broker Regulation
But that’s not all—we also looked at whether brokers allow scalping strategies, how strong their regulatory oversight is, and their online reputation, including reviews and complaints.
What to Expect from This Guide
Get ready to be surprised by some of the insights we uncovered. I’ll take you through the entire selection process step by step, so you can see exactly how we identified the top brokers for scalping.
For those curious about our approach, don’t miss the Methodology section, where I break down how we assessed and compared brokers, complete with a detailed comparison table.
Now, let’s dive in and explore the top forex brokers that made the cut for scalping!
The Best Forex Brokers For Scalping 2025
After thorough research and testing, here’s our carefully curated list of the best forex brokers for scalping in 2025. let’s dive into why this broker stands out:
1- Startrader
Established in 2012, StarTrader is a well-regulated and reputable forex broker known for offering excellent trading conditions for both small and large account holders. Being regulated by top-tier authorities such as the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Australia’s ASIC makes StarTrader a trusted choice for traders worldwide who value safety, transparency, and fair trading environments.
Why Startrader is fit for Scalping?
We carefully evaluated StarTrader’s trading conditions to determine whether it deserves a spot on our list of the best forex brokers for scalping — and it passed our tests with decent results.
1. Spreads + Commissions
StarTrader’s ECN account offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, which we confirmed using our spread monitoring tool. While average spreads are slightly above zero, we frequently observed 0-pip spreads on EUR/USD during liquid market hours.
The broker also provides consistently tight spreads across other major currency pairs, plus one of the lowest spread + commission on gold (XAU/USD) we’ve seen. With a $7 round-turn commission, StarTrader’s trading costs are perfectly balanced — not too high, not too low — and when combined with those razor-thin spreads, it’s clear why this broker is well-suited for scalping.
2. Execution Speed
Our testing revealed that StarTrader offers excellent order execution speed on the MT5 platform, ranking among the fastest for both market and limit orders. Execution on MT4 isn’t quite as quick, though it remains within a solid industry-standard range — just not top-tier compared to MT5.
3. Regulation
StarTrader operates under strong regulatory oversight, licensed by several reputable authorities including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This makes it not only a fast and cost-efficient broker but also a secure choice for scalpers who prioritize trust and transparency.
Pros
- Low spreads
- Strong rgulations
- Fast order execution on MT5
Cons
- MT4 Order Execution isn’t very fast
Startrader Information and Test Overview
Regional offices: London, Sydney, Dubai, Cape Town, Mauritius, Seychelles
Spread + Commission Score: A+
Regulated By: FCA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, FSC, SCA
Limit Order Execution Speed: A+ (MT5), B+ (MT4)
Market Order Execution Speed: A+ (MT5), B+ (MT4)
Maximum Leverage for ECN account: 1:1000
Minimum Deposit for ECN Account: $100
Instruments: Forex, Indices, Commodities, Metals, Shares, ETF
Banned Countries: the US, Canada,Sudan, Syria, North Korea, Cuba, Eritrea, Iraq
Payment Methods: Bank Wire, VISA, MasterCard, Stickpay, PM, Wise, Crypto
No fees on deposit. No fees for withdrawal of funds in most countries.
2- Moneta Markets
Established in 2019, Moneta Markets is a relatively new player in the forex industry, but it has quickly built a solid reputation among traders. Despite its young age, Moneta has shown strong commitment to professionalism and transparency. The broker is regulated by several reputable authorities across different jurisdictions — a clear sign that it takes compliance seriously and operates with a long-term mindset.hat they’re doing and have a long term mindset.
Why Moneta Markets Stands Out for Scalping?
We put Moneta Markets through a series of tests focused on the key factors that matter most for scalping — speed, cost, and reliability. The results were up to par. Based on our findings, we can confidently say that Moneta Markets deserves a spot among the best forex brokers for scalpers.
1. Spreads + Commissions
We analyzed Moneta Markets’ Prime ECN account across various trading pairs, and the broker consistently delivered top-tier results. For some pairs, Moneta ranks number one in terms of spread tightness, and for many others, it’s within the top three.
Moneta isn’t just great for forex scalping — if you scalp BTC/USD or gold (XAU/USD), this broker also offers some of the lowest spreads in the market. The $6 round-turn commission for the Prime ECN account is slightly below the industry average, which, combined with its ultra-tight spreads, makes Moneta an excellent choice for scalpers.
2. Execution Speed
When it comes to execution, Moneta Markets truly shines. Our tests show that the broker offers the fastest MT5 execution speed in the industry, both for market and limit orders. Its MT4 execution speed also ranks among the best, providing smooth and reliable order processing — a crucial factor for scalpers who rely on split-second timing.
3. Regulation
Moneta Markets operates under strict oversight from some of the world’s most trusted regulators, including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa. This level of regulation makes Moneta a safe and transparent choice for traders worldwide who prioritize both performance and trustworthiness.
Pros
- Low spreads (always on top 3)
- Strong rgulations
- Fastest order execution on MT5
Cons
- No major drawbacks found so far
MonetaMarkets Information and Test Overview
Regional offices: Dubai, Johannesburg, Birmingham, Seychelles
Spread + Commission Score: A+
Regulated By: FCA, FSCA, SCA
Limit Order Execution Speed: A+ (MT5), A (MT4)
Market Order Execution Speed: A+ (MT5), A (MT4)
Maximum Leverage for ECN account: 1:1000
Minimum Deposit for ECN Account: $100
Instruments: FX pairs, Shares, ETF, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Cryptocurrencies
Banned Countries: U.S, Canada, Cyprus, France, Spain, Russia, Ukraine, Italy
Payment Methods: Bank Wire, VISA, MasterCard, FasaPay, Sticpay, JCB Card, Cryptocurrency
No extra fee on deposit and withdrawal except for international bank transfer
3- FXPro
Founded in 2006, FxPro is one of the true veterans in the forex trading industry. With nearly two decades of experience, it has built a strong reputation for reliability and professionalism. FxPro is regulated by several top-tier authorities, including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which makes it a trusted and secure broker for traders around the world.
Why Choose FXPro for Scalping?
While FxPro’s trading costs aren’t as low as some of the brokers in our list, they are still reasonable, and the broker offers several features that make it a strong choice for scalpers. Its fast and reliable execution is a major advantage, which is why we’ve included FxPro in our list of the best forex brokers for scalping.
1. Spreads + Commissions
As mentioned, FxPro’s spreads are generally average for the industry, and the $7 round-turn commission is also standard. However, thanks to the broker’s high liquidity, trades are executed at your desired price most of the time, minimizing slippage. On days without major news events, spreads remain stable and predictable, allowing scalpers to plan trades with confidence.
2. Execution Speed
FxPro MT4 execution speed ranks among the fastest brokers we’ve tested, reflecting a highly optimized trading infrastructure. MT5 market order execution isn’t quite as fast, often around 50ms, but it remains competitive. MT5 limit orders perform well though, so overall execution speed is still solid for scalping strategies.
3. Regulation
FxPro is highly regulated by several top-tier authorities, including the UK FCA, CySEC, and South Africa’s FSCA. This level of oversight ensures that the broker prioritizes client protection and adheres to strict compliance standards, making it a trustworthy option for traders worldwide.
Pros
- Old reputable broker
- Strong rgulations
- Unlimited leverage
- Fast order execution on both MT4 and MT5
Cons
- Spreads are not super tight
FXPro Information and Test Overview
Regional offices: London, Dubai, Bahamas
Spread + Commission Score: B+
Regulated By: FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB, FSA
Limit Order Execution Speed: A+ (MT4), A+ (MT5)
Market Order Execution Speed: A+ (MT4), B+ (MT5)
Maximum Leverage for ECN account: Unlimited
Minimum Deposit for ECN Account: $100
Instruments: FX pairs, Indices, Futures, Shares, ETFs, Energy, Cryptocurrencies,
Banned Countries: U.S, Canada, Syria
Payment Methods: Bank Wire, VISA, MasterCard, BPay, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Crypto
No extra fee on deposit and withdrawal.
4- LiteFinance
Founded in 2005, LiteFinance (formerly LiteForex) is one of the long-established forex brokers in the industry. Over the years, it has built a stable reputation among traders. The broker is regulated by several authorities, including CySEC, which is considered a tier-2 regulator — offering a reasonable balance between trader protection and flexible trading conditions.
Why LiteForex is a Greate Choice for Scalpers?
LiteFinance stands out as one of the best-regulated brokers for scalping, thanks to its ultra-tight spreads, solid execution speed, and reliable regulation. In fact, among all the regulated brokers we monitor, LiteFinance consistently ranks number one for lowest spreads across almost every forex pair — with only one or two exceptions. When combined with stable execution and fair commissions, it easily earns a place on our list of the best forex brokers for scalping.
1. Spreads + Commissions
LiteFinance offers some of the tightest spreads in the industry. Based on our live spread monitoring tool (which tracks real accounts, not demo data), LiteFinance delivers the lowest spreads on nearly all forex pairs. Major pairs like EUR/USD often show 0.0 pips spreads most of the time.
With a $5 round-turn commission, the combined spread + commission on EUR/USD typically averages around 0.5 pips, which is exceptional. The same tight pricing extends to most other forex pairs. While gold spread isn’t as low, it’s still competitive compared to industry standards.
2. Execution Speed
LiteFinance provides fast and stable order execution on both MT4 and MT5 platforms. As expected, MT5 execution is slightly faster, thanks to its improved infrastructure. Overall, the broker’s execution speeds are well-suited for scalping strategies, especially when combined with its low trading costs.
3. Regulation
LiteFinance isn’t heavily regulated but still maintains respectable oversight. The broker holds licenses from CySEC (a tier-2 regulator) and the Mauritius FSC (a tier-3 regulator). While not top-tier, this regulatory mix provides a reasonable level of security along with flexibility in trading conditions, including higher leverage options.
Pros
- Lowest spreads and commission
- High Leverage
Cons
- Lack of tier-1 regulation
LiteFinance Information and Test Overview
Regional offices: Mauritius, Singapore, Tanzania
Spread + Commission Score: A+
Regulated By: CySEC, FSC
Limit Order Execution Speed: A (MT4), A (MT5)
Market Order Execution Speed: A (MT4), A+ (MT5)
Maximum Leverage for ECN account: 1:1000
Minimum Deposit for ECN Account: $50
Instruments: FX pairs, Stocks, Metals, Indices, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies
Banned Countries: U.S, residents of the EEA, Sudan, Syria, and North Korea
Payment Methods: Wire transfer, Mastercard, Visa, Bitcoin, Skrill, Neteller, Perfect Money, Webmoney Cryptocurrencies
No extra fee on deposit and withdrawal except for international bank transfer
5- XChief
Founded in 2014, XChief is regulated by MISA, which isn’t considered one of the strongest regulatory authorities. However, over its 10 years in the forex industry, the broker has managed to build a solid reputation among traders, thanks to its competitive trading conditions and consistent service quality.
Why XChief is a Reasonable Pick for Scalpers
We tested XChief based on our three main criteria — trading costs, execution speed, and regulation — and the results show that this broker is indeed suitable for scalping. With relatively low spreads and commissions, reliable execution speed, and a decent reputation among traders, XChief earns its spot on our list of top forex brokers for scalping.
1. Spreads + Commissions
We tested XChief’s MT4.xPRIME account, and the results were quite competitive. The average spread on EUR/USD was around 0.1 pips, and when combined with the $6 round-turn commission, your total cost averages about 0.7 pips — a very acceptable range for scalping strategies.
2. Execution Speed
XChief’s MT4 and MT5 execution speeds, for both market and limit orders, ranked mid-range in our testing table. That said, this still means XChief offers fast execution, since we only test brokers with high-speed infrastructures. In other words, performing in the middle of this group still places XChief among the faster brokers in the industry.
3. Regulation
XChief is regulated by the Mwali International Services Authority (MISA), which is not considered a top-tier regulatory body. While this type of regulation allows the broker to offer more flexible trading conditions — such as higher leverage and often lower trading costs — it also means traders don’t receive the same level of protection provided by stronger regulators like the FCA or ASIC.
This makes XChief a reasonable option for scalpers who need access to high leverage but live in jurisdictions with stricter limits, such as the EU.
Pros
- Low spreads and commission
- Good reputation
Cons
- Lack of strong regulation
XChief Information and Test Overview
Regional offices: Vanuatu
Spread + Commission Score: A
Regulated By: MISA
Limit Order Execution Speed: A (MT4), A (MT5)
Market Order Execution Speed: A (MT4), A+ (MT5)
Maximum Leverage for ECN account: 1:1000
Minimum Deposit for ECN Account: $1
Instruments: FX pairs, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto
Banned Countries: U.S
Payment Methods: Bank Wire, Debit and Credit Cards, BPAY, Neteller, Advanced Cash, Web Money, Perfect Money, Crypto
No extra fee on deposit and withdrawal.
6- Alpari
Founded in 1998, Alpari is one of the true veterans of the forex industry. Despite experiencing many ups and downs over the years, the broker has managed to remain active and continue providing brokerage services to traders worldwide. Alpari is regulated by the Mwali International Services Authority (MISA), which is considered a tier-3 offshore regulator — not among the strongest, but suitable for traders looking for flexible trading conditions and high leverage options.
Why Alpari is a Good Choice for Scalpers?
As a scalper, you might appreciate Alpari for its competitive spreads, especially on major forex pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD. Combined with its fast and reliable MT5 execution, Alpari earns a place on our list of the best forex brokers for scalping.
1. Spreads + Commissions
Alpari offers tight spreads on major currency pairs, often ranking among the top three brokers in our comparison list. On its Pro ECN account, Alpari charges a $5 round-turn commission, which is slightly lower than the industry average — making it cost-efficient for active scalpers.
2. Execution Speed
We tested Alpari’s MT5 platform, as the broker doesn’t provide MT4 demo accounts for speed testing. Execution performance on MT5 was impressively fast, particularly for limit orders. While we couldn’t evaluate MT4, the results on MT5 indicate that Alpari offers stable and efficient execution suitable for scalping strategies.
3. Regulation
Alpari is not strongly regulated. It was previously authorized by the UK’s FCA, but after the Swiss Franc Crisis in 2015, the broker declared insolvency and lost its FCA license. Since then, Alpari has restructured and continued operations under offshore regulation (MISA). Although this doesn’t offer the same level of protection as top-tier regulators, it allows Alpari to provide more flexible trading conditions and higher leverage options.
Overall, Alpari can be a reliable offshore broker for scalpers seeking high leverage and low trading costs — just make sure you’re comfortable trading under a lighter regulatory framework.
Pros
- Low spreads and commission on major pairs
- Long-standing broker with over 25 years in market
- High leverage
Cons
- Lack of strong regulation
Alpari Information and Test Overview
Regional offices: Mauritius
Spread + Commission Score: A
Regulated By: MISA
Limit Order Execution Speed: A+ (MT5)
Market Order Execution Speed: A (MT5)
Maximum Leverage for ECN account: 1:3000
Minimum Deposit for ECN Account: $500
Instruments: Forex, Indices, Commodities, Metals, ETFs, Futures, Stocks, Cryptocurrencies
Banned Countries: USA, Japan, Canada, Australia, the Democratic Republic of Korea, European Union, United Kingdom, Syria, Sudan and Cuba.
Payment Methods: Bank Wire, VISA, MasterCard, BitPay, FasaPay, Neteller, Skrill, UnionPay, WebMoney, TC Pay Wallet, Bitcoin, VLoad, and Local bank transfers
No extra fees on deposit and withdrawal
7- AMarkets
Founded in 2007, AMarkets is one of the more established forex brokers in the industry. While it is regulated by several authorities, none of them are considered tier-one regulators. However, given its long-standing presence in the market and a track record free of major issues, AMarkets has earned a reputation as a trusted and reliable broker for traders worldwide.
Why AMarkets Suitable for Scalpers?
Our tests show that AMarkets is a cost-efficient broker with generally reliable order execution, making it a solid choice for scalping. While it may not be the top option for pairs like EUR/USD, its overall trading conditions earn it a spot on our list of best forex brokers for scalping.
1. Spreads + Commissions
AMarkets’ spread conditions are mixed. On EUR/USD, spreads are average, but on many cross pairs, the broker offers very tight spreads, ranking high in our comparison. The $5 round-turn commission is slightly better than average, making trading costs reasonable for scalpers.
2. Execution Speed
We tested both MT4 and MT5 execution. MT4 shows good, reliable speed, though not the fastest compared to other brokers on our list. MT5 execution is acceptable, typically around 100ms; while this is fast, extremely speed-sensitive MT5 EAs may perform better with other brokers. Overall, AMarkets’ execution is sufficient for most scalping strategies.
3. Regulation
AMarkets is regulated by MISA, Cook Islands FSC, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines FSA — all tier-3 authorities. While this weak regulation may concern some traders, it allows for higher leverage options (up to 1:3000) and flexible trading conditions, which can be attractive for scalpers seeking offshore brokers.
Pros
- Low spreads on cross pairs
- Good reputation
- High leverage
Cons
- Lack of strong regulation
AMarkets Information and Test Overview
Regional offices: Cook Islands
Spread + Commission Score: B+
Regulated By: FSA, FSC, MlSA
Limit Order Execution Speed: A (MT4), B+ (MT5)
Market Order Execution Speed: A (MT4), B+ (MT5)
Maximum Leverage for ECN account: 1:3000
Minimum Deposit for ECN Account: $100
Instruments: Forex, Indices, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Cryptocurrencies
Banned Countries: U.S, UK, Syria, Sudan, North Korea, and some other countries
Payment Methods: Bank Wire, VISA, MasterCard, USDT, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, BNB, USDC, Volet
No extra fee on deposit and withdrawal except for international bank transfer
Live Spread Comparison of the Best Forex Brokers for Scalping
Our live spread table tracks the real-time spreads of the top forex brokers we tested. Unlike demo accounts, this data reflects actual trading conditions, so you can see which brokers offer the tightest spreads on some major pairs and gold. Tight spreads are critical for scalpers because every pip counts, and this table shows you exactly which brokers consistently rank at the top.
If you want to explore spreads on more currency pairs, check out our guide to low-spread forex brokers [here].
Current Spreads for Top Scalping Forex Brokers
| Forex Broker | Account Type | Ranking | Average Spread (pips) | Minimum Spread (pips) | Maximum Spread (pips) | Actions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
LiteFinance | ECN | #1 | 0.50 | 0.50 | 1.70 | |
|
|
Startrader | ECN | #3 | 0.89 | 0.70 | 13.50 | |
|
|
xChief | MT4.xPRIME | #4 | 0.81 | 0.60 | 13.40 | |
|
|
Moneta | Prime ECN | #5 | 0.83 | 0.60 | 5.50 | |
|
|
FXPro | ECN | #6 | 0.99 | 0.70 | 13.70 | |
|
|
Alpari | Pro ECN | #10 | 0.86 | 0.50 | 5.20 | |
|
|
AMarkets | ECN | #13 | 1.11 | 0.70 | 13.50 |
This forex broker comparison table shows real-time spread data for major currency pairs. Spreads are measured in pips and updated regularly. Rankings are determined by average spread values.
All spreads are taken from brokers real accounts, not demo accounts.
Execution Speed Comparison (in Milliseconds)
Execution speed plays a meaningful role in scalping performance for traders using EAs (Expert Advisors) or trading during high-volatility news events. Our bar chart compares order execution times in milliseconds across different brokers, tested on both MT4 and MT5 platforms using our in-house tools and live accounts.
If you’re a high-frequency trader (HFT) or rely on news scalping, even slight differences in execution speed can impact your results. However, for typical scalpers, anything below 300 milliseconds is considered fast enough and shouldn’t cause noticeable slippage.
In general, brokers with consistently low and stable execution times provide smoother trade fills and better precision.
Regulation Strength of the Top Scalping Brokers
Regulation is a key factor for both trust and safety in forex trading. In our regulation chart, brokers are ranked by regulatory tier: Tier 1 (strongest), Tier 2 (moderate), and Tier 3 (offshore or less strict). This helps you quickly evaluate which brokers protect traders under robust frameworks, and which allow higher leverage and more flexible trading conditions.
Our Methodology
To find the best forex brokers for scalping, we focused on the factors that matter most for this trading style. Scalping is all about capturing a few pips at a time, so even a fraction of a pip can make a big difference in profitability. That’s why our main focus was on spreads.
We use a proprietary spread monitoring system built in-house that tracks live spreads from real trading accounts every few seconds. This allows us to rely on verified, up-to-date data rather than the claims made by brokers.
👉 You can explore our live spread monitoring tool [here].
Another crucial element for scalping is execution speed. We developed our own Execution Analyzer EAs for both MT4 and MT5 to measure how fast brokers execute market and limit orders in real conditions.
👉 Learn more about our execution speed tests and download the free EAs [here].
Finally, we only include brokers that hold at least one valid regulation. To make this transparent, we created a regulation scoring system that ranks brokers based on the strength of their regulatory oversight — from Tier 1 (strongest) to Tier 3 (weakest).
You can find more details in the Regulation Strength section above.
FAQ
A good scalping broker offers tight spreads, low commissions, and fast execution speed with minimal slippage. Regulation also matters — regulated brokers generally offer more transparent pricing and reliable trade execution.
Not all brokers allow scalping. Some restrict very short-term trades or high-frequency strategies. All the brokers in our list explicitly allow scalping, meaning you can open and close positions freely without trading restrictions.
For most scalpers, anything below 300 milliseconds is considered fast enough. However, traders using HFT EAs or news scalping strategies may prefer brokers with sub-100 ms execution for better precision.
Not necessarily. While tight spreads are crucial, you also need to consider regulation and execution quality. A broker with slightly higher spreads but excellent execution and well regulated may actually provide better results than one with lower spreads but poor order filling and regulation.
Yes, but beginners should start small and practice first. Scalping requires discipline, speed, and understanding of broker conditions. Choosing a broker with tight spreads and fast execution helps reduce unnecessary trading costs.
Hi Dave,
I am Robbie from London, hope you are well and doing excellent job.
Incidentally, I just bummed into your web phase and really like your hard work, I am trading since 2004 but a complete looser and still pulling through. I wonder what you think about the following brokers:
OANDA
PLUS 500
ALVEXO
ETORA
FXCM
By the way have you any office in or around London where I can meet you?
Thanks.
Have a restful weekend.
Robbie
Hi Robbie,
Thanks, hope you’re well too. Unfortunately, I don’t have an office near you. Regarding the brokers you mentioned, Oanda is a good one, plus 500 is an average broker, haven’t heard about Alvexo, I don’t like Etoro, and you can see an FXCM review on this article.
If you have any other questions, you can always email me via the contact form.
Have a great weekend
Hi david,
1) whats your opinion on this broker: liteforex
2) whats your recommendation for social trading broker?
3) as a trader, what should we do when a broker is scammed, website dissappeared, apps , email, phone number all can not be contacted,
Can you please make it more details explanation on this issue?
4) have you ever scammed by some brokers?
1-it’s an average broker in the industry, not very good and not bad. It’s been around for quite some time so you probably won’t have any problems with them.
2-check out this post that I wrote about the best PAMM accounts and this post on the best PAMM brokers.
3-If the broker is regulated, you can contact its regulators and file a complaint. Of course if they’re regulated or at least been in the market for a long time, they won’t disappear because they make a lot more money if they stay in the game. But if it’s a rather new unregulated broker, it might do that and you probably can’t do anything about that.
4-no, you decrease the risk of being scammed when you do your own research as you do now
Thank you so much for this information and analysis. Exactly, what I’ve been looking for. You really made my day. Thumbs up.