Broker directory

Brokers chosen for execution, not hype.

A short, practical shortlist for traders who care about platform fit, transparent costs and getting money in and out without friction. Five brokers, each with a clear reason to be here.

Brokers in the shortlist

MT4 / MT5

Core platform coverage

No extra cost

Using our links

Editorial standard

What earns a place on this page

There is no perfect broker, only a broker that fits the way you trade. These are the three filters every entry has to pass before it is listed.

Platform fit comes first

Start with the terminal and instruments you actually use. MT4, MT5, synthetic indices and browser terminals solve different problems.

Check the entity, not just the logo

Brokers often operate through several legal entities. The entity that accepts you determines your protections, leverage and dispute route.

Affiliate links stay visible

Some links earn FxFirebird a commission at no added cost to you. Commercial terms never buy a place in the shortlist.

Shortlist

The current broker shortlist

Five brokers, five distinct use cases. Each card covers platform fit, the markets on offer and the details to verify before funding.

Logos belong to their respective owners

24/7 markets

Deriv

Synthetic indices and multi-asset CFDs

Deriv is the natural first stop if you want markets that do not wait for a session open. Its synthetic indices trade around the clock, and the group also covers forex, commodities, stocks, indices and crypto through its own terminals and MetaTrader 5.

Best for

Traders who want 24/7 synthetic markets and a platform suite beyond MetaTrader.

Platforms: Deriv MT5 · Deriv X · Deriv Trader
Markets: Synthetics, forex, commodities, stocks, indices, crypto
Access: 24/7 on synthetic indices
Entity: Multi-entity group — check your local entity

24/7 synthetics
MT5 access
Multi-asset CFDs

Open Deriv account

Affiliate link · no added cost

MetaTrader native

HFM

A familiar MT4/MT5 home for multi-asset CFDs

HFM keeps the workflow familiar: MetaTrader 4 or 5, a broad CFD book and account tiers that range from low-deposit access to tighter-spread setups. It is a practical choice if your templates, indicators and EAs already live inside MetaTrader.

Best for

MetaTrader traders who want one account for forex, metals, indices and more.

Platforms: MetaTrader 4 · MetaTrader 5
Markets: Forex, metals, indices, commodities, stocks, crypto
Account fit: Cent, Premium and Pro tiers
Entity: Multi-entity group — check your local entity

MT4 & MT5
Multi-asset CFDs
Account tiers

Open HFM account

Affiliate link · no added cost

Raw spreads

IC Markets

Institutional-grade pricing across four platforms

IC Markets Global pairs raw spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3.50 per-lot commission and a deep book of more than 2,250 instruments. It supports MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, and its MT4/MT5 servers sit in Equinix NY4 in New York for low-latency execution.

Best for

Traders who want raw pricing, cTrader or TradingView and a large multi-asset book.

Platforms: MT4 · MT5 · cTrader · TradingView
Pricing: Raw from 0.0 pips + $3.50/lot per side
Leverage: Up to 1:5000
Regulation: Seychelles FSA — Raw Trading Ltd (SD018)

2,250+ instruments
Raw spread account
Equinix NY4 servers

Open IC Markets account

Affiliate link · no added cost

Low entry

Valetax

Tight spreads with an $8 starting point

Valetax is built around accessible entry: an $8 minimum deposit, spreads from 0.0 pips on its ECN account and leverage up to 1:2000. It covers six asset classes on MT4 and MT5, and Valetax International Ltd is licensed by the FSC of Mauritius.

Best for

Traders who want a low minimum deposit and flexible leverage without leaving MetaTrader.

Platforms: MetaTrader 4 · MetaTrader 5
Entry: From $8 · spreads from 0.0 pips
Leverage: Up to 1:2000
Regulation: FSC Mauritius — Valetax International Ltd

0.0-pip ECN spreads
1:2000 leverage
6 asset classes

Open Valetax account

Affiliate link · no added cost

AI-assisted

FXNX

MT5 and NX Terminal, with AI in the loop

FXNX pairs MetaTrader 5 with its browser-based NX Terminal and an AI assistant that can read your account and market data without placing trades on its own. The book covers 150+ instruments, and the broker holds a MISA licence (BFX2025082).

Best for

Traders who want a modern terminal, AI research tools and a straightforward MT5 fallback.

Platforms: MetaTrader 5 · NX Terminal · FXNX app
Markets: 150+ instruments across six asset classes
Licence: MISA — BFX2025082
Minimum: From $10 on NX Flex

FXNX AI
Raw spreads from 0.0 pips
Negative balance protection

Open FXNX account

Affiliate link · no added cost

Comparison

Side-by-side, without the sales page

A quick read on platform fit and why each broker is here. Confirm current spreads, leverage and entity details on the provider's site.

Broker	Best for	Platforms	Standout
Deriv	24/7 synthetic indices	Deriv MT5, Deriv X, Deriv Trader	Synthetic indices and multi-asset CFDs
HFM	MetaTrader multi-asset trading	MT4, MT5	Broad CFD market access
IC Markets	Raw spreads and cTrader	MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView	2,250+ instruments, Equinix NY4
Valetax	Low entry, high leverage	MT4, MT5	From $8, spreads from 0.0 pips
FXNX	AI-assisted trading	MT5, NX Terminal, app	150+ instruments, MISA licence

Deriv

Best for: 24/7 synthetic indices
Platforms: Deriv MT5, Deriv X, Deriv Trader
Standout: Synthetic indices and multi-asset CFDs

HFM

Best for: MetaTrader multi-asset trading
Platforms: MT4, MT5
Standout: Broad CFD market access

IC Markets

Best for: Raw spreads and cTrader
Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
Standout: 2,250+ instruments, Equinix NY4

Valetax

Best for: Low entry, high leverage
Platforms: MT4, MT5
Standout: From $8, spreads from 0.0 pips

FXNX

Best for: AI-assisted trading
Platforms: MT5, NX Terminal, app
Standout: 150+ instruments, MISA licence

Buyer's guide

How to choose a broker without skipping the boring parts

A four-step checklist for choosing the account you will actually trade, not the one with the biggest bonus.

Start with your platform and instruments

If your workflow depends on MT4 templates or an MT5 EA, filter for that first. A broker that does not support your setup is not a bargain at any spread.

Match the entity to your country

Leverage, protections and available products can change with the legal entity. Check the entity named on your application and read its risk disclosure.

Price the account you will actually use

Compare spread plus commission, not the headline spread alone. Include swap, inactivity and withdrawal fees, then test the platform on demo.

Test funding and support before scaling

Make a small deposit, withdraw a portion and see how long it takes. Good execution is useful only if you can access your money.

Broker FAQ

Questions worth asking before you fund an account

How did you choose these brokers?

The shortlist covers the workflows FxFirebird traders ask about most: synthetic indices, MT4/MT5 multi-asset trading, low-deposit entry and modern terminal tools. It is not a ranking of profitability, and it is not financial advice.

Do affiliate links change the price I pay?

No. The link may earn FxFirebird a commission, but it does not change the spread, commission or account minimum you are offered. Always compare the live terms on the provider's site.

Which broker is best for MT4 or MT5?

HFM, IC Markets and Valetax all offer MT4 and MT5. IC Markets adds cTrader and TradingView, Deriv offers Deriv MT5 alongside its own terminals, and FXNX combines MT5 with NX Terminal. The better choice depends on the instruments and account entity available to you.

Can I run expert advisors?

MetaTrader 4 and 5 accounts generally support EAs, but restrictions can apply to certain account types or jurisdictions. Confirm the current terms with the broker before you build a strategy around it.

What should I verify before funding an account?

Check the legal entity, withdrawal methods and processing times, the all-in cost of your intended account, and whether your strategy is permitted. Start with a demo or the smallest account that lets you test the workflow.

Transparency

Affiliate disclosure: FxFirebird may earn a commission when you open an account through a link on this page. This does not change the price you pay. Broker terms, spreads, leverage and available entities vary by account type and jurisdiction; confirm the current details on the provider's website before funding.

Risk warning: leveraged trading can result in losses that exceed your deposits. Never trade with money you cannot afford to lose.

Keep building

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