FXOpen

FXOpen

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
7.8
/ 10
vs
Lightspeed

Lightspeed

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
7.4
/ 10

FXOpen vs Lightspeed

A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.

FXOpen and Lightspeed are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. FXOpen, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand, is regulated by FCA, ASIC, CySEC and offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $1. Lightspeed, established in 2006 in New York, USA, holds licenses from FCA with spreads from N/A and a $10000 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, FXOpen scored 7.8/10 overall compared to Lightspeed's 7.4/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Lightspeed holds its own with better trading platforms and more research tools, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • 📊

    FXOpen scores 7.8/10 overall vs 7.4/10 for Lightspeed — a 0.4-point difference.

  • 💵

    FXOpen requires just $1 to start, while Lightspeed needs $10000 — FXOpen is 10000x more accessible.

  • 📈

    Lightspeed offers 8,000+ instruments vs 600+ at FXOpen — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    FXOpen runs on MT4, MT5, TickTrader, while Lightspeed uses Lightspeed Trader, Sterling Trader Pro — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Deposit & Withdrawal: FXOpen scores 7.5 vs 6.0 for Lightspeed — a 1.5-point difference.

Our Verdict

🏆 WINNER
FXOpen

FXOpen

Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 3 categories
  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($1)
Lightspeed

Lightspeed

Score: 7.4/10 · Wins 2 categories
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
  • You prefer Lightspeed's trading environment overall

FXOpen takes the lead with an overall score of 7.8/10 compared to 7.4/10, winning in 3 out of 8 scoring categories. FXOpen stands out for lower trading costs and superior education resources, while Lightspeed fights back with better trading platforms and more research tools.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, FXOpen comes out ahead with a 7.8/10 overall rating, winning 3 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 9.0/10. FXOpen holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Lightspeed is not without merit — it scores 7.4/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 2 categories. Traders who value better trading platforms or more research tools may find Lightspeed the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full FXOpen review and Lightspeed review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

FXOpen
Lightspeed
Trading Costs
8.5 7.5

FXOpen wins by 1.0 points

Platforms & Tools
8.0 8.5

Lightspeed wins by 0.5 points

Regulation & Trust
9.0 9.0
Education
6.5 5.5

FXOpen wins by 1.0 points

Customer Service
7.0 7.0
Research & Analysis
7.0 8.0

Lightspeed wins by 1.0 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
7.5 6.0

FXOpen wins by 1.5 points

Product Range
7.5 7.5

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
7.8/10
7.4/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$1
$10000
Max Leverage
1:500
1:4
Spreads From
0.0 pips
N/A
Platforms
MT4, MT5, TickTrader
Lightspeed Trader, Sterling Trader Pro
Regulation
FCA, ASIC, CySEC
FCA
Founded
Older track record highlighted
2005
2006
Markets
600+
8,000+
FXOpen: 1 Lightspeed: 0
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: FXOpen (8.5 vs 7.5)

When it comes to trading costs, FXOpen has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 7.5/10 for Lightspeed. FXOpen offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while Lightspeed starts from N/A. The minimum deposit at FXOpen is $1, compared to $10000 at Lightspeed. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.

FXOpen
8.5
Lightspeed
7.5
FXOpen: 1 Lightspeed: 1
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: Lightspeed (8.0 vs 8.5)

Lightspeed scores 8.5/10 for platforms compared to 8/10 for FXOpen. FXOpen provides MT4, MT5, TickTrader, while Lightspeed offers Lightspeed Trader, Sterling Trader Pro. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.

FXOpen
8.0
Lightspeed
8.5
FXOpen: 1 Lightspeed: 1
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. FXOpen is regulated by FCA, ASIC, CySEC (Tier 1), while Lightspeed holds licenses from FCA (Tier 1). FXOpen scores 9/10 and Lightspeed scores 9/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.

FXOpen
9.0
Lightspeed
9.0
FXOpen: 2 Lightspeed: 1
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: FXOpen (6.5 vs 5.5)

For learning resources, FXOpen leads with 6.5/10 compared to 5.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. FXOpen and Lightspeed both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.

FXOpen
6.5
Lightspeed
5.5
FXOpen: 2 Lightspeed: 1
🎧

Customer Support

FXOpen offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email and scores 7/10, while Lightspeed provides 24/5 Email, Phone with a score of 7/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.

FXOpen
7.0
Lightspeed
7.0
FXOpen: 3 Lightspeed: 1
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

🏅 Section Winner: FXOpen (7.5 vs 6.0)

FXOpen scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Lightspeed scores 6/10. FXOpen accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto, and Lightspeed supports Bank Transfer, Wire Transfer. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. FXOpen requires a minimum deposit of $1 versus $10000 for Lightspeed. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

FXOpen
7.5
Lightspeed
6.0

Which Broker Is Right for You?

FXOpen

Choose FXOpen if you...

  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($1)
Visit FXOpen
Lightspeed

Choose Lightspeed if you...

  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
  • You prefer Lightspeed's trading environment overall
Visit Lightspeed

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FXOpen better than Lightspeed?

FXOpen scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.4/10), winning 3 of 8 categories. However, Lightspeed is stronger in better trading platforms and more research tools. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, FXOpen or Lightspeed?

FXOpen scores higher for trading costs. FXOpen offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $1 minimum deposit, while Lightspeed starts from N/A with $10000 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.

Is FXOpen safe to trade with?

FXOpen is regulated by FCA, ASIC, CySEC and scores 9/10 for regulation. Lightspeed is regulated by FCA with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.

Which has better trading platforms, FXOpen or Lightspeed?

Lightspeed scores 8.5/10 for platforms. FXOpen offers MT4, MT5, TickTrader, while Lightspeed provides Lightspeed Trader, Sterling Trader Pro. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.

What's the minimum deposit for FXOpen vs Lightspeed?

FXOpen requires a minimum deposit of $1, while Lightspeed requires $10000. FXOpen has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.

Ready to Start Trading?

Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.

← Back to Compare Tool