FXOpen
Markets.com
FXOpen vs Markets.com
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
FXOpen and Markets.com 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. Markets.com, established in 2008 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA with spreads from 0.6 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, FXOpen scored 7.8/10 overall compared to Markets.com's 7.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Markets.com holds its own with superior education resources and better customer support, 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 7.8/10 for Markets.com — a 0.0-point difference.
- 💵
FXOpen requires just $1 to start, while Markets.com needs $100 — FXOpen is 100x more accessible.
- 📈
Markets.com offers 2,500+ instruments vs 600+ at FXOpen — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
FXOpen runs on MT4, MT5, TickTrader, while Markets.com uses Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Trading Costs: FXOpen scores 8.5 vs 7.0 for Markets.com — a 1.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
FXOpen
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 1 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($1)
- You prefer FXOpen's trading environment overall
Markets.com
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 4 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
FXOpen takes the lead with an overall score of 7.8/10 compared to 7.8/10, winning in 1 out of 8 scoring categories. FXOpen stands out for lower trading costs, while Markets.com fights back with superior education resources and better customer support.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, FXOpen comes out ahead with a 7.8/10 overall rating, winning 1 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. Markets.com is not without merit — it scores 7.8/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 4 categories. Traders who value superior education resources or better customer support may find Markets.com the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full FXOpen review and Markets.com review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
FXOpen wins by 1.5 points
Markets.com wins by 1.0 points
Markets.com wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 1.0 points
Markets.com wins by 1.0 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 ✓ | 7.8/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $1 ✓ | $100 |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:300 |
| Spreads From | 0.0 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TickTrader | Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5 |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, CySEC | CySEC, FCA, FSCA |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2005 ✓ | 2008 |
| Markets | 600+ | 2,500+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, FXOpen has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 7/10 for Markets.com. FXOpen offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while Markets.com starts from 0.6 pips. The minimum deposit at FXOpen is $1, compared to $100 at Markets.com. 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.
Trading Platforms
FXOpen scores 8/10 for platforms compared to 8/10 for Markets.com. FXOpen provides MT4, MT5, TickTrader, while Markets.com offers Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5. 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.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. FXOpen is regulated by FCA, ASIC, CySEC (Tier 1), while Markets.com holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA (Tier 1). FXOpen scores 9/10 and Markets.com 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.
Education & Research
For learning resources, Markets.com leads with 7.5/10 compared to 6.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. FXOpen and Markets.com 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.
Customer Support
FXOpen offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email and scores 7/10, while Markets.com provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7.5/10. 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.
Deposit & Withdrawal
FXOpen scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Markets.com scores 7.5/10. FXOpen accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto, and Markets.com supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. FXOpen requires a minimum deposit of $1 versus $100 for Markets.com. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose FXOpen if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($1)
- You prefer FXOpen's trading environment overall
Choose Markets.com if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FXOpen better than Markets.com?
FXOpen scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.8/10), winning 1 of 8 categories. However, Markets.com is stronger in superior education resources and better customer support. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, FXOpen or Markets.com?
FXOpen scores higher for trading costs. FXOpen offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $1 minimum deposit, while Markets.com starts from 0.6 pips with $100 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. Markets.com is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA 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 Markets.com?
FXOpen scores 8/10 for platforms. FXOpen offers MT4, MT5, TickTrader, while Markets.com provides Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for FXOpen vs Markets.com?
FXOpen requires a minimum deposit of $1, while Markets.com requires $100. 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.