A head-to-head comparison of FP Markets and Windsor Brokers across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
True ECN pricing, all three major platforms, strong ASIC regulation, and IRESS integration for share CFDs - a complete package for active traders.
One of the longest-operating CySEC-regulated brokers, offering standard and ECN accounts on MT4 and MT5 - a solid EU retail offering backed by a track record few Cyprus-based competitors can match.
FP Markets edges ahead with a score of 4.5/5 vs Windsor Brokers's 4/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Both brokers offer spreads from 0 pips.
FP Markets has a stronger safety profile: top-tier regulation, compensation scheme, segregated funds, negative balance protection.
FP Markets offers more exclusive platform options: cTrader, TradingView, IRESS.
FP Markets edges out Windsor Brokers with a higher editorial score (4.5/5 vs 4/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 3.8 / 5 |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
| Founded | 2005 | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Nicosia, Cyprus |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | $8/lot |
| Max leverage | 500:1 | 500:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC | FSCA CySEC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView IRESS | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit FP Markets | Visit Windsor Brokers |
Pros
True ECN pricing from 0.0 pips + $6 round-turn commission
Supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader - all three major platforms
IRESS platform for direct-access share CFD trading
Strong ASIC and CySEC regulation
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
35+ years of continuous operation - one of the longest track records in retail forex
CySEC regulated with EU investor protections
ECN Zero account from 0.0 pips + $8 commission
Islamic swap-free accounts available
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
IRESS platform has a monthly fee for lower-volume traders
Customer support primarily oriented toward Australian trading hours
Not available to US residents
No proprietary platform
Cons
Platform limited to MT4 and MT5 - no cTrader or proprietary option
$100 minimum deposit on standard accounts
ECN commission slightly above IC Markets and Pepperstone
No top-tier regulatory licence
Limited charting capabilities
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FP Markets | Windsor Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
Based on our independent editorial scoring, FP Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.5/5 vs 4/5 for Windsor Brokers. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; FP Markets and Windsor Brokers may each suit different trader profiles.
Both FP Markets and Windsor Brokers offer spreads starting from 0 pips, making them equivalent on this metric. Consider commissions and account types when evaluating total trading costs.
Both FP Markets and Windsor Brokers require a minimum deposit of $100 to open a live trading account.
FP Markets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. Windsor Brokers may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Always verify regulatory status with the broker directly before depositing funds.
For beginners: both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
FP Markets offers maximum leverage of 500:1, while Windsor Brokers offers up to 500:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
FP Markets charges $6 per lot, lower than Windsor Brokers's $8 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
FP Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, IRESS and Windsor Brokers offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5; both support MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5; FP Markets exclusively offers cTrader, TradingView, IRESS.
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