Two brokers deliver similar overall scores, but their regulatory depth and product range pull in different directions. The tension centers on safety, costs, and market reach.
FXCM and RoboForex are closely matched overall, with RoboForex offering many more instruments (about 9,400) than FXCM (about 400).
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose FXCM if…
Choose FXCM if you prioritise top-tier regulation and investor compensation. You also get strong APIs and access to MT4 plus Trading Station.
Choose RoboForex if…
Choose RoboForex if you want a wide instrument universe and raw spreads. You also get MT4, MT5, cTrader, and R Trader options.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
RoboForex offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.40 pips for FXCM, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.1 / 5▲ | 3.6 / 5 |
Pros
Strong APIs (REST, FIX)
Trading Station + MT4
FCA regulated
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXCM | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: FXCM rates 4.1/5 and RoboForex rates 4/5. FXCM has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
RoboForex starts from 0 pips, tighter than FXCM's 0.4 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
RoboForex has $10, while FXCM requires at least $50. This makes RoboForex more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
FXCM holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC), providing stronger investor protections. RoboForex may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: RoboForex requires a lower minimum deposit ($10), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FXCM lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while RoboForex lists up to 2000:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
RoboForex charges $20 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for FXCM are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
FXCM supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader, while RoboForex supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and NinjaTrader. RoboForex has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5.
FXCM wins for safety and regulation with FCA/ASIC oversight and investor compensation.
RoboForex wins for active traders with 2000:1 leverage and 12,000+ instruments.
RoboForex is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
RoboForex wins with MT4/MT5, cTrader, and R Trader offering multiple platforms.
FXCM wins for beginners with a $50 minimum deposit and strong regulatory protections.
RoboForex wins for instrument variety with 9,400+ instruments available.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 1999 | 2009 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Belize City, Belize |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $50 | $10▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.4 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | $20/lot |
|---|
| N/A | 2 pips |
| Max Leverage | 400:1▲ higher | 2,000:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $50/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrill | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyPerfect MoneyCrypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrill | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyPerfect MoneyCrypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free for first per month | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC | FSCA CySEC IFSC |
|---|
| Platforms | ZuluTrade Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 NinjaTrader | cTrader MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
12,000+ instruments including real stocks and ETFs
cTrader available with full Level II and cAlgo
Multiple account types from Cent to ECN
R Trader proprietary platform with built-in analytics
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
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
Cons
Withdrew from US market in 2017
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
Cons
Primary entity uses IFSC Belize, offshore, limited protection
ECN commission of $20 round-turn is higher than IC Markets ($7)
Very high leverage (2000:1) amplifies risk significantly
No top-tier regulatory licence
No investor compensation scheme
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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