Website Reviews
Mobile Apps
Trading Robots
Top Rated CFD Sites
#1 - Pocket Option: Best Overall
Editors Summary
Pocket Option offers many excellent features to new and existing traders. When you check-out the various account types, you will see that they work with traders of any level – newbie, beginner, experienced, master etc. This site is so easy to use, and while CySEC does not license them, they have good feedback online and tick all of the boxes of a trusted broker. We love the ease of use and no-frills approach which is replicated with a great user experience.
#2 - IQcent: Best Free Demo
Editors Summary
It is clear to see that IQcent mean business and that their all-around offering to traders is making them a serious competitor in the digital options market place. From their easy to use trading platform to the fact that they offer such good withdrawal terms, you can't help but feel that this broker is going to capture the market, quickly. With a base in London, reputable licensing, an acceptance of US customers they tick all the boxes when it comes what traders want.
#3 - Raceoption: Best Mobile App
Editors Summary
Raceoption, while a relatively new broker, tick all of the boxes when it comes to trading. They are competitive and offer all of the things that you would expect. Benefits include an excellent mobile trading platform, welcome and deposit bonuses and a good support system. There are phone numbers available in many languages, alternatively, you can send a message with your details, and someone will get back to you.
Risk Warning: The products offered by the companies listed on this website carry a high level of risk and can result in the loss of all your funds. You should never risk money that you cannot afford to lose.
Ad Disclosure: Some of the links that you will find on this website are advertisements for which we do receive financial gain for referring new customers.
Various Types of Platforms
Since a reliable Internet service became widely available, the growth of online trading has increased tenfold and with it the number of online brokers. The majority of brokers offer both fixed and mobile platforms and below is a brief synopsis of those you are likely to encounter.
Website Based Platforms
The cTrader platform is produced by Spotware, a Cyprus-based software development company that specialises in trading platforms. Spotware has all of the bases covered and there are three versions of cTrader: web-based, PC/Mac download and mobile apps. This platform has earned a reputation for providing an easy-to-read interface, with multiple features included, making it ideal for many traders.
Downloadable Software
Two platforms that you will certainly encounter are the two versions of the Metaquotes-developed software: Metatrader 4 (MT4) and Metatrader 5 (MT5). The MT4 platform was developed over 15 years ago but is still one of the most popular for those whose preferred trading asset is the Forex markets. The alternative is MT5 which is a multi-asset platform, suited to all types of trading and with scalability which allows the integration of advanced algorithmic trading and analysis techniques.
Mobile Specific Apps
There are still brokers who stick to a mobile-optimised website version of their trading platform, but generally speaking, the majority of brokers have invested in the development of native apps for popular mobile devices. You will almost always find app versions for Android and iOS devices, but apps for the Windows Mobile operating system are slightly more difficult to find.
Bespoke In-House
There are two types of bespoke platforms you may encounter. The first is the unique software that some of the world’s leading brokers make available, the other one is the highly specialised professional-level type of platforms which you would normally have to ‘lease’ from a broker.
How to Choose a Platform
The cTrader platform is favoured by many day traders because it is secure, fast and has advanced functionality in every version. A further benefit for traders is that brokers who offer cTrader must provide prices on the platform that are supplied by a recognised Liquidity Provider which cannot be modified, meaning that you can rely on the information you see.
Most of you reading this guide will not fall into the professional trader category, but some of you may prefer a broker that has developed a bespoke trading platform to one that offers a variation on a commercial one. Certainly, it is worth trying out a few and there are some excellent brokers on our recommended list that operate unique platform versions.
Some brokers who employ the MT4 platform also offer extensions to use it for trading other assets like crypto currency. Surprisingly, MT5 has yet to gain the same level of popularity or availability as MT4. Both of these platforms are available for download to a PC or Mac and as iOS or Android apps. Due to the complexity of these apps, your device and the operating system will need to be up to date and you should always check these requirements first to avoid disappointment later.
Platform User Tips
Always take advantage of trial versions of any platforms you are interested in. Platform simulations are available from the developers of cTrader, MT4 and MT5. They are not brokers, so there is no pressure for you to sign up for any type of account. Brokers with bespoke software usually offer free demo accounts, often all you will need is an e-mail address to access them.
When you move on to the point where you have decided on your platform and feel ready to open an account with a broker, then it is worth checking these few things out first:
- Are there any guides or tutorials for the platform?
- Can you trade all assets from this platform version?
- Has the broker adapted the platform in any way?
- What customer support does the broker offer for its software?
- Can you add your preferred algorithmic software if you want?
We are sure that there are many more you will think of, but those are a good starting point to work from.
Unfortunately, not every broker is as honest and genuine as it may appear in its advertising material, so any that makes unrealistic promises about how much you can earn is best avoided altogether. One particular note of caution, should you come across ‘standalone’ trading apps, with no broker website detailed, they are probably a scam. We strongly recommend that you only ever download trading platform apps that are verifiable by the web presence of a reputable, licensed broker.
This means that you can concentrate your efforts into your trading techniques and strategies without worrying about the basics.
How We Rate Platforms
If you have read this far, you will understand that choosing a trading platform is a very important subject and that it is not necessarily a simple matter to choose the right one. It is always a good idea to try out a variety of platform options before engaging in live trading and this is a great time to find out more about your requirements and preferences as a trader as well.
The purpose of our broker reviews is to provide a list of brokers that are the most likely to offer day traders the best all-round experience. Although our team of expert reviewers cannot tell you which platform is going to suit you best, what they have done is to recommend brokers that provide either a choice of platforms or a great bespoke one.
By reading our reviews and guides, making a shortlist and selecting your broker from our recommendations, you can be sure that the broker has been verified in all of the important ways like licensing, security and fair trading terms. This means that you can concentrate your efforts into your trading techniques and strategies without worrying about the basics.
Our Review Rating System (More Info)
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is one platform more reliable than another?
-
Platforms are only as reliable as the broker’s software design and server allows them to be and how good your Internet connection is, irrespective of which platform you choose.
-
How do I find the best trading platforms?
-
This is very much an individual choice, which is going to depend on a variety of factors including your level of experience, which assets you intend to trade and personal preference.
-
Can I use a simulation account on any platform?
-
Not all brokers offer this facility, but you can try the most popular platform options by downloading demo versions direct from the developers’ websites. You will still need to sign up with a broker for live trading.
-
Are all trading platforms secure and safe?
-
Websites and apps are only as safe as the developer has made them, but if you select a broker from our recommended list, you can be sure that we have verified they are as secure and safe as possible.
-
Do the same bonuses exist on all platforms?
-
Generally speaking, bonuses are available regardless of the device used to access your trading platform. Occasionally there are exceptions, so always check bonus terms and conditions before relying on cross-device availability.
Top Rated CFD Site
#1 - Pocket Option: Best Overall
Risk Warning: The products offered by the companies listed on this website carry a high level of risk and can result in the loss of all your funds. You should never risk money that you cannot afford to lose.
Ad Disclosure: Some of the links that you will find on this website are advertisements for which we do receive financial gain for referring new customers.
Charles has worked at brokers since he finished his studies at university. Starting as a Junior Trading assistant and progressing into a Business Development we’re delighted that he’s been part of the team since 2015.
