Choosing the right broker can directly influence your success in the fast-moving forex markets. In 2025, Forex.com and Tickmill both remain strong choices — each offering unique advantages depending on your trading style, region, and capital size.
In this in-depth analysis, we’ll break down both brokers in terms of regulatory safety, spreads, trading platforms, asset coverage, and much more — helping you pick the one that aligns best with your financial goals.
Broker Review Contents
Broker background
Forex.com, owned by StoneX Group (a public U.S. financial services firm listed on NASDAQ), has been a major player in forex and CFD trading since 2001. It serves over 300,000 traders globally and is known for its regulation-first approach and high-quality research tools.
Tickmill, established in 2014, has quickly grown into a respected ECN broker with a focus on professional traders and scalpers. Known for its low spreads and rapid execution, Tickmill appeals to cost-conscious, high-frequency traders worldwide.
| Feature | Forex.com | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 | 2014 |
| Headquarters | USA | Seychelles / UK |
| Parent Company | StoneX Group (NASDAQ: SNEX) | Tickmill Group |
| Global Clients | 300,000+ | 200,000+ |
| Specialization | Forex, CFDs, crypto | Forex, CFDs, metals |
Regulatory compliance and trust
Forex.com is licensed by:
- CFTC & NFA (USA)
- FCA (UK)
- ASIC (Australia)
- IIROC (Canada)
- CySEC (EU)
Tickmill is regulated by:
- FCA (UK)
- CySEC (EU)
- FSCA (South Africa)
- FSA (Seychelles)
- Labuan FSA (Malaysia)
Forex.com leads in North American regulation, including the rare ability to legally operate in the U.S. Tickmill offers strong global coverage but is better suited to clients outside the U.S.
Trading platforms
Forex.com provides:
- MetaTrader 4 & MetaTrader 5
- Advanced Trading Platform (web and desktop)
- TradingView integration
- WebTrader for browser-based trading
Tickmill offers:
- MetaTrader 4 only (MT5 limited availability)
- AutoTrade (copy trading integration)
- VPS hosting for EA users
- Myfxbook integration
Tickmill sticks with MT4 but enhances it with strong execution infrastructure and compatibility with automated strategies. Forex.com adds platform variety and superior charting integrations like TradingView.
Available instruments
| Asset Type | Forex.com | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Forex Pairs | 80+ | 62+ |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Stocks (CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | No |
| Metals | Yes | Yes |
| Bonds | No | Yes |
| ETFs (CFDs) | Yes | No |
Forex.com offers broader market access, including crypto CFDs and ETFs. Tickmill focuses more narrowly on forex, metals, and bonds — ideal for those trading fewer markets with higher frequency.
Spreads and commissions
Forex.com pricing:
- Standard: from 1.0 pip
- Commission: from 0.2 pip + $5/lot
- No deposit/withdrawal fees
- $15 inactivity fee after 12 months
Tickmill pricing:
- Pro account: from 0.0 pip + $2/lot (per side)
- Classic account: from 1.6 pips (no commission)
- VIP account: even lower commission with high volume
- No inactivity or withdrawal fees
Tickmill is built for cost-efficiency. Traders looking to minimize costs on scalping or high-frequency trades benefit from Tickmill’s low ECN commissions. Forex.com balances flexibility and access for both casual and pro users.
Leverage and margin
| Region | Forex.com | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Up to 1:50 | Not available |
| UK/EU Retail | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:30 |
| Global (Pro) | Up to 1:200 | Up to 1:500 |
Tickmill offers more aggressive leverage globally, which appeals to high-risk strategies outside Europe. Forex.com is more conservative due to its strong regulatory framework.
Account types and minimum deposits
Forex.com accounts:
- Standard
- Commission-based
- DMA (Direct Market Access)
- Swap-free (Islamic)
Tickmill accounts:
- Classic
- Pro
- VIP (high volume)
- Islamic (swap-free)
Tickmill requires only $100 for most accounts, while Forex.com may vary by region. VIP status on Tickmill starts from $50,000+ but offers extremely tight spreads.
Tools, research, and education
Forex.com tools:
- Trading Central
- Autochartist
- Integrated TradingView
- Economic calendar
- Strategy optimizer
- Webinars and in-depth learning hub
Tickmill tools:
- AutoTrade & Myfxbook integration
- VPS hosting
- Basic webinars and analytics
- Limited third-party tools
Forex.com offers far more in terms of educational depth and technical tools. Tickmill focuses instead on infrastructure and speed for experienced traders.
Mobile trading experience
Forex.com:
- Native app for iOS/Android
- Charting, alerts, and news built-in
- Supports MT4, MT5, and WebTrader
Tickmill:
- MT4 mobile app only
- Clean execution but limited analytics
Forex.com’s mobile app offers superior functionality, especially for traders who need flexibility on the go. Tickmill’s MT4 app is dependable but basic.
Customer service and support
Forex.com:
- 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone
- Quick verification and onboarding
Tickmill:
- 24/5 multilingual support
- Dedicated account managers for VIP clients
- Educational content via blog and webinars
Tickmill adds a human touch with account managers for higher-tier clients. Forex.com provides consistent, fast global support for retail users.
Final comparison summary
| Feature | Best Broker |
|---|---|
| Regulation | Forex.com |
| Low-Cost ECN Spreads | Tickmill |
| Platform Flexibility | Forex.com |
| Asset Range | Forex.com |
| Maximum Leverage | Tickmill |
| Education & Research | Forex.com |
| Scalping & Speed | Tickmill |
| Mobile App | Forex.com |
Which broker suits you better in 2025?
Choose Forex.com if you:
- Want a broker with strong regulatory protection
- Prefer multiple trading platforms and tools
- Trade crypto, ETFs, or a broader CFD range
- Value education, analytics, and TradingView integration
Choose Tickmill if you:
- Prioritize ultra-low spreads and fast execution
- Trade actively using EA strategies or scalping
- Are a high-volume trader seeking lower commissions
- Don’t need exposure to crypto or ETFs
