Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Australian traders comparing forex brokers in 2025, EasyMarkets and Exness stand out as two ASIC‑regulated options, but they cater to different trading styles. EasyMarkets (score 3.4/5) is known for its fixed spreads, no slippage policy, and beginner‑friendly web platform, making it a solid choice for traders who value predictability. Exness (score 4.8/5), on the other hand, dominates the high‑volume segment with ultra‑low spreads, lightning‑fast execution, and powerful platforms like MetaTrader 4/5 and cTrader. Both accept Australian dollars and support local payment methods such as BPAY, POLi, bank transfer, and credit cards. This comparison examines spreads, regulation, platforms, and deposit options specifically for experienced Australian traders seeking an ASIC‑licensed broker. Whether you trade forex, indices, or commodities, understanding these differences will help you choose the right partner for your trading journey in Australia.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | Exness | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Exness |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Exness |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Exness |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Exness |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $100 | Exness |
For Australian traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially for high‑volume scalpers. Exness offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on its Zero account with a small commission per lot (e.g., $3.50 USD per side). On standard accounts, spreads start at 0.3 pips with no commission. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, such as 1.0–1.2 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission. Over 100 trades per month, Exness can save an Australian trader hundreds of dollars in spread costs. Additionally, Exness does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees for AUD transactions, while EasyMarkets imposes a small fee on bank transfers. For Australian scalpers and day traders, Exness is the more cost‑efficient choice.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | Exness |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | Exness |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:2000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | EasyMarkets | Exness | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Exness |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | Exness |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Australian traders prioritize platform stability and advanced charting. Exness offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) plus cTrader, all available on desktop, web, and mobile. These platforms support algorithmic trading via Expert Advisors (EAs) and custom indicators, ideal for experienced traders. EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web‑based platform and a mobile app, plus MT4 and MT5 via a separate account type. However, the proprietary platform lacks the depth of tools found in MT4/5. For advanced order types, backtesting, and multi‑chart layouts, Exness’s platform suite is superior. Australian traders who rely on EAs or cTrader will find Exness more accommodating.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | Exness | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Exness |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution speed matters for Australian scalpers. Exness uses an STP/ECN model with ultra‑fast order execution typically under 100 milliseconds, and no requotes or slippage on most orders. EasyMarkets offers fixed spreads and a no‑slippage policy but execution may be slower due to its market‑maker model, with occasional requotes during volatile news events. For algorithmic and high‑frequency traders in Australia, Exness’s direct market access provides a clear edge.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Exness |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and Exness are regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), giving Australian traders the protection of strong client money rules and the ability to access the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). EasyMarkets holds AFSL 444649 and complies with strict leverage limits (maximum 1:30 for retail clients). Exness Australia Pty Ltd holds AFSL 507245 and offers leverage up to 1:30 for retail traders in Australia. Both brokers segregate client funds and are subject to regular audits. For Australian traders, regulation by ASIC ensures a high level of security and recourse in case of disputes, making both safe choices.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | Exness |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | crypto takes 30–60 minutes, and bank cards or wires take 1 to 5 business days |
Depositing and withdrawing funds in Australian dollars is straightforward at both brokers. EasyMarkets supports BPAY, POLi, bank transfer, and credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Deposits are free and instant for BPAY, POLi, and cards; bank transfers take 1–2 business days. Withdrawals are free via the same methods except bank transfers, which incur a $20 AUD fee. Exness also accepts BPAY, POLi, bank transfer, and credit cards, with no deposit fees and instant processing for electronic methods. Exness stands out by offering free withdrawals of any amount via all methods, with bank transfers typically processed within 1 day. For Australian traders who move funds frequently, Exness’s zero‑fee withdrawal policy is a clear advantage. Minimum deposits are $5 (Exness) and $100 (EasyMarkets), making Exness more accessible.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | Exness |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Muslim traders in Australia seeking swap‑free accounts will find both brokers accommodating. EasyMarkets offers an Islamic account upon request, which swaps standard terms to eliminate overnight interest charges. It applies to all account types and trading instruments. Exness provides dedicated Islamic (swap‑free) accounts with zero swap fees on all positions held overnight, available on Standard, Standard Cent, and Pro accounts (excluding Zero and Raw Spread accounts). Both brokers require the account holder to confirm their Muslim faith. Neither imposes additional spreads or commissions on Islamic accounts. For Australian Muslim traders, both options are equally valid, though Exness’s broader account support may be more flexible.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | Exness | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✓ | Exness |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Australian traders need responsive customer support in local time zones. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support with English as the primary language, but phone lines are not toll‑free for Australia. Exness provides 24/7 multilingual live chat and email support, with phone support available in English during business hours. Both have help centres with detailed FAQs. Exness’s 24/7 availability is a notable advantage for Australian traders who trade outside standard market hours or need weekend assistance.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | Exness | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | Exness | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose Exness if you...
For Australian experienced traders, Exness is the clear winner with a 4.8/5 score compared to EasyMarkets’ 3.4/5. Exness offers lower spreads, faster execution, advanced platforms, and free withdrawals via BPAY, POLi, bank transfer, and cards — all under ASIC regulation. EasyMarkets remains a solid option for traders who prioritize fixed costs and simplicity, especially those who trade smaller volumes or want a no‑slippage guarantee. However, if you are an active Australian trader seeking the best value, Exness’s combination of high leverage (up to 1:30 under ASIC), raw spreads from 0.0 pips, and 24/7 support makes it the superior choice for forex and CFDs in 2025.