Which broker is better for Italy traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Italian retail traders comparing EasyMarkets vs FBS Max face a clear choice between a regulated, fixed-spread broker and a low-cost, high-flexibility provider. EasyMarkets, with a score of 3.4/5, is known for its user-friendly web platform and fixed spreads, making it suitable for beginners. FBS Max, scoring 3.7/5, offers tighter spreads and more account types, appealing to cost-conscious traders. Both brokers accept Italian clients and support EUR deposits via SEPA, bank transfer, and PostePay. However, neither is directly regulated by CONSOB, so traders must rely on European-level protections. This comparison focuses on what matters most to Italian traders: local payment methods, regulatory safety, and trading costs in euros.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FBS Max |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FBS Max |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FBS Max |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FBS Max |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 | FBS Max |
For Italian traders, trading costs are a decisive factor. EasyMarkets applies fixed spreads starting at 1.0 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission on standard accounts. FBS Max offers variable spreads from 0.2 pips, plus a small commission on certain account types. On a typical 1-lot trade (100,000 units), EasyMarkets costs around €10 per trade in spread, while FBS Max can be as low as €2-3. Over 50 trades per month, the difference exceeds €350. Italian scalpers or day traders will benefit more from FBS Max’s lower spreads, while EasyMarkets suits those who prefer predictable costs.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Italy (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:3000 |
| 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 | FBS Max | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | FBS Max |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets provides a proprietary web-based platform that is intuitive and requires no download, ideal for Italian traders who value simplicity. It includes risk management tools like dealCancellation and guaranteed stop-loss. FBS Max offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are the industry standard for advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. Italian traders who use Expert Advisors (EAs) or need detailed technical analysis will prefer FBS Max. Beginners or mobile-first users may find EasyMarkets easier to navigate without sacrificing essential features.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FBS Max |
| 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 |
EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with instant execution and no requotes, which is reliable for retail traders. FBS Max offers ECN/STP execution with low latency and deep liquidity from multiple providers. Italian traders who trade news events or volatile sessions may experience slippage with EasyMarkets, while FBS Max’s ECN model often provides better fills. For scalping or high-frequency trading, FBS Max is the stronger choice due to faster execution speeds and tighter spreads.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | IFSC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and follows ESMA rules, including negative balance protection and leverage caps of 1:30 for major forex pairs. FBS Max holds an IFSC license (Belize) and offers higher leverage up to 1:3000, but with fewer investor protections. For Italian traders, CONSOB does not directly supervise either broker, but EasyMarkets’ MiFID compliance provides a stronger safety net. FBS Max’s higher leverage may appeal to experienced traders, but beginners should prioritize EasyMarkets’ regulatory framework for added security.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 5 to 7 business days |
Italian traders can fund both accounts using SEPA transfers, international bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and PostePay. EasyMarkets also accepts Skrill and Neteller, while FBS Max supports additional e-wallets like Perfect Money. Minimum deposits are low: EasyMarkets starts at €25 via SEPA, and FBS Max at €10. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days for SEPA and PostePay, with no fees from the brokers. EasyMarkets may charge a small fee for bank wire withdrawals over a certain amount. Both brokers support euro-denominated accounts, avoiding currency conversion costs for Italian clients.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✗ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both EasyMarkets and FBS Max offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Italian Muslim traders who comply with Sharia law. EasyMarkets provides this option automatically upon request, with no additional fees or restrictions. FBS Max also offers Islamic accounts but may require a verification process and restricts certain instruments. These accounts eliminate overnight swap charges, making them suitable for long-term position traders in Italy. Traders should confirm the account terms, as some brokers apply a fee after a holding period.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
EasyMarkets offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with Italian language assistance available. FBS Max provides 24/7 support through live chat, Telegram, and email, also with Italian-speaking agents. FBS Max’s round-the-clock availability is a plus for traders who operate outside standard hours. Both brokers have responsive live chat, but EasyMarkets’ phone support is more direct for urgent issues.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | FBS Max | 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 | FBS Max | 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 FBS Max if you...
For Italian retail traders, FBS Max (score 3.7/5) is the better overall choice due to its lower spreads, flexible platform options, and cost efficiency. It suits active traders who prioritize minimizing costs and using advanced tools. EasyMarkets (score 3.4/5) remains a solid option for beginners or those who value regulatory safety, fixed spreads, and simplicity. Both brokers support SEPA, bank transfer, and PostePay deposits, but neither is CONSOB-regulated, so traders should assess their own risk tolerance. If you trade frequently, FBS Max saves you money. If you want peace of mind and ease of use, EasyMarkets is a reliable alternative.