Which broker is better for India traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Indian traders seeking forex brokers face a choice between EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets, two international brokers popular among tech-savvy retail traders and the growing middle class. EasyMarkets (rating 3.4/5) is known for its fixed spreads, no-commission model, and web-based platform that simplifies trading for beginners. Hantec Markets (rating 3.6/5) offers variable spreads via ECN execution, MetaTrader 4/5, and deeper liquidity suited for active traders. Both brokers accept Indian clients and support local payment methods like UPI, IMPS, NEFT, Skrill, and USDT, making deposits and withdrawals convenient in INR. However, neither broker is regulated by SEBI, so Indian traders must rely on offshore licenses (CySEC, FCA). This comparison helps you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and local needs in 2025.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Hantec Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Hantec Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Hantec Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Hantec Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For Indian traders, trading costs differ significantly between EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, e.g., 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission – suitable for small-volume traders who want cost certainty. Hantec Markets employs variable spreads starting from 0.0 pips on major pairs but charges a commission (around $3-6 per lot round turn). Over a month of high-volume trading (say 20+ lots), Hantec can be cheaper, but for occasional retail traders, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads avoid surprises. Both brokers pass on costs in INR terms; you should compare your typical volume to choose the cost structure that fits.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| India (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:500 |
| 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 | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Hantec Markets wins on platform choice for Indian traders: it offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, plus its own web trader, all with robust mobile apps. This appeals to tech-savvy users who need advanced charting, automated trading, and Expert Advisors. EasyMarkets provides a proprietary web platform that is intuitive and includes features like deal cancellation and guaranteed stop-loss, but lacks MT4/MT5. For growing middle class investors who prioritize ease of use, EasyMarkets’ platform is great; for those craving flexibility, Hantec’s MT suite is superior. Both platforms are available in English and work well on Indian internet connections.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| 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 |
Hantec Markets uses ECN/STP execution with direct market access, resulting in low latency and minimal requotes – ideal for scalping and algorithmic traders. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads and guaranteed stop-loss orders, which eliminates slippage but can have execution delays during volatile news. For Indian day traders who enter and exit quickly, Hantec’s execution is superior; for those who value trade certainty, EasyMarkets’ guaranteed stops are safer.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither EasyMarkets nor Hantec Markets holds a SEBI license in India. EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (EU), ASIC, and FSCA; Hantec Markets is regulated by the FCA (UK), FSCA (South Africa), and a few others. For Indian traders, this means no local investor protection like the SEBI Investor Protection Fund. However, both brokers segregate client funds and adhere to international standards. Indian traders should carefully assess the regulatory risk and consider only depositing what they can afford to lose. SEBI does not prohibit using offshore brokers, but you trade at your own discretion.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
Indian traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using UPI, IMPS, NEFT, Skrill, and USDT – all popular local methods. EasyMarkets also supports net banking and credit/debit cards via Indian payment gateways, with minimum deposits around ₹1,000. Hantec Markets accepts these methods plus Paytm and requires a minimum of ₹500-1,000 depending on method. Deposits are instant with UPI/IMPS; Skrill and USDT take minutes. Withdrawals at both brokers are processed within 1-3 business days back to the original payment method. For NEFT/IMPS, expect bank processing time. No deposit fees are charged, but currency conversion may apply if deposits are not in INR (most methods handle INR directly).
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 brokers accommodate Muslim traders in India with Islamic (swap-free) accounts. EasyMarkets automatically applies swap-free status after verifying the trader’s Muslim identity, allowing positions to be held overnight without interest. Hantec Markets offers Islamic accounts on request to customer support; it covers all account types and pairs. Indian Muslim traders should note that swap-free accounts may have a time limit (e.g., 30 days) or apply to certain instruments only. Check with each broker for the latest terms. This feature ensures compliance with Sharia law while trading forex and CFDs.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
EasyMarkets provides 24/5 live chat, phone, and email support in English. Hantec Markets also offers 24/5 support via live chat, phone, and email, plus a dedicated account manager for larger accounts. Both respond within minutes during Indian trading hours (overlapping with London/New York). No Hindi support is available, but English proficiency is adequate for most Indian traders. Hantec’s personal account manager can be a plus for growing middle class investors seeking guidance.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | 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 | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For Indian traders in 2025, Hantec Markets (score 3.6) slightly outperforms EasyMarkets (3.4) due to its lower trading costs, platform flexibility, and stronger regulatory oversight. However, EasyMarkets remains a solid choice for beginners or those who value simplicity and fixed costs. Both brokers support UPI, IMPS, NEFT, Skrill, and USDT, making them equally accessible. Since neither is SEBI-regulated, Indian traders should deposit only what they can afford to lose and consider their trading style. If you are a tech-savvy retail trader or growing middle class investor looking for raw spreads and MT5, go with Hantec Markets. If you prefer a straightforward, risk-controlled experience, EasyMarkets fits well.