Which broker is better for Zimbabwe traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Zimbabwe traders looking to enter the forex market in 2025, choosing the right broker is critical given local economic conditions and limited banking infrastructure. EasyMarkets (score 3.4/5) and Hantec Markets (score 3.6/5) both offer access to global markets, but differ in cost, platforms, and services. Zimbabwe traders often face challenges with USD liquidity and payment processing, making support for local methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 essential. Both brokers accommodate these, but Hantec’s higher overall rating suggests superior offerings for active traders, while EasyMarkets appeals to those who prefer simplicity and fixed costs. This comparison examines spreads, regulation, deposit options, and account features tailored to the Zimbabwean context, helping retail traders decide based on their trading style and local needs.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs for Zimbabwe traders, Hantec Markets generally offers lower variable spreads on major forex pairs, starting from 0.0 pips with a commission. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads (e.g., 1.0–1.5 pips on EUR/USD) with no commission. For typical Zimbabwe retail traders trading volumes of 0.1–1 lot per trade, Hantec’s spreads can be 30–50% cheaper, especially during high liquidity hours. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads protect against widening during news events—important given Zimbabwe’s time zone (CAT) overlaps with volatile London/New York sessions. Swap rates also differ; Hantec’s variable rates may be lower for long-term positions. Overall, cost-sensitive traders may prefer Hantec, while those valuing predictability may choose EasyMarkets.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, optimized for simplicity and risk management tools like DealCancellation (not available on MetaTrader). Hantec Markets offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the industry standard for advanced charting and automated trading. For Zimbabwe traders, MT4/5 compatibility means access to custom indicators and Expert Advisors (EAs), which are popular among local traders running automated strategies. EasyMarkets’ platform is easier for beginners but lacks algo-trading features. Both platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile, with no installation issues in Zimbabwe. EasyMarkets’ mobile app has a built-in USDT TRC20 deposit feature, simplifying crypto payments.
| 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 |
EasyMarkets uses market execution with no re-quotes, offering fixed spreads and instant execution on its proprietary platform. Hantec Markets employs ECN/STP execution with variable spreads, providing faster order filling during normal market conditions. For Zimbabwe traders, execution speed matters less for low-frequency trading, but scalpers may prefer Hantec’s ECN model. EasyMarkets’ DealCancellation feature (allowing traders to cancel losing trades within 60 minutes) adds a unique safety net. Hantec does not offer this, but its execution is generally slippage-free.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and ASIC (Australia), while Hantec Markets holds licenses from the FSA (Vanuatu) and FCA (UK) for certain entities. Both brokers are not directly regulated by Zimbabwe’s local financial regulator. For Zimbabwe traders, this means they rely on offshore oversight rather than local protection. CySEC offers negative balance protection and investor compensation (up to €20,000), which is beneficial. FCA regulation (Hantec) provides high-tier protection. Zimbabwe’s regulator does not oversee international brokers, so traders should verify each broker’s financial stability and client fund segregation. Both comply with international AML standards, which is crucial when using local payment methods.
| 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 |
Zimbabwe traders can fund accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer (USD), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets facilitates instant deposits via Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 with a minimum of $25; bank transfers take 1–2 days and have a $50 minimum. Hantec Markets requires a $100 minimum for bank wires and $50 for e-wallets; USDT TRC20 is also supported with no fees. Withdrawals at EasyMarkets are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets/crypto, while bank withdrawals take 2–5 days. Hantec processes withdrawals in 1–2 business days for e-wallets and 3–7 days for bank transfers. Both brokers charge no internal fees, but intermediary banks may impose charges on USD transfers to Zimbabwe. USDT TRC20 is recommended to avoid high bank charges and delays.
| 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 EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Zimbabwe Muslim traders who wish to trade without earning or paying overnight interest (swap). EasyMarkets provides swap-free status on all account types upon request, with no additional fees or time limits. Hantec Markets also offers Islamic accounts, but may apply a flat administrative fee if positions are held after a certain number of days. For Zimbabwe traders, the straightforward policy of EasyMarkets may be more attractive, while Hantec’s option is still viable for short-term positions. Each broker requires proof of Muslim faith or a declaration; traders should confirm current terms with customer support.
| 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 offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated account manager for VIP clients. Hantec Markets provides 24/5 support through live chat and email, with phone support during business hours (UTC+2). For Zimbabwe traders in CAT, EasyMarkets’ round-the-clock live chat is more accessible, especially during evening sessions. Hantec’s response times are generally within minutes for chat, but phone support may be limited outside European hours. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites.
| 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 Zimbabwe traders in 2025, both EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets are solid choices, but the right pick depends on trading style. EasyMarkets (score 3.4) excels for beginners with its fixed spreads, simple platform, and useful cancellation feature. It supports USDT TRC20 and e-wallets seamlessly. Hantec Markets (score 3.6) is better for active, cost-conscious traders who need MT4/5 and low variable spreads. While not regulated locally, both are overseen by reputable offshore bodies. Zimbabwe traders should leverage the local payment methods—Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20—that both brokers accept. Consider your volume, need for automation, and risk tolerance. If simplicity and risk control matter most, choose EasyMarkets. If low costs and advanced tools are priorities, Hantec Markets is the stronger candidate.