Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
EasyMarkets and Libertex are two established brokers catering to Australian traders, both regulated by ASIC under Australian Financial Services Licences. For experienced traders in Australia, regulatory compliance, local payment integration, and trading costs are critical. EasyMarkets, with a 3.4/5 rating, is known for its fixed spreads and innovative risk management tools, while Libertex (3.7/5) offers variable spreads, a wide asset range, and commission-free trading on many instruments. Both brokers accept AUD deposits and provide local payment options such as BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, eliminating currency conversion fees. The Australian trading environment demands reliable execution, transparent costs, and protection under ASIC's client money rules. This comparison dives into spreads, platforms, regulation, support, and key features that matter most to Australia-based traders, helping you choose between EasyMarkets' predictability and Libertex's cost efficiency. Whether you trade forex, indices, or commodities, understanding these differences is essential for optimising your trading strategy in the Australian dollar context.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Libertex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Libertex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Libertex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Libertex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $10 | Libertex |
For Australian traders, trading costs directly impact profitability, especially when trading in AUD. EasyMarkets employs a fixed spread model, with typical EUR/USD spreads around 1.2–1.5 pips and no commission on standard accounts. This structure offers predictability, ideal for traders who value stable costs during volatile market conditions. Libertex, on the other hand, uses variable spreads starting from 0.2 pips on major pairs with zero commission, making it more cost-effective for high-volume traders. However, variable spreads can widen during news events. Over a month, a trader executing 100 lots on EUR/USD would face significantly lower total costs with Libertex, assuming average spreads remain tighter. Australian traders should also account for rollover fees (swap rates) and any inactivity fees – both brokers charge swap on positions held overnight unless using an Islamic account. Spread costs are a deciding factor; Libertex wins on raw cost, while EasyMarkets appeals to those prioritising certainty.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:999 |
| 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 | Libertex | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Australian traders favour platforms that are reliable, fast, and compatible with local devices. EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web-based platform and MetaTrader 4 (MT4), both accessible via desktop and mobile. The proprietary platform features dealCancellation, freeze rate, and negative balance protection – unique tools for managing risk. Libertex provides its own intuitive platform alongside MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, giving traders more flexibility. For Australian traders, MT4 is widely used for automated trading and expert advisors, and both brokers support this. Libertex's MT5 adds more timeframes and analytical tools, beneficial for experienced traders. Both platforms are available in English and optimise order execution with low latency. EasyMarkets' platform is simpler for beginners, while Libertex's multiple platform options cater to advanced traders requiring custom indicators or algorithmic trading. AUS-based traders should consider platform speed and charting functionality – Libertex edges ahead with MT5 support.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| 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 quality affects slippage and order fills. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads and instant execution, meaning orders are filled at the requested price unless market volatility triggers re-quoting. This can be a disadvantage during high-impact news. Libertex uses a straight-through-processing (STP) model with variable spreads and no dealing desk intervention, offering faster fill speeds and generally lower latency. For Australian traders trading major forex pairs during Sydney/Asian sessions, Libertex provides more consistent execution with minimal re-quoting. In volatile conditions, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads protect from widening but can lead to slippage on orders exceeding available liquidity. Overall, Libertex’s execution is more suited to experienced traders prioritising speed and raw market access, while EasyMarkets’ execution appeals to those who value certainty over price improvement.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is paramount for Australian traders, and both EasyMarkets and Libertex are licensed by ASIC (EasyMarkets Pty Ltd holds AFSL 403881; Libertex's Australian entity is also ASIC-regulated). ASIC oversight ensures strict compliance with client money segregation, leverage caps at 1:30 for retail clients, negative balance protection, and transparent reporting. This means Australian traders' funds are held in separate trust accounts and cannot be used for operational expenses. Both brokers also adhere to ASIC's product intervention orders, limiting binary options and certain CFD products. For Australian residents, this regulatory environment provides a high level of safety, though it also restricts leverage compared to offshore brokers. EasyMarkets and Libertex also comply with the Australian Anti-Money Laundering act, requiring identity verification. Overall, both are safe choices for Australian traders, with no significant regulatory advantage over each other beyond their licences and track records.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 business days |
Australian traders benefit from localised payment methods at both brokers. EasyMarkets and Libertex accept BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits in AUD, with no conversion fees. BPAY is a commonly used method where you use the broker's biller code and customer reference number via your online banking – typically free and processed within 1–2 business days. POLi provides instant transfer from major Australian banks (Commonwealth, Westpac, NAB, ANZ) and is free for deposits, though some banks may have daily limits. Bank Transfers are standard and can take 1–3 business days; both brokers process withdrawals via bank wire at no cost, but depositing via credit card (Visa/Mastercard) is instant, though cash advance fees may apply from the card issuer. For withdrawals, both brokers aim to process within 1–2 business days, with funds returned via the original deposit method where possible. EasyMarkets has a $25 minimum withdrawal fee for bank transfers, while Libertex is generally free. Overall, the range of payment options is comparable, but Libertex offers slightly faster withdrawal times overall.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✗ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Australian Muslim traders seeking swap-free accounts, both EasyMarkets and Libertex provide Islamic (swap-free) account options. These accounts do not charge or pay overnight interest on positions held past the daily rollover, aligning with Sharia law. EasyMarkets offers Islamic accounts with the same fixed spreads and trading conditions, but traders must submit a request and may be subject to eligibility checks to prevent abuse. Libertex also offers swap-free accounts on its platform, with no additional fees but with a maximum holding period sometimes applied to avoid misuse. Australian traders can open such accounts by selecting the Islamic option during registration or contacting support. Both brokers maintain the same leverage and execution on these accounts, though swap-free accounts may have restrictions on certain instruments or long-term positions. For Muslim traders in Australia, both brokers are suitable, with Libertex’s score slightly higher due to broader instrument availability and lower overall trading costs.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Australian traders need responsive customer support in local time zones. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 phone, live chat, and email support, with a dedicated Australian phone number. Their website includes a comprehensive FAQ and educational section. Libertex provides 24/7 live chat and email support, with phone support during market hours. Both brokers have English-speaking teams, but Libertex’s 24/7 availability gives it an edge for after-hours inquiries. Response times are generally quick on live chat, with EasyMarkets averaging under 2 minutes. For complex issues, both resolve within 24 hours. Australian traders handling urgent trade-related issues may prefer Libertex’s round-the-clock support, while EasyMarkets suits those who trade only during Sydney hours.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | Libertex | 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 | Libertex | 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 Libertex if you...
For Australian traders, both EasyMarkets and Libertex are ASIC-licensed and offer local payment methods like BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card in AUD – a clear advantage for residents. Libertex achieves a higher overall rating (3.7/5 vs 3.4/5) due to its tighter spreads, wider asset range, and 24/7 support, making it more suitable for experienced traders aiming to minimise costs. EasyMarkets remains a solid choice for those prioritising fixed spreads and unique risk management features, though its costs are higher per trade. Given Australian regulatory requirements (ASIC leverage limits, negative balance protection), both brokers operate safely. Ultimately, Libertex lacks the risk tools and fixed spread certainty of EasyMarkets but compensates with better value for active traders. If you trade frequently and use MT4/5, choose Libertex; if you want peace of mind with fixed costs, choose EasyMarkets.