Which broker is better for Philippines traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Philippines traders looking to trade forex and CFDs, EasyMarkets and Libertex are two popular options, especially among mobile-first investors and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) managing remittance investments. EasyMarkets holds a broker score of 3.4/5, known for its fixed spreads and beginner-friendly platform, while Libertex scores 3.7/5, offering variable spreads and a more advanced trading environment. Both brokers accept Philippine peso (PHP) deposits through local methods like GCash, PayMaya, bank transfers, and USDT, making them accessible for local traders. However, neither is regulated by the SEC Philippines, so Filipino users must rely on international oversight. This comparison focuses on key factors for Philippines traders: trading costs, platform suitability, payment options, and regulatory considerations to help you choose the right broker for your style and budget.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs for Philippines traders, Libertex generally offers lower variable spreads, starting from 0.0 pips on major forex pairs, but charges an overnight swap fee that can add up. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads averaging 1.0–1.5 pips, eliminating spread variability but with a slightly higher cost per trade. For high-volume traders, Libertex’s variable spreads can reduce expenses significantly, while casual traders or those with smaller capital may prefer EasyMarkets’ predictable pricing. Both brokers do not charge commission on forex trades, but Libertex may apply fees on certain CFDs. Consider your trading frequency and risk tolerance when evaluating these cost structures.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and Libertex offer mobile trading platforms optimized for Philippines traders who prefer trading on smartphones. EasyMarkets provides a proprietary web-based platform and a mobile app with a user-friendly interface, ideal for beginners and OFWs requiring quick access. Libertex offers its own advanced trading platform with real-time charts, technical indicators, and a one-click trading feature, catering to more experienced mobile traders. Libertex’s platform supports a wider range of order types and analysis tools, while EasyMarkets focuses on simplicity with features like deal cancellation and free guaranteed stop-loss. For mobile-first users, Libertex’s robust app gives a slight edge.
| 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 is a key factor for Philippines traders. EasyMarkets operates as a market maker, offering fixed spreads with no requotes, ensuring consistent execution. Libertex uses a similar model but with variable spreads, which can widen during news events. Both brokers provide fast execution speeds, typically under 0.1 seconds. Libertex may have a slight edge in order execution due to its advanced technology, but EasyMarkets’ deal cancellation feature allows you to undo losing trades within one hour, providing unique risk management. For high-frequency traders, Libertex’s execution may be more reliable.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither EasyMarkets nor Libertex is regulated by the SEC Philippines, meaning Filipino traders are not covered by local investor protection schemes. EasyMarkets holds licenses from CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), and FSA Seychelles, offering a degree of international oversight. Libertex is regulated by CySEC and the FSC Belize, providing similar offshore protections. While both brokers have a track record and comply with AML/KYC rules, Philippines traders should exercise caution, as no local recourse exists in case of disputes. It is advisable to start with small deposits and verify the broker’s registration with the SEC Philippines if required.
| 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 |
Depositing and withdrawing funds from EasyMarkets and Libertex is straightforward for Philippines traders thanks to support for GCash, PayMaya, local bank transfers, and USDT. Both brokers process PHP deposits through integrated payment gateways, with funds typically credited instantly or within a few hours. EasyMarkets requires a minimum deposit of $100 (approx. ₱5,600), while Libertex sets a lower minimum of $50 (approx. ₱2,800). Withdrawals are processed to the same methods within 1–3 business days, though USDT withdrawals may be faster. Note that some banks in the Philippines may impose fees on international transfers. Always verify payment limits and fees with each broker before trading.
| 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 |
Both EasyMarkets and Libertex offer swap-free Islamic accounts for Muslim traders in the Philippines who adhere to Sharia law. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts upon request, waiving overnight swap charges on forex and CFD positions. Libertex also offers Islamic accounts with no swap fees, but these accounts may have restrictions like no hedging on the same instrument and limited leverage options. Philippines Muslim traders should contact customer support to confirm eligibility and check for any additional conditions, such as minimum deposit requirements or account type limitations. Both brokers emphasize compliance with Islamic finance principles.
| 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 |
Customer support is available for Philippines traders through live chat, email, and phone from both EasyMarkets and Libertex. EasyMarkets offers 24/7 multilingual support including English, while Libertex provides support in English and other languages but not Tagalog. Response times are generally fast, with live chat responding within minutes. EasyMarkets has a slight advantage with its round-the-clock availability, which benefits OFWs in different time zones. Neither broker has a local office in the Philippines, but both offer comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites.
| 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 Philippines traders, the choice between EasyMarkets and Libertex depends on your trading style and priorities. Libertex scores higher overall (3.7 vs 3.4) and offers lower variable spreads, a better mobile platform, and a lower minimum deposit, making it ideal for active traders and OFW remittance investors. EasyMarkets, with its fixed spreads and beginner-friendly features, suits those who value cost certainty and simplicity. Both support local payments like GCash, PayMaya, bank transfers, and USDT, facilitating easy access for Filipino users. However, remember that neither broker is regulated by SEC Philippines, so always trade cautiously and start small. Consider your long-term goals and risk appetite before deciding.