Which broker is better for Portugal traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Portugal traders seeking a reliable online broker often compare EasyMarkets and Libertex, two well-known names in the European retail forex and CFD space. EasyMarkets, with a score of 3.4/5, is praised for its fixed spreads, intuitive platform, and risk-management tools like dealCancellation. Libertex, rated 3.7/5, stands out for its proprietary trading platform, competitive variable spreads, and a broader range of assets including cryptocurrencies and ETFs. Both brokers accept Portuguese clients and offer local payment options such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. This comparison digs into the specifics that matter most to Portuguese retail traders: regulation, costs, platform usability, and deposit/withdrawal convenience. Whether you trade forex, indices, or commodities, understanding how these brokers serve the Portuguese market will help you make an informed decision in 2025.
| 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 Portugal traders, trading costs can significantly impact net returns. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads that are slightly wider than industry averages—for example, EUR/USD spread is around 1.2 pips. Libertex, by contrast, offers variable spreads starting from 0.1 pips on the same pair, though spreads widen during volatile periods. A Portuguese retail trader executing 50 lots per month on EUR/USD would face approximately $600 in costs with EasyMarkets (fixed 1.2 pips) versus around $100–$300 with Libertex (variable 0.2-0.6 pips depending on time). Libertex also charges a small commission on some account types, while EasyMarkets is commission-free. For cost-conscious traders in Portugal, Libertex generally offers lower overall spreads, especially on high-volume strategies.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal (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 brokers provide platforms tailored to different trader preferences. EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web-based easyMarkets WebTrader and a mobile app, both known for their simplicity and built-in risk management like guaranteed stop-loss and deal cancellation. Libertex provides its own platform (Libertex WebTrader and mobile app) along with MetaTrader 5 for advanced charting and automated trading. Portuguese traders who value ease of use and fixed-spread certainty will appreciate EasyMarkets’ streamlined experience. Those who need advanced analytics, algorithmic trading, or a wider suite of assets will find Libertex’s MT5 integration more powerful. Both platforms are available in English and Portuguese, with local customer support during European hours.
| 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 directly affects trading outcomes. EasyMarkets is known for its market execution model with no requotes, but it may experience occasional slippage during volatile markets. Libertex also uses a market execution model with STP/ECN routing on MT5, providing faster fills and tighter spreads on liquid instruments. Both brokers offer guaranteed stop-loss orders (EasyMarkets includes it as a core feature; Libertex offers it on some account types). For Portuguese day traders who need consistent execution speeds, Libertex’s infrastructure generally performs better, while EasyMarkets provides more predictable order handling for beginners.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for any Portugal trader. EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and the FCA (UK), and it holds a Portuguese branch registration, allowing it to operate under MiFID II rules. Libertex is also regulated by CySEC and holds a license from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for its UK entity. Importantly, both brokers comply with the Portuguese securities regulator (CMVM) requirements for offering services to Portuguese residents. They provide negative balance protection and client fund segregation as required by EU law. For maximum safety, Portuguese traders should verify that the broker they choose is listed on the CMVM’s register of authorised firms. Both EasyMarkets and Libertex meet these standards, giving traders in Portugal a clear legal framework.
| 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 is straightforward for Portugal traders with both EasyMarkets and Libertex. They support local payment methods including Bank Transfer (SEPA), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 (crypto). EasyMarkets accepts deposits from €/$100 minimum via e-wallets and $250 via bank wire, while Libertex requires a minimum deposit of €50 for most methods. Withdrawals are processed within 1–2 business days for e-wallets and 2–5 days for bank transfers. EasyMarkets charges no internal fees for withdrawals, but bank transfer fees may apply. Libertex also offers fee-free withdrawals on most methods. Portuguese users appreciate the availability of USDT TRC20 for fast, low-cost transfers – both brokers support this method with instant processing. Using local EUR accounts is possible for bank transfers, although the base trading currency is USD.
| 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 Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Portugal who wish to trade in accordance with Sharia law. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts on all account types without any additional fees or swap charges, and the account can be opened by contacting support. Libertex also offers swap-free accounts, but it requires a request and may apply a small administrative fee if positions are held beyond a certain number of days (typically 10–14). Portuguese traders should check the latest terms with each broker. Overall, EasyMarkets is more straightforward for Islamic trading, while Libertex’s offering is still viable but with potential restrictions on long-term holding periods.
| 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 availability is crucial for Portugal traders, especially during European trading hours. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support in English and Portuguese, with response times often under 30 seconds for chat. Libertex provides similar 24/5 support via live chat, email, and phone, also with Portuguese language options. Both brokers have extensive FAQ sections on their websites. In practice, EasyMarkets is slightly more responsive in our tests, while Libertex’s support team is well-trained but can be slower during peak hours. For most Portuguese traders, either broker offers adequate support.
| 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 Portugal traders in 2025, both EasyMarkets and Libertex are solid choices, but the better option depends on your trading style. If you are a beginner or a Muslim trader seeking a straightforward Islamic account with fixed costs, EasyMarkets’ simplicity and risk-management features make it a strong pick. If you are an experienced or high-volume trader who wants lower spreads, a wider asset range, and the flexibility of MT5, Libertex offers better value. Both brokers support local payment methods in Portugal, including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and are regulated under EU law with compliance to the CMVM. Considering the ratings (3.4 vs 3.7) and practical advantages, Libertex is the preferred choice for most Portuguese retail traders, but EasyMarkets remains a worthy contender for specific needs.