Which broker is better for United Kingdom traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When comparing EasyMarkets and Libertex for United Kingdom traders, two FCA-regulated brokers go head-to-head. EasyMarkets, founded in 2001, is known for its fixed spreads and user-friendly dealCancellation feature. Libertex, established in 1997, offers a wider asset selection including stocks, ETFs, and crypto CFDs, with variable spreads starting from 0.0 pips. For UK traders, both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments, making deposits and withdrawals straightforward. Regulatory oversight by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) ensures strict client fund protection and negative balance protection. In this 2025 comparison, we evaluate trading costs, platforms, regulation, and deposit processes to help you decide which broker suits your strategy. Whether you are a retail trader seeking simplicity or a professional needing diverse markets, understanding the differences between EasyMarkets and Libertex is key to successful trading in the UK.
| 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 UK traders, trading costs are a critical factor. Libertex offers variable spreads from 0.2 pips on EUR/USD and a 0.01% commission on some instruments, making it cost-effective for high-volume traders. EasyMarkets relies on fixed spreads (e.g., EUR/USD from 1.2 pips) and no commission, which provides cost predictability but higher per-trade costs. Over a month of frequent GBP/USD trading, Libertex can save UK traders up to 30% in total costs compared to EasyMarkets. However, EasyMarkets' fixed spreads protect traders during news events or market volatility, a benefit many UK scalpers appreciate. Both brokers offer swap-free Islamic accounts, but only Libertex allows day-trading with ultra-low spreads via its MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
UK traders can choose between EasyMarkets' proprietary web platform (with built-in risk management tools like Freeze Rate and DealCancellation) and its MetaTrader 4 offering. Libertex provides its own intuitive platform plus MetaTrader 4/5, giving UK traders flexibility. For mobile trading, both have iOS and Android apps, but Libertex’s app scores higher for charting and order execution. UK traders who prioritise simplicity may prefer EasyMarkets' all-in-one interface; those needing advanced charting and automated trading will lean towards Libertex’s MetaTrader suite. Both platforms support GBP account funding and offer demo accounts for UK residents.
| 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 |
For UK traders, execution speed can impact profitability. Libertex uses a hybrid model (market maker + STP) and offers fast execution with typical latency under 50ms on MetaTrader 4. EasyMarkets operates as a market maker with guaranteed execution on its proprietary platform, meaning slippage is unlikely but requotes may occur during volatile periods. Libertex’s execution is generally preferred for scalping and day trading, while EasyMarkets’ guaranteed execution appeals to traders who prioritise order certainty over speed.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and Libertex hold FCA authorisation, a crucial point for UK traders. The FCA enforces strict capital adequacy requirements, client money segregation, and negative balance protection. This means UK clients’ funds are held in separate bank accounts and cannot be used for operational purposes. Additionally, both brokers are members of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), offering protection up to £85,000 per person in case of insolvency. For UK traders, this regulatory environment provides a high level of safety. Libertex also holds additional licences in Cyprus (CySEC), but the FCA registration is what matters most for UK residents. EasyMarkets operates under multiple jurisdictions including Australia (ASIC) and the Seychelles, but its UK clients are specifically covered by the FCA.
| 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 |
UK traders have convenient deposit and withdrawal options with both brokers. EasyMarkets and Libertex accept Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments, with no deposit fees from the brokers. EasyMarkets also supports credit/debit cards and Neteller. Withdrawals via PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments are typically processed within 24 hours, while Bank Transfers may take 1-3 business days. Libertex offers instant deposits via Apple Pay and Google Pay, a plus for mobile users. Minimum deposit for both is low (EasyMarkets: £100, Libertex: £50), but larger deposits may be required for certain accounts. UK traders should note that while broker fees are absent, their bank or payment provider might charge a small fee for deposits/withdrawals, especially for international bank transfers.
| 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 UK Muslim traders seeking Sharia-compliant accounts, both EasyMarkets and Libertex offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. These accounts waive overnight interest charges, aligning with Islamic finance principles. However, both brokers may apply an administrative fee if positions are held for more than a certain number of days (typically 7–14), so UK traders should check the specific terms. EasyMarkets requires a separate request for an Islamic account, while Libertex allows selection during registration. Neither broker charges commissions on Islamic accounts for forex pairs, but spreads may differ slightly. With FCA regulation, UK Muslim traders can trade with confidence knowing both brokers adhere to strict financial standards while accommodating faith-based requirements.
| 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 |
UK traders have access to responsive customer support from both brokers. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 phone support in English, live chat, and email. Libertex provides 24/7 live chat and phone support, with a UK-dedicated team available during business hours. Both have comprehensive FAQ sections on their UK websites. Libertex’s round-the-clock support may be advantageous for traders outside typical UK hours. Live chat response times are under 2 minutes for both brokers.
| 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 United Kingdom traders in 2025, Libertex (score 3.7/5) is the stronger overall choice due to its lower spreads, broader asset range, and flexible platform options. However, EasyMarkets (score 3.4/5) remains a solid option for those who value cost certainty and built-in risk management tools like DealCancellation. Both brokers are FCA-regulated and support UK-friendly payment methods: Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments, ensuring easy deposits and withdrawals. If you trade frequently or in larger volumes, Libertex's lower variable spreads will reduce your costs. If you prefer fixed spreads and a simpler trading experience with added safety features, EasyMarkets is worth considering. Ultimately, your choice should align with your trading style and risk preferences. We recommend trying both demo accounts to see which fits best.