Which broker is better for Zimbabwe traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Zimbabwean retail traders seeking reliable forex and CFD brokers often compare EasyMarkets and Libertex due to their global reputation and support for local payment methods. As of 2025, Libertex holds a higher overall score (3.7/5) versus EasyMarkets (3.4/5), influenced by its wider asset range and competitive variable spreads. However, both brokers accept USD, the preferred trading currency in Zimbabwe, and offer deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 – a critical factor given the country's reliance on digital and crypto-based payments. While Zimbabwe’s local financial regulator does not directly oversee these brokers, both operate under established international licenses, providing a layer of safety. This comparison breaks down trading costs, platforms, regulation, and local suitability to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in Zimbabwe’s unique economic environment.
| 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 Zimbabwe traders, spread costs directly impact profitability, especially when trading volumes are high. Libertex offers variable spreads starting from 0.2 pips on major forex pairs, which can be significantly lower than EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads starting from 1.0 pips. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads provide certainty, avoiding the risk of widening during volatile Zimbabwean market sessions. Libertex also charges a commission on certain account types (e.g., on EUR/USD from $3 per lot), whereas EasyMarkets operates on a spread-only model. Over 1000 trades, the difference in total cost can be substantial: variable spreads with lower averages may save active traders money, but fixed spreads protect against unexpected surges. Zimbabwe traders should consider their average trade size and holding period 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, known for a clean interface and risk management tools like Deal Cancellation. Libertex offers its own multi-asset platform alongside MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are widely preferred by Zimbabwe traders for advanced charting and automated trading. For Zimbabwean retail traders who rely on mobile trading due to frequent power cuts or limited desktop access, both apps are optimized for Android and iOS. Libertex’s MT4/5 compatibility allows use of expert advisors (EAs) and custom indicators, a key advantage for strategy-driven traders. EasyMarkets’ platform is more user-friendly for beginners but lacks the depth that experienced Zimbabwe traders may demand.
| 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 |
EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with instant execution, guaranteeing fills at quoted prices, which is beneficial during Zimbabwe’s volatile trading sessions. Libertex employs a dealing desk execution for retail clients, also ensuring no requotes. Both brokers offer fast execution speeds (under 100ms on most trades), but EasyMarkets’ guaranteed stop-loss orders are a standout feature. For Zimbabwe traders trading major pairs during overlapping market hours, both brokers provide reliable execution. Slippage is minimal during normal conditions, though Libertex’s variable spreads can widen in fast markets, affecting execution price. Overall, both are well-suited for retail traders, but EasyMarkets has a slight edge for risk-averse traders seeking certainty.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and Libertex are regulated by multiple reputable bodies, including the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa. The FSCA regulation is particularly relevant for Zimbabwe traders, as South Africa is a neighboring financial hub. Neither broker is directly regulated by Zimbabwe’s local financial regulator, but they comply with international standards such as client fund segregation and negative balance protection. This means Zimbabwe traders’ deposits are safeguarded, though not by a local compensation scheme. When choosing, consider that Libertex’s longer operating history (since 1997) versus EasyMarkets (since 2001) adds a layer of trust, but both maintain clean regulatory 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 |
Zimbabwe traders have convenient deposit options at both brokers. Bank Transfer is available for larger deposits, though processing times may take 2-5 business days. Skrill and Neteller allow instant deposits and withdrawals with low fees, making them ideal for smaller amounts. USDT TRC20 (crypto) is supported by both brokers, enabling fast, low-cost transfers without relying on Zimbabwe’s banking infrastructure. EasyMarkets requires a minimum deposit of $25, while Libertex requires $50. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days for e-wallets and crypto, but bank transfers may take longer. Neither broker charges deposit fees, but Zimbabwe traders should check with their payment provider for any local charges. Having multiple deposit methods is crucial in Zimbabwe, where traditional bank transfers can be slow or subject to foreign currency controls.
| 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 Zimbabwe who wish to trade without earning or paying interest. EasyMarkets provides a dedicated Islamic account option during registration, automatically removing swaps on all instruments. Libertex requires clients to request a swap-free account via customer support, and it is only available on certain account types. Each broker reserves the right to limit long-term swap-free usage to prevent abuse. Zimbabwe traders observing Sharia law should confirm the terms, including any admin fees that may replace swaps. Overall, both cater well to this demographic, though EasyMarkets’ automatic inclusion makes it more straightforward.
| 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 |
EasyMarkets offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with English-speaking agents available. Libertex provides similar hours but includes a 24/7 live chat for registered clients. For Zimbabwe traders, timely support is critical due to time zone differences (CAT, UTC+2). Both brokers respond within minutes via chat. Libertex also offers support in multiple languages, though English is standard. Dedicated account managers are available for higher-tier accounts at both, but for retail traders, standard support is adequate. Neither broker has a local Zimbabwe office, so online channels are the primary point of contact.
| 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 Zimbabwe retail traders, the choice between EasyMarkets and Libertex depends on trading style and priorities. Libertex’s higher score (3.7 vs 3.4), lower variable spreads, and MT4/5 support make it ideal for active or algorithmic traders. Its acceptance of local payments like USDT TRC20 and Skrill ensures fast, cost-effective deposits. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads, guaranteed stop-loss, and lower minimum deposit appeal to beginners and risk-averse traders in Zimbabwe’s sometimes volatile market. Both brokers operate without direct local regulation but hold credible international licenses. Given Zimbabwe’s financial landscape, having multiple deposit options (Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT TRC20) is a key advantage shared by both. Ultimately, Libertex edges ahead for versatility, while EasyMarkets offers simplicity and cost certainty. We recommend Libertex for most Zimbabwe traders, but EasyMarkets is a solid alternative.