Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China traders seeking international exposure, choosing between FxOpen and Libertex is a strategic decision. Both brokers are well-established offshore entities, neither regulated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), but popular among Chinese traders for their access to global forex, commodities, indices, and crypto CFDs. FxOpen, founded in 2005, is known for its tight spreads, ECN execution, and strong support for USDT deposits via TRC20—a key advantage for traders in China who want fast, low-cost funding. Libertex, established in 1997, offers a broader asset selection including over 200 CFDs on stocks and ETFs, plus a proprietary trading platform. However, its spreads are generally wider. This comparison focuses on trading costs, deposit methods (especially USDT and international bank transfer), platform usability, and regulatory considerations for Chinese users. Both brokers cater to traders who want to bypass local capital controls and trade with leverage, but they differ in execution style and cost structure. Understanding these differences is crucial for Chinese traders looking to optimize their offshore trading experience in 2025.
| Instrument | FxOpen | 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 | $100 | $10 | Libertex |
For China traders, trading costs are a major factor. FxOpen offers spreads as low as 0.1 pips on EUR/USD with its ECN account, plus a small commission of $3.5 per lot. Libertex has wider spreads, typically 1-2 pips on the same pair, but no commission on standard accounts. For high-volume traders (e.g., 10+ lots per day), FxOpen is significantly cheaper—spread savings can amount to $10-20 per lot. For low-volume traders, Libertex's zero-commission model may be simpler. Both brokers charge swap fees on overnight positions, but Islamic accounts are available. Additionally, FxOpen's raw spread model is more transparent for active scalpers, while Libertex's fixed spreads are easier to calculate for beginners.
| Account Type | FxOpen | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | FxOpen | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 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 | FxOpen | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FxOpen |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FxOpen |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | FxOpen |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | FxOpen | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FxOpen provides MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are the industry standard for Chinese traders due to their advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and wide community support. Libertex offers its own proprietary web and mobile platform, which is user-friendly but lacks the depth of MT4/MT5. For China traders who rely on EA trading or custom indicators, FxOpen is the clear choice. Libertex's platform is better suited for beginners or those who prefer a simpler interface with one-click trading. Both platforms are available in Chinese language, but FxOpen's MT4 has more local resources and third-party tools.
| Factor | FxOpen | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FxOpen |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
FxOpen uses ECN/STP execution with no dealing desk intervention, offering fast order execution and minimal slippage. Libertex uses a market maker model, which may result in requotes during volatile markets. For China traders who use scalping or EA strategies, FxOpen's execution is superior, as it supports high-frequency trading without restrictions. Libertex's execution is acceptable for swing traders and long-term investors but not ideal for scalpers. Both brokers offer leverage up to 1:500, but FxOpen's execution speed gives it a clear advantage for active traders.
| Safety Factor | FxOpen | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither FxOpen nor Libertex is regulated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). FxOpen is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as CySEC for EU clients. Libertex is regulated by CySEC and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Mauritius. For China traders, this means no local investor protection, and all trading is at their own risk. Both brokers offer negative balance protection on certain accounts, but not guaranteed for offshore clients. It is essential for Chinese traders to verify the broker's licensing and consider using only trusted, long-established firms. FxOpen's longer track record (since 2005) provides some reassurance, but due diligence remains critical.
| Payment Method | FxOpen | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | 5 business days |
China traders can fund accounts at both brokers using USDT (Tether) via TRC20 or ERC20 networks, and international bank transfers in USD or EUR. USDT deposits are the fastest—credited instantly—and avoid the delays and fees associated with bank transfers. FxOpen supports USDT deposits with zero deposit fee and a minimum of $10, while Libertex requires a minimum of $50 and may charge a small processing fee. Withdrawals are processed similarly: USDT withdrawals are usually completed within 1-24 hours, while bank transfers can take 3-5 business days. Both brokers do not charge withdrawal fees on USDT, but bank transfers may incur intermediary bank charges. For Chinese users, USDT is the most convenient method, allowing them to bypass capital controls and trade with minimal friction. It is important to note that both brokers require KYC verification before withdrawals.
| Islamic Account Feature | FxOpen | 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 FxOpen and Libertex offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in China who require Sharia-compliant trading. FxOpen provides swap-free accounts on all account types (Standard, ECN, and Crypto) without any additional fees or restrictions, as long as the account is not used for hedging strategies. Libertex also offers Islamic accounts upon request, but they may apply a small administrative fee after a certain holding period. For Chinese Muslim traders, FxOpen's straightforward swap-free policy is more attractive, while Libertex's option is still viable but less favorable for long-term positions. Both brokers require proof of Muslim faith or a declaration.
| Support Feature | FxOpen | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FxOpen |
FxOpen offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Chinese language support available during Asian trading hours. Libertex provides 24/5 support in English and Chinese, with live chat and email. Response times are generally fast for both, but FxOpen's support team is more experienced with technical issues related to MT4/MT5. For China traders, having Chinese-speaking support is crucial, and both brokers meet this need adequately. However, FxOpen's longer operating history gives it an edge in handling complex queries.
| Mobile Feature | FxOpen | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FxOpen |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FxOpen |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | FxOpen |
| Resource | FxOpen | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FxOpen |
Choose FxOpen if you...
Choose Libertex if you...
For China traders in 2025, the choice between FxOpen and Libertex depends on trading style and asset preferences. FxOpen is the better option for active forex traders who need tight spreads, fast execution, and full compatibility with MetaTrader platforms. Its support for USDT deposits (TRC20) with low minimums makes it highly accessible for Chinese users looking to bypass capital controls. Libertex, on the other hand, is more suitable for traders who want a diverse portfolio of CFDs on stocks and crypto, and prefer a user-friendly platform with zero commissions. However, its wider spreads and market maker model may deter cost-conscious traders. Neither broker is regulated by the CSRC, so Chinese traders must accept the risks of offshore trading. Overall, FxOpen edges ahead for most China traders due to lower costs and better execution, but Libertex remains a strong alternative for those seeking asset variety.