Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Australia traders seeking a reliable forex broker often compare InstaForex and EasyMarkets, two popular choices with distinct strengths. InstaForex, scoring 3.7/5, is known for its advanced trading tools, low spreads starting from 0.0 pips, and high leverage options, making it ideal for experienced traders who want flexibility. EasyMarkets, scoring 3.4/5, is a ASIC-regulated broker (AFSL 246566) that prioritises simplicity with fixed spreads, no slippage, and guaranteed stop-loss orders. For Australian traders, the key differences lie in regulation, cost structure, and deposit methods. While InstaForex operates internationally, EasyMarkets offers local compliance and support for BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits. This comparison helps you decide based on your trading style and regulatory preferences in the Australian market.
| Instrument | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | EasyMarkets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | EasyMarkets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | EasyMarkets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | EasyMarkets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $1 | $25 | InstaForex |
When comparing trading costs for Australia traders, InstaForex generally offers lower variable spreads, starting from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, but these can widen during news events. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads from 1.0 pips, which are higher but predictable. For high-volume traders, InstaForex’s low spreads can significantly reduce costs, especially on major currency pairs. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed model protects against spread widening during volatile markets. Both brokers charge no commission on standard accounts, but InstaForex’s ECN accounts may have commission fees. Australia traders should consider their trading frequency and typical market conditions to choose the most cost-effective option.
| Account Type | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $1 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 1:2000 |
| 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 | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | InstaForex |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | ✗ | 20+ indices | InstaForex |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | InstaForex |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✗ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
For Australia traders, platform choice is critical. InstaForex offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), both widely used for advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and custom indicators. EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, which are user-friendly but lack the depth of MT4/MT5. InstaForex also supports social trading and copy trading features, appealing to experienced traders. EasyMarkets’ platform includes risk management tools like deal cancellation and guaranteed stop-loss, which are unique. Australia traders who value customisation and automation will prefer InstaForex, while those seeking simplicity and built-in safety features may lean towards EasyMarkets.
| Factor | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | InstaForex |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
Execution quality differs between the two brokers. InstaForex uses a market execution model with variable spreads and no re-quotes, offering fast order execution suitable for scalping and high-frequency trading. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads and guaranteed stop-loss orders, ensuring no slippage but potential for requotes during volatile conditions. For Australia traders who prioritise speed and low latency, InstaForex is better, while EasyMarkets suits those who value execution certainty and risk management tools.
| Safety Factor | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FSC BVI | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key factor for Australia traders. EasyMarkets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under AFSL 246566, providing strong local oversight and client fund protection. InstaForex, while not ASIC-regulated, holds licenses from CySEC (Cyprus) and FCA (UK), offering a different level of protection. For Australian traders, an ASIC-regulated broker like EasyMarkets means adherence to strict leverage limits (max 1:30 for retail clients) and mandatory negative balance protection. InstaForex offers higher leverage (up to 1:1000), which may appeal to experienced traders but comes with greater risk. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise local regulatory safeguards or higher leverage flexibility.
| Payment Method | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 2 to 6 business days | 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) |
Australia traders benefit from convenient local payment options. InstaForex accepts Bank Transfer and Credit Card deposits, with minimum deposits as low as $1 USD, but does not support BPAY or POLi. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days via Bank Transfer or Skrill. EasyMarkets excels in local convenience, supporting BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits, with a minimum deposit of $100 AUD. Withdrawals are typically processed within 1-2 business days and can be made via the same methods. For Australian traders, EasyMarkets offers more seamless local payment integration, while InstaForex provides lower entry barriers. Both brokers process withdrawals efficiently, but EasyMarkets’ support for BPAY and POLi makes it more accessible for everyday Australian banking.
| Islamic Account Feature | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 InstaForex and EasyMarkets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Australia. InstaForex provides swap-free accounts upon request, applicable to all account types, with no interest charges on overnight positions. EasyMarkets also offers Islamic accounts automatically during registration, with no swap fees and compliance with Sharia law. The process is straightforward with both brokers, but EasyMarkets’ automatic option is simpler. Australia Muslim traders can choose either broker, but EasyMarkets’ ASIC regulation may provide additional peace of mind for local clients.
| Support Feature | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | InstaForex |
Customer support for Australia traders is available 24/5 from both brokers. InstaForex offers live chat, email, and phone support in multiple languages, including English, with response times averaging 2-4 hours. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support with Australian-friendly hours and faster response times (under 1 hour). EasyMarkets also has a local Australian phone number, making it more accessible for Australia traders. InstaForex’s support is reliable but may have longer wait times during peak hours.
| Mobile Feature | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | InstaForex |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | InstaForex |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | InstaForex |
Choose InstaForex if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For Australia traders, the choice between InstaForex and EasyMarkets depends on your trading priorities. InstaForex (3.7/5) excels in low spreads, advanced platforms, and high leverage, making it ideal for experienced traders who want flexibility and cost efficiency. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) stands out for its ASIC regulation, fixed spreads, and local payment options like BPAY and POLi, appealing to traders who value security and simplicity. If you trade high volumes and need advanced tools, InstaForex is the better option. If you prefer local regulation and predictable costs with easy Australian deposits, EasyMarkets is the safer choice. Consider your trading style, leverage needs, and regulatory comfort to make the right decision for your Australian trading journey.