Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FOREX.com vs Markets.com, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
FOREX.com and Markets.com, both established in 1999, are prominent online brokers, but they differ in terms of trust scores and regulatory licenses. FOREX.com is publicly listed, while Markets.com is not, which could offer an added layer of confidence for some investors. Neither broker operates as a bank. When it comes to regulatory standing, FOREX.com holds a significant advantage with seven Tier-1 licenses, recognized as highly trusted, compared to the three held by Markets.com. Both brokers maintain one Tier-2 license, which is deemed trusted by ForexBrokers.com.
In terms of trustworthiness, according to ForexBrokers.com, FOREX.com boasts the highest possible Trust Score of 99 out of 99, indicating an extremely trustworthy status. Markets.com, with a Trust Score of 93, is also highly rated but falls slightly behind FOREX.com. This comparison highlights FOREX.com’s strong regulatory position and market reputation, which might appeal to traders looking for a highly trusted online trading platform.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 1999 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 3 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing the online brokers FOREX.com and Markets.com, it's clear that their approaches to commissions and fees differ significantly. FOREX.com offers a range of account options including the Standard and RAW accounts, each catering to different trading preferences and styles. However, it's important to note that FOREX.com tends to be slightly more expensive than the industry average, with typical spreads of 1.4 on the EUR/USD in their Standard account. For traders outside of the U.S., spreads can be more favorable, as seen with the RAW account, which offers lower initial spreads but includes commissions per trade. FOREX.com is rated 4.5 stars for commissions and fees and ranks 13th out of 63 brokers in this category.
In contrast, Markets.com does not provide average spread data, making it difficult to directly compare spreads with those of FOREX.com. Markets.com users may find the fee structure less transparent, which could be a drawback for traders who prioritize clarity in trading costs. With a rating of 3.5 stars for commissions and fees, Markets.com falls lower on the list, ranking 50th out of 63 brokers.
Ultimately, FOREX.com provides more detailed and varied options for traders interested in specific execution methods and account flexibility, particularly for active traders. Those who trade high volumes might appreciate rebates and lower spreads that could offset commission costs. Meanwhile, Markets.com might suit those who prioritize ease of use over complex fee structures but may not offer the same level of detail or cost efficiency as FOREX.com for traders keen on reducing their trading expenses.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.9 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing the investment offerings of FOREX.com and Markets.com, potential traders will find both brokers allow trading in forex through both CFDs and spot contracts. FOREX.com shines with its extensive selection, offering 5,500 tradeable symbols, including 80 forex pairs. Meanwhile, Markets.com provides a respectable 2,179 symbols and 57 forex pairs. Neither platform offers the option to purchase exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, nor do they allow the actual purchase and delivery of cryptocurrencies, focusing instead on cryptocurrency derivatives.
For those interested in stock-like features, Markets.com adds the option for copy trading, a service not available on FOREX.com. Despite missing some investment types, FOREX.com's range receives a nod with a 5-star rating and a 7th place ranking out of 63 brokers, emphasizing its extensive range of investment possibilities. In contrast, Markets.com holds a 4-star rating and ranks 29th, suggesting a somewhat narrower yet still solid selection for traders seeking diverse investment opportunities.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 2179 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 80 | 57 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools of FOREX.com and Markets.com, both brokers offer a variety of options to cater to different trader needs. Each provides a free virtual demo account, allowing users to practice trading without financial risk. Additionally, both platforms have developed their own proprietary software and offer the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5. Traders can access these platforms through web-based interfaces or downloadable Windows desktops across both brokers. However, Markets.com holds an advantage with its copy trading feature, which isn't available on FOREX.com.
Despite these similarities, FOREX.com stands out as a stronger choice for technical traders, offering 239 drawing tools for charting compared to Markets.com’s 4. Additionally, it provides the ability to trade directly from a stock chart, a feature not available with Markets.com. FOREX.com also offers more options for customizing watch lists with 20 columns compared to Markets.com’s 6. These differences are reflected in their ratings, with FOREX.com earning 5 stars and securing the 7th rank out of 63 brokers for trading platforms and tools, while Markets.com receives 4 stars and ranks at 27th.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 89 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 4 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 20 | 6 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When choosing between the mobile trading apps of FOREX.com and Markets.com, both platforms offer apps for iPhone and Android devices, complete with stock and forex price alerts, as well as watchlist syncing with online accounts. However, FOREX.com stands out with a significant advantage in the number of technical studies available for charting, providing 88 options, compared to none offered by Markets.com's app. Additionally, FOREX.com allows users to view multiple time frames and auto-save drawings on charts, features not supported by Markets.com's app.
Furthermore, both brokers offer the ability to draw trendlines and create watchlists with real-time quotes. Yet, FOREX.com garners superior user feedback, receiving a 5-star rating for its mobile app compared to the 4-star rating for Markets.com. FOREX.com also ranks higher at #3 out of 63 brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category by ForexBrokers.com, while Markets.com is positioned at #33. Overall, FOREX.com provides a more comprehensive and highly-rated mobile trading experience.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | (default on MT4, none on Markets app) |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research offerings of FOREX.com and Markets.com, both platforms provide daily market commentary and access to forex news from respected sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring traders stay informed with timely insights. Both brokers also offer a sentiment-based trading tool that displays the ratio of long and short positions across various instruments, helping users gauge market trends effectively. Additionally, each platform includes an economic calendar to keep traders updated on significant global events impacting markets.
However, FOREX.com sets itself apart by offering comprehensive research tools from Trading Central, which Markets.com does not provide. This gives FOREX.com an edge with more specialized technical analysis options. As a result, FOREX.com is rated 4.5 stars for research and ranks 9th among 63 brokers, while Markets.com garners a 4-star rating, holding the 17th position. These ratings highlight the slight advantage FOREX.com has in delivering detailed market analysis resources.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
For beginners eager to dive into forex or CFDs trading, both FOREX.com and Markets.com offer educational resources, but there are notable differences in what they provide. FOREX.com stands out by offering over 10 educational pieces, such as articles and videos, specifically designed for newcomers to grasp the ins and outs of trading. Alongside monthly webinars, they provide a valuable archive of recorded webinars for further learning. This comprehensive approach is bolstered by an investor dictionary that simplifies over 50 investing terms, aiding beginners in understanding key concepts.
While Markets.com also offers monthly educational webinars and a range of beginner and advanced videos, they don’t match FOREX.com in terms of quantity of educational articles or having a searchable webinar archive. This means that while you can still find useful content, FOREX.com’s broader spectrum of resources gives it an edge, reflected in its higher education rating of 4.5 stars compared to Markets.com’s 4 stars, and securing a top 5 ranking by ForexBrokers.com compared to Markets.com’s rank at #34.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that FOREX.com is better than Markets.com. FOREX.com finished with an overall rank of #5, while Markets.com finished with an overall rank of #23.
FOREX.com is a trusted brand that delivers an excellent trading experience for forex and CFDs traders across the globe. It offers a wide range of markets and provides an impressive suite of proprietary platforms – alongside limited access to MetaTrader.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 93 |
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Both FOREX.com and Markets.com allow investors to trade cryptocurrency derivatives but do not offer the option to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency.
FOREX.com and Markets.com both support Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transfers for depositing or withdrawing account funds, with FOREX.com also offering ACH, SEPA, and PayPal, while Markets.com uniquely allows Skrill transactions without providing options for ACH, SEPA, or PayPal.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | FOREX.com | Markets.com | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FOREX.com Review |
| Broker Screenshots | FOREX.com | Markets.com | |
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| Regulation | FOREX.com | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 1999 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 3 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FOREX.com | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | FOREX.com | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | FOREX.com | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 2179 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 80 | 57 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | FOREX.com | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.9 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FOREX.com | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | FOREX.com | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | FOREX.com | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 20 | 6 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 89 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 4 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | FOREX.com | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | (default on MT4, none on Markets app) | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | FOREX.com | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FOREX.com | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | FOREX.com | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | No | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | FOREX.com Review |
| Overall | FOREX.com | Markets.com | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FOREX.com Review |
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