FXCM vs IronFX 2023

Comparing the trading costs of forex and CFDs is not easy. Not every broker publishes average spreads data, and pricing structures vary. Based on our thorough annual assessment, FXCM offers better pricing overall for traders.

At ForexBrokers.com, we track where each forex and CFD broker is regulated across over 23 international regulator databases. Here's our findings. FXCM holds 4 global Tier-1 licenses, while IronFX holds 3. FXCM holds 2 global Tier-2 licenses, while IronFX holds 0. In our analysis of 23 international regulators across 50 brokers, FXCM (95) earned a higher Trust Score than IronFX (84).

To compare the trading platforms of both FXCM and IronFX, we tested each broker's trading tools, research capabilities, and mobile apps. For trading tools, FXCM offers a better experience. With research, FXCM offers superior market research. Finally, we found FXCM to provide better mobile trading apps.

For forex and CFDs traders, copy trading and MetaTrader are both popular platform options. Both FXCM and IronFX offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4).FXCM and IronFX both offer copy trading.

IronFX provides traders 83 currency pairs (e.g., EUR/USD) compared to FXCM's 41 available pairs. Forex pairs aside, FXCM offers traders access to 440 CFDs while IronFX has 340 available CFDs, a difference of 100.

FXCM's parent company is publicly-traded, does not operate a bank, and is authorised by four Tier-1 regulators (Highly Trusted), two Tier-2 regulators (Trusted), zero Tier-3 regulators (Average Risk), and zero Tier-4 regulators (High Risk). FXCM is authorised by the following Tier-1 regulators: Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), and the European Union via MiFID.

IronFX is not publicly traded and does not operate a bank. IronFX is authorised by three tier-1 regulators (high trust), zero tier-2 regulators (average trust), zero tier-3 regulators (low trust), and one tier-4 regulator. IronFX is authorised by the following tier-1 regulators: Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC), European Union Authorized (MiFID), and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

For traders who appreciate advanced trading tools and quality market research, FXCM is a winner, especially for algorithmic trading. Its range of tradeable markets is fairly narrow, however, and the pricing at FXCM is just average.

IronFX has come a long way to rebuild its brand, acquiring multiple regulatory licenses to improve its Trust Score, and creating balanced educational material. That said, pricing is an area where Iron FX has room to further improve as spreads appeared higher than the industry average.