Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Pepperstone vs GBE brokers, 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.
Pepperstone, established in 2010, and GBE brokers, founded in 2013, offer online brokerage services, but they differ significantly in terms of trust and regulation. Neither company is publicly traded or operates as a bank. Pepperstone holds a high Trust Score of 95 from ForexBrokers.com, classifying it as highly trusted. This is supported by its acquisition of three Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses, underscoring its extensive regulatory backing.
In contrast, GBE brokers, with a more modest Trust Score of 71, is considered to have an average risk profile. The company holds just one Tier-1 license and does not possess any Tier-2 licenses, comparing less favorably to Pepperstone in terms of regulation and trust. As traders consider their options, these trust scores and regulatory credentials serve as crucial factors in selecting the right broker for their needs.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2013 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
Pepperstone offers competitive pricing for its traders, especially when using the Razor account with the Active Trader program designed for high-volume traders. The Razor account, which can be accessed via platforms like TradingView, MetaTrader, or cTrader, operates on a commission-based structure. As of July 2024, the average spread for EUR/USD is a minimal 0.10 pips, and when factoring in the commission equivalent of 0.70 pips, the total cost rises to 0.80 pips, aligning with the industry's average. In contrast, Pepperstone's Standard account is commission-free but has a higher spread of 1.1 pips for the EUR/USD, making it the pricier option. For committed traders, Pepperstone's Active Trader program offers varying rebates determined by monthly trading volumes and tiers.
GBE Brokers, although offering a competitive environment for trading, does not provide detailed average spread data. Pepperstone, with its structured and transparent pricing, rated 4.5 stars for commissions and fees, ranks #10 out of 63 brokers as reviewed by ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, GBE Brokers earned a respectable 4-star rating, but falls to #37 in the same review, indicating a greater advantage for traders choosing Pepperstone based on commissions and fees alone.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $500 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.70 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Pepperstone and GBE brokers both offer investors the chance to trade forex through CFDs or spot contracts, with a wide array of tradeable symbols and forex pairs. Pepperstone distinguishes itself by providing access to 1,726 tradeable symbols and 65 forex pairs, whereas GBE brokers offer a selection of 500 tradeable symbols and 71 forex pairs. Despite slight differences in forex pair offerings, neither broker allows the purchase of exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, such as buying shares of companies like Apple or Vodafone. However, both brokers support forex trading, cryptocurrency derivatives, and copy trading services, making them versatile options for different trading strategies.
When evaluated for their investment range, Pepperstone achieves a commendable 4-star rating, ranking 26th among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, while GBE brokers receive a 3.5-star rating, placing them at 44th in the same category. Both brokers provide opportunities for trading cryptocurrency derivatives, though they do not support transactions involving actual cryptocurrencies. The overall range of investments provided by Pepperstone seems to edge out that of GBE brokers, offering traders a broader selection of instruments and trading opportunities.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1726 | 500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 65 | 71 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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.
Pepperstone and GBE brokers both offer substantial features within their trading platforms, but there are some key differences. Pepperstone provides a proprietary platform, adding a unique aspect to their trading solutions, while GBE brokers do not. Both brokers support simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts and offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, each trusted by traders globally. Additionally, both have Windows-based desktop downloads and web-based trading platforms available. For users interested in copy trading, both brokers have this functionality, although only Pepperstone offers DupliTrade. As for ZuluTrade, neither broker provides this service.
When it comes to charting, Pepperstone edges out GBE brokers, offering 30 drawing tools compared to GBE's 15. Each provides the ability to trade directly from stock charts and supports 7 columns for watch lists. In terms of platform rankings, Pepperstone holds an impressive position, rated #22 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com for Trading Platforms and Tools, while GBE brokers are ranked #57. Both are rated four stars, highlighting their commendable capabilities. However, for traders who prioritize platform innovation and advanced charting tools, Pepperstone may have the advantage.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | Yes | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
The mobile trading apps of both Pepperstone and GBE brokers are equipped with essential features that cater to both iPhone and Android users. Both platforms support stock and forex price alerts and allow users to draw trendlines directly on charts, offering 30 technical studies for in-depth analysis. Additionally, both apps enable users to switch between different time frames (daily, weekly, or intraday) and save chart drawings automatically. However, a key difference is in the synchronization capabilities: Pepperstone’s app allows watchlist symbol syncing between mobile and online accounts, a feature not available with GBE brokers.
Both Pepperstone and GBE brokers offer functionalities to set up watchlists with real-time quotes. In terms of user experience, their mobile apps each earn a rating of four out of five stars. Despite this similarity in rating, Pepperstone ranks higher at #21 compared to GBE brokers, which stands at #57, according to ForexBrokers.com. This ranking may reflect subtle but significant differences in user satisfaction and app performance between the two options.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Pepperstone and GBE Brokers both provide daily market commentary and offer economic calendars to help traders stay informed about global economic events. However, when it comes to forex news, Pepperstone stands out by sourcing information from top-tier providers such as Bloomberg and Reuters, whereas GBE Brokers does not. Additionally, Pepperstone equips traders with technical analysis tools from Autochartist, while GBE Brokers lacks these offerings. Both brokers offer sentiment-based trading tools but fall short in providing market research from the likes of TipRanks or Acuity Trading.
When comparing their research capabilities, Pepperstone receives a higher rating of 4.5 stars versus GBE Brokers' 3 stars. This distinction places Pepperstone notably higher in rankings, positioned at #12 among 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com for research quality. In contrast, GBE Brokers ranks much lower at #62, highlighting the more extensive resources and research tools Pepperstone offers to its users.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | 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.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, Pepperstone significantly outshines GBE brokers. Pepperstone provides a comprehensive suite of over 10 educational pieces, including articles, videos, and archived webinars, focusing on forex and CFD trading. Besides, Pepperstone consistently offers monthly online educational webinars and maintains a readily accessible archive of these sessions. This blend of resources makes it easy for beginners to learn at their own pace and revisit topics whenever needed. In contrast, GBE brokers fall short in this area, lacking the necessary educational content and regular webinars that budding traders might be searching for.
Moreover, Pepperstone has a rich library of over 10 beginner-friendly videos and offers more advanced content to help traders deepen their knowledge as they gain experience. Their comprehensive investor dictionary with over 50 investing terms further enhances the learning experience. GBE brokers, however, do not provide an equivalent level of educational content for either beginners or experienced traders. Reflecting these differences, Pepperstone proudly holds a 4.5-star education rating and ranks 17th out of 63 brokers in the Education category according to ForexBrokers.com, while GBE brokers lag with a 3-star rating and rank 63rd.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| 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 Pepperstone is better than GBE brokers. Pepperstone finished with an overall rank of #16, while GBE brokers finished with an overall rank of #57.
Pepperstone offers a growing range of tradeable markets, good-quality research, and support for multiple social copy trading platforms.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
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GBE brokers
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|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 71 |
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Both Pepperstone and GBE Brokers do not offer the option to buy actual cryptocurrency, but they do provide the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers Pepperstone and GBE Brokers, both platforms provide a broad range of funding options including ACH, SEPA transfers, PayPal, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, offering comprehensive flexibility and convenience for depositing and withdrawing account funds.
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 | Pepperstone | GBE brokers | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Pepperstone Review |
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| Regulation | Pepperstone | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 71 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2013 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Pepperstone | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Pepperstone | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Pepperstone | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1726 | 500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 65 | 71 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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 | Pepperstone | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.70 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Pepperstone | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $500 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | Pepperstone | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | Yes | No | |
| DupliTrade | Yes | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Pepperstone | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Pepperstone | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Pepperstone | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Pepperstone | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | Pepperstone | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | Pepperstone Review |
| Overall | Pepperstone | GBE brokers | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Pepperstone Review |
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