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STP/ECN Brokers: Compare True ECN and STP Forex Brokers

Compare STP and ECN forex brokers that route your orders to liquidity providers. See broker type, minimum spread, minimum deposit, minimum position and leverage in one table and choose a no-dealing-desk broker for scalping, news trading or EAs.

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Our editors' picks this month, ranked by user rating, bonus value and account conditions.

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STP/ECN Brokers Comparison Table

STP/ECN Brokers Comparison Table
BrokerTrading PlatformBroker TypeMin. DepositPromotionUser ReviewsOfficial Site
ATFX logoATFX MetaTrader4 (MT4), Web Platform and Mobile STP/ECN $100 50% Forex Deposit Bonus (5.0/5) Open AccountView Profile
Capitalxtend logoCapitalxtend MetaTrader4, MT4 Android, MT4 iPhone Trader, MT4 iPad Trader STP/ECN $200 30% Forex Deposit Bonus (5.0/5) Open AccountView Profile
CedarFX logoCedarFX MT4 Desktop, Mobile, WebTrader STP/ECN $10 0% Commission Account / Eco Account (5.0/5) Open AccountView Profile
DB Investing logoDB Investing MT5-Web platform, MT5-Android, MT5-Windows, MT5-Mac OS STP/ECN $100 $35 No Deposit Bonus (5.0/5) Open AccountView Profile
FXPRIMUS logoFXPRIMUS MetaTrader 4 (MT4) STP/ECN $100 100% Forex Deposit Bonus No reviews yet Open AccountView Profile
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets NetTradeX, MetaTrader4 DMA/STP $5 No No reviews yet Open AccountView Profile
InstaForex logoInstaForex MetaTrader 4 (MT4) STP/ECN $1 $500 to $5000 Free Bonus (3.0/5) Open AccountView Profile
IronFX logoIronFX MetaTrader 4 MM/ECN/STP $100 100% Sharing Bonus No reviews yet Open AccountView Profile
MultiBank logoMultiBank ECN Pro Platform, MultiBank Pro MT4 Platform, Maximus MT4 Platform, MT5 Platform, Web Tra… STP/ECN $50 100% Deposit Bonus No reviews yet Open AccountView Profile
OctaFX logoOctaFX MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), Mobile MT4, Web Platforms and More Trading Platfo… STP/ECN $25 50% Forex Deposit Bonus (5.0/5) Open AccountView Profile
OlympTrade logoOlympTrade Proprietary STP/ECN $10 100% Deposit bonus No reviews yet Open AccountView Profile
PatronFX logoPatronFX MetaTrader4 STP/ECN $250 No No reviews yet Open AccountView Profile
Rockfort Markets logoRockfort Markets MetaTrader 4 STP/ECN $100 No No reviews yet Open AccountView Profile
Valetax logoValetax MT4 for Desktop, MT4 Web Terminal, MT4 Android, MT4 iPhone Trader, MT4 iPad Trader MT4 Mu… STP/ECN $1 Forex Demo Contest and Live Contest Promotions No reviews yet Open AccountView Profile

ECN vs STP: How Your Orders Are Filled

An ECN (Electronic Communication Network) broker matches your order with prices from banks, other brokers and traders. You usually pay a raw spread from 0.0 pips plus a fixed commission per lot.

An STP (Straight Through Processing) broker passes your order to one or more liquidity providers, normally with a small mark-up in the spread instead of a commission. Both are "no dealing desk" models, so the broker does not trade against you.

Forex Broker Types Explained

The broker type tells you how your orders are executed and how the broker earns money.

Broker typeHow it worksBest for
ECN/STPOrders go straight to banks and liquidity providers. Raw spreads plus a small commission.Scalpers, EA and high-volume traders
ECN/STDOffers both ECN accounts and standard accounts with commission-free, slightly wider spreads.Beginners who may upgrade later
Market MakerThe broker quotes its own prices and takes the other side of your trade. Often fixed spreads.Small accounts that want predictable costs
CFDsContracts for difference on forex, indices, metals, crypto and shares from one account.Multi-asset traders

How We Review Forex Brokers

Every broker on FXNewBonus is checked against the same list, so you can compare brokers on equal terms. We open demo and live accounts, test deposits and withdrawals, read the bonus terms line by line and collect ratings from real traders.

Regulation and safety

Licence, segregated client funds, negative balance protection and company history.

Trading costs

Average EUR/USD spread, commission per lot, swap rates and inactivity fees.

Trading platforms

MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, web trader and mobile apps, plus execution speed.

Bonus and promotions

No deposit bonus, deposit bonus, rebates and the real trading volume needed to withdraw.

Deposit and withdrawal

Minimum deposit, payment methods, processing time and withdrawal fees.

Support and user reviews

Live chat response time, support languages and verified ratings from our readers.

How to Open an Account With a Forex Broker

  1. Compare brokers in the table above and shortlist two or three that match your platform and budget.
  2. Read the full review using "View Profile" to check regulation, fees and bonus rules.
  3. Open a demo account to test execution, spreads and the mobile app.
  4. Verify your identity with a passport or ID and a proof of address.
  5. Fund your account or claim a no deposit bonus, then start with a small position size.

Minimum Deposit: How Much Do You Need?

Minimum deposits on this list range from $1 at InstaForex up to $250 at PatronFX. If you want to test a broker without risking your own money, start with a forex no deposit bonus.

STP/ECN Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ECN and an STP broker?

ECN brokers show raw market prices and charge commission; STP brokers pass orders to liquidity providers and usually add a small mark-up to the spread.

Are ECN brokers good for scalping?

Yes. Tight raw spreads and fast execution make ECN accounts popular with scalpers and EA traders.

Do ECN brokers need a higher deposit?

Some do, but many now accept small accounts. On this list the lowest minimum deposit is $1 at InstaForex.