Forex.com vs Pepperstone – which broker is better for UK traders? Whilst it’s a tight clash ultimately Pepperstone reigns supreme but Forex.com provides a tough challenge.
Which is the Better Trading Platform: Pepperstone or Forex.com?
Choosing the right broker can feel like a daunting task, especially when comparing two giants like Forex.com and Pepperstone. Both brokers have carved out stellar reputations in the industry, but they cater to slightly different needs.
I’ve spent weeks diving into their platforms, fees, execution speeds, and range of instruments to help you make an informed decision. Let’s break them down side by side.
1. Key Features Comparison
| Pepperstone VS ActivTrades | 
First | 
Second | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulation | FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CySEC (EU) | FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CFTC (US) | |
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | MT4, MT5, Web Trader | |
| Minimum Deposit | £0 (but £200 recommended) | £100 | |
| Spreads | From 0.0 pips (Razor Account) | Spreads starting from 0.8 pips | |
| Commissions | £4.5 per lot (Razor Account) | None – Spread-only pricing | |
| Range of Assets | 1,200+ (forex, indices, shares, cryptos) | 550+ (forex, commodities, indices, shares) | |
| Education Resources | Extensive | Extensive | |
| Customer Support | 24/5 | 24/5 | |
| Funding Options | Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill | Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, PayPal | |
| Inactivity Fee | None | £15/month after 12 months | |
| Join Pepperstone | Join Forex.com |
In Summary: Forex.com is an excellent broker for beginner traders and those looking to get started with a reliable, regulated and easy-to-use broker. They offer one of the best web traders available apart from XTB, a huge range of educational resources and brilliant customer service. Pepperstone offers a wider range of instruments, and a lot of the same features, but they slightly beat Forex.com to the win here when it comes to the range of trading platforms offered and account types which allow for a wider range of strategies.
2. Fees and Spreads
Both brokers offer competitive pricing, but their fee structures differ slightly.
- Forex.com:
Forex.com uses a spread-only pricing model, with spreads starting at 0.8 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD. There are no additional commissions, which makes it ideal for traders who prefer straightforward costs. - Pepperstone:
Pepperstone offers two pricing models: the Standard account (spread-only, starting at 0.6 pips) and the Razor account, which offers raw spreads starting at 0.0 pips with a £4.5 round-trip commission per lot. For high-frequency traders and scalpers, the Razor account’s tighter spreads can save significant costs over time.
Winner: Pepperstone (for advanced traders); Forex.com (for simplicity)
3. Trading Platforms
Both brokers provide access to the highly popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, but Pepperstone goes the extra mile by supporting cTrader and TradingView.
- Forex.com:
Forex.com’s proprietary Web Trader is sleek and easy to use, with advanced charting tools and full integration with MT4/MT5. I found the platform intuitive, but it lacks the deep customisation of cTrader or TradingView. - Pepperstone:
If you value platform flexibility, Pepperstone is hard to beat. In addition to MT4/MT5, it offers cTrader for scalpers and algorithmic traders, as well as TradingView for those who love advanced charting and seamless trading directly from charts.
Winner: Pepperstone
4. Trading Assets
The range of tradable assets can be a deciding factor, especially for traders looking to diversify.
- Forex.com:
Forex.com provides access to over 550 instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, and share CFDs. It’s a great mix for those focused on core markets but lacks the breadth of Pepperstone’s offerings. - Pepperstone:
With over 1,200 instruments, including forex, indices, shares, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, Pepperstone caters to traders looking for a wider selection. The inclusion of cryptos is a bonus for those exploring digital assets.
Winner: Pepperstone
5. Regulation and Security
Both Forex.com and Pepperstone are regulated by top-tier authorities, making them safe and secure for UK traders.
- Forex.com:
As a subsidiary of StoneX, Forex.com is regulated by the FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, and the CFTC in the US. This multi-regulatory approach means Forex.com is a solid choice for traders who want maximum protection and transparency. Funds are held in segregated accounts, and retail traders benefit from negative balance protection. - Pepperstone:
Pepperstone is also regulated by the FCA and ASIC, and it includes CySEC regulation for EU clients. The broker offers robust safety measures like negative balance protection and segregated funds. In my experience, both brokers provide a secure trading environment, but Forex.com’s broader global oversight gives it a slight edge.
Winner: Forex.com
ActivTrades’ additional insurance coverage is a clear advantage here so yeah it’s a shocker, maybe to some, but ActivTrades is just so darn secure.
6. Customer Support
Both brokers offer responsive and knowledgeable support teams available 24/5.
- Forex.com:
Their live chat and phone support were helpful and quick to resolve queries. - Pepperstone:
Pepperstone’s support is equally responsive, but I appreciated their detailed FAQs and onboarding guides, which can save time for newer traders.
Winner: Draw
7. Educational Resources
Forex.com
Forex.com excels in education, offering a structured learning environment ideal for beginners and intermediate traders. Their Learning Centre includes:
- Video Tutorials: Clear, concise lessons covering platform navigation, trading strategies, and market fundamentals.
- Webinars: Live sessions hosted by industry experts, covering everything from technical analysis to market trends.
- Guides and Articles: Step-by-step guides on forex trading, risk management, and platform usage.
- Interactive Courses: Great for beginners looking to build a strong foundation in forex trading.
During my time with Forex.com, I appreciated how their resources felt accessible without being overly simplistic. If you’re just starting out or want to deepen your understanding, Forex.com provides an excellent toolkit to help you grow.
Pepperstone
Pepperstone takes a more hands-on approach to education, focusing on actionable insights and strategies. Their educational offerings include:
- Strategy Webinars: Sessions designed for practical application, helping traders refine techniques for forex, CFDs, and more.
- Autochartist Integration: A brilliant tool for pattern recognition and market analysis, perfect for traders looking to automate their learning process.
- Trading Guides: Focused on real-world trading strategies rather than just theory.
- Video Content: Less extensive than Forex.com but highly focused on technical analysis and strategy execution.
While not as comprehensive as Forex.com’s structured approach, Pepperstone’s education is well-suited for traders looking to refine specific skills and implement advanced strategies.
If you’re a beginner or prefer structured, all-encompassing learning, Forex.com is the better choice. For practical, strategy-driven content, Pepperstone offers excellent resources for intermediate and advanced traders. We’ll have to give it to Forex.com this time.
Winner: Forex.com
Final Verdict: Which Broker is Best?
Both Forex.com and Pepperstone are excellent brokers, but your choice depends on your trading priorities.
- Choose Forex.com if:
You’re a beginner looking for straightforward pricing, a strong educational foundation, and reliable FCA-regulated security. - Choose Pepperstone if:
You’re an advanced trader seeking ultra-tight spreads, lightning-fast execution, and platform flexibility (cTrader and TradingView).
Overall Winner: Pepperstone
Pepperstone edges ahead with its tighter spreads, broader asset range, and platform diversity. However, Forex.com is a fantastic option for newer traders or those who prefer simplicity in their fee structures.
FAQ’s
1. Which broker has better educational resources, Forex.com or Pepperstone?
Forex.com provides a broader and more structured learning environment, ideal for beginners. Pepperstone focuses on practical, strategy-based content that is highly useful for experienced traders.
2. Can beginners use Pepperstone’s educational tools effectively?
Yes, but Pepperstone’s resources are better suited for traders who already have a basic understanding of forex. Beginners might find Forex.com’s step-by-step guides more accessible.
3. Is Autochartist available on Forex.com?
No, Autochartist is exclusive to Pepperstone. Forex.com offers other analytical tools but doesn’t include pattern recognition software like Autochartist.
4. Are Forex.com’s webinars live or recorded?
Forex.com offers both live and recorded webinars, allowing traders to join sessions in real time or access them later at their convenience.
5. Does Pepperstone have platform-specific tutorials?
Yes, Pepperstone provides detailed tutorials for MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView, ensuring traders can fully utilise their chosen platform.
6. Which broker offers better resources for strategy building?
Pepperstone is better for traders focused on refining strategies, thanks to its advanced tools like Autochartist and strategy-focused webinars.
7. Can I access Forex.com’s resources without opening an account?
Some resources, like general guides and articles, are publicly available. However, more in-depth materials, such as interactive courses and webinars, require an account.
8. Are there any fees for accessing educational resources?
No, both Forex.com and Pepperstone offer their educational resources for free to their clients.
9. Which broker offers better trading insights for market analysis?
Pepperstone provides tools like Autochartist and actionable webinars focused on technical analysis. Forex.com’s resources are more general and beginner-oriented but still useful for broader market understanding.
10. Which broker is better for self-paced learning?
Forex.com is ideal for self-paced learning due to its structured courses and comprehensive learning hub.
Final Verdict
| Criteria | Winner |
|---|---|
| Fees and Spreads | Pepperstone |
| Platforms | Pepperstone |
| Asset Range | Pepperstone |
| Regulation and Security | Forex.com |
| Customer Support | Draw |
| Educational Resources | Forex.com |
£500 Recommended Deposit
Best Platforms
Pepperstone is a Melbourne-based broker that offers an excellent range of assets in the financial trading markets, including CFD's for commodities, shares, ETFs and more.
75.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading on margin with this provider
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