A Virtual Private Server is an essential part of trading using algorithms. The one that you use can make a massive difference, as factors such as low latency and uninterrupted connections are critical for success. FXEmpire has done over 330 broker reviews, collecting a massive database on VPS brokers and more. Not all offer the same quality of execution, and some even have hidden costs and technical limitations. So we are here to help you decide.
Our team of experts has identified each broker’s strengths and weaknesses using FXEmpire’s comprehensive methodology.
Now, let’s dive into the selected brokers.
IC Markets was founded in 2007 in Sydney, Australia. It offers MetaTrader 4 and 5 in all variations, including web and mobile versions, along with cTrader and TradingView. IC Markets gives access to 61 currency pair CFDs, 20 commodity CFDs, 25 index CFDs, and more than 2,100 stock CFDs from around the world. It also offers crypto CFDs where permitted.
Key Features:
IC Markets uses its proprietary IC VPS and ForexVPS. The IC VPS is housed at the Equinix Data Centers, as is ForexVPS. This means that they are sitting next to some of the world’s largest Tier 1 liquidity providers. The setup with the data center is excellent for those looking to trade with almost no latency. You can connect VPS to your MT4, MT5 or cTrader. These platforms are natively supported by a VPS host, making it an easy setup process.
IC Markets offers several types of trading accounts with raw spreads. That being said, the larger the deposit, the less the commission on these raw spread accounts. The spreads are as low as 0.0 pips, with commissions from $1 a side (per full lot) on the Raw Pro+ accounts and from $3.50 a side on the smallest accounts.
Founded in 2002 and headquartered in London, FxPro offers several trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, cTrader, FxPro Web Platform and FxPro mobile app. Over 2,100 instruments are available with the broker, including forex, shares, commodities, futures, ETFs, and indices. This allows traders to find an opportunity in various markets.
Key Features:
FxPro utilizes the Beeks Forex Virtual Private Server (VPS), a top choice for short-term traders due to its low latency. Trades are executed at the Equinix Data Centre in LD4 London, ensuring a cross-fiber connection with Tier 1 liquidity providers. This setup is ideal for running short-term algorithmic strategies on a VPS.
FxPro uses the Beek Forex Virtual Private Server, white-labeling it under the moniker “FxPro VPS.” This means the trader will have their trades executed at the Equinix Data Center in London, England, which also means that it is hosted next to some of the world’s largest Tier 1 liquidity providers. This enables ultra-fast execution for those trading short-term algorithms.
Metatrader 4 and 5 are both natively supported by the VPS, as is cTrader. The other platforms are for those looking for swing trading or longer-term styles. FxPro offers spread betting, Standard MT4/5 accounts, and Raw+ MT4/5 accounts. The Standard account has all-inclusive spreads, while the RAW+ accounts offering tight spreads and commissions from $3.50 a side (per full lot), a typical fee in the industry.
Founded in 2014 and incorporated in Mahé, Seychelles, Tickmill offers some of the most loved trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and Tickmill Trader. You can trade on them offers 62 forex pairs, 19 index CFDs, 14 commodity CFDs, and 15 crypto CFDs. This allows traders to take advantage of a wide array of trading opportunities.
Key Features:
Tickmill uses Beeks FX VPS, an industry standard known for its speed, reliability, and proximity to servers for Tier 1 liquidity providers. Beeks has a WAN Network that spans the globe, allowing for connectivity as low as 1ms to the positioning it has secured over the years. Short-term algo traders love Beeks for its reliability, speed, and simplistic interface integrated with MT4 and MT5 platforms.
Tickmill Trader platform does not support VPS but is more geared towards longer-term and swing traders. There are both the Classic and RAW that feature a fixed spread and raw spreads, respectively. Commissions on the RAW account are $3 per lot per side, while the Standard account has no commissions. The TradingView RAW account option charges $3.50 per side per lot. RAW spreads can reach as low as 0.0 pips.
FP Markets was founded in 2005 in Sydney, Australia. It offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, and the FP Markets Mobile App. Over 10,000 markets can be accessed across forex, indices, metals, shares, and commodities, with the largest number being share CFDs.
Key Features:
FP Markets use their own Virtual Private Server, called FP Markets Forex VPS. The VPS is based out of both New York and London data centers, with high-speed execution, as it is sitting next to several Tier 1 liquidity provider servers. This allows for short-term, frequent trading in a reliable, fast environment.
The FP Markets Mobile App choices are not connected to the VPS and are better used for swing trading and those who are just starting to trade, as they are both very beginner-friendly.
FP Markets offers both Standard and Raw account types. The Standard uses MT4, MT5, and cTrader platforms, and has spreads from 1.0 pips, relatively tight for all-inclusive accounts. The Raw account has spreads from 0.0 pips, with a $3 per side per lot pricing model. It allows you to choose TradingView as your platform, although it isn’t supported on the VPS.
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in New York / Toronto, OANDA offers Metatrader 4, OANDA Paxos (Crypto), TradingView, OANDA Web, and OANDA Mobile. 68 currency pairs are available to trade, and through the partnership with Paxos, 8 spot crypto markets are also available. This opens up a wide array of global currency trading, as well as exposure to some of the biggest crypto markets available. Spreads are variable.
Key Features:
OANDA offers both Beeks FX and Liquidity Connect, two of the world’s most respected VPS providers. Trades are executed at various places around the world, but traders in the US will see New York as the natural choice. Equinix NY4 Data Center is used by both, which ensures that a cross-fiber connection with Tier 1 liquidity providers is maintained. This facilitates the ability to run short-term algo-based strategies quickly on their VPS.
Web platforms and mobile platforms are designed for casual trading, or perhaps swing trading, as they are not natively accepted by these VPS providers. Algos running on MT4 will find these VPS hosts a natural fit, as they are both designed for the platforms from the ground up.
Short-term algorithmic traders will want to take advantage of raw spreads, but also must be aware that at times of extreme volatility, widening spreads can cause an issue if not taken into account. That being said, I have found that even in those times, OANDA generally will be tighter than many other competitors. In normal trading, the spread on some pairs, such as the EUR/USD, can be 0.0 pips.
The forex and CFD analysts and editors at FXEmpire bring together seasoned trading professionals and experienced financial journalists. Many of our experts have been featured in leading publications such as Investopedia and Forbes, and all of them combine strong industry credentials with hands-on trading experience.
Dan Blystone began his career in the trading industry in 1998 on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Later, Dan gained insight into the forex industry during his time as a Series 3 licensed futures and forex broker. He also traded at a couple of different prop trading firms in Chicago. Dan is well-equipped to recommend the best forex brokers due to his extensive experience and understanding of the brokerage industry.
Jitan Solanki is a professional trader, market analyst, and educator. He day trades major currency and index markets and focuses on swing trading US equities and commodities. A qualified Market Technician, Jitan also works with trader education and brokerage companies on various projects. These include market analysis, live trading events, and broker reviews. As an experienced trader and educator, Jitan brings all his qualities in action when reviewing and recommending brokers.
Having been a retail trader since 2013, Plamen has gained an in-depth understanding of the challenges that novice traders face today. His expertise is swing trading and day trading with a heavy emphasis on psychological and fundamental analysis. Plamen’s favourite trading instruments include FX majors and gold. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and International Relations. Plamen's broad experience has equipped him with the expertise to recommend the best forex brokers.
In more than 15 years of trading in the financial markets, Vladimir dealt with a wide range of brokers and financial instruments. His career as a day-trader at a proprietary trading firm goes back to 2007. Later, Vladimir turned to longer time frames and became an independent trader and analyst managing his own portfolio. Using his experience, he helps traders find the best broker in his reviews.
Chris is a proprietary trader with more than 20 years of experience across various markets, including currencies, indices and commodities. As a senior analyst at FXEmpire since the website’s early days, he offers readers advanced market perspectives to navigate today’s financial landscape with confidence.
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