CFD Trading Software

The best CFD trading software helps users make informed investment decisions. In this review, we have rounded up the top software for budding traders, from copy trading and automated bots to sophisticated charting and analysis tools. We also explain how to compare various trading platforms, from usability and compatibility to cost and security. Find out which CFD trading software you should download in 2023.

Top CFD Trading Software

  1. rating empty
    rating full

    AvaTrade's 1250+ leveraged CFD products span a range of asset classes including stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, crypto, and ETFs. You can speculate on rising and falling prices in the broker’s feature-rich web and mobile platforms with market-leading research tools.

  2. XTB

    rating empty
    rating full

    Trade a large suite of 2100 CFDs with ultra-fast execution speeds and 24-hour trading. You can build a diverse portfolio with access to forex, indices, commodities, cryptos, stocks and ETFs. Retail traders also get negative balance protection and zero commissions.

  3. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade over 800 CFDs on popular indices, shares, forex, cryptos and commodities. Clients get premium liquidity and superior execution with servers in leading data centres. Eightcap also offers more choice than most competitors in terms of platforms with MT4, MT5 and TradingView.

  4. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade currencies, metals, energies, indices and cryptos with flexible leverage. 24/5 customer support is available to assist new clients while the MT4 platform comes with free tutorials and user guides.

  5. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on Spreadex's diverse list of instruments with leverage up to 1:30 and highly competitive spreads. While this broker's USP is spread betting, the excellent trading terms and range of markets makes it an equally good choice for CFD trading.

  6. rating empty
    rating full

    Pepperstone is a fast and reliable CFD broker with 1250+ assets covering forex, commodities, shares, indices, and ETFs. CFDs can be traded on four leading platforms with a choice of accounts and base currencies. The broker boasts an impressive 99.94% fill rate with no requotes or dealing desk intervention.

  7. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade leveraged CFDs on thousands of global stocks as well as 13 global indices, 80+ forex pairs, and London gold and silver. Leverage is available in line with regulatory requirements.

  8. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs 24/5 on popular markets including forex, commodities, indices, stocks and bonds. IC Markets offers deep liquidity, raw spreads and high leverage.

  9. XM

    rating empty
    rating full

    Speculate on rising and falling prices with leveraged CFDs spanning popular markets, including currencies, equities and commodities. Traders get very low fees and high-quality market insights to support CFD trading.

  10. rating empty
    rating full

    CFDs are available on a breath of underlying assets, including stocks, indices, commodities, forex and cryptos. High leverage up to 1:500 is available alongside a 0.01 minimum lot size and award-winning software. For the tightest spreads from 0 pips, opt for the Premium account.

  11. rating empty
    rating full

    Go long and short on a range of popular financial markets with intuitive platforms and reliable execution. 99.76% of trades are executed in less than a second with an average speed of 0.02 seconds.

  12. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade a huge selection of CFDs with more than 12,000 assets and very high leverage up to 1:2000. Micro lot trading is also available with access to interbank liquidity providers for low fees.

  13. rating empty
    rating full

    LQDFX offers a modest collection of CFDs covering currencies, metals, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptos. Traders can go long or short with real-time quotes and a choice of live accounts to suit different trading strategies.

  14. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade leveraged CFDs on over 1000 assets with low-cost spreads. You can also take advantage of the broker's integrated signals to help you determine when to enter and exit positions.

  15. rating empty
    rating full

    IG offers an impressive suite of 17,000+ CFD instruments. Negative balance protection ensures accounts cannot drop below zero while custom price alerts and the IG Academy enhance the trading experience.

  16. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on over 3,000 assets and enjoy rich market data through integrated TradingView charts. There is also comprehensive free learning tools via the eToro Academy, ideal for beginners. Fees are low and leverage is in line with regulatory requirements, helping to provide a secure trading environment.

  17. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade 5,000+ CFDs from a single account with no hidden fees and free live market data. The suite of markets is impressive vs alternatives, including access to shares, indices, commodities and bonds.

  18. rating empty
    rating full

    FxPro offers thousands of CFDs on forex, commodities, indices, shares and futures with 24/5 multilingual support. Traders also benefit from low latency datacentre co-location.

  19. rating empty
    rating full

    Plus500 offers commission-free CFDs on a huge range of markets, including currencies, stocks, indices and commodities. Traders can go long or short on popular assets with flexible leverage and no hidden charges. The WebTrader platform has been specifically designed for trading CFDs.

  20. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on forex, metals, energies, shares, indices and cryptos with transparent prices. High leverage up to 1:500 is available and there are no account opening or deposit fees.

  21. rating empty
    rating full

    FXTM's CFD list includes forex, stocks, commodities and indices. The global entity also offers crypto CFDs. Leverage depends on jurisdiction, with rates up to 1:30 from its CySEC-regulated branch and a massive 1:2000 from its global entities.

  22. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on hundreds of instruments including forex, equities, commodities, indices and cryptocurrencies with fixed or variable spreads and no commission charges. The CFD trading environment is intuitive and secure.

  23. rating empty
    rating full

    Access highly leveraged CFDs across forex, commodities, indices, stocks and bonds with 24/5 customer support. Build a diverse portfolio with hundreds of CFD assets.

  24. rating empty
    rating full

    CFDs are available on forex, stocks, indices and crypto assets, with support for MT4 and a VPS service allowing for 24/7 automated trading. NordFX offers very high leverage up to 1:1000 for the least volatile forex pairs, providing opportunities for experienced traders.

  25. rating empty
    rating full

    IQCent CFDs are available on forex, indices, commodities and cryptos with leverage variable by asset to a maximum of 1:500, which is higher than many alternatives. 24/7 customer support is also available to assist new users.

  26. rating empty
    rating full

    Markets.com offers an excellent variety of CFDs covering popular asset classes. Margin rates are competitive and the educational resources compare well to rivals and will appeal to beginners.

  27. Axi

    rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs with dynamic leverage on a multitude of markets, including forex, shares, indices and commodities. Raw spreads are available from 0 pips rivalling leading competitors.

  28. rating empty
    rating full

    Access CFDs spanning several key markets, with tight spreads and reasonable commissions at $6 per round turn. High leverage up to 1:500 is available alongside 24/7 support, plus rapid deposits and withdrawals.

  29. rating empty
    rating full

    Traders can speculate on 1000+ financial markets with high leverage up to 1:500. You can bet on rising and falling prices in currencies, commodities, indices, shares, and more without owning the underlying asset. With the comprehensive choice of CFD trading platforms, users can also switch between desktop, web and mobile for a seamless trading experience.

  30. rating empty
    rating full

    VT Markets offers CFDs on an extensive list of assets including stocks, ETFs, indices and commodities. Traders can access leverage up to 1:500 and trade with liquidity from top-tier providers. CFDs are available on a choice of reliable platforms, including MetaTrader.

  31. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs across four asset classes with leverage up to 1:1000. Beginners can also take advantage of the broker's useful technical analysis guides and CFD education, plus 24/7 in-platform support via live chat.

  32. rating empty
    rating full

    Traders can access CFDs across forex, indices, commodities and stocks. I was able to employ automated and scalping strategies in both MetaTrader platforms, and I think experienced CFD traders will appreciate the range of free trading tools on offer, including a custom price ticker.

  33. rating empty
    rating full

    FXTrading offers CFDs on a wide range of assets, including forex, stocks, commodities, indices and cryptocurrencies. Commodities include a selection of softs as well as metals and energies, and the eight indices offered include the US30, US500 and UK100. Flexible leverage is available with excellent risk management tools.

  34. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs across indices, metals and even IPOs with flexible account types and leverage up to 1:1000. You can choose between two excellent platforms with a range of technical indicators and fundamental analysis features.

  35. rating empty
    rating full

    ThinkMarkets offers CFDs on a good range of instruments, the most extensive being stocks and ETFs with 3500+ assets, as well as indices and commodities, amongst others. Leverage is available up to 1:30 in the EU and UK, while clients of the offshore branch can access up to 1:500 leverage.

  36. rating empty
    rating full

    M4Markets offers CFD trading on popular asset classes, including stocks, indices, currencies, commodities and cryptocurrencies. Leverage up to 1:5000 is available, which is among the highest of any broker we have evaluated.

  37. rating empty
    rating full

    SuperForex offers CFDs on a good range of assets, though it only really shines when it comes to forex, thanks to its very diverse list. On the other hand, the significant leverage available on most assets increases profit potential, though traders will need to watch out for spreads, which compare poorly to some competitors.

  38. rating empty
    rating full

    Access over 2,000 CFDs across diverse markets including indices, commodities and bonds. There is also premium daily analysis and strategy resources for savvy traders.

  39. rating empty
    rating full

    Videforex CFDs are available on forex, indices, cryptocurrencies and commodities with up to 1:500 leverage and tight spreads from near zero. CFDs incur a commission fee of 1%–2.5% and up to 5% for leveraged trades.

  40. rating empty
    rating full

    IronFX's asset list of 300+ instruments including forex, stocks, commodities and indices are traded via CFDs. Spreads are floating and vary by account type, and maximum leverage from 1:30 to 1:1000 is available depending on your account location.

  41. rating empty
    rating full

    Ingot Brokers offers CFD trading on 1000+ instruments including stocks, commodities and cryptocurrencies with floating spreads starting from zero and excellent execution via the MT4 and MT5 platforms. The broker also offers 24/5 customer support via live chat and email and takes strong security measures including KYC checks and segregated accounts.

  42. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade a range of CFD instruments on one of FXCM's multi-asset platforms with fast execution and zero/positive slippage. Daily market analysis can also be used to inform trading decisions.

  43. rating empty
    rating full

    Scope Markets clients can trade CFDs on a good selection of asset classes including forex, precious metals, energies, indices and global shares. The award-winning broker also offers a decent suite of educational materials and a YouTube channel to support aspiring traders.

  44. rating empty
    rating full

    Dukascopy offers highly leveraged CFDs with rates up to 1:200. A wide selection of asset classes are available, including currencies, equities, commodities, ETFs and cryptos. Spreads are also tight starting from 0.1 pips and traders get 24/7 support.

  45. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptos with high leverage up to 1:500 on the no-commission ClassiQ account. The raw spread account options have low commissions from $4 round-turn and offer lower maximum of leverage of 1:200 or 1:400, which is still competitive.

  46. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade 200+ CFDs with leverage up to 1:1000 on a powerful proprietary platform. Asset classes include stocks, forex and crypto with ECN execution. You can bet on rising and falling prices with leveraged CFDs.

  47. rating empty
    rating full

    Rock Global offers low-price CFDs on forex, shares, indices and commodities. The broker charges zero-commission trading on commodities and indices, and zero-spread, commission-only trading on shares. Leverage varies by instrument with 1:200 available on indices and 1:10 on blue-chip stocks.

  48. rating empty
    rating full

    ForexChief offers a competitive range of CFDs, encompassing crypto, indices, energies and metals. A clear pricing schedule is available to clients with no hidden charges. Traders can also access very high leverage up to 1:1000.

  49. rating empty
    rating full

    CFDs are available on popular asset classes with a competitive $1 minimum deposit. The broker offers very high, unrestricted leverage of 1:1000, which will amplify both profits and losses.

  50. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on forex, indices, stocks, commodities and cryptocurrencies with leverage up to 1:3000. Swap-free trading is available, and all account types trade with competitive spreads and are commission-free except the Go Pro account, which charges a $7 round-turn commission.

  51. rating empty
    rating full

    Focus Option offers CFD trading through an intuitive mobile app, with 300+ tradeable instruments spanning forex, cryptocurrencies, commodities, shares and indices. Leverage ranges from 1:20 to 1:50 and spreads are variable, starting from 1 pip, with no commission.

  52. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on forex, stocks, metals, energies, indices, cryptos and dollar futures. Sage FX offers tight spreads and high leverage on all instruments from 1:100 to 1:500.

  53. rating empty
    rating full

    Access thousands of CFDs with competitive pricing and leverage up to 1:500. A range of asset classes are available, including currencies, shares, indices, metals and commodities. CFDs can be traded on the market-leading MetaTrader platforms.

  54. rating empty
    rating full

    PU Prime offers CFD trading on hundreds of shares, as well as indices, commodities, bonds and cryptocurrencies. The leverage available varies by asset, and spreads also vary greatly between instruments and account types with the tightest near zero and the widest in the hundreds of pips. Stock, index, commodity and bond CFDs are traded on the leading MT4 platform.

  55. rating empty
    rating full

    Go long or short on over 170 CFDs with high leverage up to 1:500. The broker's social community is also a great place to pick up CFD strategy tips and trading ideas.

  56. rating empty
    rating full

    Errante customers can trade stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies with leveraged CFDs. The level of leverage available depends on regulatory oversight, with 1:30 the maximum allowed in the EU though this varies by asset.

  57. rating empty
    rating full

    World Forex's leveraged CFDs are available on a modest suite of 100+ instruments, including stocks, commodities and forex. Very high leverage up to 1:1000 is available for account balances up to $1000, with lower levels available to accounts with higher balances.

  58. rating empty
    rating full

    CFDs are available on hundreds of markets including forex, indices, shares and commodities. Traders can go long or short with reliable trading tools, excellent market research and transparent pricing.

  59. rating empty
    rating full

    Swissquote offers spot, forward and synthetic contracts on a breadth of markets, including stocks, indices, bonds and commodities. The pricing model is transparent with no hidden fees. Clients can diversify portfolios and hedge risk with low margin requirements.

  60. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on forex, stocks, metals, energies, cryptos and indices with high leverage up to 1:1000 on major currency pairs, 1:200 on metals, 1:100 on indices, 1:33 on stocks and energies, and 1:5 on cryptocurrencies. The range of 200+ instruments is not the biggest on the market, but the variety of asset classes provides flexible trading options for most traders.

  61. rating empty
    rating full

    FP Markets' CFD trading covers a range of markets, including 10,000+ equities, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies and ETFs. Spreads are tight and traders get fast execution speeds.

  62. rating empty
    rating full

    AdroFX offers a good suite of CFDs on stocks, cryptos, indices and commodities, with high leverage up to 1:500. CFD trading is done through the reliable MT4 platform, while a separate Allpips platform is available for copy trading.

  63. rating empty
    rating full

    Core Spreads offers CFD trading on 40 forex pairs plus 13 commodities, including metals and energies, and 13 global stock indices including the UK100 and US30. CFDs are traded through the MT4 platform with leverage up to 1:30 in line with UK regulations.

  64. rating empty
    rating full

    Anzo Capital clients can use MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 to trade CFDs on stocks, equity indices, crude oil and precious metals with competitive price levels.

  65. rating empty
    rating full

    HYCM traders can access CFDs on a range of stocks, indices, commodities and ETFs with floating spreads and maximum leverage varying by instrument. Clients also have a choice between two industry-leading platforms.

  66. rating empty
    rating full

    Global Prime offers CFD trading opportunities on 150+ global markets including forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies and bonds. Spreads are tight with a raw ECN account available starting from zero.

  67. rating empty
    rating full

    Fortrade's list of leveraged CFDs covers a wide range of asset classes including forex, stocks, bonds, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. Traders can access leverage up to 1:30 and will trade with zero commission, fast execution and low latency on MetaTrader 4 or the bespoke platform.

  68. rating empty
    rating full

    Hantec Markets clients can access CFD trading on a very wide selection of currency pairs and stocks as well as commodities, bonds, indices and crypto assets. Spreads start from near zero and the trading platforms offered will suit trader of all experience levels. Leverage is capped at 1:30 for UK and EEA traders but rises to 1:1000 for clients of the offshore firm.

  69. rating empty
    rating full

    BlackBull Markets CFDs are offered on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptos with tight spreads and high leverage. The ECN accounts offer fast execution and low slippage, and the broker provides traders with plenty of extra tools and features plus 24/7 customer support.

  70. rating empty
    rating full

    FXOpen offers CFDs on multiple assets including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies and ETFs. Leverage and spreads vary by instrument, with spreads starting from zero and fast order execution.

  71. rating empty
    rating full

    Libertex's list of CFDs covers a decent range of tradeable underlying assets, but there isn't much depth with only around 250 in total. Leverage up to 1:30 for retail clients is available in accordance with CySEC regulations, and traders can choose between three excellent trading platforms. Best of all are the tight spreads available on all markets and the zero commissions on investments in stocks.

  72. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on forex, stocks, indices, commodities, ETFs, bonds and cryptocurrencies with variable leverage up to 1:30. The broker provides great value to traders with six free trades per day on US, UK and European stocks, tight spreads on forex and low commissions on ETFs.

  73. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on a broad range of asset classes including forex, energies, precious metals, company shares, indices and cryptos. The excellent trade execution and opportunity to trade with direct market access pricing sets this broker apart from rivals.

  74. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on forex, stocks, commodities and indices with tight spreads and leverage limited to the FCA-sanctioned maximum of 1:30. Infinox traders benefit from lightning-fast execution speeds and a choice between STP and ECN pricing, making this a flexible option for beginner and serious traders.

  75. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on forex, indices, metals, oil and cryptocurrencies with high leverage up to 1:500 and competitive spreads, with the choice between zero commission or raw spreads.

  76. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on 75+ instruments, including forex, energies, metals, and indices with variable leverage up to 1:500 on major pairs, 1:200 on minors and exotics and 1:100 on commodities and energies.

  77. rating empty
    rating full

    OspreyFX offers leveraged CFDs on forex, commodities, stocks, cryptos and indices. Deep liquidity is available from 50+ providers with a competitive ECN account that will suit active trading strategies, including scalping.

  78. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade a decent range of markets via CFDs, with commissions of $6 per lot. There is also a reasonable $10 minimum deposit and 24/7 customer support for new traders.

  79. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade all markets via CFDs, with retail leverage up to 1:30. With the RStocks Trader account, clients can access over 12,000 CFDs with algorithmic analysis tools and intuitive charts.

  80. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade flexible CFDs on forex, commodities, indices and cryptos with tight spreads, fast execution, micro-lot trading and leverage up to 1:500. There are also no restrictions on trading strategies.

  81. rating empty
    rating full

    EZ Invest offers leveraged CFDs on popular asset classes, including forex, stocks, indices and commodities. Execution speeds are decent but a large deposit is needed for the best pricing conditions.

  82. rating empty
    rating full

    Saxo Bank offers a secure and reliable way to trade 8,800+ CFDs spanning forex, stocks, indices, commodities, options and bonds. The broker's extra features include a trading academy, powerful charting and analytical tools and trading signals, helping it stand out from many alternatives.

  83. rating empty
    rating full

    Access a modest range of CFD instruments across key markets, including indices and commodities. Clients can trade directly from charts with high leverage up to 1:500 and customisable time intervals.

  84. rating empty
    rating full

    You can take positions on a range of popular trading markets including forex, stocks, energies and metals. Leverage is high at 1:500 and live spreads can be viewed in the web-accessible platform and app.

  85. rating empty
    rating full

    You can speculate on popular financial assets covering forex, commodities, indices, metals and bonds. You can get started with $0 minimum deposit, making the broker a good pick for beginners. There’s also a comprehensive range of technical analysis tools in the MT4 and OANDA Trade platforms.

  86. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on 100+ instruments from popular asset classes. Leverage up to 1:200 is available on precious metals, while stocks, indices and energies can access 1:20 max leverage and 1:10 for commodities. On the negative side, the depth of assets is limited vs other CFD brokers.

  87. rating empty
    rating full

    With CFDs on 20+ Polish and 30+ US stocks, as well as energies and seven global stock indices covering US, UK, European, Australian and Japanese markets, Just2Trade offers a superb selection of global assets.

  88. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade commission-free CFDs on 3000+ instruments from forex, stock and commodities markets with volumes starting from 0.1 lots, a low minimum deposit of $10 and tight floating spreads. The selection of CFDs beats most competitors.

  89. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on forex, commodities, indices and crypto assets. With spreads from 0 pips and generous incentives and bonus offers setting Vault Markets apart from competitors, this Namibian broker will appeal to aspiring traders.

  90. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on forex, stocks, indices, energies and metals with fast execution and variable leverage. Spreads are tight and commission-free trading is available on some assets.

  91. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade CFDs on an array of assets with ultra-low spreads

  92. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade leveraged CFDs on thousands of instruments, including forex, equities, commodities, indices, bonds and futures. The selection of asset classes is decent, but the trading software, particularly the mobile app, lags behind competitors.

  93. rating empty
    rating full

    CMC Markets offers leveraged CFDs on an extensive list of 12,000+ instruments with transparent pricing, powerful trading software and ultra-fast execution speeds. Out-of-hours trading on CFD indices is also available, plus 24/5 award-winning customer support.

  94. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade leveraged CFDs in a range of financial markets.

Background: CFD Trading

A CFD, or contract for difference, is a derivative contract that stipulates an agreement between the buyer and seller to exchange the difference between the current price of an asset and the value at the time the contract expires. So if BP’s share price increases after a CFD is purchased, the trader can make a profit from the exchange.

CFDs essentially allow traders to make predictions about price fluctuations without actually owning the underlying asset. CFDs are also normally leveraged, meaning only a small deposit is needed to open a position.

Leveraging provides the potential for much higher profits, but there is also a risk of greater losses. As a result, UK-regulated CFD brokers limit retail leverage to 1:30 and offer negative balance protection, ensuring traders can’t lose more than their account balance.

CFD Trading Software

CFD trading software is essentially a platform or application that allows investors to trade on the financial markets using the internet. On the best platforms, users can scan the markets for potential opportunities, and then execute buy and sell orders with the click of a button. Platforms often include charts and graphs that provide historical and real-time price data, alongside live quotes.

With that said, CFD trading software can come in all shapes and sizes. While some comprehensive trading platforms offer a one-stop shop for managing trading portfolios, other tools specialise in a particular function. For example, some software packages provide advanced technical analysis tools and pattern recognition technology. Other applications focus on developing and deploying automated trading algorithms.

Which software package you download will ultimately depend on your financial goals, trading style and budget.

Types of Applications

When it comes to CFD trading software, there are several popular types of applications:

  • Computer software – This is where you download software to your computer. This kind of trading platform is often the most reliable and the fastest as it is less reliant on your web browser. However, downloadable software may come with hardware requirements and isn’t a good option if you trade on the go.
  • Web-based platforms – This kind of platform is gaining popularity with modern traders. Platforms can be opened and used via an internet browser, and the data is normally stored in the cloud, offering flexibility in return for a stable internet connection. Browser-based solutions are a particularly good option for beginners getting started with CFDs.
  • Mobile apps – Again, these are gaining popularity as they facilitate CFD trading from any location. On the downside, mobile or tablet applications typically offer reduced functionality versus their desktop counterparts. As a result, mobile apps are often best for keeping tabs on open orders as opposed to conducting in-depth technical analysis.

Best CFD Trading Software 2023

Below is a review of the best CFD trading platforms available today.

MetaTrader 4

MT4 is the platform offered by most CFD brokers because it provides a good range of analysis tools alongside a selection of instant and pending orders. In fact, MetaTrader 4 offers 3 execution modes, 2 market orders, 4 pending orders, 2 stop orders and a trailing stop. Users also benefit from 30 integrated indicators, over 2,000 custom indicators, plus 700 paid options.

MT4 also has a user-friendly and customisable interface, so it’s perfect for both beginner and advanced traders. In addition, its expert advisors feature allows for automated trading, so you can open and close trades according to pre-programmed rules.

Best CFD trading software

MetaTrader 4

AvaTrade is one of the best CFD brokers that offers the MetaTrader 4 software.

MetaTrader 5

MT5 is another of the most popular platforms for trading CFDs, also developed by the creators of MT4. It is more advanced than MT4, with sophisticated charts, indicators and tools available.

Users benefit from separate accounting of orders and trades, support for all types of orders and execution modes, plus a Market Depth feature. 38 technical indicators are available, alongside 44 analytical objects, 21 timeframes, 1-minute history and an unlimited number of charts. MT5 also supports algorithmic trading.

This platform is a good option for experienced CFD traders looking for a step up from the MT4 software.

Best CFD trading platform cryptocurrency

MetaTrader 5

Pepperstone is one of the top-rated CFD brokers that offer MetaTrader 5.

ProRealTime

ProRealTime is designed for automation and technical analysis. This is an advanced CFD trading software that is great for experienced traders looking for powerful market analysis tools.

The platform offers more than 100 technical indicators, market scanning, automated trend detection, plus tick and volume analysis. The software also offers real-time news, strategy backtesting, a scalping mode, plus 4 order book display modes.

Clients can choose from a free end-of-day subscription or a real-time solution. Some brokers also offer the terminal as part of their CFD trading package.

Cheapest CFD trading platform UK

ProRealTime

IG is one of the best CFD brokerages that offer access to ProRealTime.

eToro CopyTrader

eToro offers CFD trading software that allows you to learn from and follow successful traders. Copy trading has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering access to a large community of experienced investors.

The platform hosts thousands of traders, and users can mirror their strategies and positions with ease, choosing a master trader that is aligned to their financial goals and risk appetite.

The firm’s leaderboard shows traders’ average gain over the last 12 months and applies a standardised risk score. There are also no management fees, making it popular with CFD beginners.

Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

Top-rated CFD trading platforms

eToro CopyTrader

Platform & Software Comparison

There are some features that nearly all platforms provide, which are essential to basic CFD trading, but the availability of more advanced tools can vary between providers, as will the costs for using said features.

So, there is a lot to think about for investors seeking a platform to trade CFDs, especially for beginners getting started. To help you find the right application for your needs, here are some questions to ask yourself:

What Markets Are You Looking To Speculate On?

Platforms offer varying access to underlying markets and assets. Do you want to trade forex pairs with the GBP? Perhaps you want to speculate on FTSE-listed stocks like Diageo or BAE Systems. Alternatively, do you want to trade CFDs on major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin?

Note, if you’re not sure which markets you want to trade on, sign up with a software provider that offers access to a wide range of underlying assets.

What Functions Do You Need?

Brokers sometimes charge more for advanced features, so if you don’t need a virtual private server or AI-powered market scanners then you could save yourself money by choosing a beginner-friendly platform.

Software packages like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 offer a good balance of features while being relatively straightforward to get to grips with.

What Are You Willing To Spend?

Some CFD trading software is free, for example, the standard platform your online broker will provide, while advanced tools and functionality may come at an extra cost.

Decide what your budget is and remember that you will need to pay off all overheads, including software subscriptions, before you make a profit from CFD trading.

It’s also worth considering the following:

  • Leverage – Much of the popularity that CFDs have gained is because they can be traded with leverage. Does the provider offer leverage up to 1:30 on the assets you’re interested in? What are the margin requirements and stop-out levels? It is also worth keeping in mind that CFDs are a high-risk instrument, and if you are new to investing then leveraged trading can lead to large losses.
  • Ease of Use – A good trading platform, whether you’re a beginner or expert trader, should be easy to use and navigate. Look for a platform with an intuitive and slick design. Also check for customisation options so you can build a view that works for you.
  • Access – The best CFD trading platforms offer broad market access, including stocks and shares, major indices, currency pairs, hard and soft commodities, plus cryptos. It’s also worth noting that a diverse portfolio can help spread risk.
  • Features – CFD trading software comes with different features. Which tools will bolster your trading experience? Do you need forex heat maps or machine learning-powered market scanners? Do you want to build your own robot for automated trading? If you want to carry out detailed technical analysis then maybe you need a stand-alone charting package.

Bottom Line On CFD Trading Software

CFD trading software connects investors with popular financial markets. Platforms and applications vary in functionality, from offering technical and fundamental analysis alongside trade execution, to niche products that specialise in automated investing.

A useful tip is to check if a software provider or brokerage offers a free demo account so you can try a tool before opening a live account or spending money.

To get started trading CFDs today, use our list of leading brokers and software providers.

FAQ

What Is CFD Trading Software?

CFD trading software is used by traders to analyse the financial markets and make buy and sell decisions. Most top brokers offer comprehensive trading software via a desktop platform or downloadable mobile app. Standard software packages are usually free when you open a live CFD trading account.

What Is The Best CFD Trading Platform?

There are lots of great CFD trading platforms out there, and the best one will depend on the individual trader’s needs. However, the platforms that offer the most to all traders, beginners and experienced, are MT4 and MT5, due to their user-friendly interfaces and wide range of tools.

How Do I Compare CFD Trading Software?

The best way to begin choosing CFD trading software is to get clear on what you need from a platform or application. Do you need advanced charting? Do you want access to the latest financial news and economic releases? Perhaps you want to copy the trades of more experienced investors. Use our guide to choosing CFD trading software to find the right package for your requirements.

What Is The Best CFD Trading Platform For Beginners?

If you are a beginner trader looking for the perfect CFD platform, then one of the best options is MetaTrader 4 (MT4). Available across the world at most leading brokers, this platform offers user-friendly analysis features, instant and pending orders, automated trading, live signals, and more.