Best forex brokers with low spreads in 2026
The best forex brokers with low spreads offer raw pricing direct from the market. Look for spreads under 0.5 pips on EUR/USD during peak hours.
HeroFX offers raw spreads from -0.4 pips with a $1 per lot commission. Our Zero Commission account starts from 1.0 pip with no commission at all.
Your spread is the cost you pay on every single trade. A high spread is like a tax on your trading. It eats into your profits before you've even started.
In this guide, we look at what makes a low spread broker good. We also show you what to watch out for. And we explain why spread alone isn't the whole story.
What is a spread in forex?
The spread is the gap between the buy price and the sell price. It is how most brokers earn their money.
For example, if EUR/USD has a buy price of 1.1001 and a sell price of 1.1000, the spread is 1 pip. On a standard lot, that costs you $10 every time you open a trade.
Over a month of active trading, that adds up fast. So finding a broker with a low spread can save you hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars a year.
How much does a high spread cost you?
Let's say you make 50 trades a month on EUR/USD using standard lots. Here is what different spread levels cost you:
| Spread type | Spread (pips) | Cost per lot | Monthly cost (50 lots) | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical retail broker | 1.2 pips | $12.00 | $600 | $7,200 |
| HeroFX Zero Commission | from 1.0 pip | $10.00 | $500 | $6,000 |
| HeroFX Raw Spread | from -0.4 pips | $1/lot + spread | ~$50–$80 | ~$600–$960 |
Based on 50 standard lots per month on EUR/USD. Actual costs vary by market conditions.
The difference is significant. A raw spread account at HeroFX can save an active trader over $6,000 a year compared to a standard retail broker.
What is a raw spread?
A raw spread is the real market price. There is no markup added by the broker.
Most brokers add a markup on top of the raw price. That markup is their profit. It's built into the spread so it looks invisible.
With a raw spread broker, you get the real price. The broker charges a small commission instead. This is usually much cheaper than a hidden markup — especially if you trade a lot.
Raw spread vs zero commission — which is cheaper?
It depends on how often you trade. Here is a simple guide:
- Trade less than 20 lots a month? Zero Commission is usually cheaper. No commission per trade keeps costs simple.
- Trade more than 20 lots a month? Raw Spread is usually cheaper. The commission is small and the spread is much tighter.
We offer both. You can pick the one that fits your trading style. See our account types page for the full breakdown.
What to look for in a low spread broker
Spread is important. But it is not the only thing that matters. Here is what to check before you choose a broker.
1. The spread during real market hours
Many brokers show a very tight spread on their homepage. But that is often only during the best conditions. Check the spread during the London open and during news events. That is when it matters most.
2. Commission costs
A "zero spread" broker often charges a high commission instead. Add the commission to the spread to get the real cost per trade. A broker with a 0.1 pip spread and a $7 commission can be more expensive than one with a 1.0 pip spread and no commission.
3. Withdrawal speed
A broker with great spreads but slow withdrawals is still a bad broker. Test the withdrawal process early. At HeroFX, our payments team processes withdrawals throughout the day with no hidden fees.
4. Platform quality
A tight spread means nothing if your platform is slow or crashes during news. Make sure the platform is reliable and fast. HeroFX offers both TradeLocker and MetaTrader 5 on the same account.
5. Support quality
When something goes wrong, you need help fast. Test the broker's support before you deposit. At HeroFX, our team is available 24/7 via the client portal. Real people, not bots.
Why spread matters more for some traders
Not every trader is affected by spreads the same way. Here is who should care the most.
Scalpers
Scalpers open and close many trades a day. They aim for small profits on each one. A tight spread is critical. Even 0.5 pips extra per trade adds up to a lot over hundreds of trades.
Day traders
Day traders close all their trades by the end of the day. They trade often. So spread cost is a big part of their total expenses. A raw spread account makes a real difference here.
Swing traders
Swing traders hold trades for days or weeks. They aim for bigger moves. So spread is less of an issue. A zero commission account with a 1.0 pip spread is often fine for swing traders.
HeroFX spread and account overview
Here is a quick look at what HeroFX offers across our main account types.
| Account | Spread from | Commission | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Commission | 1.0 pip | None | Casual and swing traders |
| Raw Spread | -0.4 pips | $1 per lot | Active traders and scalpers |
| 100% Deposit Bonus | 1.0 pip | $1 per lot | Traders who want a bonus on top |
| Hero10X | -0.4 pips | $1 per lot | Traders who want 10x capital |
| Islamic | -0.4 pips | $1 per lot | Swap-free trading |
All accounts include access to both TradeLocker and MetaTrader 5. You can start with just $5 using crypto.
The real cost of your current broker
Most traders never stop to calculate what their broker is actually costing them. Here is how to do it in 60 seconds.
- Open your platform and look at the EUR/USD spread right now
- Multiply that number by $10 — that is your cost per standard lot
- Multiply that by how many lots you trade per month
- That is your monthly spread cost
Most traders who do this for the first time are surprised by the number. Run it on your current broker before your next trade.
At 50 lots a month on the HeroFX Raw Spread account, your total cost is around $50–$80 in commission. That includes the spread. Compare that to $600 at a typical retail broker with a 1.2 pip spread. The saving is real and it compounds every month.
Who should use a raw spread broker?
A raw spread broker is a great choice if you:
- Trade more than 20 lots a month
- Scalp or day trade regularly
- Want to know your exact cost per trade upfront
- Are tired of paying hidden markups to your current broker
- Want the tightest possible prices on major pairs