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. It starts at $1 for indices and is higher amongst other instruments. Our Zero Commission account starts from 1.0 pip with no commission at all.
Your spread is a 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 one of the ways 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 | From $1/lot + spread | Varies by instrument | Varies by instrument |
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 — what's the difference?
The total trading cost is the same on both accounts. On Zero Commission, the cost is built into the spread. On Raw Spread, you pay a tighter spread plus a commission. The two add up to roughly the same amount. So the choice comes down to your preference — not your cost. Pick Zero Commission if you want simplicity. Pick Raw Spread if you prefer seeing your spread and commission separately.
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
Some brokers advertise very tight or zero spreads but charge high commissions instead. Always 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. Always calculate the total cost — not just the headline number.
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. While total trading costs are the same across account types, scalpers often prefer tighter spreads. A tighter spread means each trade starts closer to breakeven — which matters a lot when you're targeting just a few pips per trade.
Day traders
Day traders close all their trades by the end of the day. They trade often. While total trading costs are the same across account types, day traders who execute many trades may prefer the Raw Spread account. Seeing the spread and commission separately can make it easier to track and manage trading costs throughout the day.
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 | From $1 per lot* | Active traders and scalpers |
| 100% Deposit Bonus | 1.0 pip | From $1 per lot* | Traders who want a bonus on top |
| Hero10X | 1.0 pip | From $1 per lot* | Traders who want 10x capital |
| Islamic | -0.4 pips | From $1 per lot* | Swap-free trading |
*Commission varies by instrument group. Ranges from $1 per lot (Indices, Crypto) to $40 per lot (Indices.pro). FX Majors, Minors, and Metals are $10 per lot. FX Exotics are $20 per lot. Energies are $15 per lot.
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.
On the HeroFX Raw Spread account, commission varies by instrument. FX Majors and Minors are $10 per lot. FX Exotics are $20 per lot. So at 50 lots a month on FX Majors, your commission cost is around $500. However, you get that back through the tighter spread — because the total trading cost across Raw Spread and Zero Commission accounts is roughly the same. The real advantage of Raw Spread is transparency — you see exactly what you're paying on every trade.
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