7 Best cTrader Brokers 2024: Fees & Apps Compared (2024)

Yes, cTrader is free to use (though your forex broker will need to offer the cTrader platform suite to its clients). You can download the platform for free directly from Spotware Systems. Some brokers offering cTrader may provide a version of the cTrader platform that is branded with the broker’s name (also known as “white labeling”). In any case, platform features may vary depending on your broker and the version of cTrader being used. It’s worth noting that forex brokers offering cTrader will still charge you commissions, spreads, fees, or a combination of such trading costs (depending on the broker and its account offering).

Yes, you’ll need to open an account with a broker to use cTrader. Brokers offering cTrader will provide you with a compatible account type that can be configured for the platform. Once your account is set up, you will be able to log in to the cTrader platform suite (for desktop, web, and/or mobile) using the credentials provided by your broker. Using your live forex trading account, you’ll be able to obtain real-time market prices and execute trades.

Below, you'll see a gallery of screenshots taken of cTrader offerings from Pepperstone and IC Markets. You'll see desktop platforms, trade ticket windows, and Trading Central integration for forex traders who are interested in trading signals.

Yes, cTrader offers a fully integrated copy trading platform called cTrader Copy. If supported by your forex broker, the cTrader Copy web application can be used for copy trading. Copy traders simply need to log in to the cTrader platform and navigate to the Copy application to begin comparing available strategy providers, analyzing historical performance statistics, and configuring settings to begin copying trades. Read my Copy Trading Guide to learn more about social copy trading.

Here are some screenshots of the cTrader Copy platform taken during our product testing.

If you are a retail forex trader looking to use cTrader, I recommend visiting your forex broker’s website. If your broker supports cTrader, it will provide you with download links and setup instructions.

Here’s a quick primer on how to set up your brokerage account on cTrader:

1. Verify availability. Confirm that your broker offers cTrader (see my list at the top of this guide to find a highly rated cTrader broker).
2. Create an account. Open a demo account and/or a live trading account with your forex broker and select the cTrader platform.
3. Install the platform(s). Installation links can typically be found in your broker’s client portal. They may also be sent to you via email after setting up your account.
4. Log in to cTrader on your preferred device(s). Choose the version of the platform you wish to access (desktop, web, or mobile) and log in with the provided cTrader account credentials.

cTrader is an excellent platform for serious traders who appreciate advanced charting and a sophisticated order management interface. cTrader is also a good choice for traders who are interested in obtaining (or developing) algorithmic trading programs. cTrader competes well with MetaTrader when it comes to its charting module, offering a larger number of time frames (26) than MT4 (9) or MT5 (21). The platform’s order entry and one-click trading features and configuration settings make cTrader a viable MetaTrader alternative.

That said, a much wider range of forex brokers support the extremely popular MetaTrader platform suite. Additionally, if you’ve found a particular algorithmic trading strategy that is only compatible with MetaTrader, it may be difficult to convert the strategy’s source code to be compatible with cTrader. Ultimately, your platform suite choice will largely come down to your personal preferences.

Check out some screenshots of MetaTrader (MT4 and MT5) taken during our testing.

I’ve been using cTrader for over five years and I’ve tested dozens of forex brokers in that time; my choice for the best cTrader broker in 2024 is IC Markets. IC Markets has one of the most accommodating execution policies for algorithmic trading, helping to solidify its position among the best cTrader brokers in this category. IC Markets continues to expand its range of markets, features integrated news headlines from top-tier providers, and provides support for popular plugins from Autochartist and Trading Central.

Check out some screenshots of IC Markets' trading platforms, taken by our research team during our product testing.

Investors looking to trade algorithmically on cTrader will need to either use the desktop version of cTrader or install the cAlgo desktop software for Windows. Algorithmic trading programs (known at cTrader as “cBots”) can be obtained from the cTrader Developer Network (cTDN) or third-party providers.

As I mentioned above, cTrader is a fantastic platform choice for forex traders looking for advanced charting, sleek platform design, sophisticated order management, and a modern user interface.

cTrader has also made it possible for brokers to integrate additional value-added features such as Autochartist and Trading Central plugins. cTrader’s research is rounded out by news headlines from top-tier sources and an integrated economic calendar.

I have been a fan of cTrader’s charting technology for many years. cTrader also features a crisp overall platform design and an advanced order entry experience. That said, the cTrader platform suite has a niche market and does not enjoy the immense popularity of trading platform titans like TradingView and MetaTrader.

Forex Risk Disclaimer

There is a very high degree of risk involved in trading securities. With respect to margin-based foreign exchange trading, off-exchange derivatives, and cryptocurrencies, there is considerable exposure to risk, including but not limited to, leverage, creditworthiness, limited regulatory protection and market volatility that may substantially affect the price, or liquidity of a currency or related instrument. It should not be assumed that the methods, techniques, or indicators presented in these products will be profitable, or that they will not result in losses. Read more on forex trading risks.