To compare providers like brokers, prop firms, and crypto exchanges, we use a standardised review process that ranks providers fairly across all models.
To ensure fairness when comparing providers with different pricing structures or types of accounts, we rate each area out of 10, then use a weighted formula to calculate an overall score out of 100.
We review a wide range of crypto providers but not every one makes it into our shortlists. For us to recommended a broker, exchange, or prop firm, they need to offer a competitive crypto trading, as well as having a track record that can be verified and trading platforms with features like EAs.
From there, we break down the experience across six core areas that matter. from fees and market access to safety and withdrawal:
Crypto Trading Fees
We look at the full cost of trading, not just the advertised spread. That means spreads, commissions, maker/taker charges, overnight funding, and even challenge fees for prop firms. Clear and consistent pricing across major coins and alts matters more than rates that only apply in rare conditions.
Cryptocurrency Markets
The strength of a provider depends on the markets you can actually access. We check how many cryptocurrencies are listed, whether you can trade spot, CFDs, or futures, and how reliable liquidity is during busy times.
Trading Platforms and Tools
We assess the platforms you’ll spend your time on, from MT4 and MT5 to TradingView, cTrader, or proprietary and specialised systems. Order types, charting tools, and automation all come into play, along with how stable execution is when markets are volatile.
Safety and Availability
We consider whether a provider is properly We look at how safe a provider is to use and whether you can actually access their services where you live. For brokers, that means checking licenses and client fund protections. For exchanges, we review security practices and any history of hacks or breaches.
Funding and Withdrawals
We check payment methods, minimum amounts, processing times, and any fees. For prop firms, this also covers profit payouts and how flexible the rules are around withdrawals. Speed and reliability are the key factors here.
Risk and Trading Rules
Every provider sets conditions around how you trade. We measure leverage and margin policies for brokers and exchanges, and drawdown or consistency rules for prop firms. Fair, predictable rules help you manage risk, while unclear or restrictive ones hold you back.
The cost of trading hits your bottom line right away, so this is the first thing we look at. We don’t just check the headline spread or commission, we measure the actual cost you’ll pay when you place and hold trades. For brokers, that includes spreads, commissions, and overnight swaps. For exchanges, we look at maker/taker fees and funding charges on futures. With prop firms, the challenge fee is included too, since that’s the upfront cost you need to pay before you can access their accounts.
We score higher when the fees are clear, consistent, and reasonable across both major coins and smaller altcoins. If you need to dig through fine print to figure out what you’ll really pay, or if spreads are wide during normal trading conditions, the score drops.
Having access to more than just Bitcoin is important so when scoring this area we look at how many cryptocurrencies you can trade, what types of markets are available (spot, CFDs, futures), and whether you can use those markets where you live. Liquidity and uptime are part of this too, it’s not useful if the list looks long but you can’t get filled properly, or if the platform goes down at busy times.
Exchanges usually win on variety, brokers are more selective but might add synthetic pairs, and prop firms only offer what their partner broker provides. You’ll score higher if you give users broad, reliable access with solid liquidity across the board.
Before we score this area we check which platforms are supported, MT4, MT5, TradingView, cTrader, or a custom-built option, and how stable they are under real use. We also look at the order types you get, charting tools, automation options, and whether the mobile app gives you full control when you’re away from your desk.
Prop firms usually plug into broker platforms, while exchanges run their own. Higher scores go to providers that give you choice, stability, and the ability to trade the way you prefer, whether that’s manual, automated, or social.
Before you risk money, you need to know your funds will be safe and its available in your region. For brokers, we check their regulation and licensing, exchanges, it’s regional compliance and how they handle security, and for prop firms, we look at whether they’re backed by a regulated broker and how transparent their policies are.
We also look at history, have they had major hacks, fines, or disputes, and if so, how did they handle it? You’ll score higher when oversight is clear, funds are protected, and you’re able to sign up and use the service in your region without roadblocks.
When scoring a providers funding and withdrawals, we look at how many payment methods you can use, how long deposits and withdrawals take, and what they cost. For prop firms, we check payout frequency, profit splits, and how easy it is to actually receive your share.
If a provider processes withdrawals quickly and doesn’t charge you unnecessary fees, that pushes the score up. Long delays, high charges, or unclear payout rules drag it down.
Every provider sets limits on how you trade, and this is where we check how fair those rules are. Brokers and exchanges set leverage, margin requirements, and liquidation rules. Prop firms have drawdown limits, consistency checks, and sometimes restrictions like no trading around news.
We score higher when the rules are clear, predictable, and give you a fair chance to manage your risk. Providers that use harsh liquidations, confusing conditions, or overly strict limits lose points.
Each of the six areas is scored out of 10, then average those scores evenly to form the overall score out of 100. By keeping each factor equal, the final rating is balanced, no single area carries too much weight. This way you get a fair view of how each provider performs across the board.
