10 Best Forex trading apps for PC software is the general term used for any software which helps traders to analyse, decide on, and make a trade.
10 Best Forex Brokers in South Africa for 2025
Rank
Broker
Review
Regulators
Min Deposit
Official Site
Forex trading apps software may grant traders access to technical analysis, indicator tools and resources needed to trade. The best Forex trading software may also identify trades, automate or execute them in line with an investors strategy. Trading software can be broken down into four categories, namely Data, Charting, Trade Execution and Broker vs. Independent Vendor.
eSignal
Overview
eSignal is an advanced charting platform which is primarily designed to target active traders who apply technical analysis. The eSignal platform comes fully packed with endless customizable charts and advanced analytical tools which includes a bulletproof stock scanner, automated systems, market profile, advanced volume analysis, and much more. eSignal is owned by Intercontinental Exchange. Intercontinental Exchange operates the New York Stock Exchange and ICE futures exchanges, and traders can rest assured that their data quality is superb.
In addition to eSignal being an all-inclusive charting platform which features hundreds of technical indicators, it is also a trading platform. Traders can connect over 50 different Forex brokers and execute trades directly from the eSignal platform. eSignal can be used as either a PC (desktop) or web-based application.
eSignal offers three different service levels, namely Classic ($54 pm), Signature ($176 pm) and Elite ($359 pm). eSignal Customer Support is available 24/7 via Live Chat.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Add-Ons Available | High Cost |
| Streaming Real-Time Data | Add-Ons come with Additional Charges |
| Excellent Charting Capabilities | Taxes may apply |
eSignal Supported Broker: Forex.com
Forex.com
Overview
Forex.com is a platform which can be used for trading foreign currencies and precious metals. Traders can trade over 80 currency pairs as well as silver and gold. To open a live trading account, traders will need a minimum deposit of at least $50. Customer support is available by phone, live chat, or email 24 hours a day during market hours.
Min Deposit
USD 100
Regulators
CIMA
Trading Platform
MT4, MT5, Proprietary Platform
Crypto
No
Total Pairs
91
Islamic Account
No
Trading Fees
Low
Account Activation
24 Hours
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Segregates client funds | Doesn’t offer VPS |
| Regulated by Financial Conduct Authority | Not ASIC Regulated |
Trading Benefits
| 📈Trading Features | ➡️Accounts offered | 💳Funding methods |
| Allows scalping | Demo account | Credit cards |
| Allows hedging | Mini account | Bank Transfer |
| Offers STP | Standard account | |
| Low min deposit | ECN account | |
| Islamic account |
MetaTrader4 Trading Apps
MetaTrader4 is a free trading platform for forex and other financial instruments such as CFDs, futures, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. MetaTrader4 offers desktop, web and mobile platforms which supports over 30 languages. The desktop platform helps investors to analyse financial markets, perform advanced trading operations, to run trading robots and allows copy trading.
MetaTrader4’s website offers a webpage which is dedicated to help topics, providing information on various topics such as how to get started, client terminal settings, user interface, charts, analytics, trading, auto trading, tools, articles, signals, market and virtual hosting.
For more specific questions, traders can make contact with a manager via the Contact Us Page.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| User Friendly | Lacking in Execution Speed |
| Beginner and Advance Suited | Taxes may apply |
| Multi Operating Systems Compatible | |
| Ease of Deployment |
MetaTrader4 Supported Broker: Swissquote
Swissquote
Overview
Swissquote Bank offers traders the ability to trade in Forex, CFDs and Options on a variety of asset classes which includes Currency pairs, FX Options, Metals, Indices, Commodities and Bonds. Traders can choose to trade on a variety of trading platforms including the bank’s own Advanced Trader platform and MetaTrader 4 and 5. Swissquote Bank Ltd holds a banking licence issued by the Swiss Federal Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and is a member of the Swiss Bankers Association. Customer support is offered in ten different languages via Live Chat, Telephone, Email and an Online Contact Form.
Min Deposit
USD 1000
Regulators
FINMA, CSSF, FCA, DFSA, SFC, MAS, MFSA
Trading Platform
MT4, MT5, Advanced Trader
Crypto
No
Total Pairs
10
Islamic Account
Yes
Trading Fees
Low
Account Activation
24 Hours
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Multiple Trading Platforms | Taxes may apply |
| Spreads are slightly higher on average in Swiss accounts than in EU accounts | Confusing array of services |
| Swiss accounts receive the benefit of funds held in Swiss Tier 1 bank accounts with an IBAN for seamless international trading | High minimum deposit amounts |
| Zero-commission and from 0.0 spreads accounts | |
| Various plugins | |
| Great educational resources |
Trading Benefits
| 🪙Assets Offered | 💻Accounts Offered | ⚖️Funding Types |
| Currencies | Demo | Credit |
| CFDs | Standard | Debit |
| Shares | Premium | Bank Wire Transfer |
| Stocks | Prime | Union Pay |
| Commodities | Professional | |
| Precious Metals | ||
| Bonds |
ZuluTrade
Overview
ZuluTrade is an online social and copy trading platform with desktop software said to be available for download and installation on Windows 10 and MacOS. Fees for use of ZuluTrade and the asset selection will be dependent on the partnering Brokerage firm. Investors can choose either a Classic or Profit-Sharing Account and can connect the MT4 Trading platform to their chosen ZuluTrade Account. Multi-lingual customer support is available 24/5 via e-mail, phone, or live chat.
Min Deposit
USD 1
Regulators
HCMC, KFB, CFTC
Trading Platform
MT4, Own Platform
Crypto
Yes
Total Pairs
0
Islamic Account
Yes
Trading Fees
Low
Account Activation
24 Hours
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Partnered with dozens of the best well-regulated brokers | Limited number of base currencies |
| A very user-friendly trading platform experience | Taxes may apply |
| Copy or be copied on a wide range of tradable assets |
ZuluTrade Supported Broker: FXCM
FXCM
Overview
Forex Capital Markets Limited or FXCM is a Spread Betting, CFD and Forex trading broker, authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority under the Forex Capital Markets Limited and is part of the Leucadia Company, which offers users the ability to trade on Forex, Forex Baskets, Indices, Commodities and Crypto on its own proprietary Trading Station platform for Desktop, Web and Mobile, as well as on MetaTrader 4, NinaTrader and ZuluTrade. FXCM offers traders 4 main types of trading accounts to choose from, including Spread Betting, CFD Trading, Active Trader and Professional Clients. A Free Demo account is also made available. Customer Support is available via Live Chat, Phone, Email and SMS.
Min Deposit
USD 50
Regulators
FCA
Trading Platform
MT4, NinjaTrader, Trading Station
Crypto
Yes
Total Pairs
42
Islamic Account
Yes
Trading Fees
Low
Account Activation
24 Hours
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Segregates client funds | Limited range of instruments |
| Established in 1999 | |
| Regulated by Financial Conduct Authority | |
| Min. deposit from $1 |
Trading Benefits
| 📈Trading Features | ➡️Accounts offered | 💳Funding methods |
| Allows scalping | Demo account | Credit cards |
| Allows hedging | Mini account | Bank Transfer |
| Offers STP | Standard account | Payoneer |
| Low min deposit | Islamic account |
TradeStation
Overview
TradeStation is a leading online brokerage firm which facilitates the trade of stocks, options and futures. TradeStation is mostly aimed at experienced traders and offers investors a powerful trading platform and a wide range of advanced features. There are two types of retail brokerage accounts available for Traders to choose from namely – US Equities & Options, and Futures, both for use with the same advanced platform. TradeStation offers three trading platforms: TradeStation desktop, Web Trading, and TS Crypto, which is a platform which is solely dedicated to cryptocurrency trading. Customer Support is made available via phone and live chat.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Stable platform. Very little downtime. | Steep learning curve |
| Excellent charting and technical analysis tools | Multiple confusing pricing choices |
The Desktop platform offers
- Customisable charting
- Automated strategy trading
- Impressive execution speeds
- Rapid market-scanning tools
- Volume and market profiles
- Advanced order entry and management
- A Market Depth window which can track the activity of certain market makers
TradeStation is Online Brokerage with a downloadable platform, in thus has no other supported Brokerage Firm.
ProRealTime
Overview
ProRealTime has an intuitive charting and trading platform which is tailored to accommodate both Professional and Non-Professional traders. ProRealTime does not offer a mobile trading app and is best suited for Windows Desktop use. ProRealTime is available for free but also has a premium subscription available. ProRealTime offers integration with Top Forex Brokers such as IG and Interactive Brokers respectively.
ProRealTime is a popular technical analysis platform which supports automated trading plus a wide variety of assets. ProRealTime is indeed available for free as previously mentioned but for real-time price data, the software will carry a cost of $36.55 per month.
Customer Support is available via Help Videos and a User Manual.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Automated and back testing features | Expensive index and stock data |
| platform is highly-customizable | The screener is not very flexible |
ProRealTime Supported Broker: IG
IG
Overview
IG Group was founded in 1974 and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the U.K. and the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) in Australia. The country of a traders residency will determine which account type they can open. In most countries, they will only be able to trade forex, CFDs and options. Traders can choose between two trading platforms, IG’s proprietary trading platform or MetaTrader 4. Customer Service is available 24/7 via Phone, Live Chat and Email.
Min Deposit
USD 0
Regulators
FCA, BaFin, FINMA, DFSA, MAS, ASIC, FSCA
Trading Platform
MT4
Crypto
Yes
Total Pairs
80
Islamic Account
No
Trading Fees
Low
Account Activation
24 Hours
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| The FCA enforces strict regulatory standards, ensuring IG follows best practices in client fund protection, data security, and transparency. | The FCA imposes leverage limits (up to 1:30 for retail traders), which may limit profit potential for traders who prefer higher leverage options. |
| Segregated Client Accounts | Strict Regulatory Requirements |
| Fair Trading Environment | Slower Account Processes |
Trading Benefits
| 📈Trading Features | ➡️Accounts offered | 💳Funding methods |
| Allows scalping | Demo account | Credit cards |
| Allows hedging | Mini account | Bank Transfer |
| Offers STP | Standard account | PayPal |
| Low min deposit | Payoneer | |
| Guaranteed stop loss |
ThinkorSwim
Overview
ThinkorSwim is TD Ameritrade’s flagship trading platform which offers traders an abundance of sophisticated charting tools, customizable features, and much – much more. TD Ameritrade offers ThinkorSwim desktop downloads for Windows, Mac, Unix, and Linux respectively and the platform covers everything from stocks, options, mutual funds, futures, commodities, and Forex in one. ThinkorSwim is available for free for T.D. Ameritrade clients. Customer Support is made available via phone.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Direct-access routing | Software is difficult to learn |
| Professional-level charting | Program is slow to launch |
| Futures, options, and forex capability | Option tools aren’t very user-friendly |
ThinkorSwim Supported Broker: TD Ameritrade
TD Ameritrade
Overview
TD Ameritrade is one of the largest online brokers to date, overseen by top-tier US regulators like the SEC and FINRA. TD Ameritrade offers investors a large array of account offerings, an extensive range of investment choices, educational resources, and diverse trading platforms. Tradable Securities include Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds and more. Customer Service is available via Phone and Email.
Min Deposit
USD 0
Regulators
SEC, FINRA, CFTC, MAS
Trading Platform
Web Trading Platform, ThinkorSwim
Crypto
Yes
Total Pairs
0
Islamic Account
No
Trading Fees
Low
Account Activation
24 Hours
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Extensive research capabilities | Credit/Debit Cards not available |
| Additional support channels |
Trading Benefits
| 📈Trading Features | ➡️Accounts offered | 💳Funding methods |
| Mobile Trading | Individual | Bank Transfer |
| Managed Portfolios | Joint | |
| Cash Management | Standard account | |
| No min deposit | Business | |
| Investment Options | Retirement | |
| Tax Loss Harvesting | College Savings | |
| Custodial | ||
| Trust |
ActTrader
Overview
The ActTrader platform is a Forex trading platform which was designed by ActTrader LLC. The ActTrader platform is available as a downloadable desktop platform, a web-based version which runs on JAVA, a mobile application which runs on both iPhone and iPad, a version compatible to Android-based devices and a Windows-based mobile version which runs on Symbian phones.
The ActTrader Trading Interface features the trader’s account number, trading account balance, equity, usable margin as well as net profit/loss are clearly visible on the screen. Six types of orders can be opened on the ActTrader platform including Entry Buy Stop and Market Buy.
Customer Support is available via online form and phone respectively.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Well-Structured | Not Mac Compatible |
| Easy to Navigate | |
| Wealth of Graphs and Charts |
ActTrader Supported Broker: AvaTrade
AvaTrade
Overview
AvaTrade is an online broker which was founded in 2006 and offers Forex, CFDs, Spread Betting and Social Trading and is a global broker with their head office situated in The British Virgin Islands. AvaTrade is regulated in Europe, the British Virgin Islands, Australia, Japan, and South Africa by ASIC, CySEC and FCA. For those who are looking to start out with AvaTrade will need a minimum deposit of $250 and a demo account is available for those who want to get acquaint with the popular MT4 forex trading platform. AvaTrade also offer mobile apps for Android and iOS. Customer support is available by email, phone, or live chat.
Min Deposit
USD 100
Regulators
ASIC, FSA, CBI, BVI, FSCA, FRSA, CySEC, ISA, JFSA
Trading Platform
MT4, MT5, Ava Social, Ava Protect, Trading Central
Crypto
Yes
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Accessible trading with a low minimum deposit of 100 USD | Market analysis could be more extensive |
| Award-winning mobile trading with the AvaTradeGO app with social trading features | Only CFDs, forex, and cryptos offered |
| Wide range of assets including unique instruments like vanilla options | High inactivity fees |
| Educational material to support trader development and strategy enhancement | Average CFD fees |
Trading benefits
| 📈Trading Features | ➡️Accounts offered | 💳Funding methods |
| Allows scalping | Demo account | Credit cards |
| Allows hedging | Micro account | Bank Transfer |
| Low min deposit | Mini account | PayPal |
| Standard account | Skrill | |
| Islamic account | Payoneer | |
| Neteller |
NinjaTrader
Overview
NinjaTrader is a very powerful derivatives trading platform which specializes in futures, forex and options respectively. NinjaTrader offers traders its flagship advanced trading platform for Windows-based desktop computers which features a wide range of technical analysis functions.
The NinjaTrader platform offers clean, fully customizable charts and supports all the usual order types, including market, limit, stop market, and stop-limit orders as well as advanced OCO (one cancels other) orders. Customer Support is available via a 24-hour trade desk.
Min Deposit
USD 50
Regulators
NFA, CFTC
Trading Platform
NinjaTrader 8
Crypto
No
Total Pairs
50
Islamic Account
No
Trading Fees
Low
Account Activation
24 Hours
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Excellent charting | Only Basic platform features are free with a funded account |
| Great technical analysis tools | Taxes may apply |
| Apps and add-ons from third-party developers |
NinjaTrader Supported Broker: Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers
Overview
Interactive Brokers was founded in 1978 and is regulated by multiple financial authorities including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Traders can choose between two different web trading platforms: The Client Portal and Webtrader and IBKR Mobile, Interactive Brokers’s mobile trading platform, is available both for iOS and Android. Users can trade on Stock, Forex, Option and Futures – to name but a few.
Customer Service is available 24/7 via Live Chat, Phone and Email.
Interactive Brokers offers many account types, which fall into two big groups:
- accounts for individual traders and investors
- accounts for institutions
Min Deposit
USD 0
Regulators
CFTC, NFA, IIROC, FCA, CBI, ASIC, SFC, MNB, CSSF
Trading Platform
Proprietary Platforms
Crypto
Yes
Total Pairs
91
Islamic Account
No
Trading Fees
Low
Account Activation
24 Hours
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Low trading cost | Pro users incur an account maintenance fee if multiple trades are not made |
| Invest globally in a multitude of products via a single account | Not everyone is eligible to open an IBKR Lite account |
| No minimum balance required | |
| Tools to bring your trading to the next level |
Trading Benefits
| 📈Tradable Securities | ➡️Accounts offered | 💳Funding methods |
| Stocks | Lite | Bank Transfer |
| Fractional Shares | Pro | |
| Bonds | ||
| Mutual Funds | ||
| ETFs | ||
| Options |
TradingView
Overview
TradingView is online stock-picking software and screener suited to both beginner and experienced active traders. TradingView incorporates wide-ranging cloud-based charting tools for research and allows users to share and collaborate with other active traders online. TradingView has four account plans on offer of which one is free. Customer Support is available via a Help Centre.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Social networking features | Limited trading capability |
| Many tools available for free | Best plans are pricey |
| Mobile apps are available on Apple and Android | Customer support is limited |
TradingView supported Broker: OANDA
OANDA
Overview
OANDA is a globally regulated Forex and CFD broker which also provides corporate Forex solutions and currency conversion. Users have the choice to trade on Forex, Indices, Metals, Commodities and Bond CFDs on the broker’s own proprietary trading platform for desktop, web and mobile, as well as on MetaTrader4.
OANDA is the most Regulated Forex Broker and operate across six of the most credible authorities. Customer support is available via a FAQ section, a OANDA Virtual Assistant and phone.
Min Deposit
USD 1
Regulators
ASIC, BVI, CFTC, FCA, FFAJ, FSC, IIROC, MAS, NFA
Trading Platform
MT4, MT5
Crypto
Yes
Total Pairs
45
Islamic Account
Yes
Trading Fees
Low
Account Activation
24 Hours
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| Accepts U.S. clients | No account protection for U.S. clients |
| Regulated by FCA and NFA | No guaranteed stop losses for U.S. or U.K. clients |
| Well-designed platforms | Traders cannot access cryptocurrencies or single-stock CFDs |
| Superior research offerings | A lot of ancillary fees |
Trading Benefits
| 📈Trading Features | ➡️Accounts offered | 💳Funding methods |
| Mobile Trading | Standard | Wire Transfer |
| Excellent Charting Tools | Premium | Credit/Debit |
| Educational Materials | PayPal |
TradeLocker
Overview
TradeLocker is intended for day trading, purporting to serve newbies and experienced traders alike. Advanced charting tools, risk management functions (stop-loss and take-profit), and a mobile app for on-the-move trading are some of the things it provides. They focus on user feedback as well as the community which they have attached to a Discord channel where people communicate and share ideas on possible trades. To get started one must select a broker that integrates with TradeLocker.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| TradeLocker finally integrates with TradingView, a well-known charting software which provides numerous analytical tools. | Choice of broker might be restricted. |
| The platform is user-friendly | a smaller selection of built-in technical indicators |
| exists as an online platform that one can access from any device with some kind of internet connectivity | No Level 2 Pricing |
| Features like pre-set stop loss and take profit levels | TradeLocker doesn't currently support automated trading |
TradeLocker Supported Broker: OspreyFX
OspreyFX
Overview
OspreyFX is a Forex as well as CFD broker that has a collection of assets which include stocks, indices and even cryptocurrencies. Additionally, they provide commission-free trades with their user-friendly platforms MetaTrader 4/5 and lower minimum deposits but the downside is that they are not regulated. Nevertheless OspreyFX also offers high leverage that can result into large gains although it can also increases significantly the probability of losing everything.
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌Cons |
| For trading purposes, OspreyFX provides an okay variety of assets such as forex, cryptocurrencies, stocks, and a number of indices. | Unregulated Broker |
| Known for their ease of use and functionality. | Understand every additional fee in trading on OspreyFX like spread charges |
| High levels of leverage can magnify potential profits but also raise chances for losses. | high leverage can lead to significant losses |
Trading Benefits
Our Findings
There are two main options for PC trading software: broker-provided trading platforms and independent vendor tools. Simple trading can be done easily on broker platforms because they are designed for this while advanced trading tools such as charting, technical details and even advanced trading automation can be done easily on independent vendor platforms.
Conclusion
No matter how much research a trader does they must always remember that the perfect forex broker and Trading App does not exist. Each Option will carry its own set of Pros and Cons and a decision should only be made to suit an investors personal trading needs.
Top 4 Brokers
