EXNESS Review – Unveiling the Legitimacy Behind the Hype
Exness has established itself as a major player in the forex trading world, amassing a large client base and high trading volumes. However, sifting through generic reviews can leave you wondering: is Exness truly the right broker for you? This review dives into my experience with Exness, dissecting its strengths, weaknesses, and unique features to help you decide.
Trading Platforms
Exness offers a variety of platforms, including the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MT5, along with their own proprietary platform called Exness Trader. I primarily used MT4, which I found familiar and user-friendly. The charting tools were robust, with a wide range of technical indicators and drawing options.
For those who prefer a more streamlined experience, Exness Trader might be a good option. The Exness Terminal might seem basic at first glance, especially for seasoned traders. However, for someone new to forex, it’s a breath of fresh air. Forget wading through complex menus and unfamiliar jargon. The layout is clean and intuitive, with clear buttons for order placement and account management.
Account Types and Spreads
Exness provides a good selection of account types, catering to both beginners and experienced traders. The Standard Cent account, with its cent lot sizes, is ideal for testing strategies without risking significant capital. I primarily used the Standard account, which offered competitive spreads across most currency pairs. While the spreads weren’t the absolute tightest in the market, they were consistently reliable throughout my trading experience.
My experience with spreads has been generally positive. They consistently rank among the most competitive in the market, especially for major currency pairs. However, keep an eye out for potential widening during volatile market conditions.
Deposits, Withdrawals, and Customer Service
Deposits and withdrawals were generally quick and hassle-free. Exness offers a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets. Withdrawal processing times lived up to their advertised timeframes in my experience. A minor drawback is the occasional verification process for larger withdrawals, which can add a bit of delay.
Customer service was responsive and helpful when I contacted them with a minor platform issue. They offered support through live chat, email, and phone, ensuring you can reach them through your preferred method.
Market Maker Model – A Two-Sided Coin
One of Exness’s defining characteristics is its Market Maker model. This means they act as the counterparty to your trades, taking the opposite position. While this can result in tighter spreads and faster execution, it also introduces a potential conflict of interest. In theory, Exness could benefit from your losses.
However, Exness’s strong regulatory oversight helps mitigate this concern. They are regulated by reputable authorities like the FCA in the UK, ensuring they adhere to fair trading practices. Additionally, their focus on high trading volume incentivizes them to provide a good trading environment for clients to generate consistent activity.
Educational Resources
Exness offers a decent selection of educational resources, including webinars, articles, and video tutorials. These cover forex trading basics, technical analysis strategies, and platform tutorials. While the resources won’t turn you into a seasoned trader overnight, they provide a solid foundation for beginners.
Unfortunately, Exness lacks a strong community aspect compared to some other brokers. There’s no built-in forum or social media integration within the platform to connect with other traders.
Exness Vs Top Alternatives
Feature
|
Exness
|
XM
|
FXpro
|
---|---|---|---|
Regulation
|
CySEC, FCA (UK)
|
FSC (Seychelles), ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK)
|
CySEC
|
Tier-1 Licenses
|
Yes (CySEC, FCA)
|
Yes (ASIC, FCA)
|
Yes (CySEC)
|
Headquarter
|
Cyprus
|
Cyprus
|
Cyprus
|
USA (CFTC Authorized)
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Year Founded
|
2008
|
2009
|
2006
|
Rating (out of 5)
|
4.3
|
4.2
|
4.5
|
Account Types
|
Standard Cent, Standard, Pro, Zero
|
Micro, Standard, XM Ultra Low, Shares
|
Standard, MetaTrader 5, cTrader
|
Minimum Deposit
|
$1 (Standard Cent)
|
$5
|
$100
|
Spreads
|
Variable, Starting from 0.0 pips
|
Variable, Starting from 0.0 pips
|
Variable, Starting from 0.6 pips
|
Maximum Leverage
|
1:2000 (depending on instrument)
|
1:2000 (depending on instrument)
|
1:200 (depending on instrument)
|
Execution
|
Market Maker
|
Market Maker
|
ECN & STP
|
One-click Execution
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Requotes
|
Possible during high volatility
|
Possible during high volatility
|
Less frequent due to ECN/STP model
|
Slippage
|
Possible during high volatility
|
Possible during high volatility
|
Less likely due to ECN/STP model
|
Market Gaps
|
Can occur
|
Can occur
|
Can occur
|
Commissions per lot
|
No
|
No
|
Variable depending on account type
|
Swap Rates
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Swap Free Accounts
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Limited Availability
|
Trading Platforms
|
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Exness Terminal
|
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5
|
MetaTrader 4, cTrader
|
Assets
|
Forex, Cryptocurrencies, CFDs (Indices, Stocks, Metals, Energies)
|
Forex, Cryptocurrencies, CFDs (Indices, Stocks, Metals, Energies)
|
Forex, CFDs (Indices, Stocks, Metals, Energies)
|
Copy Trading
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Trading Contests
|
Occasionally offered
|
Occasionally offered
|
No
|
Negative Balance Protection
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Guaranteed Execution
|
No
|
No
|
Not for all trades (ECN model)
|
Margin Call Level
|
50%
|
50%
|
Varies depending on instrument
|
Stop Out Level
|
30%
|
30%
|
Varies depending on instrument
|
Bonuses Availability
|
Occasionally offered
|
Occasionally offered
|
No
|
Cashback Availability
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Deposit and Withdrawal Fees
|
Variable (some methods may have fees)
|
Variable (some methods may have fees)
|
Variable (some methods may have fees)
|
Deposit and Withdrawal Times
|
Instant (deposits), 1-3 business days (withdrawals)
|
Instant (deposits), 1-3 business days (withdrawals)
|
Instant (deposits), 1-3 business days (withdrawals)
|
Mobile App Trading
|
Yes (MetaTrader 4 & 5)
|
Yes (MetaTrader 4 & 5)
|
Yes (MetaTrader 4 & cTrader)
|
Free VPS Hosting
|
Available on high volume accounts
|
Available on high volume accounts
|
Not Available
|
Customer Support
|
24/7 Live Chat, Phone, Email
|
24/7 Live Chat, Phone, Email
|
24/5 Live Chat, Phone, Email
|
Market Analysis
|
Daily News & Analysis
|
Daily News & Analysis
|
Daily News & Analysis
|
Inactivity Fees
|
Yes (after a period of inactivity)
|
Yes (after a period of inactivity)
|
No
|
Customer Reviews
|
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Start Now
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Who Should Consider Exness?
Exness shines for new forex traders seeking a user-friendly platform, tight spreads on major pairs, and the security of a well-regulated broker (Exness is regulated by FCA, a top-tier regulator). The cent account and educational resources are valuable tools for beginners to get their feet wet. However, if you’re an experienced trader who heavily relies on social trading features, advanced news feeds, or access to a wider range of exotic instruments with tighter spreads, you might want to explore other options.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
- Seasoned traders requiring the most advanced order types on MT4/MT5.
- Traders uncomfortable with the Market Maker model and prefer an ECN broker.
The Final Verdict
Exness is a solid forex broker with a lot to offer, particularly for beginners and those who value tight spreads and reliable execution. The multiple account types, user-friendly platforms, and efficient deposit/withdrawal options make it a convenient choice. However, the Market Maker model and lack of a robust trading community might be drawbacks for some.
If you’re a beginner looking for a user-friendly platform with tight spreads and a good selection of account types, Exness is definitely worth considering. However, if the Market Maker model is a major concern or you crave a strong trading community, you might want to explore other options.
Ultimately, the best broker depends on your individual trading style and preferences. I recommend trying out Exness’s demo account to see if it feels like the right fit for you before committing real capital.