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Home/Reviews/BullWaves vs FP Markets

BullWaves vs FP Markets: Which Is Better in 2026?

We tested both. Here's the honest verdict.

Regulation:FP Markets
Costs:FP Markets
Execution:FP Markets
Platforms:FP Markets
Support:FP Markets
Education:FP Markets
Overall Pick:FP Markets4.6/5

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureBullWavesFP Markets★ Our Pick
RegulationFSA Seychelles (Licence SD185)ASIC (Australia)
Reg. TierOffshore RegulatedTier-1 Regulated
Min Deposit$100$100 AUD (~$65 USD)
EUR/USD SpreadFrom 0.1 pips (ECN)0.0 pips avg (Raw ECN)
Commission$0 (commission-free)$6/lot round turn
Max LeverageUp to 1:500Up to 1:500
PlatformsMetaTrader 5MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, Iress
Founded20232005
Our Rating4.5/54.6/5

Data accurate as of Q1 2026. Verify current terms with each broker directly.

Key Differences

Why FP Markets wins

Stronger regulation (Tier-1 Regulated vs Offshore Regulated)
More platforms (5 vs 1)
Higher overall rating (4.6/5 vs 4.5/5)

Where BullWaves is stronger

Lower entry ($100 minimum)
Commission-free ECN trading — tight spreads, zero commission

Regulation & Safety

Winner: FP Markets

BullWaves is regulated by FSA Seychelles (Licence SD185). This places it in the Offshore Regulated category — an offshore framework that permits higher leverage and flexibility but provides limited formal investor recourse.

FP Markets holds licences from ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Seychelles), FSC (Mauritius), making it Tier-1 Regulated. With 5 Tier-1 regulators, FP Markets meets the highest standards of retail broker oversight.

On regulation, FP Markets wins clearly. Is FP Markets safe? Yes — its Tier-1 Regulated status means client funds are held in segregated accounts, and traders have access to formal dispute resolution. BullWaves's Offshore Regulated framework is still legitimate, but affords less formal protection.

Trading Costs — The Real Numbers

Winner: BullWaves

Trading costs are where many brokers win or lose active traders. On a standard EUR/USD 1-lot trade ($100,000 notional), the all-in cost breaks down as follows: BullWaves charges a spread of From 0.1 pips (ECN) (approximately $1) plus $0 (commission-free) commission — totalling roughly $1 per lot round turn.

FP Markets runs 0.0 pips avg (Raw ECN) spread with $6/lot round turn — an all-in cost of approximately $6 per lot. Over 100 lots per month, the difference adds up to roughly $500 in favour of BullWaves.

BullWaves wins on trading costs. BullWaves's From 0.1 pips (ECN) structure and $0 (commission-free) make it the more cost-efficient choice for active traders — particularly those trading multiple lots daily. FP Markets's pricing suits traders who value predictability over rock-bottom spreads.

BullWavesFP Markets
EUR/USD SpreadFrom 0.1 pips (ECN)0.0 pips avg (Raw ECN)
Commission$0 (commission-free)$6/lot round turn
Est. cost/lot~$1~$6
Monthly (100 lots)~$100~$600

Platforms & Tools

Winner: FP Markets

BullWaves supports MetaTrader 5. Its platform focus reflects a deliberate approach: rather than spreading across every tool, BullWaves has optimised its infrastructure for the platform its traders actually use.

FP Markets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, Iress. The combination of MetaTrader and TradingView covers virtually every trading style.

For beginners: FP Markets wins — its platform is more approachable. For active traders: FP Markets has the edge with TradingView integration and advanced charting. For algo traders: FP Markets is better placed, offering cTrader's native algo environment alongside MT5. Overall platform winner: FP Markets (5 platforms vs 1).

Execution Quality

Winner: FP Markets

Execution model matters for scalpers, news traders, and anyone trading large size. BullWaves operates as a ECN (Electronic Communications Network) broker — routing orders directly to liquidity providers with no dealing desk intervention, which means tighter spreads during normal conditions and no re-quotes.

FP Markets runs a ECN (Electronic Communications Network) model. With $6/lot round turn per lot and 0.0 pips avg (Raw ECN) spreads, FP Markets passes raw interbank pricing to clients — ideal for high-frequency and algorithmic strategies. On speed and slippage: FP Markets reports execution in sub-50ms for standard orders, with no restrictions on scalping or EA use.

Execution winner: FP Markets — scoring 9/10 versus BullWaves's 8/10. FP Markets's ECN (Electronic Communications Network) model is better suited to active traders. BullWaves's execution remains adequate for retail strategies but is not optimised for professional-level frequency or volume.

Minimum Deposit & Account Opening

Winner: BullWaves

Getting started matters. BullWaves requires a minimum deposit of $100. The $100 minimum is moderate — accessible to most retail traders but a meaningful commitment for beginners.

FP Markets starts at $100 AUD (~$65 USD). The $100 AUD (~$65 USD) threshold is on the higher side — worth noting for traders with limited starting capital. Account opening is typically completed online in under 24 hours for both brokers.

On accessibility: BullWaves wins — $100 to start vs $100 AUD (~$65 USD). If capital efficiency matters, BullWaves lets you begin trading with less at risk.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose FP Markets if...

$6/lot commission — cheapest all-in ECN cost among ASIC brokers
10,000+ instruments — widest range of any ECN broker
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView and Iress in one broker

Choose BullWaves if...

Commission-free ECN trading — tight spreads, zero commission
900+ copy trading strategies built-in
100+ forex pairs plus wide crypto coverage including USDT pairs

Our Verdict

FP Markets wins this comparison

FP Markets wins this comparison with a 4.6/5 rating against BullWaves's 4.5/5. Cost-conscious active traders who want the cheapest ASIC-regulated ECN broker with maximum instrument range. BullWaves remains a strong choice for swing traders and copy trading enthusiasts who want commission-free ecn pricing. Neither is a bad broker — the right pick comes down to your specific priorities.

Read full reviews

BullWaves Full Review →FP Markets Full Review →All Broker Reviews

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