Top 10 Best CFD Brokers Trading Gold/XAUUSD in 2025

If you’re looking to trade gold (XAU/USD) through CFDs, choosing the right broker can make or break your trading experience. With gold’s reputation as a safe-haven asset and its high liquidity, it’s no surprise that traders are flocking to it. But not all brokers are created equal. After researching and testing, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 CFD brokers for trading gold/XAUUSD in 2025, with Exness taking the top spot for its unbeatable spreads, fast execution, and beginner-friendly platform. Let’s dive into why Exness leads the pack and explore the other top contenders.

Top 4 Best XAUUSD Brokers

1️⃣ Exness: Open An Account or Visit Brokers 🏆

2️⃣ XM: Open An Account or Visit Brokers 💥

3️⃣ JustMarkets: Open An Account or Visit Brokers ✅

4️⃣ Quotex: Open An Account or Visit Brokers 🌐

Why Trade Gold/XAUUSD with CFD Brokers?

Gold trading via CFDs (Contracts for Difference) lets you speculate on price movements without owning physical gold. It’s flexible, leveraged, and perfect for capitalizing on short-term market swings. Whether you’re hedging against inflation or chasing volatility, a reliable broker with low fees, robust platforms, and strong regulation is key. Here’s my curated list of the best brokers to help you trade XAU/USD like a pro.

1. Exness – The Best Overall for Gold Trading

Exness tops our list for good reason. This Cyprus-based broker, regulated by CySEC, FCA, and ASIC, offers ultra-low spreads (average of $0.16 on Standard accounts for XAU/USD) and near-instant execution with less than 1% slippage. Their platform is intuitive, making it ideal for beginners, while advanced traders love the MetaTrader 4 and 5 integration and swap-free trading for gold, perfect for holding positions overnight without extra costs.

Exness also shines with its instant withdrawal processing (98% processed in under a minute) and a low minimum deposit of just $10 for Standard accounts. Their customer support is available in 14 languages, ensuring you’re never left in the dark. If you’re looking for a broker that balances cost, speed, and reliability, Exness is tough to beat.

Why Choose Exness?

Competitive spreads starting at $0.037 on Raw Spread accounts.
Fast execution with minimal slippage.
Swap-free trading for gold, ideal for long-term strategies.
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, CySEC, ASIC).
User-friendly platform with MT4/MT5 support.

✅ Trade with Exness now: Open An Account or Visit Brokers 👈

2. Pepperstone – Best for Scalping Gold

Pepperstone is a scalper’s dream, offering some of the lowest spreads for XAU/USD (minimum $0.05, average $0.27) and lightning-fast execution speeds under 30 milliseconds. Regulated by FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, this Australian broker supports multiple platforms, including MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView, catering to all trading styles.

Their no-commission Standard account and raw spread Razor account make gold trading cost-effective, especially for high-frequency traders. Pepperstone also provides robust educational resources and 24/7 support, making it a solid choice for both newbies and pros.

Why Choose Pepperstone?

Ultra-low spreads and fast execution for scalping.
Wide range of platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView).
Regulated by top-tier authorities.
No commission on Standard accounts.

3. FP Markets – Best for Professional Traders

FP Markets stands out for its ECN pricing and raw spreads starting at 0.0 pips on XAU/USD, though a $6 per round lot commission applies on Raw accounts. With regulation from ASIC, CySEC, and FSCA, this broker offers a secure environment for trading gold CFDs. Their platform lineup includes MT4, MT5, and TradingView, packed with advanced charting tools.

FP Markets is perfect for professionals due to its VPS hosting for algo trading and flexible leverage up to 1:500 for non-EU clients. Their educational webinars and market analysis are top-notch, helping you stay ahead of gold price trends.

Why Choose FP Markets?

Raw spreads starting at 0.0 pips.
Advanced platforms with strong technical analysis tools.
High leverage for experienced traders.
Excellent educational resources.

4. XM – Best for Educational Resources

XM is a favorite for beginners thanks to its extensive educational materials, including webinars, tutorials, and market analysis tailored to gold trading. Regulated by CySEC, ASIC, and FSC, XM offers competitive spreads (minimum $0.27, average $0.37 on Standard accounts) and supports MT4 and MT5.

Their copy trading feature lets you mirror successful gold traders, making it easier to learn the ropes. With a low minimum deposit of $5 and swap-free accounts, XM is accessible and beginner-friendly.

Why Choose XM?

Comprehensive educational resources for new traders.
Low minimum deposit ($5).
Copy trading for replicating expert strategies.
Competitive spreads for XAU/USD.

5. AvaTrade – Best for Diverse Asset Classes

AvaTrade, regulated by FCA, ASIC, and others, offers a user-friendly platform with competitive spreads on XAU/USD (around 0.3 pips). Their proprietary AvaTradeGO app, alongside MT4 and MT5, makes trading gold seamless on the go. AvaTrade also provides access to a wide range of assets, from forex to cryptocurrencies, allowing you to diversify your portfolio.

Their educational resources and risk management tools, like stop-loss orders, are perfect for traders looking to manage gold’s volatility. AvaTrade’s no-commission model keeps costs predictable.

Why Choose AvaTrade?

User-friendly AvaTradeGO app.
Diverse asset classes for portfolio diversification.
No-commission trading.
Strong regulatory framework.

6. IG – Best for Market Variety

IG is a powerhouse with over 17,000 markets, including 11 metal CFDs like XAU/USD. Regulated by FCA, CFTC, and others, IG offers spreads starting at 0.3 points and supports MT4, ProRealTime, and their proprietary platform. Their TradingView integration is a bonus for social traders who want to share ideas.

IG’s IG Academy and webinars provide excellent learning tools, while their fast execution and low fees make them a strong contender for gold trading.

Why Choose IG?

Extensive market access (17,000+ instruments).
Advanced platforms with TradingView integration.
Top-tier regulation and educational resources.
Competitive spreads for gold CFDs.

7. IC Markets – Best for Algo Trading

IC Markets is a go-to for algo traders, offering raw spreads starting at 0.1 pips and execution speeds under 40 milliseconds. Regulated by ASIC and CySEC, they support MT4, MT5, and cTrader, with VPS hosting for automated strategies. Their low-cost structure and high leverage (up to 1:500) make them ideal for trading XAU/USD.

IC Markets also provides Trading Central and AutoChartist for technical analysis, helping you spot gold trading opportunities.

Why Choose IC Markets?

Ultra-low spreads for cost-conscious traders.
Fast execution for algo trading.
VPS hosting for automated strategies.
Robust technical analysis tools.

8. Plus500 – Best Mobile Trading App

Plus500’s sleek mobile app and spread-only model make it a great choice for trading gold CFDs on the go. Regulated by FCA, ASIC, and others, Plus500 offers competitive spreads (around 0.3 pips) and a +Insights tool for tracking market sentiment. Their platform is intuitive, with robust charting and risk management features like alerts and stop-loss orders.

While Plus500 lacks MT4/MT5, its proprietary platform is perfect for traders who prioritize simplicity and mobility.

Why Choose Plus500?

User-friendly mobile app with advanced charting.
No-commission, spread-only model.
Strong regulatory oversight.
Sentiment data via +Insights tool.

9. Vantage – Best for Beginners

Vantage is a beginner-friendly broker with competitive fees (spreads around 0.26 pips for XAU/USD) and a user-friendly mobile app. Regulated by ASIC and CIMA, Vantage supports MT4, MT5, and ProTrader, offering flexibility for all skill levels. Their live webinars and platform tutorials make learning gold trading a breeze.

Vantage’s 24/7 support and diverse deposit/withdrawal options ensure a smooth experience for new traders.

Why Choose Vantage?

Beginner-friendly with excellent educational content.
Competitive spreads and no commissions on Standard accounts.
Multiple platform options.
Reliable customer support.

10. RoboForex – Best for Automated Trading

RoboForex rounds out our list with its fast execution speeds (around 45 milliseconds) and free VPS hosting for algo traders. Regulated by CySEC, they offer spreads as low as 0.18 pips for XAU/USD on their ECN account. Their ProCent account is great for testing strategies with smaller lot sizes.

With 12,000+ instruments and platforms like MT4, MT5, and R StocksTrader, RoboForex caters to traders who want automation and variety.

Why Choose RoboForex?

Fast execution and free VPS for algo trading.
Low spreads on ECN accounts.
ProCent account for strategy testing.
Wide range of tradable instruments.

How to Choose the Best CFD Broker for Gold Trading

Picking the right broker for trading XAU/USD depends on your priorities. Here are key factors to consider:

Spreads and Fees: Look for low spreads and minimal commissions to maximize profits. Exness and Pepperstone excel here with spreads as low as $0.037 and $0.05, respectively.
Regulation: Ensure the broker is regulated by trusted authorities like FCA, ASIC, or CySEC for fund safety. All brokers on this list meet this criterion.
Platform: Choose a broker with platforms that suit your style, whether it’s MT4, MT5, or proprietary apps like Plus500’s.
Execution Speed: Fast execution is crucial for scalping or volatile markets like gold. Brokers like IC Markets and Pepperstone lead in this area.
Leverage: Higher leverage (e.g., 1:500 at IC Markets) can amplify gains but also risks. Check your region’s leverage caps (e.g., 1:20 in the EU).
Support and Education: Beginners benefit from brokers like XM and Vantage, which offer webinars, tutorials, and 24/7 support.

Why Exness Stands Out

Exness earns the top spot for its low-cost structure, fast execution, and swap-free gold trading, which is a game-changer for long-term traders. Their regulation by top-tier authorities and support for MT4/MT5 make them versatile for all trader levels. Whether you’re scalping, day trading, or holding positions, Exness delivers a seamless experience.

Final Thoughts

Trading gold (XAU/USD) via CFDs offers incredible opportunities, but your success hinges on choosing the right broker. Exness leads with its low spreads, fast execution, and beginner-friendly features, but the other nine brokers on this list—Pepperstone, FP Markets, XM, and more—offer unique strengths for different trading styles. Compare their spreads, platforms, and tools to find the best fit for your goals.