Best Brokers for Mac Users
If you are using a Mac computer and want a forex trading platform that will run smoothly without any limitations, there are brokers that take care of your needs. Because most trading platforms are created for Windows, some may require you to download some software that can make their platforms Mac-compatible, but others provide platforms that run smoothly on Mac. In this guide, we will take a look at brokers that support all forms of trading with Mac computers, including manual trading, automated trading, and copy trading via MetaTrader, cTrader, and other trading platforms.
What is a trading platform?
A trading platform is a software system connected online to execute trades in a networked environment. It is a bridge that the broker uses to link the trader to the market. Apart from enabling traders to open, close, and manage market positions online, trading platforms are equipped with features necessary for the technical analysis of the markets.
Some of the more common features can include real-time quotes, interactive charts, a range of drawing tools, streaming news feeds, and premium research. While a trading platform may be tailored to specific markets, such as stocks, currencies, options, or futures markets, most forex CFD brokers provide their traders with multi-asset platforms that can allow them to trade all assets from one system.
Online trading platforms are frequently offered by brokers for free, provided you open a funded account with them. While some brokers have their own proprietary platforms, others provide third-party platforms, like the MT4, MT5, and cTrader platforms.
Trading applications for Mac and Apple devices
In today’s market, many trading platforms are built to be compatible with Mac and Apple devices, and most brokers provide access to mac-compatible platforms for download on their websites. So, we have MT4/MT5 for Mac, TradingView for Mac, and cTrader.
Our choice for the best brokers for Mac users
We reviewed many of the brokers that offer mac-compatible trading platforms. After assessing their regulation status, execution model, product offerings, trading fees, educational resources, and so on, these are our choice for the best brokers for mac users:
1. IC Markets — Overall best for mac users
2. Eightcap — TradingView integration
3. FXTM — Best in customer service
4. Roboforex — A wide range of instruments
5. FXOpen — Best for ECN execution
6. VT Markets — Best for beginner’s education
7. XM — Best for MetaTrader suite
8. SimpleFX — Best for cryptocurrencies
Can I trade forex on a Mac computer?
Yes, you can trade any market using a Mac computer, provided the broker’s platform is compatible to run on the Mac operating system. Apart from the desktop application of the trading platform, which you have to download and install to be able to trade, most trading platforms have a web version that you can access via your Safari web browser on the broker’s website.
All types of Mac computers can access any compatible platform, as the system already has a powerful balance of the hardware and software capabilities necessary to run the best trading platforms. Also, there are compatible trading apps for your iPhone and other iOS devices.
How good is Mac for trading?
Mac is a very good system for trading because it has the necessary requirements for the fast execution of trade orders. Although installable desktop versions are generally more resource intensive compared to using a web-based trading platform, most Mac laptops and desktop computers have a fast processor, large hard drive, and enough RAM to smoothly run a desktop trading platform.
However, you need to consider the system requirements when choosing a forex trading platform for your Mac. It is better to go for a platform that won’t be too heavy for your system or if you are yet to get a Mac computer, you need to go for one that can easily run the trading platform you want to use.
Which brokers offer the best trading platforms for Mac?
Many brokers offer Mac-compatible trading platforms and would always provide a link for downloading the Mac version of the desktop platform, just as they do for the Windows version. While some third-party forex trading platforms, such as the MT4/MT5 and cTrader, may not have Mac-compatible versions, they have web versions that can be accessed via the Safari browser. Similarly, brokers with proprietary platforms often provide web platforms that can be accessed via the Safari browser.
So, the best way to assess brokers that offer Mac-supporting platforms is by considering their trading and non-trading fees, the range of instrument offerings, the availability of charts and trading tools, educational resources, and customer support services. Based on these criteria, the following is our list of the best brokers for trading with Mac:
1. IC Markets — MT4/MT5 suite and cTrader
2. Eightcap — TradingView and MT4/MT5
3. FXTM — MT4/MT5
4. Roboforex — MT4/MT5, cTrader, and R StockTrader
5. FXOpen — MT4/MT5 and TickTrader
6. VT Markets — MT4/MT5
7. XM — MT4/MT5 suite and XM apps
8. SimpleFX — MT4 and SimpleFX mobile apps
Comparing brokers’ platforms for Mac users
| Regulation | Execution | Fees | Trading platforms | Available instruments | Minimum deposit | Education resources | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC Markets | Yes | ECN | Spreads Commissions | Full suite: MT4/MT5 cTrader | Forex Commodities Stocks Indexes Bonds Digital currencies Futures | $200 | Yes |
| Eightcap | Yes | ECN | Spreads Commissions | MT4/MT5 TradingView | Forex Commodities Indexes Stocks cryptocurrencies | $100 | Yes |
| FXTM | Yes | STP/ECN | Spreads Commissions Inactivity fee | MT4 & MT5 | Forex Commodities Indexes Stocks | $100 | Yes |
| Roboforex | Yes | STP/ECN | Spreads Commissions | MT4/MT5 cTrader R StocksTrader | Forex Commodities Indexes Stocks ETFs Cryptos | $10 | Yes |
| FXOpen | Yes | STP/ECN | Spreads Commissions Deposit withdrawal fees, inactivity fees | MT4 MT5 TickTrader | Forex Indexes ETFs Stocks Commodities Cryptos | $10 | Yes |
| VT Markets | Yes | STP/ECN | Spreads Commissions Withdrawal fees | MT4 MT5 | Forex Commodities Indexes Stocks | $100 | Yes |
| XM | Yes | Market maker/ECN | Spreads Commissions Inactivity fee | MT4 MT5 XM apps | Forex Commodities Indexes Stocks Cryptos | $5 | Yes |
| SimpleFX | No | Market maker | Spreads Commissions Inactivity fee Withdrawal fees | MT4 SimpleFX Mobile app | Cryptocurrencies Commodities Indexes Stocks | $0 | No |
Is the MT4 platform compatible with Mac?
Actually, MT4 was built to run natively on Windows computers, but there is a Mac version, which requires a Windows Emulator, such as Wine, to work on a Mac computer. Brokers that provide the Mac version of MT4 package the installation file with the Windows Emulator which creates the Windows-simulated environment for the MT4 to run on. Some Windows Emulators, such as the Parallels Desktop software, work very well and make the Mac MT4 feel like the Windows version.
But if you want to trade with MT4 on Mac but without the rigors of a Windows-simulated environment, you can use the web version which can run seamlessly on your Safari browser. MT4 web has all the features of the desktop platform. Moreover, MetaQuotes have already released MT4 for iPhone.
Does Mac support the MT5 platform?
As with the MT4, MT5 natively runs on the Windows environment and would need a Windows Emulator, such as Wine, to work on a Mac computer. So, brokers that provide the Mac version of MT5 package the installation file with the Windows Emulator to create the Windows-simulated environment for the MT5 software to run.
To trade with MT5 on Mac without the rigors of a Windows-simulated environment, you can access the web version on your broker’s website via your Safari browser. Since MT5 web has all the features of the desktop platform, you get the same experience. Also, there is the MT5 app for iPhone, which you can use to trade the markets available from your broker.
Is the cTrader platform compatible with Mac?
The desktop version of cTrader for MAC does not exist, but that does not mean that there is no way to have it installed on your apple device. As with the MT4/MT5 platform, you can use a Windows Emulator, such as the Parallels Desktop software, to run the cTrader platform on your Mac computer.
Alternatively, you can use the web version of cTrader, which boasts the same complete set of charting and trading features, as the Windows Desktop version. It offers almost identical possibilities as a computer application, and it can run smoothly on your Safari browser.
Does Mac support the TradingView platform?
Yes, TradingView Desktop now supports Macs on Apple M1 chip. In May 2021, the platform released a brand new version of TradingView Desktop for Mac that adds support for the Apple M1 in addition to Intel architecture. So, if your broker is integrated with TradingView, you can trade via the platform on your Mac computer.
Can social trading platforms work on Mac?
Yes, social trading platforms that are compatible with Mac do work. For example, when fully installed on your Mac, MT5 signal services can be accessed from your Mac computer. The same goes for other social trading platforms.
Does Mac have an app for tracking stocks?
Yes, there is a widget available by default on macOS, version Mojave 10.14 and later, called the Stock app. It shows stock quotes powered by Yahoo Finance, charts, and news headlines from various top-tier providers like the Wall Street Journal and CNBC. You can search for it by typing “Stocks.app” on your Mac using the finder lookup tool.
How good is Mac for Scalping?
It depends on the MacBook you are using. But generally, most Mac computers are, by default, built with a fast processor, enough RAM, a powerful video card, and plenty of storage to satisfy even the most demanding trading platforms used for day trading. So, you can use your Mac for scalping if your broker supports that.
What Mac computer should I choose for Scalping?
Almost any Apple MacBook is good enough. You can use a MacBook Pro, which comes with powerful specs — depending on the year of the model, most versions come with 16GB of RAM, 3.6 GHz 8-Core Intel Core i9 Processor, and 4GB of dedicated RAM. It offers speed and durability.
How do I start trading with Mac?
Trading with a Mac computer is just like trading with any other computer. If you want to use a desktop platform, you have to install it, but if the platform is not Mac-compatible, you may have to use a Windows Emulator, such as the Parallels Desktop software, to create a Windows-simulated environment.
You can always use the web-based trading versions and mobile apps if you don’t want to go through the rigors of Windows simulation with another application.
Which broker is the best for trading with Mac?
Based on our criteria for ranking brokers, IC Markets is the best broker for Mac. The broker provides the full suites of MT4/MT5 and cTrader platforms. It is regulated in multiple jurisdictions by several tier-1 regulators, including the ASIC and CySEC, which confer a high level of trust. In addition, its trading conditions are suitable for different styles of traders.
