L
LHV
3.4 / 5Score: 1 / 1
LHV delivers institutional-grade tight spreads and multi-regulator trust from a stable, established Baltic banking heritage.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:5
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- Finantsinspektsioon, FCA
Reviewed by Experts Updated 9/17/2026
LHV vs Spreadex: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
LHV and Spreadex both earn a 3.4/5 rating, making this one of the tightest matchups in our broker comparison series. LHV pulls ahead on spreads and regulatory breadth, while Spreadex counters with higher leverage and a wider CFD market range.
S
Spreadex
3.4 / 5Score: 0 / 1
Spreadex combines high leverage flexibility with a broad multi-asset CFD offering under solid FCA oversight.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:200
- Spread from
- 0.6 pips
- Regulators
- FCA
Best for Beginners
LHV
Lowest Fees
LHV
Top Regulation
LHV
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | L LHV | S Spreadex |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.4 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 |
| Founded | 1999 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Tallinn, Estonia | St Albans, UK |
| Regulation | Finantsinspektsioon, FCA | FCA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Commission | None | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:5 | 1:200 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, LHV Broker | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Stocks, Etf, Crypto, Indices | Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
LHV
$0
Spreadex
$0
Spreads From
LHV
0 pips
Spreadex
0.6 pips
Commission
LHV
None
Spreadex
None
Deposit Fees
LHV
None
Spreadex
None
Withdrawal Fees
LHV
None
Spreadex
None
Pros & cons
L
LHV
Pros
- Extremely competitive spreads starting at 0 pips reduce trading costs over time
- Backed by two respected regulators, adding an extra layer of client protection
- Offers three distinct platform choices, giving flexibility for desktop and mobile users
- No minimum deposit makes it accessible for traders starting with small capital
- Zero fees on deposits and withdrawals preserve more of your trading capital
- Long operating history since 1999 demonstrates institutional stability
- Diverse asset access spanning stocks, ETFs, crypto, and indices in one place
Cons
- Maximum leverage capped at just 1:5, far below many CFD-focused competitors
- No forex or commodities trading available, limiting appeal to multi-asset traders
- No dedicated CFD offering, which may deter short-term derivatives traders
- Proprietary-only platform lineup means no MetaTrader or cTrader support
- Headquartered in Estonia, which may feel less familiar to non-European clients
S
Spreadex
Pros
- Higher maximum leverage of 1:200 allows for greater position flexibility
- Broader market range with five asset categories including forex and commodities
- No minimum deposit required, making account opening accessible to all budgets
- No commission charges on trades, simplifying the overall cost structure
- Zero fees on both deposits and withdrawals protect trading capital
- Established since 1999, reflecting decades of operational experience
- Regulated by the FCA, a respected tier-1 financial authority
Cons
- Wider spreads starting at 0.6 pips compared to LHV's 0 pips baseline
- Single regulator coverage offers less redundancy than multi-licensed competitors
- Only two proprietary platforms available, without third-party platform support
- No crypto or ETF market access, narrowing appeal for diversified investors
- Higher leverage can increase risk exposure for inexperienced traders
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Lowest fees LHV
Best regulation LHV
Better for beginners LHV
LHV edges out Spreadex overall with a marginal 3.36 vs 3.35 score, driven primarily by tighter spreads from 0 pips and dual tier-1 regulation. Spreadex remains a strong alternative for traders wanting higher leverage up to 1:200 and broader CFD, forex, and commodities access. Neither broker charges a commission, deposit fee, or withdrawal fee, so the decision ultimately hinges on your asset preferences and risk appetite.
Regulation & Safety
LHV holds dual regulatory licensing from Finantsinspektsioon in Estonia and the UK's FCA, giving it two layers of tier-1 oversight. Spreadex, by contrast, operates under a single FCA licence, which is still a highly respected regulatory body but offers less redundancy.
For traders who prioritize regulatory diversification and want the added confidence of oversight from multiple jurisdictions, LHV holds a clear structural advantage. Spreadex's FCA-only status remains solid but narrower in scope.
Both brokers have operated since 1999, giving each over 25 years of market presence without major regulatory controversy, which speaks to long-term operational stability on both sides.
Fees & Spreads
Cost is where LHV distinguishes itself most clearly, offering spreads starting from 0 pips with zero commission charges. Spreadex's spreads start at 0.6 pips, also commission-free, but the wider baseline spread means higher implicit trading costs over time.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, and both require a $0 minimum deposit, removing account funding as a differentiating factor. The real cost gap emerges purely in spread pricing during active trading.
For high-frequency or cost-sensitive traders, LHV's tighter spreads can translate into meaningful savings, particularly on larger position sizes or frequent trade execution.
Leverage & Market Access
Spreadex offers substantially higher leverage at up to 1:200, compared to LHV's conservative 1:5 cap. This makes Spreadex more appealing to traders who want amplified exposure on smaller account balances, though it also introduces greater risk.
Market breadth also favors Spreadex, which supports CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, and Commodities across five categories. LHV covers Stocks, ETFs, Crypto, and Indices — a solid but narrower four-category offering focused more on longer-term investing than active CFD trading.
Traders focused on forex or commodities speculation will find Spreadex the only viable option between the two, since LHV does not offer either asset class.
Trading Platforms & Usability
LHV provides three platform options: a Proprietary Web platform, a Proprietary Mobile app, and the dedicated LHV Broker application, giving users more flexibility in how they manage trades. Spreadex offers two proprietary platforms — Web and Mobile — without a separate dedicated trading application.
Neither broker supports third-party platforms like MetaTrader 4/5 or cTrader, which may be a limitation for traders who prefer industry-standard charting and automation tools.
Overall, LHV's slightly larger platform lineup gives it a marginal usability edge, though both brokers maintain clean, functional proprietary interfaces suited to their respective target markets.
Our Verdict
With scores of 3.36 for LHV and 3.35 for Spreadex, this comparison is remarkably close, and the right choice depends heavily on individual trading priorities. LHV is the stronger pick for cost-conscious, regulation-focused investors trading stocks, ETFs, or crypto.
Spreadex, meanwhile, suits traders who need higher leverage and broader CFD, forex, and commodities access despite a slightly wider spread. Both brokers charge no commission and have zero deposit or withdrawal fees, keeping the overall cost structure competitive on both sides.
Ultimately, LHV takes the marginal overall win in our rating due to its tighter spreads and dual regulation, but Spreadex remains a credible, well-regulated alternative for multi-asset CFD traders.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
LHV wins overall
LHV edges out Spreadex overall based on our expert rating score.
L
Highest Rated
LHV
3.4 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.4/5).
LHVBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
LHVLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
LHVStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
LHV
Frequently asked questions
LHV (3.4/5) and Spreadex (3.4/5) are closely matched on our independent rating scale, with LHV holding a marginal edge overall due to lower spreads and broader regulation. The right choice ultimately depends on your priorities — cost efficiency, leverage needs, regulatory redundancy, or available markets. Review the full head-to-head sections above before deciding.
LHV offers tighter spreads starting from 0 pips with no commission, while Spreadex starts at 0.6 pips also with no commission. Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, so the primary cost differentiator comes down to spread width, where LHV holds a clear advantage.
Both LHV and Spreadex require a $0 minimum deposit, making either broker equally accessible to traders starting with limited capital. This removes deposit size as a deciding factor, shifting the decision toward fees, regulation, and platform preference instead.
LHV is regulated by both Finantsinspektsioon and the FCA, giving it dual tier-1 regulatory coverage, while Spreadex operates solely under FCA licensing. Both regulators are highly respected, but LHV's additional oversight layer provides slightly greater regulatory redundancy for cautious traders.
LHV supports three platform options: Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, and the dedicated LHV Broker application. Spreadex supports two proprietary platforms, Web and Mobile, without a dedicated third-party or specialized desktop application.
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously since neither imposes exclusivity restrictions. Many traders diversify across LHV and Spreadex to combine LHV's low-cost stock and crypto access with Spreadex's broader CFD and forex offering.
Spreadex offers significantly higher maximum leverage at 1:200 compared to LHV's conservative 1:5 cap. Traders seeking amplified position sizing may prefer Spreadex, though higher leverage also carries proportionally greater risk of loss.
Spreadex provides access to Forex and Commodities alongside CFDs, Stocks, and Indices, making it the stronger choice for multi-asset CFD traders. LHV focuses instead on Stocks, ETFs, Crypto, and Indices, lacking dedicated forex or commodities markets.
Both LHV and Spreadex were founded in 1999, giving each broker over two decades of operational history. This shared longevity suggests both platforms have weathered multiple market cycles and built established operational infrastructure.
LHV is generally better suited for beginners thanks to its zero-commission structure, tight spreads, dual regulation, and straightforward platform lineup. Its $0 minimum deposit combined with lower cost trading also makes it easier for newcomers to start with minimal financial risk.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.