ThinkMarkets and Longbridge serve very different trading needs — one built for forex and CFDs, the other for stocks and ETFs. Our research gives ThinkMarkets the edge overall, but Longbridge still holds appeal for commission-free equity investors.
ThinkMarkets pairs tier-1 regulatory muscle with true zero-pip spreads and full multi-platform flexibility, making it the sharper all-around choice for active traders.
Longbridge offers commission-free stock and ETF investing through a clean proprietary platform tailored to Asia-Pacific market access.
Same category, top-tier regulation, and it's currently accepting new traders.
See What Makes It DifferentCore features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | T ThinkMarkets | L Longbridge |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.9 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 |
| Founded | 2010 | 2019 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | Hong Kong |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC | SFC, MAS |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | $3.5/lot | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:5 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Stocks, Etf, Options, Indices |
ThinkMarkets
$0
Longbridge
$0
ThinkMarkets
0 pips
Longbridge
0 pips
ThinkMarkets
$3.5/lot
Longbridge
None
ThinkMarkets
None
Longbridge
None
ThinkMarkets
None
Longbridge
None
ThinkMarkets is the clear overall winner, scoring 3.9/5 against Longbridge's 3.4/5 on our independent rating system, thanks to tier-1 FCA and ASIC regulation, zero-pip spreads, and a much broader market and platform offering.
ThinkMarkets is regulated by the FCA in the UK and ASIC in Australia, two of the most respected tier-1 financial regulators in the world. This dual coverage gives traders access to strict capital adequacy rules, segregated client funds, and robust dispute resolution frameworks.
Longbridge, by contrast, is regulated by the SFC in Hong Kong and MAS in Singapore. Both are credible regional regulators, but neither carries the same tier-1 classification as the FCA or ASIC in global rankings.
For traders who prioritize maximum regulatory security, ThinkMarkets holds a clear structural advantage. Longbridge remains a legitimate, well-supervised option for those trading primarily within Asia-Pacific markets.
Both brokers advertise spreads from 0 pips, putting them on paper parity for headline pricing. The real difference emerges in commission structure: ThinkMarkets charges $3.5 per lot on its raw spread accounts, while Longbridge charges no per-trade commission at all.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome consistency for cost-conscious traders on both sides.
For high-frequency forex or CFD traders, ThinkMarkets' tight raw spreads combined with its modest per-lot commission typically still work out competitively. For buy-and-hold stock or ETF investors, Longbridge's zero-commission model can meaningfully reduce long-term holding costs.
ThinkMarkets offers a genuinely versatile platform stack: MT4 and MT5 for algorithmic and expert-advisor trading, plus proprietary web and mobile apps for a more modern interface. This flexibility appeals to traders who want both institutional-grade charting and app-based convenience.
Longbridge sticks to its own proprietary web and mobile platforms only. These are built with equity and ETF investors in mind, offering a clean, focused experience without the complexity of MetaTrader.
Traders who rely on automated strategies or custom indicators will find ThinkMarkets far more accommodating, while Longbridge suits investors who prefer a simplified, no-frills interface.
ThinkMarkets covers six asset classes — forex, CFDs, stocks, indices, commodities, and crypto — with leverage up to 1:500 for eligible accounts. This breadth suits traders who want to diversify or actively trade multiple instrument types from one account.
Longbridge's markets are narrower, spanning stocks, ETFs, options, and indices, with a much more conservative leverage cap of 1:5. This reflects its positioning as an equity-focused investment platform rather than a leveraged trading broker.
Traders chasing forex or crypto exposure have no option but ThinkMarkets, while long-term equity investors focused on capital preservation may appreciate Longbridge's lower-leverage, lower-risk structure.
Both brokers require a $0 minimum deposit, making either platform equally accessible to first-time traders with limited starting capital.
Founded in 2010, ThinkMarkets brings 16 years of operational history versus Longbridge's shorter track record since 2019. This extra maturity can matter to traders who weigh a broker's longevity as part of their trust assessment.
Neither platform charges deposit or withdrawal fees, so funding either account carries no hidden friction regardless of which broker you choose.
ThinkMarkets earns the higher overall rating at 3.9/5 versus Longbridge's 3.4/5, driven primarily by its tier-1 regulatory coverage, broader market access, and more flexible platform lineup. For forex, CFD, and multi-asset traders, it's the stronger all-around package.
Longbridge isn't without merit — its zero-commission structure and Asia-Pacific regulatory oversight make it a sensible choice for equity and ETF investors who never plan to trade forex or use leverage beyond 1:5.
Ultimately, the right choice hinges on your trading focus: pick ThinkMarkets for versatility and regulatory strength, or Longbridge if commission-free stock investing in Asia-Pacific markets is your priority.
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
ThinkMarkets edges out Longbridge overall based on our expert rating score.
Highest Rated
ThinkMarkets
3.9 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.9/5).
Better for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
Lower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Stronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
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.
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