CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
What is a VPS in forex trading?
In forex, a VPS is a remote trading computer that stays online 24/7 and operates close to a broker’s servers. Unlike a home setup, it doesn’t fail from internet interruptions, power outages, or system crashes. That kind of reliability is crucial for anyone using automation or trading strategies that demand instant execution.
Most VPS setups run Windows Server, allowing traders to install platforms like MetaTrader or cTrader with ease. When configured properly, a VPS offers a seamless experience, with better execution speed and less slippage than typical home networks.
infoVPS isn't cloud storage
A VPS isn’t cloud backup. It’s a dedicated, always-on computer in a secure data center, making it ideal for running EAs, alerts, and real-time trading apps.
Why do forex traders use VPS hosting?
The forex market never sleeps during the week, and trading strategies often depend on platforms staying connected around the clock. A VPS ensures orders execute even when local internet or hardware fails.
Many traders rely on VPS hosting for automated systems, news trading, or latency-sensitive setups like scalping. A solid VPS can mean the difference between a clean exit and a messy loss.
Types of VPS services offered by forex brokers
Forex brokers typically provide VPS access in three ways: included with trading conditions, discounted through partnerships, or as paid add-ons. Some maintain in-house VPS infrastructure, while others outsource to specialized providers.
Performance and reliability vary. We’ve seen broker-integrated VPS setups that deliver low-latency connections ideal for automated trading. Others struggle during peak hours, leading to frustrating lag or disconnects. It’s essential to understand what’s being offered, and what's left out.
The best setups offer customization: choice of operating system, flexible memory options, and responsive technical support. Always check specifications to ensure they align with the demands of your trading strategy.
warningDon't assume a broker's VPS is fast
A VPS may be provided by the broker, but that doesn’t guarantee it’s optimized. Ask about location, specs, and latency before relying on it.
How to choose a forex broker with the best VPS
Start by verifying location. The closer the VPS is to the broker’s trading servers, the lower the latency. A setup in London works best with a broker whose infrastructure is also in London.
Next, review the specs. For simple strategies on MT4, 512MB RAM might be enough. But to ensure smooth performance, especially with MT5 or multiple charts, aim for 1GB or more. High-frequency strategies or resource-heavy EAs may need additional CPU power and memory.
Also, confirm uptime guarantees and support services. A 99.9% uptime promise means little without proper backup systems and technical help on standby.
quizKey questions to ask your broker about its VPS
- Where is the VPS hosted?
- Is it a shared or dedicated server?
- What are the RAM, CPU, and bandwidth limits?
- Is tech support available 24/7?
Is free VPS really free?
“Free VPS” is often a marketing term. Most brokers only offer it if you meet trading volume targets or maintain a specific account balance. Miss the minimums, and the VPS could be suspended, or quietly billed to the account.
More importantly, many free VPS setups operate in shared environments, where server resources are split between users. This can lead to lag, reduced execution speed, and potential instability during high-traffic periods.
infoA free VPS has trade-offs
Free VPS plans often come with performance trade-offs. A sluggish server could cost more in missed opportunities than a paid, high-performance option.
Should you pay for an external VPS instead?
In many cases, yes. External VPS providers often deliver stronger uptime, faster execution, and better scalability than broker-supplied options.
With an independent VPS, there’s full control over system specs, software environments, and backups. That’s especially helpful when running multiple accounts, complex strategies, or custom indicators.
Security is also solid. Most brokers allow logins from any IP. Some offer optional IP whitelisting for added safety, but it's not a requirement for standard trading.
helpShould you go external?
If performance, flexibility, or control is a priority, a paid VPS is often worth it. The benefits typically outweigh the cost, especially for active or automated traders.
BrokerNotes.co 2025 Overall Rankings
To recap, here are our top forex brokers for 2025, sorted by Overall ranking.
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Methodology
At BrokerNotes.co, our data-driven online broker reviews are based on our extensive testing of brokers, platforms, products, technologies, and third-party trading tools. Our product testing extends to the quality and availability of educational content, market research resources, and the accessibility and capabilities of mobile platforms and trading apps. We also dive into each broker’s trading costs, such as VIP rebates, inactivity fees, custody fees, bid/ask spreads, and other fee-based data points.
Steven Hatzakis, an industry veteran with decades of experience in the forex market, leads the BrokerNotes research team. All BrokerNotes content is researched, fact-checked, and edited by the research team.
All websites and web-based platforms are tested using the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. Our Desktop PCs run Windows 11, and we use MacBook Pro laptops running the latest version of macOS to test trading on the go. We test mobile apps and products using iPhones running iOS 17 and Samsung devices running Android OS 14.
Note: The online brokers on our site provide the ability to trade forex in one or more ways, such as non-deliverable spot forex (i.e., rolling spot contracts), contracts for difference (CFD), or other derivatives such as futures. The availability of specific markets or features will depend on your country of residence and the broker's applicable brand or entity that services your account(s).
Forex Risk Disclaimer
There is a very high degree of risk involved in trading securities. With respect to margin-based foreign exchange trading, off-exchange derivatives, and cryptocurrencies, there is considerable exposure to risk, including but not limited to, leverage, creditworthiness, limited regulatory protection and market volatility that may substantially affect the price, or liquidity of a currency or related instrument. It should not be assumed that the methods, techniques, or indicators presented in these products will be profitable, or that they will not result in losses. Learn more about foreign exchange risk.
About the Editorial Team
Founded in 2014 and acquired in 2021, BrokerNotes.co provides unbiased forex broker reviews and ratings to help traders and investors find the best broker for their needs. With over 60 brokers reviewed, our editorial team has published thousands of words of research to help our readers make informed choices.
Joey Shadeck is the Content Strategist and Research Analyst for BrokerNotes.co and ForexBrokers.com. He holds dual degrees in Finance and Marketing from Oakland University, and has been an active trader and investor for close to ten years. An industry veteran, Joey obtains and verifies data, conducts research, and analyzes and validates our content.
Hannah Smith is a Staff Editor at BrokerNotes.co. With a background in SEO and years of experience in digital media, Hannah is focused on creating high-quality, data-driven content that helps investors make informed decisions. With a master's degree in English from North Carolina State University, she brings a strong foundation in writing, research, and editorial strategy to her work.
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