Oanda is one of the world’s leading online trading platforms, offering users access to trade forex, indices, commodities, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. With low spreads and no minimum deposit, Oanda appeals to beginner and experienced traders alike.
But how does Oanda stack up in 2024? This comprehensive Oanda review will provide an in-depth analysis of Oanda’s mobile and web trading platforms, highlighting key features, pros and cons, and usability. Read on to determine if Oanda’s trading platforms are right for your needs as a trader in the new year.
An Overview of Oanda’s Trading Platforms
Oanda offers traders access to global markets through both mobile and web-based trading platforms. Let’s examine the key details of each platform:
Oanda’s Mobile Trading Apps
Oanda offers iOS and Android mobile trading apps that allow users to access financial markets on the go. The apps include these features:
- Real-time streaming quotes for forex, commodities, indices, bonds, and cryptocurrencies
- Charting with over 80 technical indicators
- Trading directly from charts
- Advanced order types including stops, limits and IFD orders
- Push notifications for price alerts
- Economic calendar of upcoming events
- Financial news headlines
Oanda’s Web-Based Trading Platforms
Oanda provides two powerful web-based trading platforms: Oanda Trade and fxTrade.
Oanda Trade is Oanda’s newest platform aimed at casual traders. Key features include:
- Easy-to-use intuitive interface
- Streamlined order execution from charts, price tiles and deal tickets
- Access to over 50 currency pairs and CFDs on commodities, bonds, and cryptocurrencies
- Charting with over 40 technical indicators
- Customizable layouts and themes
- Available on desktop and mobile web
fxTrade is Oanda’s flagship platform designed for active traders. It includes:
- Advanced charting with 100+ technical indicators
- Automated trading via expert advisors and VPS hosting
- Trading directly from charts
- Level II pricing on forex trades
- Advanced order types and algorithmic trading options
- Available via desktop platform or web-based HTML5 version
Now that we’ve looked at an overview of Oanda’s platform offerings, let’s dig into the features, functionalities and user experience of their mobile and web trading platforms.
Key Features of Oanda’s Mobile Trading Apps
Oanda’s mobile trading apps for iOS and Android allow traders to analyze markets and execute trades from anywhere. Here are some of the standout features traders will find useful:
Intuitive, User-Friendly Interface
Oanda’s mobile apps provide an intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate. Key functions like pricing, charting, trading, and account management are accessible from a clean bottom menu bar. The overall design is simple yet powerful.
Streaming Real-Time Quotes
The mobile apps provide real-time streaming quotes across forex, indices, commodities, bonds and cryptocurrencies. Live streaming prices help traders identify opportunities and execute trades based on the latest market data.
Mobile Charting with Indicators
Traders can analyze price action using interactive charts directly on the mobile apps. Charting capabilities include multiple chart types, time frames, overlays and over 80 technical indicators. Charts can also be customized with drawing tools.
Order Execution from Charts
The mobile apps allow traders to execute market, stop and limit orders directly from chart windows. This allows for efficient order entry compared to switching between charts and dealing screens.
Push Notifications for Price Alerts
Traders can set price alerts for selected instruments that trigger customizable push notifications. This allows traders to monitor prices without having the app open at all times.
Economic Calendar
The apps include an economic calendar that lists upcoming events and market expectations. Traders can add upcoming events directly to their calendar for easy reminder.
Multi-Asset Support
Oanda’s mobile apps provide trading access to forex, indices, commodities, bonds and cryptocurrencies from a single platform. This allows for seamless diversification.
Secure Account Management
Traders can easily fund their accounts, withdraw money, and manage personal details through the mobile apps. Advanced security via fingerprint or face recognition helps keep accounts safe.
Key Features of Oanda’s Web Trading Platforms
In addition to Oanda’s excellent mobile apps, traders can benefit from two powerful web-based trading platforms in Oanda Trade and fxTrade. Here are some of the top features of the web platforms:
Responsive HTML5 Platforms
Both Oanda Trade and fxTrade use responsive HTML5 technology that adapts seamlessly across desktop, laptop and mobile web. The platforms provide a unified experience across devices.
Advanced Charting Capabilities
Oanda’s web charting includes 100+ indicators, interactive drawing tools, pattern recognition, customizable layouts and other advanced features for in-depth technical analysis.
Level II Pricing (fxTrade)
Level II pricing on fxTrade shows market depth and liquidity by providing live buy/sell orders from top institutions. This data helps traders make more informed decisions.
Automated Trading Options
FxTrade allows traders to automate their trading strategies via MQL coding or by connecting 3rd party EAs for hands-free execution once orders are placed.
Diverse Product Offerings
Like the mobile apps, Oanda’s web platforms provide access to a diverse product catalog including forex, commodities, indices, bonds and cryptocurrencies.
Customizable Interface
Traders can customize fxTrade through floating windows, detachable charts, multiple monitors and a workspace layout saver. Oanda Trade also offers themes.
This wide range of features makes Oanda’s web trading experience robust and personalized to each trader’s unique preferences and workflow.
Pros of Using Oanda’s Mobile and Web Trading Platforms
Now that we’ve examined key features, let’s look at some of the biggest pros traders can enjoy when using Oanda’s trading platforms:
Low Trading Costs
Oanda is praised for low trading costs. Spreads for major currency pairs start from 0.7 pips. No commissions or monthly platform fees keep costs low.
Free Demo Accounts
Oanda provides free demo accounts with $100,000 in virtual funds. This allows traders to thoroughly test platforms before depositing real money.
No Minimum Deposit
Unlike some competitors, Oanda has no minimum deposit requirement to open a live account. Beginners can start with a small deposit.
Regulatory Oversight
Oanda is regulated by top-tier regulators like the NFA, CFTC, IIROC, and FCA. This provides security for traders’ accounts and funds.
Smooth Execution
Oanda’s ECN/STP execution model provides reliable price fills and slippage control. Traders enjoy dependable order execution.
Wide Range of Markets
Traders can diversify across forex, commodities, indices, bonds and cryptocurrencies from one account and platform.
Excellent Charting
Oanda is lauded for its advanced web-based charting capabilities. The mobile charting experience is also smooth and intuitive.
Leading Market Analysis
Oanda provides top-quality market analysis, news, and research via Trading Central and an economic calendar.
For traders seeking low-cost trading, advanced platforms, and regulatory oversight, Oanda delivers an excellent package.
Cons of Using Oanda’s Mobile and Web Trading Platforms
While Oanda’s trading platforms offer several pros, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
Limited Trading Instruments
While better than some rivals, Oanda’s selection of just 50+ tradable instruments may be limited for advanced traders. Platforms like MT4 offer thousands.
No Direct API Access
Oanda does not provide direct API access for traders seeking to use trading algos or develop custom indicators and EAs which comes standard on MT4 and MT5 platforms.
Desktop Platform Requires Download
The full fxTrade desktop platform must be downloaded and installed whereas some competitors offer web-only desktop access. Oanda Trade is web-based.
Limited Research and Education
Compared to rivals, Oanda provides relatively few trading resources, educational materials or community forums on its platforms.
No Volume Rebates
Oanda does not offer volume cash rebates like some ECN brokers. Large volume traders may find better rebates elsewhere.
No Cryptocurrency Wallets
While providing CFDs on crypto prices, Oanda does not offer integrated crypto wallets for storing coins unlike eToro, Paxful, and others.
For less advanced traders or those focused just on forex, Oanda will likely meet platform needs. But heavy algorithmic traders may want more capabilities.
Ease of Use of Oanda’s Mobile and Web Trading Platforms
In evaluating Oanda’s offerings, an important criteria is ease of use. Let’s compare the usability across their mobile and web platforms:
Mobile App Usability
Oanda’s mobile trading apps earn top marks for usability. The clean, intuitive interface makes navigating simple and user-friendly. Key functions are easily accessible for a frustration-free experience. Streamlined order entry is a major mobile highlight.
Web Platform Usability
Oanda Trade provides excellent usability for casual traders with its simple, uncluttered interface focused on essentials like pricing, charting and order tickets. FxTrade is more complex but can be customized through layouts, detachable modules and workspace savers.
Account Management Usability
Managing accounts is very simple via mobile and web. The account panel provides easy access to reporting, account details, funding options and security settings. Helpful tooltips provide guidance.
Resources and Support Usability
Oanda’s Help Center, FAQs and other resources are well-organized and searchable. Live chat, email and 24 hour support are readily available if any questions arise.
Overall, Oanda hits the mark on usability for mobile and web-based trading. Limited tools on mobile keep the experience straightforward while customization options aid advanced web traders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oanda’s Trading Platforms
Does Oanda offer a desktop trading platform?
Yes, Oanda offers a full-featured downloadable desktop platform called fxTrade. It provides advanced functionality through a customizable workspace. Oanda Trade is also available via desktop web.
What devices can I use to access Oanda’s trading platforms?
Oanda’s mobile apps work on both iOS and Android phones and tablets. The web-based platforms are accessible on any desktop or laptop via major web browsers like Chrome, Firefox and Safari.
How do I open a demo account with Oanda?
Opening a free Oanda practice account is simple. On their website, click “Create Demo Account”, enter your email and name, and you’ll gain access to $100,000 in virtual funds to test platforms.
Does Oanda offer a web-based version or only desktop platforms?
Oanda provides both desktop and web-based access. Oanda Trade is web-only while fxTrade has a downloadable desktop app in addition to a web-based HTML5 version.
Can I trade directly from Oanda’s charts?
Yes, Oanda allows order entry directly from chart windows in both the mobile and web-based trading platforms. This allows efficient execution without switching screens.
Can I use Oanda’s trading platforms with a virtual private server (VPS)?
Yes, fxTrade supports connecting your VPS service to run automated strategies 24/7. Running EAs on a VPS can help avoid connectivity issues related to your local PC or internet.
These FAQs should provide helpful insights into key questions around accessing and using Oanda’s trading platform offerings. Reach out to Oanda’s award-winning customer service for any other questions.
The Final Verdict – Who Oanda’s Trading Platforms Appeal To
So who is Oanda best suited for in 2024 and beyond based on their trading platforms?
For beginner traders, Oanda provides an accessible starting point. User-friendly mobile and web apps focus on core essentials like pricing, charts and order execution. Practice accounts help build skills without risk.
For forex traders, Oanda delivers reliable execution on 50+ currency pairs. Advanced charting, Level II pricing (on fxTrade), and tight spreads provide an edge. Access to other assets adds diversity.
For casual traders, Oanda Trade offers simplicity. An intuitive web interface lets you analyze markets and trade top instruments without unnecessary complexity.
For algorithmic traders, fxTrade provides automated trading via EAs. Customization allows tailoring the platform to your strategy. API access is limited compared to MT4/MT5 however.
For traders wanting regulation, Oanda is regulated by top agencies globally including the NFA, IIROC, and FCA giving your funds security.
With low-cost trading, mobile convenience, and easy access across devices, Oanda provides appealing choices for traders in search of reliability and performance in 2024.