A free VPS is one of the most useful extras a forex broker can offer. It gives traders a remote Windows server that stays online, so MetaTrader platforms can run without interruptions. This matters most for Expert Advisors, trade copiers, and automated risk tools that need 24-hour stability. With a VPS, trades can still be managed even if a home computer shuts down or an internet connection drops. Free VPS access is usually not automatic. Brokers set qualification rules such as a minimum account balance, a minimum deposit, or a monthly trading volume target. Some brokers also limit the free VPS to one server per client, suspend access when requirements are missed, or provide the VPS through a specialist hosting partner. The sections below compare the top forex brokers that provide free VPS access and explain the exact rules traders must meet. This article is reviewed regularly and updated as soon as any broker changes key features, pricing, or account terms.
Quick Summary:
- Axi suits traders who want a regulated setup and a clear path to a free VPS. Qualification is based on either trading volume or a minimum deposit, and the request is made through an application form.
- Pepperstone fits high-volume professional clients who want a broker-run VPS program with published terms and a defined VPS package size. The free VPS is tied to a strict trading volume rule and professional client status.
- TMGM stands out for traders who care about speed and quick provisioning. The sponsored VPS lists 1 ms latency to TMGM trade servers, 100% uptime during market hours, and provisioning within 15 minutes after approval.
- FXGlory is strong for traders who want a deposit-based route into a free VPS for MT4 and MT5 automation, with a fixed time window and clear deposit thresholds for extension.
- FXChoice is best for traders who want transparent VPS specs and a Europe server location. The VPS plan publishes latency and uptime, and the free VPS rule is built around a $3,000 balance and 5 lots per billing cycle.
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AvaTrade is included for traders who want VPS-ready MetaTrader trading with a strong education angle. The broker’s VPS page focuses on how to choose and install a VPS, rather than publishing one universal free VPS qualification rule.
Eligibility & Rules: What Traders Need to Know
Regulators and legal access
Free VPS brokers operate under different legal entities and regulators. The regulator that oversees the specific entity you sign up with affects trading protections, complaint routes, and how client money rules are applied.
Before opening an account, traders should confirm the exact legal entity listed on the account application, match it to the regulator register, and read the broker terms for cross-border access. A broker may accept clients globally, but it can still restrict service in certain countries, limit product access, or offer different account conditions depending on where the account is opened.
Leverage limits and product restrictions
Leverage limits and product rules are set by local regulators and vary by country. Many regulators apply stricter leverage caps for retail clients, plus rules on margin close-out and negative balance protection for CFD accounts. These rules can change how much margin a trader can use, which affects position sizing, drawdown, and margin call risk.
A VPS does not change leverage rules or reduce market risk. It only keeps the trading platform online. Stop loss placement, margin monitoring, and risk per trade still control how an account performs during volatility spikes, spread widening, and news-driven moves.
Availability (who can open an account)
Broker availability depends on residency checks, sanctions rules, and local regulations. Many brokers publish restricted jurisdiction lists, and some VPS programs also state that the service is not available where it would breach local laws. Even when an account is available, funding methods, leverage, and products can differ by region.
Another key rule is client classification. Some brokers limit free VPS access to certain account types, such as professional clients or high-volume traders. This means a trader can have an active account and still not qualify for the free VPS unless the required trading volume, balance, or status criteria are met.
Safety Checklist: How to Verify a Broker
Licensing and oversight
A safe starting point is verifying the exact legal entity you will trade with and the regulator that supervises it. Brokers often operate several entities, and the rules can change depending on the entity shown on the account application and the client agreement.
- Check the regulator register and match the broker’s legal name, licence number, and registered address. The name on the register should match the name on the client agreement.
- Confirm the broker is authorised for the products it offers, such as spot forex or CFDs. Some licences cover only certain services.
- Treat “not regulated” as a high-risk signal. A lack of meaningful oversight increases counterparty risk and reduces the options available if a dispute occurs.
Client money protection
Client money protection is one of the most important checks before funding an account. In well-regulated jurisdictions, brokers must keep client funds separate from company money through segregated accounts, subject to local rules.
- Read the broker’s client money policy and confirm whether client funds are held in segregated accounts.
- Look for details on where funds are held, such as the use of established banks, and how withdrawals are processed.
- Check whether the broker describes trust arrangements or similar structures used to separate client funds from operating capital.
Negative balance protection (if offered)
Negative balance protection helps limit losses, so a trader does not owe money beyond the funds in the trading account. This feature matters most during gap risk and fast markets, when prices can jump over stop-loss levels and orders can fill with slippage.
Not every broker or regulator requires negative balance protection, and the rules can differ by entity and client type. Some brokers offer stronger protections for retail clients than for professional clients, and some protections can change when an account is opened under a different jurisdiction. Traders should confirm in the client agreement whether negative balance protection applies, which products it covers, and whether the protection changes with account classification.
How We Ranked These Brokers
Trust and regulation
The top ranking factor is oversight. Brokers regulated by well-known authorities provide clearer rules on conduct, disclosures, and client protection. Brokers that operate without meaningful regulation carry higher counterparty risk and require extra caution before funding an account.
Total costs (spreads/commissions/fees)
Free VPS is never truly free if it forces unnecessary volume. A trader who has to push 5 lots, 7 lots, or $1,000,000 of volume just to keep a VPS free may pay more in spreads and commission than a paid VPS would cost. The best free VPS program matches realistic trading volume.
Platform and execution reliability
The ranking gives extra weight to brokers that publish measurable VPS metrics like latency in milliseconds and uptime percentage. This reduces guesswork for EA traders and scalpers.
Funding and withdrawals
A broker can offer a strong VPS and still fail the basic test if withdrawals are slow or support is hard to reach. The safest path is a broker with clear policies, known withdrawal methods, and clean account statements.
Support quality
VPS users need practical support. The key support questions are about remote desktop access, platform reinstall, Windows updates, and what happens when the VPS qualifies or stops qualifying.
Comparison Table
Detailed Reviews
Axi: Best Overall
Overview
Axi is the most balanced option in this list for traders who want a broker-run free VPS without professional-only access. The free VPS is positioned for Expert Advisors and automated trading systems that need stable connectivity.
Regulation & safety
Axi is authorised and regulated by the FCA with Firm Reference Number 466201.
Costs
The free VPS is available after meeting one of two clear thresholds: trade at least 15 lots in the month prior to the VPS request, or begin trading with a minimum $500 deposit. Access is requested through a short application form and reviewed by the broker.
Platforms
The VPS offer is designed around running MetaTrader automation, so it fits traders who build EAs, indicators, and signal tools that need constant runtime.
Pros
- Built for EA and automated strategy uptime
- Utilizes SSD drives for fast data retrieval
Cons
- Free VPS is not automatic and requires an application
- 15 lots is a high threshold for small accounts
Best For
Traders who run EAs and want FCA regulation plus a clean, rule-based path to a free VPS.
FXGlory: Best for Deposit-Based VPS Access
Overview
FXGlory offers a free VPS service tied to deposit rules and account verification. This approach fits traders who prefer a deposit trigger instead of a lot-based trigger.
Regulation & safety
FXGlory is regulated by International Financial Services Authority (IFSA).
Costs
FXGlory states on its site that a verified account with an initial $1,000 deposit qualifies for 3 months, and it also states the VPS can be terminated if the account is not used for a month.
In testing, VPS access did not follow that exact 3-month limit, and it also stayed active even when the account was not used for a month.
Platforms
FXGlory supports MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 as the trading platforms, so VPS usage is centered on MT4 and MT5 automation.
Pros
- Deposit-based VPS qualification with clear numbers
- Built around MT4 and MT5 EAs
Cons
- Requires a minimum deposit of $1,000
Best For
Traders who run MT4/MT5 EAs and can meet deposit requirements and want easy access to VPS services.
TMGM: Best for Low Latency and Fast Provisioning
Overview
TMGM’s sponsored VPS is built with speed and stability at the center. It is powered through a ForexVPS partnership and is designed for running MT4 EAs and signals with minimal disruption.
Regulation & safety
TMGM lists an ASIC-regulated entity with AFSL 436416.
Costs
The VPS is provided as a free benefit with clear qualifying rules. Current clients qualify by trading 7 lots before the month-end review. New clients qualify with a minimum deposit of $3,000 for the Basic VPS or $20,000 for the High Frequency tier.
Platforms
The sponsored VPS is described as capable of running up to 3 MT4 platforms simultaneously, which fits traders who run multiple terminals for different currency pairs or strategy baskets.
Pros
- Provisioning within 15 minutes after approval
- Support includes help installing MT4 platforms, EAs, and signals
Cons
- Free access depends on meeting lot or deposit thresholds
Best For
Active traders who scalp or run latency-sensitive EAs and want published performance numbers instead of marketing claims.
FXChoice: Best for Transparent VPS Specs in Europe
Overview
FXChoice publishes one of the clearest VPS offer pages in the group, and the VPS performance claims were checked against live use. The VPS plan is described with a Europe server location, 7 ms latency, and a 99.9% uptime guarantee.
Regulation & safety
FXChoice is regulated by the Financial Services Commission in Belize and publishes a licence number 000067/301.
Costs
The VPS standard plan is listed at $40 per month. The service becomes free when the account keeps a total balance of $3,000 or more and the client trades at least 5 lots during each billing cycle. FXChoice also states the first month is paid and that only one VPS is provided per client.
Platforms
FXChoice supports MT4 and MT5, and the VPS offer is targeted at traders running EAs without keeping a home computer online.
Pros
- Europe server location is useful for traders who prefer that region for execution
- Features 2GB of virtual RAM, which provides a dedicated environment for automated trading.
Cons
- $3,000 balance requirement blocks small accounts
Best For
EA traders who want published VPS specs and can maintain a $3,000 account balance while meeting the 5 lot billing cycle rule.
Pepperstone: Best for Professional Clients
Overview
Pepperstone runs a formal VPS Service Program with published terms and a defined VPS package. It is built for professional clients who want their trading platform online for algorithmic strategies.
Regulation & safety
Pepperstone states it is licensed and regulated by the FCA (Firm Reference Number: 684312).
Costs
The VPS service is a free monthly subscription to VPS hosting when the criteria are met. The program is only available to Pepperstone clients who are classified as professional clients. The key volume requirement is a trading volume of $1,000,000 or more over a 60-day period. If the criteria are missed, access to the VPS service is suspended.
Platforms
This VPS program is designed for keeping platforms online for automated strategies, which fits EAs, trade copiers, and systematic execution models that need constant connectivity.
Pros
- Defined VPS package specs: Basic includes 1 CPU, 3GB RAM, and 40GB SSD
- Strong fit for high-volume systematic trading
Cons
- Professional client status is required
- $1,000,000 volume threshold is high
Best For
Professional clients trading large volume who want a broker-run VPS program.
AvaTrade: Best for VPS Education and Third-Party Setup
Overview
AvaTrade takes a different angle: it explains how VPS trading works, how to choose a VPS provider, and how to install a VPS for running EAs. This is useful for beginners who want to understand VPS basics before paying for hosting or chasing volume targets.
Regulation & safety
AvaTrade is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (Reference No. C53877).
Costs
AvaTrade commonly partners with specialized services like FXVM for hosting. Third-party providers, such as BeeksFX, also offer VPS options that can be used with AvaTrade, with annual costs that can exceed £300.
Platforms
AvaTrade provides VPS hosting specifically for MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
Pros
- Clear educational content on VPS selection and installation
- Good fit for traders who want control over VPS provider choice
Cons
- VPS costs are tied to the chosen hosting provider plan
Best For
Beginners who want to understand VPS trading properly and prefer choosing a VPS provider directly, rather than meeting volume rules to unlock a sponsored VPS.
How to Choose a Broker
Regulation and protections
Start with the legal entity behind the account. The regulator supervising that entity sets the rules for conduct, disclosures, client money handling, and complaint processes. Many brokers operate multiple entities, so the protections can change depending on which entity is shown on the account application and client agreement.
Pay attention to client classification. Some brokers offer different protections and different product rules for retail and professional clients. A free VPS that is locked behind professional classification can also come with different safeguards than a standard retail account.
Fees and pricing
Compare the free VPS qualification rule to a realistic trading plan. If a broker requires a high number of lots per cycle, the added spreads and commissions paid to reach the target can cost more than a paid VPS. A fixed VPS fee can be cheaper than forcing volume that does not match the strategy.
Product access and restrictions
Check leverage limits, margin rules, and product restrictions that apply to the account. These rules shape position sizing, stop-loss distance, and drawdown tolerance. A VPS keeps the platform online, but it does not change leverage rules or reduce market risk.
Deposits/withdrawals
A VPS improves uptime and reduces connection risk, but it does not protect against slow withdrawals or account handling problems. Before scaling an EA or increasing lot size, test the full cycle with a small deposit and a real withdrawal, then increase only after the process is consistent.
FAQ
1) What is a forex VPS in simple words?
A forex VPS is a remote computer that stays online and runs your trading platform for you. Traders use it to keep MT4 or MT5 connected for EAs, indicators, and trade management tools, even when their own device is off.
2) How many lots are needed to keep a free VPS?
The number depends on the broker program. Axi uses 15 lots in the prior month or a $500 deposit for eligibility. FXChoice requires 5 lots per billing cycle plus a $3,000 balance. TMGM uses 7 lots before the month-end review for current clients.
3) What does 1 lot mean for VPS qualification rules?
In spot forex, 1 standard lot equals 100,000 units of the base currency. Many brokers also support mini lots and micro lots, but VPS qualification rules often count lots in standard lot terms, so it is important to confirm how the broker counts volume.
4) Does a free VPS guarantee better execution?
A VPS improves uptime and reduces local connection issues, which helps execution consistency. It does not guarantee fills, spreads, or slippage because those depend on liquidity, volatility, and the broker’s execution environment. Programs that publish latency in milliseconds provide more clarity on the connection side.
5) What happens if the VPS rules are not met?
Programs handle this differently. Pepperstone’s VPS terms state access is suspended when criteria are not met. FXChoice charges a paid monthly VPS price and describes the free rule as conditional on balance and volume. TMGM describes the free benefit as tied to the lot and deposit thresholds.
Published by:
Elizabeth Sterling