Which broker is better for Norway traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Norway traders seeking a reliable forex broker, comparing Exness and Hantec Markets is essential to find the best fit. Exness, with a strong 4.8/5 score, is known for its low costs, high trading volumes, and support for local payments like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Hantec Markets, scoring 3.6/5, offers a more traditional broker experience with a focus on stability and regulatory compliance. In Norway, where trading conditions like spreads and deposit methods matter, Exness stands out for its flexibility and cost efficiency. However, Hantec Markets may appeal to traders who prioritize a conservative approach. This comparison covers regulation, trading costs, platforms, and deposit options to help Norway traders make an informed decision.
| Instrument | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Hantec Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Hantec Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Hantec Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Hantec Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
When comparing trading costs, Exness offers Norway traders tighter spreads, especially on major forex pairs like EUR/USD, where spreads can be as low as 0.0 pips on its Zero account. Hantec Markets has variable spreads starting from 1.0 pips, which can increase during volatile market conditions. For high-volume traders in Norway, Exness's lower spreads can lead to significant savings over time. Additionally, Exness has no commission on standard accounts, while Hantec Markets charges commissions on certain account types. Overall, Exness provides a more cost-effective trading environment for Norway traders.
| Account Type | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Norway (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Exness |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Exness |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | Exness |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Exness and Hantec Markets offer the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, which is widely used by Norway traders for its advanced charting tools and automated trading capabilities. Exness also supports MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and its own web-based platform, providing more flexibility. Hantec Markets focuses solely on MT4, which may be sufficient for many traders. For Norway traders who prefer a modern interface or mobile trading, Exness offers a more comprehensive suite of platforms, including a user-friendly mobile app.
| Factor | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Exness |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Exness is known for its fast execution speeds, with no requotes on most accounts, making it ideal for Norway traders who use scalping or high-frequency strategies. Hantec Markets also offers reliable execution but may experience slippage during volatile markets. Exness's execution quality is consistently rated higher, providing a smoother trading experience for active traders in Norway.
| Safety Factor | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Exness is regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, including the FCA (UK) and CySEC, ensuring high standards of client fund security. Hantec Markets is also regulated by the FCA and other reputable bodies. However, neither broker is directly regulated by Norway's local financial regulator, meaning Norway traders rely on the brokers' international licenses. This is common for international brokers serving Norway. Both brokers offer negative balance protection and segregated accounts, but Exness's stronger regulatory track record provides additional confidence for Norway traders.
| Payment Method | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | crypto takes 30–60 minutes, and bank cards or wires take 1 to 5 business days | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
Norway traders have flexible deposit and withdrawal options with both brokers, but Exness offers more variety. Exness supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with most deposits being instant and fee-free. Withdrawals are also fast, often processed within 24 hours. Hantec Markets primarily supports Bank Transfer and credit/debit cards, with limited e-wallet options. For Norway traders who prefer using Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20, Exness is the better choice. Both brokers process withdrawals in USD, but Exness's cryptocurrency option via USDT TRC20 offers an additional layer of convenience for tech-savvy traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both Exness and Hantec Markets offer Islamic accounts (swap-free) for Norway Muslim traders who require them due to Sharia law. Exness provides Islamic accounts on all account types without any extra fees, making it a straightforward option. Hantec Markets also offers swap-free accounts but may have conditions such as a minimum deposit requirement or a limited time period before swap fees apply. Norway traders should review each broker's Islamic account terms to ensure compliance with their religious needs. Exness's more flexible terms make it a preferred choice.
| Support Feature | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✓ | ✗ | Exness |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Exness |
Exness offers 24/7 customer support in multiple languages, including English, which is widely understood in Norway. Support is available via live chat, email, and phone. Hantec Markets provides support during business hours only, with limited language options. For Norway traders who need assistance outside standard hours, Exness's round-the-clock support is a significant advantage, ensuring timely help with trading issues or account queries.
| Mobile Feature | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Exness |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Exness |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Exness |
Choose Exness if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For Norway retail traders, Exness is the clear winner due to its lower spreads, wider range of deposit methods (Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT TRC20), and higher trust score (4.8/5). Hantec Markets (3.6/5) is a reliable alternative but falls short in cost efficiency and payment flexibility. Exness's support for local payment preferences and fast execution makes it better suited for active traders in Norway. While both brokers are not regulated by the local financial regulator, Exness's strong international licenses provide adequate security. We recommend Exness for most Norway traders, especially those seeking cost-effective and flexible trading conditions.