Admirals vs Deriv Crypto Exchange Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of Admirals and Deriv across security, fees, coin selection, staking, and editorial scoring.
Score 3.9 / 5
Admirals offers crypto CFDs on 30+ pairs via MT4 and MT5 under FCA, CySEC, and ASIC regulation - a well-regulated multi-platform option for traders seeking cryptocurrency CFD exposure alongside a broad multi-asset offering.
VS
Score 3.4 / 5
Deriv offers crypto CFDs alongside its signature synthetic indices - an accessible multi-asset platform with very low entry cost but lighter regulatory oversight than FCA/ASIC peers.
Our Verdict
Admirals winsby 0.5 pts
Admirals edges ahead with a score of 3.9/5 vs Deriv's 3.4/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
Recommended
Admirals scores higher on security: top-tier regulation, segregated funds.
Best for low fees
Recommended
Admirals has a lower fee profile: no deposit fee, no inactivity fee.
Best for beginners
Recommended
Admirals edges out Deriv with a higher editorial score (3.9/5 vs 3.4/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new crypto traders.
Best for coin selection
Insufficient data
Data not yet available
Coin-selection data is not yet available for this pair. Check each exchange's supported assets page to compare the number of tradeable cryptocurrencies.
Best for DeFi & Web3
Insufficient data
Data not yet available
DeFi and NFT feature data is not yet available for this pair. Check each exchange's Web3 product pages directly.
Admirals vs Deriv: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  Admirals |  Deriv |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial Score | 3.9/ 5 | 3.4/ 5 |
| Min. Deposit | No minimum | $5 |
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC FCA KNF | LFSA MFSA VFSC FSC BVI |
| Cold Storage | No | No |
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
| Staking | No | No |
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
| NFT Trading | No | No |
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
| P2P Trading | No | No |
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
| Visit exchange | Visit Admirals | Visit Deriv |
Admirals vs Deriv Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30+ crypto CFDs on MT4 and MT5 under FCA, CySEC, and ASIC regulation
- MetaTrader Supreme Edition plugin adds enhanced charting and sentiment tools
- No minimum deposit; FSCS protection up to GBP 85,000 for UK retail clients
- Broad multi-asset offering - crypto alongside forex, equities, ETFs, and commodities
Cons
- CFDs only - no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain access
- MetaTrader only - no proprietary platform beyond the Supreme Edition plugin
- Narrower coin selection (30+) compared to eToro or Capital.com
- Spreads can widen during thin overnight crypto markets
Pros
- Very low minimum deposit ($5) - accessible entry to crypto CFDs
- DTrader and MT5 platforms with flexible order types
- 24/7 trading on synthetic indices alongside crypto
Cons
- Regulated primarily by VFSC (Vanuatu) - offshore jurisdiction
- Crypto CFD selection is limited vs dedicated exchanges
- Less institutional transparency than FCA/ASIC regulated brokers
Admirals vs Deriv: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
Admirals
criteria wins
0
Deriv
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | Admirals | Deriv |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
Admirals vs Deriv: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, Admirals ranks higher with a score of 3.9/5 vs 3.4/5 for Deriv. The best choice still depends on your individual needs — security, coin selection, fees, and staking offerings all matter.
Admirals scores higher on our security criteria. When evaluating exchange safety, look for cold storage, proof of reserves, regulatory oversight, and segregated client funds. Always verify the current security posture directly with the exchange.
Admirals has a lower fee profile, with no deposit fee and no inactivity fee. Always check each platform's trading fee schedule directly, as crypto exchange fees vary by asset, trading volume, and account tier.
Neither Admirals nor Deriv is listed as offering staking in our data. Check each exchange's website directly for the most up-to-date staking offerings, as this feature changes frequently.
Admirals has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while Deriv requires at least $5. This makes Admirals more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
For beginners: Admirals has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum); Admirals has a higher overall editorial score. Also consider each exchange's educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of their user interface before deciding.
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