Admiralsvs
CMC MarketsForex Broker Comparison
Two well-regulated forex brokers face off, highlighting how a higher editorial score, platform offerings, and fee structures shape trader choice. Admirals and CMC Markets each present distinct advantages for different trading styles.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.2 pts
CMC Markets edges Admirals on the overall editorial score. Both are multi-regulated with segregated funds, and CMC also provides a proprietary platform alongside MT4.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Proprietary platform available from CMC Markets.
- 2Admirals provides raw spreads on Zero accounts.
- 3Admirals offers up to 500:1 leverage; CMC caps at 30:1.
Who should choose Admirals vs CMC Markets?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose Admirals if…
Choose Admirals if you want high leverage up to 500:1.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose Admirals if you prefer a $100 minimum deposit. Choose CMC Markets if you want a proprietary platform. Choose CMC Markets if you prefer a $0 minimum deposit.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Admirals offers tighter spreads from 0.50 pips vs 0.70 pips for CMC Markets, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Admirals vs CMC Markets: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Admirals vs CMC Markets Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
Extensive range of accounts including Zero, Trade, and Invest
Strong FCA and CySEC regulation covering EU and UK traders
High-quality educational content including live webinars
Zero account offers spreads from 0.5 pips with $6 round-turn commission
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Admirals vs CMC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
Admirals
criteria win
1
CMC Markets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Admirals | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
Admirals vs CMC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Admirals rates 4.3/5 and CMC Markets rates 4.5/5. CMC Markets has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Admirals starts from 0.5 pips, tighter than CMC Markets's 0.7 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while Admirals requires at least $100. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Admirals and CMC Markets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Admirals lists maximum leverage of 500:1, while CMC Markets lists up to 30:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Admirals charges $6 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for CMC Markets are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
Admirals supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Admirals has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
