ActivTradesvs
AdmiralsStock Broker Comparison
In this stock-focused face-off, ActivTrades leans on its proprietary platform and strong fund protection, while Admirals leans on real share ownership and broad market access across MT4/MT5.
Our Verdict
Admirals winsby 0.3 pts
Admirals edges ActivTrades on editorial score thanks to 4,500+ stocks and zero-commission real shares via Invest.MT5.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1ActivTrades operates a proprietary ActivTrader platform.
- 2Admirals offers zero-commission real shares via Invest.MT5.
- 3Admirals provides access to 15 exchanges, vs ActivTrades' 10.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs Admirals?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you value a proprietary platform and enhanced fund protection up to GBP 1,000,000 per client.
Choose Admirals if…
Choose Admirals if you want real ownership through Invest.MT5 with zero commission and a broad stock and ETF universe.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Admirals wins for low cost trading with zero-commission real shares.
Best for safety & regulation
ActivTrades vs Admirals: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | 0.5 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $6/lot |
ActivTrades vs Admirals Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supplemental private insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client, above FSCS standard limit
- FCA regulated with ActivTrader volatility protection for equity CFD risk management
- 600+ share CFDs across ActivTrader and MT4 with no minimum deposit
- No commission on standard accounts; no inactivity fee
Cons
- Stock range (600+) narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
ActivTrades vs Admirals: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
ActivTrades
criteria wins
1
Admirals
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | Admirals |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ActivTrades vs Admirals: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and Admirals rates 4/5. Admirals 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.
Both ActivTrades and Admirals start from the same spread of 0.5. For stock trading, also compare per-trade or per-share commissions to determine the total cost per transaction.
Neither ActivTrades nor Admirals requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and Admirals 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, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Admirals lists up to 20:1. 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 trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ActivTrades are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while Admirals supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. Admirals has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Admirals offers commission-free stock trading while ActivTrades does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Both ActivTrades and Admirals are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
