Admiralsvs
FBSStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits Admirals against FBS in a clash of costs, regulation, and stock access. The axis of tension centers on who offers broader stock reach and stronger oversight.
Our Verdict
Admirals winsClear Winner
Admirals outperforms FBS on the editorial score, and Admirals' broader regulatory footprint reinforces its edge.
Admirals
4.0/5
FBS
3.3/5
Key Differences
- 1Zero-commission real shares via Invest.MT5 instead of CFDs.
- 215 exchanges available on Admirals versus 3 on FBS.
- 3FBS has a proprietary platform; Admirals relies on MT4/MT5.
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 via Invest.MT5.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
Admirals vs FBS: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.3/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1 |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot▼ lower | $20/lot |
Admirals vs FBS Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Real share ownership via Invest.MT5 at zero commission alongside leveraged share CFDs
- 4,500+ stocks and ETFs across MT4 and MT5 with MetaTrader Supreme Edition
- FCA, CySEC, and ASIC regulated, strong multi-jurisdictional profile
- No minimum deposit on standard accounts; FSCS protection for UK clients
Cons
- Invest.MT5 (real shares) and CFD account are separate products, no unified view
Admirals vs FBS: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
4
Admirals
criteria wins
0
FBS
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Admirals | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| 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 |
Admirals vs FBS: Frequently Asked Questions
Admirals rates 4/5 versus 3.3/5 for FBS. Admirals edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FBS lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with Admirals's 0.5. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Admirals has no minimum deposit, while FBS requires at least $1. This makes Admirals more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Admirals holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
Admirals stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Admirals lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while FBS lists up to 3000:1. 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, lower than FBS's $20 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Admirals supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
Admirals offers commission-free stock trading while FBS 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.
Admirals scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
