CMC Marketsvs
Windsor BrokersStock Broker Comparison
Two CFD brokers compete on platform depth, regulation, and global reach. The tension centers on exchange access and advanced tools that matter to different investing styles.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsClear Winner
CMC Markets edges Windsor Brokers on overall score, driven by broader exchange access and stronger regulation alongside a proprietary platform.
CMC Markets
4.0/5
Windsor Brokers
3.4/5
Key Differences
- 1CMC Markets offers a proprietary platform with a stock screener.
- 2CMC provides 24/5 live chat support.
- 3CMC connects to 20 exchanges, Windsor to 5.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs Windsor Brokers?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you value a proprietary platform with a stock screener. You get 24/5 live chat support.
Choose Windsor Brokers if…
Choose Windsor Brokers if you value a long track record and MT4/MT5 access under CySEC. You benefit from credible regulation and an established European presence, though stock research is limited.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
CMC Markets wins for stronger multi-jurisdiction regulation (FCA, ASIC, BaFin, FMA, DFSA).
Best for active traders
Recommended
CMC Markets vs Windsor Brokers: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.4/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $8/lot |
CMC Markets vs Windsor Brokers Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 10,000+ share CFDs across UK, US, European, Asian, and Australian exchanges
- Next Generation platform with stock screener, pattern recognition, and Reuters news
- LSE-listed company, strong financial transparency and FCA/ASIC regulation
- Short selling on shares available, go long or short on 10,000+ equities
Cons
- CFDs only, no real share ownership, ISA wrapper, or dividend reinvestment
CMC Markets vs Windsor Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
CMC Markets
criteria wins
0
Windsor Brokers
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | Windsor Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
CMC Markets vs Windsor Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
CMC Markets rates 4/5 versus 3.4/5 for Windsor Brokers. CMC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Windsor Brokers lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with CMC Markets's 0.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while Windsor Brokers requires at least $100. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and Windsor Brokers 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.
CMC Markets lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Windsor Brokers lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Windsor Brokers charges $8 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for CMC Markets 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.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Windsor Brokers supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. Windsor Brokers has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Neither CMC Markets nor Windsor Brokers is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both CMC Markets and Windsor Brokers 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.
