ActivTrades vs CMC Markets 2026: Which Broker is Better?
In this broker comparison, we evaluate ActivTrades and CMC Markets, two prominent players in the financial trading sector. ActivTrades, with its strong regulatory oversight from the FCA and CySEC, appeals to traders seeking robust risk management tools and a versatile platform offering, including MT4 and MT5. In contrast, CMC Markets offers a broader range of instruments with over 10,000 options and an award-winning Next Generation platform, making it ideal for traders who prioritise a comprehensive trading environment. The key difference lies in their market offerings and platform choices, catering to different trader preferences and strategies.
ActivTrades
CMC Markets
| ActivTrades | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 3.6/5 | 4.0/5 ✓ |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0.5 pips ✓ | 0.7 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | 1:500 ✓ |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC | FCA, ASIC, MAS ✓ |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4 |
CMC Markets is the better choice overall, scoring 4.0/5 vs 3.6/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, ActivTrades offers lower spreads (0.5 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowActivTrades vs CMC Markets: Key Differences
ActivTrades
CMC Markets
WinnerStill deciding between ActivTrades and CMC Markets?
Skip the back-and-forth — answer 4 quick questions and we'll match you to your best fit.
Fees Comparison
ActivTrades
Lower feesCMC Markets
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
ActivTrades
3.6/5
Choose ActivTrades if you want…
- Tighter spreads (from 0.5 pips)
CMC Markets
4.0/5
Choose CMC Markets if you want…
- Higher overall rating (4.0/5)
- Higher leverage (up to 1:500)
- More regulatory licences (3)
- More established (est. 1989)
Also consider
We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.
Both ActivTrades & CMC Markets are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is ActivTrades better than CMC Markets?
CMC Markets scores higher overall on our independent rating system. ActivTrades holds a 3.6/5 rating vs CMC Markets's 4.0/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, ActivTrades or CMC Markets?
ActivTrades offers spreads from 0.5 pips, while CMC Markets starts at 0.7 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for ActivTrades vs CMC Markets?
ActivTrades requires a minimum deposit of $0. CMC Markets requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, ActivTrades or CMC Markets?
ActivTrades is regulated by FCA, CySEC, while CMC Markets holds licences from FCA, ASIC, MAS.
5What trading platforms do ActivTrades and CMC Markets support?
ActivTrades supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. CMC Markets supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4.
6Can I use both ActivTrades and CMC Markets?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
Key Trading Terms
Related Guides
More Comparisons
BrokerRank Research
Only 26% of Brokers Are Truly Fee-Free
BrokerRank Research — Hidden costs across our broker database
58% of Brokers Hold a Single Licence
BrokerRank Research — Regulation quality analysis
71% of Retail Traders Lose Money
BrokerRank Research — Loss rates across 50 EU brokers
76% of Brokers Use Proprietary Platforms
BrokerRank Research — MT4 vs MT5 vs proprietary
Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.
Featured
Deriv
4.0Capital at risk · T&Cs apply
