Skip to main content
Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Oct 2, 2026

Admiral Markets vs Hargreaves Lansdown 2026: Which Broker is Better?

When comparing Admiral Markets and Hargreaves Lansdown, the key difference lies in their market focus and trader appeal. Admiral Markets, with its strong emphasis on forex and CFD trading, appeals to active traders seeking diverse asset classes, high leverage, and advanced platforms like MT4 and MT5. In contrast, Hargreaves Lansdown caters to UK investors interested in long-term investments, such as stocks and shares ISAs and SIPPs, offering a robust proprietary platform and comprehensive research tools. While Admiral Markets provides competitive spreads and leverage, Hargreaves Lansdown stands out for its extensive investment options and trusted reputation in the UK market.

Admiral Markets

Hargreaves Lansdown

Higher ratedAdmiral Markets logo

Admiral Markets

3.8/ 5
Visit Admiral Markets →Full review
VS
Admiral MarketsHargreaves Lansdown
BrokerRank Score3.8/5 ✓2.8/5
Min. Deposit$100$0 ✓
Spread from0 pips0 pips
Max Leverage1:500 ✓1:1
RegulationFCA, CySEC, ASIC ✓FCA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, Proprietary WebProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
Hargreaves LansdownAdmiral Markets
Best for Low Fees
Admiral MarketsHargreaves Lansdown
Best for Regulation
Admiral MarketsHargreaves Lansdown
Best Overall
Admiral MarketsHargreaves Lansdown
Quick Answer

Admiral Markets is the better choice overall, scoring 3.8/5 vs 2.8/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Admiral Markets offers lower spreads (0 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

Admiral Markets vs Hargreaves Lansdown: Key Differences

Feature

Admiral Markets

Winner

Hargreaves Lansdown

Our Rating
3.8 / 5
2.8 / 5
Min. Deposit
$100
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0 pips
0 pips
Commission
$3/lot
$11.95/lot
Regulated By
Platforms
MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Markets
Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Stocks, Indices
Founded
2001
1981
Headquarters
Tallinn, Estonia
Bristol, UK
Score
3 / 4
1 / 4

Still deciding between Admiral Markets and Hargreaves Lansdown?

Skip the back-and-forth — answer 4 quick questions and we'll match you to your best fit.

Matching for:Travelling or on a VPN? Change it.
Find my match

Fees Comparison

Fee

Admiral Markets

Lower fees

Hargreaves Lansdown

Spread From
0 pips
0 pips
Commission
$3/lot
$11.95/lot
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None

BrokerRank Verdict

Admiral Markets is the superior choice for professional traders due to its extensive market offerings, including forex and CFDs, and competitive spreads starting from 0 pips, alongside high leverage options up to 1:500. On the other hand, Hargreaves Lansdown is better suited for beginners, especially those in the UK, as it provides a broad range of investment products such as ISAs and SIPPs, with no minimum deposit requirement and a user-friendly platform. In terms of fees, Admiral Markets has the edge with lower trading costs, although it does require a $100 minimum deposit and charges an inactivity fee after 24 months.

Who Should Choose Which?

Admiral Markets

Admiral Markets

3.8/5

Top pick

Choose Admiral Markets if you want…

  • Higher overall rating (3.8/5)
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:500)
  • More regulatory licences (3)
  • More market types (6)
Hargreaves Lansdown

Hargreaves Lansdown

2.8/5

Choose Hargreaves Lansdown if you want…

  • No minimum deposit
  • More established (est. 1981)

Also consider

View all rankings

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.

#1ForTrade logo
ForTrade
4.3
FCA
Visit
#2FxPro logo
FxPro
4.1
FCA
Visit
#4AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
4.0
MAS
Visit
#5Plus500 logo
Plus500
4.0
MAS
Visit

80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Both Admiral Markets & Hargreaves Lansdown are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is Admiral Markets better than Hargreaves Lansdown?

Admiral Markets scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Admiral Markets holds a 3.8/5 rating vs Hargreaves Lansdown's 2.8/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.

2

Which has lower fees, Admiral Markets or Hargreaves Lansdown?

Admiral Markets offers spreads from 0 pips, while Hargreaves Lansdown starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for Admiral Markets vs Hargreaves Lansdown?

Admiral Markets requires a minimum deposit of $100. Hargreaves Lansdown requires $0.

4

Which broker is safer, Admiral Markets or Hargreaves Lansdown?

Admiral Markets is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, while Hargreaves Lansdown holds licences from FCA.

5

What trading platforms do Admiral Markets and Hargreaves Lansdown support?

Admiral Markets supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

6

Can I use both Admiral Markets and Hargreaves Lansdown?

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

Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.

Featured

Deriv

4.0
Open Account

Capital at risk · T&Cs apply