Higher Rated
Interactive Brokers
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In the realm of online trading, Admiral Markets and Interactive Brokers cater to distinct trader profiles, each offering unique advantages. Admiral Markets, with a rating of 3.77/5, is well-suited for traders seeking competitive spreads and a robust educational platform, appealing particularly to those interested in a diverse range of instruments including forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies. In contrast, Interactive Brokers, rated 4.43/5, is ideal for experienced traders who prioritise access to global markets and low commissions, benefiting from a sophisticated platform and expansive market reach. While Admiral Markets requires a minimum deposit and offers higher leverage, Interactive Brokers stands out with no initial deposit requirement and a focus on professional-grade trading tools.
Admiral Markets
Interactive Brokers
| Admiral Markets | Interactive Brokers | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 3.8/5 | 4.4/5 ✓ |
| Min. Deposit | $100 | $0 ✓ |
| Spread from | 0 pips ✓ | 0.2 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 ✓ | 1:4 |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, ASIC | SEC, CFTC, FCA ✓ |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
Interactive Brokers is the better choice overall, scoring 4.4/5 vs 3.8/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Admiral Markets offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowAdmiral Markets
Interactive Brokers
WinnerAdmiral Markets
Interactive Brokers
Admiral Markets, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, is regulated by several prominent authorities including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This range of regulation provides a solid framework for trader protection, ensuring adherence to strict standards and offering clients negative balance protection and segregated client funds.
Interactive Brokers, established in 1978 and based in Greenwich, USA, holds regulatory licences from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the FCA, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and ASIC. This extensive regulatory oversight across multiple jurisdictions ensures high safety standards and client fund protection, making it a reliable choice for global traders.
Admiral Markets offers competitive spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Zero account, with a commission of $3 per lot. The broker also requires a minimum deposit of $100, which may be a consideration for some traders. Overnight fees are applicable, and an inactivity fee is charged after 24 months of dormancy. The maximum leverage offered is 1:500, allowing traders to manage larger positions with a smaller capital outlay.
Interactive Brokers provides a spread starting from 0.2 pips with a commission of $0.005 per share. Notably, there is no minimum deposit requirement, making it accessible for traders of all levels. However, an inactivity fee is levied on accounts with low balances. With a maximum leverage of 1:4, Interactive Brokers is more suited to those who favour lower leverage trading.
Admiral Markets supports MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, along with a proprietary web platform, catering to both beginner and experienced traders with advanced charting tools and a range of features. Interactive Brokers offers its proprietary web and mobile platforms, equipped with sophisticated tools and access to over 150 markets globally, catering more towards professional traders who require advanced functionalities.
For beginners, Admiral Markets is the preferred choice due to its educational resources and lower entry requirements. Professional traders may find Interactive Brokers more appealing due to its advanced tools and access to a wide range of markets. When it comes to fees, Interactive Brokers offers more competitive commissions, making it the better option for cost-conscious traders.
Admiral Markets
3.8/5
Choose Admiral Markets if you want…
Interactive Brokers
4.4/5
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want…
Interactive Brokers scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Admiral Markets holds a 3.8/5 rating vs Interactive Brokers's 4.4/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
Admiral Markets offers spreads from 0 pips, while Interactive Brokers starts at 0.2 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
Admiral Markets requires a minimum deposit of $100. Interactive Brokers requires $0.
Admiral Markets is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, while Interactive Brokers holds licences from SEC, CFTC, FCA, MAS, ASIC.
Admiral Markets supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. Interactive Brokers supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.