CMC Markets
ActivTrades
VS
Higher Rated
CMC Markets
Capital at risk · T&Cs apply
Choosing between CMC Markets and ActivTrades depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. CMC Markets is headquartered in London, UK. CMC Markets has the longer track record, established in 1989, compared to ActivTrades which was founded in 2001. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
CMC Markets
ActivTrades
| CMC Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 4.0/5 ✓ | 3.6/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0.7 pips | 0.5 pips ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 ✓ | 1:400 |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, MAS ✓ | FCA, CySEC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4 | MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web |
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 belowCMC Markets
WinnerActivTrades
CMC Markets
ActivTrades
Lower feesCMC Markets holds licences from FCA, ASIC, MAS. ActivTrades is regulated by FCA, CySEC.
Both brokers offer access to Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities markets.
On spreads, ActivTrades is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.5 pips, compared to 0.7 pips at CMC Markets.
CMC Markets supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. ActivTrades offers MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, MT4.
CMC Markets requires no minimum deposit, while ActivTrades sets no minimum deposit. This makes CMC Markets accessible to traders with any budget.
BrokerRank scores CMC Markets at 4.04/5 and ActivTrades at 3.56/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. CMC Markets leads overall with a clear advantage.
CMC Markets
4.0/5
Choose CMC Markets if you want…
ActivTrades
3.6/5
Choose ActivTrades if you want…
CMC Markets scores higher overall on our independent rating system. CMC Markets holds a 4.0/5 rating vs ActivTrades's 3.6/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
CMC Markets offers spreads from 0.7 pips, while ActivTrades starts at 0.5 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $0. ActivTrades requires $0.
CMC Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, while ActivTrades holds licences from FCA, CySEC.
CMC Markets supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. ActivTrades supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web.
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.