CMC Markets vs Hargreaves Lansdown 2026: Which Broker is Better?
In the competitive landscape of online trading, CMC Markets and Hargreaves Lansdown offer distinct services appealing to different types of traders. CMC Markets, with a high rating of 4.04/5, is ideal for active traders interested in a diverse range of markets such as CFDs, forex, and cryptocurrencies, supported by its award-winning Next Generation platform. In contrast, Hargreaves Lansdown, rated 2.79/5, caters to long-term investors seeking traditional stock and index investments within the UK, with the added benefit of tax-efficient accounts like ISAs and SIPPs. The key difference lies in CMC Markets' broad market access and leverage options, while Hargreaves Lansdown excels in comprehensive investment services and research tools for UK-focused portfolios.
CMC Markets
Hargreaves Lansdown
| CMC Markets | Hargreaves Lansdown | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 4.0/5 ✓ | 2.8/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0.7 pips | 0 pips ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 ✓ | 1:1 |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, MAS ✓ | FCA |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4 | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
CMC Markets is the better choice overall, scoring 4.0/5 vs 2.8/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Hargreaves Lansdown offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowCMC Markets vs Hargreaves Lansdown: Key Differences
CMC Markets
WinnerHargreaves Lansdown
Still deciding between CMC Markets and Hargreaves Lansdown?
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Fees Comparison
CMC Markets
Hargreaves Lansdown
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
CMC Markets
4.0/5
Choose CMC Markets if you want…
- Higher overall rating (4.0/5)
- No per-trade commission
- Higher leverage (up to 1:500)
- More regulatory licences (3)
Hargreaves Lansdown
2.8/5
Choose Hargreaves Lansdown if you want…
- Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
- More established (est. 1981)
Also consider
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Both CMC Markets & Hargreaves Lansdown are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is CMC Markets better than Hargreaves Lansdown?
CMC Markets scores higher overall on our independent rating system. CMC Markets holds a 4.0/5 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.
2Which has lower fees, CMC Markets or Hargreaves Lansdown?
CMC Markets offers spreads from 0.7 pips, while Hargreaves Lansdown starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for CMC Markets vs Hargreaves Lansdown?
CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $0. Hargreaves Lansdown requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, CMC Markets or Hargreaves Lansdown?
CMC Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, while Hargreaves Lansdown holds licences from FCA.
5What trading platforms do CMC Markets and Hargreaves Lansdown support?
CMC Markets supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both CMC Markets and Hargreaves Lansdown?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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BrokerRank Research
Only 26% of Brokers Are Truly Fee-Free
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58% of Brokers Hold a Single Licence
BrokerRank Research — Regulation quality analysis
71% of Retail Traders Lose Money
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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.
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