ActivTrades vs CMC Markets Comparison: Which Is Better for Traders?
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - ActivTrades or CMC Markets?
Our pick: CMC Markets
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - CMC Markets looks preferable to ActivTrades.
CMC Markets scored 4.4/5 and ranks 16 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas ActivTrades has 4.3/5 and ranks 25.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is ActivTrades suitable for?
ActivTrades is suitable for beginners who value simplicity and educational materials and experienced traders who prefer MetaTrader and a wide range of instruments.
Who is CMC Markets suitable for?
Broker CMC Markets is suitable for all traders thanks to its reliability, low commissions, and excellent trading platform.
Comparison Table of ActivTrades and CMC Markets
| Broker | ActivTrades | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2000 | 1988 |
| Regulated in Countries | Bahamas, United Kingdom, Portugal, Luxembourg, Brazil | United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.5 points | from 0.7 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | 1:30 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | ActivTrades Review | CMC Markets Review |
ActivTrades Review
ActivTrades is suitable for beginner traders who value simplicity and intuitive trading platforms, as well as a variety of educational materials to improve their skills. Moreover, this broker can be a suitable option for experienced traders who prefer to trade various instruments and use the powerful features of the MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and TradingView platforms.
However, for traders with more specific requirements, such as a variety of trading accounts or individual conditions for professional traders, ActivTrades may be less attractive.
Pros and Cons of ActivTrades
Pros
- Wide range of trading assets.
- A wide variety of trading platforms.
- Extensive training materials including webinars, videos, articles and guides.
- Professional Support Team.
Cons
- Lack of diversity in trading accounts.
ActivTrades is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
CMC Markets Review
CMC Markets has been a reliable CFD and Forex broker in the business for a long time. Top-tier financial authorities regulate the company, offers an excellent trading platform, and has low commission fees.
We believe it is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced traders. CMC Markets is a good option if you are seeking a trustworthy broker with extensive experience.
Pros and Cons of CMC Markets
Pros
- Low trading fees.
- Wide range of markets and products.
- Access to the popular MetaTrader 4 and CMC Markets platforms.
- Extensive analytical materials.
- Comprehensive educational materials.
Cons
- Limited account options.
- Inactivity fee.
- No online chat.
CMC Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | ActivTrades | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2000 | 1988 |
| Regulated in Countries | Bahamas, United Kingdom, Portugal, Luxembourg, Brazil | United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates |
| Regulators |
|
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ActivTrades
ActivTrades - highly regulated, transparent broker with a good reputation. International regulation and client fund protection make it a reliable choice.
CMC Markets
CMC Markets demonstrates a high level of regulation and protection of client funds.
Pros
- Regulation in multiple countries.
- Adherence to CASS rules to protect client funds.
- Compensation through FSCS in case of financial problems.
Account Opening
| Broker | ActivTrades | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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ActivTrades
The account opening process at ActivTrades is quite accessible for most traders, but verification can take a significant amount of time.
CMC Markets
The account opening process is standard but has some limitations.
Pros
- No minimum deposit requirement.
- Clear and transparent registration process.
Cons
- Requirement to provide extensive information.
- Restrictions for residents of certain countries.
Account Types
| Broker | ActivTrades | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 2/5 | 2.3/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.5 points | from 0.7 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | 1:30 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
ActivTrades
ActivTrades offers 2 trading accounts suitable for most traders, but some options are missing.
Pros
- Availability of an Islamic account.
Cons
- No STP/ECN accounts.
- Lack of fixed spread accounts.
- Investment accounts (PAMM, copy trading) are not offered.
CMC Markets
Accounts meet basic needs but do not offer a wide selection.
Pros
- Availability of a demo account.
Cons
- No cent or Islamic accounts.
- No accounts with fixed spreads.
- No investment accounts (PAMM, copy trading).
Commissions
| Broker | ActivTrades | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 3.7/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Spread | from 0.5 points | from 0.7 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 1 | 0.7 |
| Commission per Lot |
ActivTrades
ActivTrades offers average commissions with tight spreads, but high swap rates and inactivity fees.
CMC Markets
The broker offers competitive spreads and does not charge fees for depositing/withdrawing.
Pros
- No deposit or withdrawal fees.
- Competitive spreads and swaps.
- Cashback on trading commissions.
Cons
- Monthly inactivity fee.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | ActivTrades | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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ActivTrades
ActivTrades offers a variety of convenient methods for depositing and withdrawing funds.
Pros
- Diversity of payment systems.
- Most transactions are commission-free.
- Fast processing of requests.
Cons
- No options for using cryptocurrencies.
CMC Markets
The broker offers flexibility and transparency in transactions.
Pros
- No fees for deposits or withdrawals.
- Fast processing of withdrawal requests.
Cons
- Some competitors offer more payment methods.
Markets and Products
| Broker | ActivTrades | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 5/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Forex | 49 | 336 |
| Precious Metals | 3 | 19 |
| Energy Carriers | 7 | 45 |
| Soft Commodities | 9 | 58 |
| Indices | 31 | 99 |
| Stocks | 1035 | 10099 |
| ETF | 75 | 1200 |
| Bonds | 6 | 71 |
| Cryptocurrency | 12 | 336 |
ActivTrades
ActivTrades offers a wide range of trading instruments, providing access to all major markets, making it attractive to various traders.
CMC Markets
CMC Markets offers various trading instruments for multiple markets but with limited maximum leverage.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | ActivTrades | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
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ActivTrades
ActivTrades offers diverse trading platforms, each catering to different trading needs, combining efficiency, advanced features, and user-friendly interfaces.
Pros
- Multiple platforms including MT4, MT5, ActivTrader, and TradingView integration.
- Advanced tools and features for comprehensive market analysis.
- Customization options and social trading aspects in TradingView.
CMC Markets
The broker provides two powerful and flexible trading platforms.
Pros
- Availability of the popular MetaTrader 4 platform.
- Proprietary platform with extensive functionality and customization options.
Cons
- The proprietary platform may be complex for beginners.
- Lack of MetaTrader 5 platform.
Analytics
| Broker | ActivTrades | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
ActivTrades
ActivTrades provides extensive analytical resources, including market analysis, economic calendar, technical analysis tools, trading signals, and ideas.
CMC Markets
The broker offers extensive analytical resources that assist traders in decision-making.
Pros
- Comprehensive commentary and forecasts from experts.
- Technical and fundamental analysis.
- News from Reuters and economic calendar.
Education
| Broker | ActivTrades | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
ActivTrades
ActivTrades offers high-quality and diverse educational materials that will be useful for traders of any level.
CMC Markets
The broker offers extensive and quality educational resources for traders of all levels.
Pros
- A wide range of educational forms: seminars, webinars, video conferences, courses.
- Classes conducted by leading traders and guest experts.
- Most materials are available for free to company clients.
Customer Support
| Broker | ActivTrades | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media |
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
LinkedInActivTrades
ActivTrades' technical support is commendable for its professionalism, diverse communication channels, and 24/5 availability.
Pros
- Highly professional and knowledgeable staff.
- Multiple contact options including phone, chat, and email.
- 24/5 availability.
CMC Markets
CMC Markets provides quality technical support operating 24/5, with prompt and professional responses.
Pros
- Support available 24/5.
- Prompt and professional responses.
Cons
- Lack of online chat for instant communication.
Comparisons of ActivTrades and CMC Markets with other brokers
Conclusion
CMC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while ActivTrades trails on aggregate criteria.
CMC Markets scored 4.4/5 and ranks 16 in our rating; ActivTrades has 4.3/5 and ranks 25.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: ActivTrades or CMC Markets?
CMC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.4/5, position 16) versus ActivTrades (score 4.3/5, position 25).
Which broker is better for beginners: ActivTrades or CMC Markets?
CMC Markets is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — ActivTrades or CMC Markets?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with ActivTrades and CMC Markets?
ActivTrades: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ActivTrader, TradingView. CMC Markets: MetaTrader 4, CMC Markets. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with ActivTrades and CMC Markets?
ActivTrades: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. CMC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by ActivTrades and CMC Markets?
ActivTrades: Individual, Pro. CMC Markets: CFD. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by ActivTrades and CMC Markets?
ActivTrades: Neteller, Skrill, AstroPay, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard. CMC Markets: PayPal, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Online banking. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — ActivTrades or CMC Markets — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
