CMC Markets vs FreshForex 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 - CMC Markets or FreshForex?
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 FreshForex.
CMC Markets scored 4.4/5 and ranks 16 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas FreshForex has 4.1/5 and ranks 36.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is CMC Markets suitable for?
Broker CMC Markets is suitable for all traders thanks to its reliability, low commissions, and excellent trading platform.
Who is FreshForex suitable for?
FreshForex is suitable for beginners thanks to educational materials, a wide selection of instruments, and experienced traders looking for various accounts.
Comparison Table of CMC Markets and FreshForex
| Broker | CMC Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1988 | 2003 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:2000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | CMC Markets Review | FreshForex Review |
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:
FreshForex Review
FreshForex is a broker with a long history in the market, a wide selection of trading accounts, high leverage, and an affordable minimum deposit. It is suitable for active traders who value flexibility in choosing trading instruments, are interested in high-risk strategies, and are willing to work with an offshore company without licenses from leading global regulators. Thanks to the availability of a demo account, a variety of analytical materials, and training courses, FreshForex may also be of interest to novice traders who want to hone their skills without making large investments.
Pros and Cons of FreshForex
Pros
- Extensive experience (since 2004).
- Minimum deposit from $25.
- Wide selection of currencies and cryptocurrencies for accounts.
- Various analytical and educational materials.
Cons
- No licenses from reputable regulators.
- High spreads and commissions on a number of instruments.
- No PAMM accounts or copy trading.
- No online chat or support via messengers.
FreshForex is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | CMC Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1988 | 2003 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Regulators |
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.
FreshForex
FreshForex does not have licenses from leading global regulators, which increases the risks for clients. It operates in an offshore jurisdiction, so the level of investor protection is limited.
Pros
- Long-standing presence on the market (since 2004)
Cons
- Lack of regulation by authoritative bodies
- Limited legal protection for clients
Account Opening
| Broker | CMC Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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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.
FreshForex
Opening an account with FreshForex is quick, with detailed verification and a wide selection of currencies, including cryptocurrencies. The minimum deposit of $25 makes the broker accessible to most traders.
Pros
- Quick registration and verification
- Minimum deposit of $25
- Large selection of currencies and cryptocurrencies for accounts
Account Types
| Broker | CMC Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 2.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:2000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
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).
FreshForex
FreshForex offers a wide range of accounts, including ECN, cent, and Islamic accounts, as well as a demo account. However, the lack of PAMM and copy trading limits the options for passive investors.
Pros
- A variety of accounts for different levels of traders
- Islamic accounts and demo accounts are available
Cons
- No PAMM accounts or copy trading
Commissions
| Broker | CMC Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.7/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.7 | 1.8 |
| Commission per Lot | $3.3 |
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.
FreshForex
FreshForex's commissions are above average, especially for certain currency pairs, but the absence of inactivity fees and a unique cashback program partially compensate for this drawback.
Pros
- No inactivity fees
- No deposit/withdrawal fees
- Cashback program with different refund schemes
Cons
- High spreads and swaps
- Commissions on some pairs are above average
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | CMC Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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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.
FreshForex
FreshForex ensures fast and convenient account funding and withdrawals with more than 20 methods without broker commissions.
Pros
- No commission for deposits/withdrawals
- Support for cryptocurrencies and e-wallets
- Fast processing of requests
Markets and Products
| Broker | CMC Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.4/5 | 4/5 |
| Forex | 336 | 52 |
| Precious Metals | 19 | 13 |
| Energy Carriers | 45 | 3 |
| Soft Commodities | 58 | - |
| Indices | 99 | 12 |
| Stocks | 10099 | 133 |
| ETF | 1200 | 7 |
| Bonds | 71 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 336 | 71 |
CMC Markets
CMC Markets offers various trading instruments for multiple markets but with limited maximum leverage.
FreshForex
FreshForex offers an extensive selection of trading instruments, but with limitations such as the absence of soft commodities and an average number of CFDs.
Pros
- Large number of currency pairs
- Wide selection of cryptocurrencies
- High leverage up to 1:2000
Cons
- No soft commodities or bonds
- Average number of CFDs on stocks
Trading Platforms
| Broker | CMC Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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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.
FreshForex
FreshForex offers reliable and popular MT4 and MT5 platforms with a variety of tools and versions for different devices.
Pros
- Access to MT4 and MT5, proven platforms.
- A large arsenal of indicators and tools.
- Versions for PC, MacOS, iPhone, Android, and Web.
Cons
- Lack of proprietary or alternative platforms.
- May be complex for beginner traders.
Analytics
| Broker | CMC Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
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.
FreshForex
FreshForex offers comprehensive and timely analytics, including a variety of analysis methods and useful tools for traders.
Pros
- Daily forecasts and Forex analytics.
- A variety of analysis methods.
- Additional tools such as a calculator and economic calendar.
Education
| Broker | CMC Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
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.
FreshForex
FreshForex offers an extensive educational program, including webinars, consultations, and literature suitable for beginners.
Pros
- A variety of educational materials and courses.
- Free webinars and consultations with experts.
- A comprehensive glossary of Forex terms for beginners.
Cons
- Lack of advanced courses for experienced traders.
Customer Support
| Broker | CMC Markets | FreshForex |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media |
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
LinkedIn
TelegramCMC 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.
FreshForex
FreshForex's technical support is competent and responsive, but the lack of online chat and messengers slightly reduces the convenience of communication.
Pros
- Quick response to tickets and calls
- Polite and qualified staff
Cons
- No online chat
- No support via messengers
Comparisons of CMC Markets and FreshForex with other brokers
Conclusion
CMC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while FreshForex trails on aggregate criteria.
CMC Markets scored 4.4/5 and ranks 16 in our rating; FreshForex has 4.1/5 and ranks 36.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: CMC Markets or FreshForex?
CMC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.4/5, position 16) versus FreshForex (score 4.1/5, position 36).
Which broker is better for beginners: CMC Markets or FreshForex?
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) — CMC Markets or FreshForex?
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 CMC Markets and FreshForex?
CMC Markets: MetaTrader 4, CMC Markets. FreshForex: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with CMC Markets and FreshForex?
CMC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. FreshForex: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by CMC Markets and FreshForex?
CMC Markets: CFD. FreshForex: Classic, Market Pro, ECN, Classic.Cent. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by CMC Markets and FreshForex?
CMC Markets: PayPal, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Online banking. FreshForex: WebMoney, Volet, SticPay, M-Pesa, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Мир, Online banking. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — CMC Markets or FreshForex — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
