Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of OANDA vs Admirals, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
OANDA and Admirals, both prominent online brokers, have established themselves in the trading industry through strict regulatory adherence and trustworthiness. Founded in 1996, OANDA operates under seven Tier-1 licenses, reflecting a high level of trust and regulatory compliance. Admirals, launched in 2001, holds four Tier-1 and three Tier-2 licenses, demonstrating its commitment to operating under trusted regulations. Both companies are privately held and do not function as banks, focusing solely on providing financial services to their clients.
When comparing their trustworthiness, both OANDA and Admirals boast a Trust Score of 93 out of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com, indicating they are highly trusted brokers. Their similar ratings highlight their dedication to building strong regulatory frameworks and maintaining client trust, making them reliable choices for those seeking a secure trading environment.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Admirals
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2001 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of online brokers OANDA and Admirals, it's clear that both have their unique strengths and structures. OANDA is recognized for its comprehensive automated execution across account offerings, although the forex trading costs are relatively high with effective spreads that exceed those of the most attractive brokers. OANDA's spreads are generally in line with FOREX.com and FxPro in terms of bid/ask costs, yet may have a higher minimum spread cost when compared to brokers offering sub-pip spreads. In July 2024, for instance, OANDA's average non-core pricing on the EUR/USD pair was 1.61 pips. For traders opting for the core pricing option, lower spreads come with a $5 per $100,000 commission per side, rendering the all-in cost slightly more favorable than the commission-free pricing for those willing to deposit a minimum of $10,000.
Admirals offers a more competitive pricing model, boasting typical spreads of 0.8 pips on its Trade account, with similar advantageous rates on the Zero account type. This competitive edge in pricing is reflected in its higher star rating for commissions and fees. Admirals is rated 4.5 stars for these aspects, compared to OANDA's 4 stars. Such differentiation is also acknowledged in their rankings, with Admirals holding the 17th position out of 62 brokers, while OANDA ranks at 34th according to ForexBrokers.com. Admirals’ pricing strategy positions it as a more appealing choice for traders focused on minimizing costs without compromising on service quality.
Both brokers offer distinctive programs and features that may appeal to different trading preferences. OANDA, for instance, reduces minimum trade sizes to 1 unit, equivalent to 0.001 micro lot, and provides rebates for high-volume traders in select regions through its Elite Trader program. Conversely, Admirals’ focus on maintaining competitive spreads and higher rankings makes it an attractive option for traders prioritizing cost-efficiency. In summary, while OANDA offers benefits like micro lot trading and elite rebates, Admirals stands out in terms of lower spreads and higher rankings in commissions and fees.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Admirals
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.61 | 0.8 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.61 | 0.8 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When it comes to the available range of investments, OANDA and Admirals both offer forex trading either as a CFD or spot contract. OANDA provides 3,928 tradeable symbols, including 68 forex pairs. Admirals, however, offers a wider variety with 8,702 tradeable symbols, including 82 forex pairs. While both platforms support copy trading, their offerings diverge when it comes to investment types beyond forex. Admirals gives clients the chance to trade exchange-traded securities directly on U.S. and international exchanges, enabling them to buy popular stocks like Apple and Vodafone. In contrast, OANDA does not offer this option directly through exchanges, focusing more on CFDs.
For those interested in cryptocurrencies, OANDA stands out as it not only allows the purchase of cryptocurrency derivatives but also actual cryptocurrencies. Admirals, however, only supports trading cryptocurrency derivatives. This distinction can be pivotal for investors who aim to own and manage digital currencies directly. Overall, Admirals receives a higher rating with 4.5 stars for its range of investments, ranking 19th out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, whereas OANDA is rated 4 stars, positioned at 27th in the same category.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Admirals
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3928 | 8702 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 68 | 82 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools of OANDA and Admirals, both brokers offer substantial features for traders. They provide the convenience of simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts, helping users practice without financial risk. Each company has developed proprietary platforms offering seamless experiences, alongside the added flexibility of both web-based and Windows desktop download options. Both OANDA and Admirals provide MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) access, as well as copy trading capabilities, enhancing their appeal to diverse trading strategies.
In terms of charting tools, OANDA distinguishes itself with 431 drawing tools, compared to Admirals' 106, providing traders with more options for analysis. Both brokers support direct trading from stock charts, facilitating swift transactions. Admirals slightly edges out OANDA in watch list customization with 7 columns versus 6. Both platforms receive a commendable 4-star rating for their trading tools, though OANDA ranks slightly higher at #16 compared to Admirals' #20 out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. Overall, both brokers deliver strong, competitive options for traders looking to leverage advanced tools and platforms.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Admirals
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 81 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 431 | 106 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 6 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of OANDA and Admirals, both platforms offer apps available for iPhone and Android users. Trader conveniences such as stock or forex price alerts, the ability to draw trendlines on charts, and the auto-saving of these drawings are standard features in both apps. However, neither app supports syncing watchlists between the mobile version and the client's online account. For traders concerned with charting tools, each app includes 30 technical studies, and both permit viewing various time frames such as daily, weekly, or intraday. Real-time quotes in custom watchlists are also supported by both platforms.
Despite these similarities, OANDA stands out with a higher user rating of 5 stars for its mobile app, compared to Admirals' 4-star rating. OANDA's excellence in mobile app functionality is further confirmed by its rank of #7 out of 62 brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category on ForexBrokers.com, while Admirals holds the #28 position. Whether you are seeking comprehensive technical analysis tools or seamless trading alerts, both apps provide solid choices, with OANDA slightly ahead in overall user satisfaction and industry ranking.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Admirals
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Both OANDA and Admirals provide daily market commentary and forex news from well-known sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones, ensuring traders have access to reliable updates. While OANDA shines with tools such as Autochartist, Admirals leans on Trading Central for its technical analysis features. Additionally, both brokers offer sentiment-based trading tools for those interested in market dynamics. Admirals expands its research capabilities with resources from TipRanks and Acuity Trading, which aren't available with OANDA. Both platforms include an economic calendar that tracks global news events, aiding traders in staying informed of crucial economic developments.
In terms of research ratings, OANDA is awarded a stellar 5 out of 5 stars, ranking 5th out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Admirals, while still performing admirably in research functions, receives a 4-star rating and is positioned 15th on the same list. This distinction highlights OANDA's comprehensive research offerings, although Admirals balances its set of tools with unique resources not found at OANDA. Both brokers ensure traders are well-equipped to analyze the market, but OANDA holds a slightly more prominent spot in the research category.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Admirals
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | Yes |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | Yes |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources, both OANDA and Admirals cater effectively to beginners looking to immerse themselves in the forex and CFDs trading world. They both provide a wealth of educational materials, exceeding the minimum expectation of ten pieces, including articles, videos, and webinars focused on these trading domains. In addition, both brokers hold at least one online educational webinar per month and offer searchable archives of recorded webinars, making it convenient for learners to revisit past sessions at their leisure.
For beginners specifically, both OANDA and Admirals deliver over ten educational videos covering trading basics. They also extend their educational resources to more advanced traders, each offering advanced video content as well. Moreover, an investor dictionary with definitions of over fifty terms is available from both brokers, assisting newcomers in navigating trading jargon. Despite both OANDA and Admirals offering strong educational content, OANDA is rated five stars for education compared to Admirals' four stars. However, Admirals outranks OANDA in the ForexBrokers.com education category, standing at #12 against OANDA's #22 out of 62 brokers.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Admirals
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that OANDA is better than Admirals. OANDA finished with an overall rank of #12, while Admirals finished with an overall rank of #18.
A trusted global brand, OANDA stands out for its reputation and quality market research. Its regulatory track record is strong, and its support for third-party features bolsters its overall offering.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Admirals
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 93 |
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When comparing online brokers, OANDA allows investors to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency as well as cryptocurrency derivatives, whereas Admirals provides only the option to invest in cryptocurrency derivatives and not the actual digital currency itself.
Both OANDA and Admirals provide a variety of flexible deposit and withdrawal options, including ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, catering to the diverse needs of their users.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | OANDA | Admirals | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 93 | |
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| Review | OANDA Review | Admirals Review |
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| Regulation | OANDA | Admirals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 93 | 93 | |
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2001 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 3 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | OANDA | Admirals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | OANDA | Admirals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | Yes |
| Investments | OANDA | Admirals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3928 | 8702 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 68 | 82 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | OANDA | Admirals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.61 | 0.8 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.61 | 0.8 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | OANDA | Admirals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | OANDA | Admirals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | OANDA | Admirals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 6 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 81 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 431 | 106 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | OANDA | Admirals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | OANDA | Admirals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | Yes | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | OANDA | Admirals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | OANDA | Admirals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | OANDA Review | Admirals Review |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | OANDA Review | Admirals Review |
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