Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs Exness, 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.
CMC Markets and Exness offer online trading services, but their regulatory standings and trust levels differ notably. Founded in 1989, CMC Markets is a well-established entity, publicly traded, and holds a perfect Trust Score of 99, positioning it in the highly trusted category according to ForexBrokers.com. The broker boasts five Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license, reflecting strong regulatory compliance and extensive oversight. Though not a bank, CMC Markets’ long-standing presence and robust regulatory framework make it a highly credible choice for traders.
Founded in 2008, Exness is a privately owned online broker carrying a Trust Score of 81, categorizing it as a trusted broker by ForexBrokers.com. Exness holds two Tier-1 and three Tier-2 licenses, indicating fair regulatory oversight. While not listed on any stock exchange, the broker provides a level of trustworthiness due to its regulatory compliance. Traders may find Exness a suitable option, although its trust rating and regulatory licenses are fewer compared to CMC Markets.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2008 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 3 |
When it comes to commissions and fees, CMC Markets stands out as a top performer, earning a 5-star rating and being ranked #1 in its category by ForexBrokers.com out of 62 brokers. Known for its consistently low spreads, CMC Markets shines with an average spread of 0.61 pips on the EUR/USD. Their active trader program, Price Plus Scheme, offers discounts based on trading volume, allowing for significant savings. Additionally, the introduction of the FX Active pricing model provides a commission-based structure with some of the most competitive all-in costs available, further highlighting CMC Markets as a pricing leader.
In contrast, Exness offers a wide selection of account types, accommodating both commission-free and commission-based preferences. It holds a respectable 4-star rating and is ranked #38 in the Commissions and Fees category. With different account types like Standard, Pro, Zero Spread, and Raw, the trading costs vary, offering flexibility to meet diverse trading needs. Notably, the Zero Spread and Raw accounts have lower spreads and charge per-trade commissions, catering to traders seeking cost-effective options within different execution methods.
While both brokers provide tailored solutions to suit different trading preferences, CMC Markets excels in offering a low-cost trading environment, especially for those interested in commission-based accounts with competitive spreads. Meanwhile, Exness provides a broad array of account options, making it a viable choice for traders who value flexibility in their trading journey.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $10 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing CMC Markets and Exness in terms of available investments, CMC Markets stands out with a significantly broader range of tradeable symbols, offering a selection of 11,925 compared to Exness's 227. Both brokers provide forex trading as a Contract for Difference (CFD) or spot contract, but CMC Markets shines again with 156 tradeable forex pairs, surpassing Exness's 96. Additionally, CMC Markets expands its offerings by giving clients access to exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, allowing for acquisitions like Apple and Vodafone shares—a feature not available with Exness.
Furthermore, CMC Markets supports copy trading and allows for investing in cryptocurrency derivatives, though not actual cryptocurrencies, mirroring the services provided by Exness in this regard. However, when it comes to their overall range of investments, CMC Markets earns a 5-star rating and is ranked 9th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, Exness receives a 3.5-star rating and holds the 56th position. This highlights CMC Markets as a favorable choice for investors looking for extensive market coverage and a wide variety of trading opportunities.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 227 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 96 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | 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.
CMC Markets and Exness both provide a comprehensive suite of trading platforms and tools catering to traders with varying preferences. Both brokers offer free virtual demo accounts, allowing users to practice trading without risk. They each have developed their own unique platforms and support Windows-based desktop downloads and web-based trading, offering flexibility and convenience. Investors can benefit from popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, as well as engage in copy trading. However, neither broker offers DupliTrade or ZuluTrade services. For those focused on technical analysis, Exness stands out in charting capabilities with 87 drawing tools compared to CMC Markets' 40, though both brokers enable direct trading from stock charts.
When assessing watch list features, CMC Markets provides 11 columns for personalization, whereas Exness offers 7. With these offerings, CMC Markets achieves a five-star rating for trading platforms and tools, ranking fourth among 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. On the other hand, Exness earns a solid four-star rating, ranking 31st. Ultimately, CMC Markets holds an edge in advanced functionality and user customization, ensuring a highly rated platform experience for its users. Exness, while slightly lower rated, remains a strong competitor with a broad range of tools for traders.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 79 | 107 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 87 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading offerings of CMC Markets and Exness, both brokers provide iPhone and Android apps that facilitate stock and forex trading on the go. Each app includes features like price alerts and the ability to view multiple time frames for enhanced analysis. CMC Markets stands out with its watchlist symbol syncing, allowing watchlists to seamlessly sync between the mobile app and the online account. This feature is absent in Exness's app. Additionally, while both apps let users draw trendlines on charts, CMC Markets has the advantage of auto-saving these drawings. When it comes to technical studies offered, Exness edges ahead slightly with 35 studies compared to CMC Markets' 29.
In terms of ratings and rankings, CMC Markets earns a full five stars for its mobile trading apps, achieving an impressive 5th place out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, Exness is rated four stars and ranks 32nd. Both apps support creating watchlists with real-time quotes, a crucial feature for active traders. Overall, while Exness provides a comprehensive mobile trading experience with slightly more technical studies, CMC Markets offers a more synchronized and highly-rated app, making it a top choice for traders who prioritize seamless integration and reliable performance.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 35 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research features, both CMC Markets and Exness provide daily market commentary and forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. Traders will find sentiment-based trading tools available with both brokers, offering insights into market positioning across currency pairs. However, while CMC Markets stands out with the technical analysis tools provided by Autochartist, Exness counters with Trading Central’s comprehensive analytics. Both platforms offer economic calendars to keep traders informed of global events, though neither provides research tools from TipRanks or Acuity Trading.
In terms of overall research ratings, CMC Markets has earned a stellar 5-star score, ranking #6 out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, showcasing its robust offering of market insights and analysis tools. In comparison, Exness, with a 3.5-star rating, is positioned at #41, reflecting a more modest yet valuable range of research facilities. Each broker has its strengths, making them appealing to traders with different research needs and preferences.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginner traders, both CMC Markets and Exness have commendable offerings. Each broker provides a substantial collection of over 10 educational pieces, including articles, videos, and archived webinars, primarily focused on forex and CFDs. Furthermore, both platforms boast a searchable archive of past client webinars, making it easy for newcomers to access and learn from previously recorded sessions. In addition, both CMC Markets and Exness cater to beginners by offering at least 10 introductory videos on various trading topics. However, CMC Markets has the edge when it comes to more detailed content for advanced traders, offering more than 10 advanced educational videos, while Exness falls short in this area.
Another useful tool for novice investors is an investor dictionary, and both brokers provide one with definitions for at least 50 investing terms, helping traders enhance their jargon comprehension. Despite these considerable educational resources, neither CMC Markets nor Exness hold regular monthly live webinars, which could be a limitation for those who appreciate real-time guidance. However, in terms of overall educational quality, CMC Markets shines brighter with a 5-star rating compared to Exness's 3.5 stars. Reflecting their comprehensive educational resources, CMC Markets ranks as the 10th best broker in the education category out of 62, while Exness lands at 47th, indicating a more limited scope for newcomers seeking in-depth learning experiences.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| 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 CMC Markets is better than Exness. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4, while Exness finished with an overall rank of #43.
CMC Markets is well-trusted across the globe, and delivers a terrific trading experience thanks to its excellent pricing and selection of over 12,000 tradeable instruments.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 81 |
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Both CMC Markets and Exness do not provide the option to purchase actual cryptocurrencies, focusing instead on offering cryptocurrency derivatives for their trading platforms.
CMC Markets offers ACH or SEPA transfers and PayPal for deposits and withdrawals, unlike Exness, which lacks these options but provides Skrill, with both brokers supporting Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transactions.
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 | CMC Markets | Exness | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | Exness Review |
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| Regulation | CMC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 81 | |
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2008 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 3 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | CMC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | CMC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | Yes |
| Investments | CMC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 227 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 96 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | 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 | CMC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | CMC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $10 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | CMC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | CMC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 107 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 87 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | CMC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 35 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | CMC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | CMC Markets Review | Exness Review |
| Overall | CMC Markets | Exness | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | Exness Review |
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