Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs Xtrade, 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.
Founded in 1989, CMC Markets is a well-established online broker that operates with a high level of trustworthiness. It holds a total of five Tier-1 licenses, which are considered highly trusted by ForexBrokers.com, and an additional Tier-2 license. With a stellar Trust Score of 99 out of 99, CMC Markets is publicly traded on a stock exchange, yet operates without a banking status. These factors combined contribute to its reputation as a highly trusted entity in the online trading space.
In comparison, Xtrade was founded in 2003 and holds a single Tier-1 license and one Tier-2 license. Xtrade is not publicly traded and like CMC Markets, it is not a bank. While it has an average Trust Score of 74, indicating a moderate level of risk, its smaller number of top-tier licenses may be a consideration for potential traders. Both brokers offer distinct qualities, making it important for users to weigh these factors according to their individual trading needs.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2003 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
CMC Markets stands out as a top contender in the realm of online trading, securing the #1 spot in our 2025 rankings for commissions and fees. Known for its consistently low spreads available across all customer segments and account types, CMC Markets offers a competitive advantage for traders. For instance, typical spreads on the EUR/USD currency pair are 0.61 pips, showcasing their competitive pricing. Their Price Plus Scheme rewards active traders with discounts based on trading points, allowing for a potential 20% spread discount at their highest tier. CMC also offers a commission-based pricing model called FX Active, which charges $2.50 per side alongside minimal spreads, further boosting their appeal to traders in various regions.
On the other hand, Xtrade falls significantly behind in terms of commissions and fees, primarily due to a lack of transparency in spread data and higher costs. Unlike CMC Markets, which boasts a robust platform with minimal deviation from advertised spreads, Xtrade does not provide average spread data, making it challenging for traders to assess potential costs accurately. This lack of clarity is reflected in Xtrade's 2.5-star rating for commissions and fees, compared to CMC Markets’ pristine 5-star rating.
In conclusion, CMC Markets clearly leads as the more favorable choice between the two brokers, holding the #1 rank among 62 brokers in the 2025 ForexBrokers.com review. Xtrade, unfortunately, trails at the other end, ranked #62. With CMC Markets offering low spreads, a straightforward pricing structure, and rewarding programs for active traders, it remains a preferred platform for cost-conscious traders, while Xtrade struggles to present a competitive edge in the same area.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $250 |
| 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 the range of investments offered by CMC Markets and Xtrade, it's evident that CMC Markets provides a wider variety of options for investors. CMC Markets offers an impressive 11,925 tradeable symbols, including 156 forex pairs, and allows clients to engage in both CFD forex trading and spot contracts. On the other hand, Xtrade provides 482 tradeable symbols with 56 forex pairs, also supporting CFD forex trading and spot contracts. A significant difference lies in their stock offerings, with CMC Markets enabling clients to purchase exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, such as Apple and Vodafone shares, while Xtrade does not offer this capability.
Both platforms provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives but not the actual cryptocurrencies themselves. CMC Markets holds a slight edge with the extra feature of copy trading, enhancing its appeal to users interested in mirroring successful trading strategies. Based on the variety of available investments, CMC Markets earned a 5-star rating and ranks #9 out of 62 brokers, according to ForexBrokers.com. In comparison, Xtrade received a 3.5-star rating and holds the #49 spot, making it clear that for those seeking greater investment diversity, CMC Markets stands out as the more comprehensive choice.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 482 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 56 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| 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 Xtrade both provide virtual demo accounts, allowing traders to practice without financial risk. CMC Markets stands out with its proprietary platform available on Windows and web browsers, while Xtrade offers only a web-based platform. This means that CMC Markets caters to a broader range of user preferences, providing flexibility for both desktop and online trading experiences. In addition, CMC Markets supports popular trading platforms MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which Xtrade does not, making it a more versatile choice for traders who prefer these industry-standard interfaces.
While both brokers support trading directly from stock charts, CMC Markets also provides a richer set of tools with 40 drawing tools compared to Xtrade's 100, although CMC compensates with a wider array of technical indicators. CMC Markets earns a higher user rating of 5 stars for its trading platforms and tools, ranking 4th out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, Xtrade receives 3.5 stars and is positioned 58th in the same category. With features like copy trading and more comprehensive watch list customization, CMC Markets offers a well-rounded trading experience appealing to both novice and seasoned traders.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | N/A |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 100 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 9 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both CMC Markets and Xtrade provide mobile apps for iPhone and Android users, ensuring accessibility across devices. However, there are notable differences in the features each app offers. With CMC Markets, traders can enjoy stock and forex price alerts, a feature not available with Xtrade. Additionally, CMC Markets supports the syncing of watchlist symbols between the mobile app and client’s online account, making managing investments more streamlined and efficient. In terms of charting tools, CMC Markets impresses with 29 technical studies and the ability to draw trendlines, access multiple time frames, and auto-save chart drawings—capabilities that are absent in Xtrade's offerings.
CMC Markets also stands out with its ability to create watchlists with real-time quotes. When it comes to ratings, CMC Markets shines with a 5-star rating for its mobile trading app, whereas Xtrade holds a 4-star rating. Further reflecting their strengths and weaknesses, CMC Markets ranks 5th out of 62 brokers for mobile trading apps on ForexBrokers.com, whereas Xtrade is placed much lower in the rankings at 53rd. These differences highlight CMC Markets as a stronger choice for those seeking comprehensive mobile trading features.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | N/A |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research offerings of CMC Markets and Xtrade, both platforms ensure traders stay informed with daily market commentary and access to premier forex news from sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. However, CMC Markets provides an edge in technical analysis by offering tools from Autochartist, whereas Xtrade does not. Both platforms lack offerings from Trading Central and Acuity Trading, and neither provides market research from TipRanks. Additionally, CMC Markets includes a sentiment-based trading tool showcasing the ratio of long or short positions, a feature that Xtrade does not offer. Both brokers support traders with economic calendars, highlighting current and upcoming global economic events.
Across the landscape of online brokers, CMC Markets receives impressive recognition for its research capabilities, boasting a five-star rating and securing the #6 position out of 62 brokers in ForexBrokers.com’s rankings. Xtrade, meanwhile, holds a decent three-and-a-half-star rating but trails behind in the rankings at #52. This comparison highlights that while both brokers offer valuable market insights, CMC Markets stands out for its comprehensive analytical tools and overall research excellence.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| 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 beginners, CMC Markets stands out compared to Xtrade. Both brokers provide more than ten pieces of educational content focused on forex and CFDs. However, CMC Markets goes a step further by offering a searchable archive of recorded webinars, which is something Xtrade does not provide. Additionally, CMC Markets impresses with more than ten beginner-focused educational videos, while Xtrade falls short in this area. As an extra edge, CMC Markets also includes a rich selection of videos for more advanced traders, offering broader learning opportunities for its users.
For those new to trading, having a helpful resource like an investor dictionary is a tremendous asset, and both CMC Markets and Xtrade offer dictionaries with definitions for over 50 investing terms. However, based on educational offerings and user rankings, CMC Markets achieves a 5-star rating and ranks 10th in education among 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, Xtrade receives a 3.5-star rating and comes in at 46th. This comprehensive approach by CMC Markets makes it an attractive choice for beginners eager to learn and grow in the trading space.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| 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 Xtrade. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4, while Xtrade finished with an overall rank of #59.
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
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 74 |
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Both CMC Markets and Xtrade do not provide the option to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
CMC Markets supports ACH and SEPA transfers, offers both PayPal and card transactions via Visa or Mastercard, and accepts bank wires, while Xtrade provides options for Skrill, accepts Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire transactions, but lacks support for ACH, SEPA transfers, and PayPal.
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 | Xtrade | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 74 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | Xtrade Review |
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| Regulation | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 74 | |
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2003 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| 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 | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| 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 | No |
| Investments | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 482 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 56 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $250 | |
| 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 | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 9 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | N/A | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 100 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | No |
| Mobile Trading | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | No | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | N/A | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Xtrade Review |
| Overall | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 74 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | Xtrade Review |
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