Admiral Markets vs FxPro: Who Is the Better Broker? An In-Depth Comparison
When it comes to choosing a forex and CFD broker, traders are often faced with a daunting array of choices. Among the many options available, Admiral Markets and FxPro stand out as two of the most popular and reputable brokers in the industry. Both have carved out distinct niches, boasting impressive track records, extensive offerings, and robust trading platforms.
But which one truly offers a better trading experience? Does one stand out in terms of costs, platforms, regulation, customer service, or education? As an experienced finance professional and writer, I understand that the decision often hinges on nuanced details that can make or break a trader’s journey. That’s why in this comprehensive review, I will dissect every critical aspect—ranging from regulatory standing and trading costs to platform features and customer support—to help you make an informed decision.
Let’s embark on this detailed comparison between Admiral Markets and FxPro to find out which brokerage better aligns with your trading needs.
Introduction: Setting the Stage for a Fair Comparison
Choosing the right broker isn’t just about finding the lowest spreads or the most powerful platform. It’s about aligning your personal trading goals with a broker that provides reliability, security, and the right tools. Both Admiral Markets and FxPro are globally recognized names, catering to millions of traders across the world, with a focus on trading forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, and more.
While Admiral Markets has established itself as a versatile platform with a broad product spectrum and strong educational resources, FxPro has earned a reputation for executing high-speed trades, competitive spreads, and superior client support.
In this article, I will peel back the layers of each broker, analyzing key areas such as regulation, trading conditions, platform offerings, account types, educational resources, and customer service. Only a detailed, transparent review can empower you to make a decision that suits your trading style and financial goals.
Company Background and Regulation
A broker’s regulatory standing is the first critical factor that should underpin your choice. Regulatory oversight ensures that the firm adheres to strict standards designed to protect your funds and ensure transparent operations.
Admiral Markets: History and Regulatory Standing
Admiral Markets was founded in 2001, initially focusing on the European market before expanding globally. The company is licensed and regulated by reputable authorities, including:
- UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – License No. 586464, which imposes rigorous standards for client fund segregation, transparency, and market conduct.
- Estonian Financial Supervision Authority (EFSA) – As part of its EU-regulated framework.
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) – Licensing adds to its credibility in the Asia-Pacific region.
Admiral Markets’ regulation by the FCA and other authorities assures clients that the company adheres to strict financial standards, including capital adequacy requirements and routine audits.
FxPro: History and Regulatory Standing
FxPro was established in 2006 and quickly grew from a regional broker to a global powerhouse. It is regulated by several respected agencies:
- UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – License No. 447 focus on client security within the UK.
- Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) – License No. 259/14, qualifying FxPro under the MiFID framework.
- The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) – for clients in the Middle East.
- South Africa’s FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority).
This multi-jurisdictional regulation demonstrates FxPro’s commitment to compliance and security, giving traders confidence in their trading environment.
Regulatory Comparison Summary
Both brokers are regulated by highly reputed authorities—Admiral Markets benefits from FCA and other EU protections, while FxPro offers multiple licenses, including FCA and CySEC. This multi-jurisdictional regulation adds layers of safety, with adherence to strict standards in client fund segregation, transparency, and reporting.
Trading Instruments and Market Coverage
The breadth and depth of instruments available are vital for traders seeking diversity and flexibility.
Admiral Markets’ Offerings
Admiral Markets provides an impressive lineup of trading instruments including:
- Forex currency pairs (over 50 pairs, including majors, minors, and exotics)
- CFDs on indices, commodities, and stocks
- Precious metals (Gold, Silver)
- Cryptocurrencies (via CFDs, offering Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
- Special products such as ETFs and bonds in select markets
This wide array caters well to traders interested in both forex and diversified assets, with a particular focus on educational instruments and research tools that support both beginner and advanced traders.
FxPro’s Offerings
FxPro offers a similarly comprehensive suite, with key features including:
- Forex pairs (over 70, including exotic, major, and minor pairs)
- CFDs on indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
- Shares and futures (access via CFDs)
- Forex Spot and CFDs enable quick execution and flexibility
While FxPro’s product range is slightly more concentrated around forex and CFDs, their offerings are highly competitive in terms of variety and trading conditions.
Market Coverage and Suitability
Both brokers cater extensively to forex traders, with multiple asset classes for diversification. However, Admiral Markets tends to have a slight edge with a broader spectrum of derivative products and educational tools that appeal to traders interested in a balanced, multi-asset platform.
Trading Platforms and Technology
Platform choice is perhaps the most critical aspect for traders—affecting ease of use, speed, stability, and overall trading experience.
Admiral Markets Platforms
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) are the mainstays, offering robust features such as:
- Advanced charting and analytical tools
- Automated trading via Expert Advisors
- Customizable interface
- Multi-asset trading within a single platform
Additionally, Admiral Markets offers the MetaTrader Supreme Edition, an enhanced plugin that includes over 60 extra tools, indicators, and widgets.
TradingView integration is upcoming, allowing traders to access advanced charting outside of the MetaTrader environment, especially on mobile.
FxPro Platforms
FxPro offers:
- MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, similar to Admiral, with total compatibility.
- FxPro Edge, their proprietary web-based platform providing intuitive UI, optimized for both novice and advanced traders.
- cTrader – An alternative platform renowned for fast trade execution, detailed DOM (Depth of Market), and advanced order types. FxPro’s cTrader account caters to high-frequency and scalping traders.
Platform Comparison Summary
Both brokers provide leading platforms, with Admiral Markets having a slight edge due to the MetaTrader Supreme Edition and broader asset integration. FxPro’s proprietary platform (FxPro Edge) and access to cTrader are favorable for traders seeking speed, customization, and sophisticated order execution.
Account Types and Costs
A clear understanding of account structures and costs is essential for effective trading.
Admiral Markets Accounts
Admiral Markets offers primarily two account types:
- Standard Account: No commission, spreads generally starting from 1.0 pip for major forex pairs. Swap fees applicable on overnight trades.
- ECN Account: Lower spreads (often around 0.1-0.3 pip) with a fixed commission per lot (around $3.5 per side).
Account Features:
- No minimum deposit, but typically $100 – $500 is recommended.
- Leverage up to 1:30 in European clients, higher in other jurisdictions, depending on regulation.
- Islamic swap-free accounts are available.
FxPro Accounts
FxPro offers three principal account types:
- Demo Account: For practice and education.
- Live Accounts:
- Standard Account: Spreads from 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, no commission.
- cTrader Account: Similar spreads, but with low commissions (~$45 per 1 lot traded).
- Edge Account: For active traders, spreads from 1.4 pips, no commission.
Account features:
- No minimum deposit; typically around $500.
- Leverage up to 1:30 in EU, higher in other regions.
- Fixed, variable spreads, depending on account type.
Cost Analysis
Costs are primarily managed through spreads and commissions. While Admiral Markets’ ECN accounts tend to have tighter spreads but include commissions, FxPro’s cTrader accounts are also competitive with low commissions. The overall cost competitiveness may vary depending on trading volume, asset class, and trading style.
Spreads, Commissions, and Leverage
Spreads
For traders, spread costs significantly influence profitability, especially over high-frequency trades.
- Admiral Markets: Spreads generally start from 0.6 pips on majors in ECN accounts; standard accounts might start from around 1.0 pip.
- FxPro: Spreads are typically 1.2 pips on EUR/USD on standard accounts, with cTrader accounts offering around 0.3-0.6 pip spreads, with additional commissions.
Commissions
- Admiral Markets: $3.5 per lot in ECN accounts.
- FxPro: $4.5 per lot on cTrader accounts, and zero in standard accounts.
Leverage
Both brokers offer leverage up to 1:30 for retail traders based in the EU, in compliance with regulations. Higher leverage may be available in other jurisdictions, but traders should always exercise caution.
Final Take
- For tight spreads and low commissions: FxPro cTrader accounts are often preferred.
- For flexibility and multi-asset coverage: Admiral Markets’ ECN accounts can be more advantageous.
Customer Support and Educational Resources
In the realm of trading, customer support and educational resources can make a significant difference.
Admiral Markets
- Support channels: Live chat, email, phone support, multilingual support team.
- Response times: Generally prompt, with dedicated account managers for premium clients.
- Educational resources: Extensive guides, webinars, video tutorials, and market analysis.
- Research tools: Daily market analysis, economic calendars, and Trading Central integration.
FxPro
- Support channels: 24/5 live chat, email, and phone.
- Response times: Efficient, with dedicated support for premium accounts.
- Educational resources: Webinars, articles, tutorials, and an active YouTube channel.
- Research tools: Market news, economic calendars, and technical analysis.
Customer Support Comparison
Both brokers excel in providing quality support and resources. For traders emphasizing educational growth, Admiral Markets’ extensive learning platform could be decisive. FxPro offers fast support coupled with insightful market analysis.
Additional Features and Risk Management
Risk Management Tools
Both brokers offer essential risk management features:
- Stop-loss, take-profit, and trailing stops.
- One-click trading and advanced order types.
- Negative balance protection (depending on jurisdiction).
- Demo accounts for testing strategies risk-free.
Additional Features
- Admiral Markets: Social trading integration, economic calendar, VPS hosting.
- FxPro: Copy trading features, quick order execution, and advanced charting.
Summary: The Verdict
Advisor’s Final Take:
Both Admiral Markets and FxPro are stellar brokers, but they cater slightly differently to traders’ preferences.
Feature | Admiral Markets | FxPro |
---|---|---|
Regulation | FCA, EFSA, ASIC | FCA, CySEC, DFSA, FSCA |
Trading Instruments | Wide asset coverage | Slightly more Forex-centric |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, Supreme Edition | MT4, MT5, cTrader, FxPro Edge |
Spreads | Starting from ~0.6 pips (ECN) | From ~0.3 pips (cTrader) |
Commissions | $3.5 per lot (ECN) | From ~$4.5 per lot (cTrader) |
Customer Support | Multilingual, extensive resources | Responsive, good resources |
Educational Content | Extensive | Focused on trading education |
Which broker is better?
If your focus is on a multi-asset platform with extensive educational support and regulation within the EU, Admiral Markets might be your best fit.
On the other hand, if you are seeking tight spreads on forex and high-speed execution, especially in CFD trading, then FxPro’s cTrader or Edge platforms could serve you better.
Ultimately, your trading style, asset preference, and platform comfort should guide your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are both Admiral Markets and FxPro regulated?
Yes. Both brokers are regulated by reputable authorities—Admiral Markets by FCA, CySEC, EFSA, and ASIC; FxPro by FCA, CySEC, DFSA, and FSCA. This extensive regulation provides a secure trading environment.
2. Which broker offers better spreads?
Typically, FxPro’s cTrader accounts boast the tightest spreads, starting from as low as 0.3 pips on majors, with low commissions. Admiral Markets offers competitive spreads too, especially on ECN accounts, but may be slightly wider in standard accounts.
3. Can I trade cryptocurrencies with both brokers?
Yes. Both brokers offer CFDs on popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, though they do not support direct crypto-wallet trading.
4. Which platform is better: MetaTrader or cTrader?
It depends on the trader. MetaTrader 4 and 5 are standard, highly versatile platforms. cTrader is known for speed, transparency, and advanced order management, suitable for high-frequency traders. FxPro’s proprietary Edge platform offers additional features.
5. Do both brokers offer demo accounts?
Yes, both offer free demo accounts, allowing traders to test platforms and strategies risk-free.
6. Which broker is more suitable for beginners?
Admiral Markets with its extensive educational resources and multi-asset offerings is great for beginners. FxPro also offers demo accounts and easy-to-navigate platforms suitable for novices.
7. Are there any deposit or withdrawal fees?
Both brokers process deposits and withdrawals free of charge but may pass on third-party banking fees. It’s advisable to check your bank’s policies.
8. Is leverage available, and what are the typical limits?
Yes, both brokers offer leverage up to 1:30 for retail traders within EU jurisdiction, higher elsewhere, subject to local regulations and risk warnings.
9. Can I trade on mobile devices?
Absolutely. Both brokers have dedicated mobile apps compatible with iOS and Android, with full trading functionality.
10. Which broker has better customer support?
Both provide high-quality support. The choice depends on your specific needs and responsiveness expectations.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Admiral Markets and FxPro ultimately depends on your individual trading style, asset preferences, and platform requirements.
Admiral Markets shines in multi-asset coverage, extensive educational resources, and regulation within the EU, making it highly suitable for traders seeking a balanced, reliable broker.
FxPro offers competitive spreads, advanced execution platforms like cTrader, and a global license framework, appealing particularly to forex traders and high-performance scalpers.
As a trader, the best approach is to define your priorities—whether it’s cost-efficiency, platform features, asset diversity, or support services—and test each broker’s demo account. This hands-on experience, combined with this comprehensive comparison, should guide you toward the broker that complements your trading journey.
Invest wisely, and remember that no matter which broker you choose, disciplined trading and prudent risk management are paramount to success.