10 minute read
XM vs Admiral Markets: A Comprehensive Comparison
Choosing the right forex broker is a critical decision for traders, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional. Two well-known names in the forex and CFD trading industry are XM vs Admiral Markets (now rebranded as Admirals in some regions). Both brokers have built strong reputations, but they cater to slightly different audiences and offer unique features. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into XM vs Admiral Markets, analyzing their platforms, fees, regulations, trading conditions, and more to help you decide which broker suits your trading needs in 2025.
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This guide is designed to provide a clear, side-by-side comparison of key factors such as spreads, leverage, trading platforms, customer support, and account types. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which broker aligns best with your trading goals.
Overview of XM vs Admiral Markets
XM
Founded in 2009, XM is a Cyprus-based broker that has grown to serve over 5 million clients in nearly 190 countries. Known for its beginner-friendly approach, XM offers low minimum deposits, flexible account types, and a strong focus on customer support. The broker specializes in forex and CFD trading, with a wide range of instruments including forex pairs, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies.
XM is regulated by multiple authorities, ensuring a high level of trust and transparency. Its user-friendly platforms and competitive trading conditions make it a popular choice for both novice and experienced traders.
Admiral Markets
Established in 2001, Admiral Markets (rebranded as Admirals in some regions) is headquartered in the UK and operates in over 40 countries. With a focus on advanced trading tools and institutional-grade features, Admiral Markets appeals to professional traders while still accommodating beginners. The broker offers access to forex, CFDs, stocks, ETFs, and more, with a strong emphasis on MetaTrader platforms.
Admiral Markets is also well-regulated and known for its robust educational resources and innovative tools, such as its AI-powered Analytical Research Terminal.
Key Takeaway
· XM: Ideal for beginners and traders seeking low deposits and simple execution.
· Admiral Markets: Suited for advanced traders who value ECN accounts, API trading, and institutional tools.
Regulation and Safety
Safety is a top priority when choosing a broker, as it ensures your funds are protected and the broker operates transparently.
XM Regulation
XM is regulated by several reputable authorities:
· Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC): License 120/10
· Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC): License 443670
· Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize: License 000261/4
XM also adheres to strict segregation of client funds, keeping them in separate accounts from company funds. Additionally, XM offers negative balance protection, ensuring retail clients cannot lose more than their account balance. However, as a Market Maker, XM acts as the counterparty to trades, which may raise concerns for some traders.
Admiral Markets Regulation
Admiral Markets is regulated by:
· Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK: License 595450
· Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC): License 310328
· Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles: License SD073
Like XM, Admiral Markets segregates client funds and provides negative balance protection. The broker offers both Market Maker and ECN accounts, giving traders more flexibility in how their orders are executed.
Key Takeaway
Both brokers are highly regulated, but Admiral Markets may have a slight edge for traders prioritizing FCA regulation and ECN trading options. XM’s broader regulatory coverage, including ASIC, appeals to traders in regions like Australia.
Account Types
XM Account Types
XM offers four main account types tailored to different trading styles:
· Micro Account: Ideal for beginners with a $5 minimum deposit and micro-lot trading.
· Standard Account: Suited for most traders, with a $5 minimum deposit and standard lot sizes.
· XM Ultra-Low Account: Offers tighter spreads (from 0.6 pips) with a $5 minimum deposit.
· Shares Account: Designed for trading real stocks with a $10,000 minimum deposit.
All accounts support forex, CFDs, and other instruments, with leverage up to 1:1000 (depending on regulation and account type).
Admiral Markets Account Types
Admiral Markets provides a variety of account types:
· Trade.MT4/MT5: Standard accounts with a $100 minimum deposit, suitable for most traders.
· Zero.MT4/MT5: ECN accounts with spreads from 0 pips and a $100 minimum deposit, plus commissions.
· Invest.MT5: For long-term stock and ETF investing with a $1 minimum deposit.
· Demo Accounts: Unlimited demo accounts for practice.
Admiral Markets’ ECN accounts are a standout feature for traders seeking direct market access.
Key Takeaway
XM’s low $5 minimum deposit makes it more accessible for beginners, while Admiral Markets’ ECN and investment accounts cater to advanced traders and long-term investors.
Trading Platforms
Both brokers rely heavily on MetaTrader platforms, but their offerings differ slightly.
XM Platforms
XM supports:
· MetaTrader 4 (MT4): A popular choice for forex trading with a user-friendly interface.
· MetaTrader 5 (MT5): Offers advanced features like more timeframes and additional order types.
· WebTrader: A browser-based platform for quick access.
· Mobile Apps: Available for iOS and Android.
XM also supports social trading, allowing users to copy trades from experienced traders.
Admiral Markets Platforms
Admiral Markets offers:
· MetaTrader 4 (MT4): Enhanced with StereoTrader for advanced order management.
· MetaTrader 5 (MT5): Includes an AI-powered Analytical Research Terminal.
· WebTrader: Browser-based trading.
· Mobile Apps: Available for iOS and Android.
· Admirals Platform: A proprietary platform for simplified trading.
Admiral Markets’ integration of advanced tools like StereoTrader and the Analytical Research Terminal gives it an edge for professional traders.
Key Takeaway
Both brokers offer MT4 and MT5, but Admiral Markets provides more advanced tools and a proprietary platform, while XM focuses on simplicity and social trading.
Spreads and Fees
Trading costs are a crucial factor when comparing brokers.
XM Spreads and Fees
· Spreads: Variable, starting from 1 pip on Standard accounts and 0.6 pips on Ultra-Low accounts. For EUR/USD, spreads average around 1.7 pips on Standard accounts.
· Commissions: No commissions on Standard, Micro, or Ultra-Low accounts; commissions apply on Shares accounts.
· Non-Trading Fees: Inactivity fee of $5/month after 90 days of no activity.
XM’s low spreads on Ultra-Low accounts make it competitive, but its Market Maker model may result in slightly wider spreads during volatile markets.
Admiral Markets Spreads and Fees
· Spreads: Variable, starting from 0.5 pips on Trade accounts and 0 pips on Zero accounts (with commissions). EUR/USD averages 0.8 pips on Trade accounts.
· Commissions: $3-$10 per lot on Zero.MT4/MT5 accounts; no commissions on Trade accounts.
· Non-Trading Fees: Inactivity fee of €10/month after 24 months.
Admiral Markets’ ECN accounts offer tighter spreads but come with commissions, making them cost-effective for high-volume traders.
Key Takeaway
XM is cheaper for low-volume traders due to its commission-free accounts, while Admiral Markets is more cost-effective for active traders using ECN accounts.
Leverage and Margin Requirements
XM Leverage
XM offers leverage up to 1:1000 for non-EU clients, depending on the account type and instrument. EU clients are restricted to 1:30 due to ESMA regulations. High leverage is attractive for traders with small accounts but increases risk.
Admiral Markets Leverage
Admiral Markets provides leverage up to 1:500 for non-EU clients and 1:30 for EU clients. While lower than XM’s maximum, it’s sufficient for most trading strategies.
Key Takeaway
XM’s higher leverage is appealing for risk-tolerant traders, but Admiral Markets’ more conservative leverage may suit those prioritizing risk management.
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Trading Instruments
XM Instruments
XM offers over 1,000 instruments, including:
· Forex: 55+ currency pairs
· Commodities: Gold, silver, oil
· Indices: Major global indices like FTSE, Dow Jones
· Stocks: CFDs on individual stocks
· Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more
Admiral Markets Instruments
Admiral Markets provides a broader range, with over 8,000 instruments:
· Forex: 40+ currency pairs
· Commodities: Metals, energies, agricultural products
· Indices: Global indices
· Stocks and ETFs: Direct stock trading and CFDs
· Cryptocurrencies: Major cryptos
· Bonds: Unique offering for diversified portfolios
Key Takeaway
Admiral Markets offers a wider variety of instruments, including bonds and ETFs, while XM focuses on a more curated selection suitable for most traders.
Deposit and Withdrawal Methods
XM Deposits and Withdrawals
· Methods: Bank wire, credit/debit cards, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, and more.
· Minimum Deposit: $5 for most accounts.
· Fees: No deposit fees; withdrawal fees may apply for bank wires.
· Processing Time: Instant for e-wallets; 2-5 days for bank wires.
Admiral Markets Deposits and Withdrawals
· Methods: Bank wire, credit/debit cards, Skrill, Neteller, Perfect Money, cryptocurrencies.
· Minimum Deposit: $100 for most accounts.
· Fees: No deposit fees; withdrawal fees vary by method.
· Processing Time: Instant for e-wallets; 1-3 days for bank wires.
Key Takeaway
XM’s lower minimum deposit and wider payment options make it more accessible, while Admiral Markets supports unique methods like cryptocurrencies.
Customer Support
XM Support
XM offers 24/5 customer support via:
· Live chat
· Phone
· Multilingual support in over 25 languages
XM’s support is highly responsive and beginner-friendly, with a focus on quick issue resolution.
Admiral Markets Support
Admiral Markets provides 24/5 support through:
· Live chat
· Phone
· Multilingual support in 20+ languages
Admiral Markets’ support is praised for its professionalism and ability to handle complex queries.
Key Takeaway
Both brokers offer excellent support, but XM’s broader language coverage gives it a slight edge for global traders.
Educational Resources
XM Education
XM provides:
· Webinars and seminars
· Video tutorials
· Market analysis
· Economic calendar
· Demo accounts
These resources are tailored for beginners and intermediate traders.
Admiral Markets Education
Admiral Markets offers:
· Webinars and trading courses
· Market analysis and news
· Economic calendar
· Advanced tools like the Analytical Research Terminal
· Demo accounts
Admiral Markets’ resources are more comprehensive, catering to both beginners and advanced traders.
Key Takeaway
Admiral Markets has a stronger focus on advanced education, while XM excels at supporting new traders.
Bonuses and Promotions
XM Bonuses
XM is known for generous promotions, including:
· No-Deposit Bonus: Up to $30 for new clients (subject to terms).
· Deposit Bonus: Up to 50% on deposits (varies by region).
· Loyalty Program: Rewards for active trading.
Admiral Markets Bonuses
Admiral Markets offers fewer promotions but occasionally provides:
· Cashback programs
· Limited-time deposit bonuses
· Competitions and trading contests
Key Takeaway
XM’s bonuses are more frequent and beginner-friendly, while Admiral Markets focuses on rewarding active traders.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choosing between XM vs Admiral Markets depends on your trading style, experience level, and priorities.
Choose XM If:
· You’re a beginner or have a small trading budget ($5 minimum deposit).
· You prefer commission-free accounts with competitive spreads.
· You want high leverage (up to 1:1000).
· You value frequent bonuses and promotions.
Choose Admiral Markets If:
· You’re an advanced trader seeking ECN accounts or API trading.
· You want access to a wider range of instruments, including bonds and ETFs.
· You prioritize advanced tools like StereoTrader or the Analytical Research Terminal.
· You prefer FCA regulation for added trust.
Both brokers are reliable, well-regulated, and offer excellent trading conditions. XM is ideal for those starting out or seeking simplicity, while Admiral Markets caters to professionals looking for advanced features and flexibility.
FAQs
1. Is XM or Admiral Markets safer for trading?
Both brokers are highly regulated, with XM regulated by CySEC, ASIC, and FSC, and Admiral Markets by FCA, CySEC, and FSA. Admiral Markets’ FCA regulation may appeal to those seeking stricter oversight.
2. Which broker has lower fees?
XM offers commission-free accounts with spreads from 0.6 pips, making it cheaper for low-volume traders. Admiral Markets’ ECN accounts have lower spreads but include commissions, benefiting high-volume traders.
3. Can I trade cryptocurrencies with XM or Admiral Markets?
Yes, both brokers offer cryptocurrency CFDs, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Admiral Markets also supports a broader range of instruments.
4. What is the minimum deposit for XM vs Admiral Markets?
XM requires a $5 minimum deposit for most accounts, while Admiral Markets requires $100 for trading accounts and $1 for investment accounts.
5. Which broker is better for beginners?
XM is more beginner-friendly due to its low minimum deposit, simple account structure, and generous bonuses. Admiral Markets suits beginners but shines for advanced traders.
Conclusion
In the XM vs Admiral Markets debate, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. XM excels for beginners and traders with smaller budgets, offering low deposits, high leverage, and commission-free accounts. Admiral Markets, on the other hand, is a powerhouse for advanced traders, with ECN accounts, a wider range of instruments, and cutting-edge tools.
Evaluate your trading goals, experience level, and budget to make an informed decision. Both brokers are reputable and provide excellent platforms, so you can’t go wrong with either. Start with a demo account to test their services and find the perfect fit for your trading journey in 2025.
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