Admirals
ThinkMarkets
Admirals vs ThinkMarkets
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Admirals and ThinkMarkets are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Admirals, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, is regulated by CySEC, FCA, ASIC and offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $100. ThinkMarkets, established in 2010 in London, UK, holds licenses from ASIC, FCA, CySEC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $0 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Admirals scored 8.4/10 overall compared to ThinkMarkets's 8.3/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, ThinkMarkets holds its own with overall value, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Admirals scores 8.4/10 overall vs 8.3/10 for ThinkMarkets — a 0.1-point difference.
- 💵
ThinkMarkets requires just $0 to start, while Admirals needs $100 — ThinkMarkets is 100x more accessible.
- 🖥️
Admirals runs on MT4, MT5, MetaTrader Supreme Edition, while ThinkMarkets uses MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Education: Admirals scores 8.5 vs 7.5 for ThinkMarkets — a 1.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
Admirals
Score: 8.4/10 · Wins 4 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
ThinkMarkets
Score: 8.3/10 · Wins 0 categories- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
- You prefer ThinkMarkets's trading environment overall
Admirals takes the lead with an overall score of 8.4/10 compared to 8.3/10, winning in 4 out of 8 scoring categories. Admirals stands out for better trading platforms and superior education resources, while ThinkMarkets remains a solid alternative.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Admirals comes out ahead with a 8.4/10 overall rating, winning 4 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Platforms & Tools where it scores 9.0/10. Admirals holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. ThinkMarkets is not without merit — it scores 8.3/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full Admirals review and ThinkMarkets review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Admirals wins by 0.5 points
Admirals wins by 1.0 points
Admirals wins by 0.5 points
Admirals wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.4/10 ✓ | 8.3/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $100 | $0 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, MetaTrader Supreme Edition | MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader |
| Regulation | CySEC, FCA, ASIC | ASIC, FCA, CySEC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2001 ✓ | 2010 |
| Markets | 4,000+ ✓ | 4,000+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Admirals has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 8/10 for ThinkMarkets. Admirals offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while ThinkMarkets starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at Admirals is $100, compared to $0 at ThinkMarkets. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
Admirals scores 9/10 for platforms compared to 8.5/10 for ThinkMarkets. Admirals provides MT4, MT5, MetaTrader Supreme Edition, while ThinkMarkets offers MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Admirals is regulated by CySEC, FCA, ASIC (Tier 1), while ThinkMarkets holds licenses from ASIC, FCA, CySEC (Tier 1). Admirals scores 9/10 and ThinkMarkets scores 9/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, Admirals leads with 8.5/10 compared to 7.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Admirals and ThinkMarkets both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
Admirals offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8/10, while ThinkMarkets provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Admirals scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while ThinkMarkets scores 8/10. Admirals accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and ThinkMarkets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Admirals requires a minimum deposit of $100 versus $0 for ThinkMarkets. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Admirals if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
Choose ThinkMarkets if you...
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
- You prefer ThinkMarkets's trading environment overall
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Admirals better than ThinkMarkets?
Admirals scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 8.3/10), winning 4 of 8 categories. However, ThinkMarkets remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Admirals or ThinkMarkets?
Admirals scores higher for trading costs. Admirals offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $100 minimum deposit, while ThinkMarkets starts from 0.0 pips with $0 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Admirals safe to trade with?
Admirals is regulated by CySEC, FCA, ASIC and scores 9/10 for regulation. ThinkMarkets is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Admirals or ThinkMarkets?
Admirals scores 9/10 for platforms. Admirals offers MT4, MT5, MetaTrader Supreme Edition, while ThinkMarkets provides MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Admirals vs ThinkMarkets?
Admirals requires a minimum deposit of $100, while ThinkMarkets requires $0. ThinkMarkets has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.