Exness
CMC Markets
Exness vs CMC Markets
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Exness and CMC Markets are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Exness, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by FCA, CySEC, FSCA and offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $1. CMC Markets, established in 1989 in London, UK, holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, BaFin with spreads from 0.7 pips and a $0 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, CMC Markets scored 8.8/10 overall compared to Exness's 8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Exness holds its own with lower trading costs and smoother deposits & withdrawals, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
CMC Markets scores 8.8/10 overall vs 8/10 for Exness — a 0.8-point difference.
- 💵
CMC Markets requires just $0 to start, while Exness needs $1 — CMC Markets is 1x more accessible.
- 📈
CMC Markets offers 10,000+ instruments vs 300+ at Exness — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Exness runs on MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal, Exness Trade App, while CMC Markets uses Next Generation, MT4 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Research & Analysis: CMC Markets scores 9.0 vs 7.0 for Exness — a 2.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
Exness
Score: 8.0/10 · Wins 2 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer Exness's trading environment overall
CMC Markets
Score: 8.8/10 · Wins 6 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
CMC Markets takes the lead with an overall score of 8.8/10 compared to 8/10, winning in 6 out of 8 scoring categories. CMC Markets stands out for better trading platforms and stronger regulation, while Exness fights back with lower trading costs and smoother deposits & withdrawals.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, CMC Markets comes out ahead with a 8.8/10 overall rating, winning 6 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Platforms & Tools where it scores 9.5/10. CMC Markets holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Exness is not without merit — it scores 8/10 overall and excels in Deposit & Withdrawal (9.5/10), winning 2 categories. Traders who value lower trading costs or smoother deposits & withdrawals may find Exness the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full CMC Markets review and Exness review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Exness wins by 0.5 points
CMC Markets wins by 1.5 points
CMC Markets wins by 1.0 points
CMC Markets wins by 1.5 points
CMC Markets wins by 0.5 points
CMC Markets wins by 2.0 points
Exness wins by 1.5 points
CMC Markets wins by 2.0 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.0/10 | 8.8/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $1 | $0 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | Unlimited | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.0 pips | 0.7 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal, Exness Trade App | Next Generation, MT4 |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, FSCA | FCA, ASIC, BaFin |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2008 | 1989 ✓ |
| Markets | 300+ | 10,000+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Exness has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 8/10 for CMC Markets. Exness offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while CMC Markets starts from 0.7 pips. The minimum deposit at Exness is $1, compared to $0 at CMC Markets. 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
CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 8/10 for Exness. Exness provides MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal, Exness Trade App, while CMC Markets offers Next Generation, MT4. 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. Exness is regulated by FCA, CySEC, FSCA (Tier 1), while CMC Markets holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, BaFin (Tier 1). Exness scores 8.5/10 and CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 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, CMC Markets leads with 8/10 compared to 6.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Exness and CMC Markets 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
Exness offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, while CMC Markets provides 24/5 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
Exness scores 9.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while CMC Markets scores 8/10. Exness accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin, Perfect Money, and CMC Markets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Exness requires a minimum deposit of $1 versus $0 for CMC Markets. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Exness if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer Exness's trading environment overall
Choose CMC Markets if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exness better than CMC Markets?
CMC Markets scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 8/10), winning 6 of 8 categories. However, Exness is stronger in lower trading costs and smoother deposits & withdrawals. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Exness or CMC Markets?
Exness scores higher for trading costs. Exness offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $1 minimum deposit, while CMC Markets starts from 0.7 pips with $0 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Exness safe to trade with?
Exness is regulated by FCA, CySEC, FSCA and scores 8.5/10 for regulation. CMC Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin with a score of 9.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Exness or CMC Markets?
CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 for platforms. Exness offers MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal, Exness Trade App, while CMC Markets provides Next Generation, MT4. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Exness vs CMC Markets?
Exness requires a minimum deposit of $1, while CMC Markets requires $0. CMC Markets 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.