Skilling
Markets.com
Skilling vs Markets.com
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Skilling and Markets.com are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Skilling, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by CySEC and offers spreads starting from 0.1 pips with a minimum deposit of $100. Markets.com, established in 2008 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA with spreads from 0.6 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Skilling scored 7.8/10 overall compared to Markets.com's 7.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Markets.com holds its own with stronger regulation and superior education resources, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Skilling scores 7.8/10 overall vs 7.8/10 for Markets.com — a 0.0-point difference.
- 📈
Markets.com offers 2,500+ instruments vs 800+ at Skilling — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Skilling runs on Skilling Trader, MT4, cTrader, while Markets.com uses Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: Markets.com scores 9.0 vs 7.0 for Skilling — a 2.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
Skilling
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 2 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer Skilling's trading environment overall
Markets.com
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 4 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
Skilling takes the lead with an overall score of 7.8/10 compared to 7.8/10, winning in 2 out of 8 scoring categories. Skilling stands out for lower trading costs and smoother deposits & withdrawals, while Markets.com fights back with stronger regulation and superior education resources.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Skilling comes out ahead with a 7.8/10 overall rating, winning 2 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Trading Costs where it scores 8.0/10. Skilling holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Markets.com is not without merit — it scores 7.8/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 4 categories. Traders who value stronger regulation or superior education resources may find Markets.com the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Skilling review and Markets.com review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Skilling wins by 1.0 points
Markets.com wins by 2.0 points
Markets.com wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 0.5 points
Skilling wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 1.0 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 ✓ | 7.8/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $100 ✓ | $100 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:300 |
| Spreads From | 0.1 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Platforms | Skilling Trader, MT4, cTrader | Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5 |
| Regulation | CySEC | CySEC, FCA, FSCA |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2016 | 2008 ✓ |
| Markets | 800+ | 2,500+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Skilling has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 7/10 for Markets.com. Skilling offers spreads starting from 0.1 pips, while Markets.com starts from 0.6 pips. The minimum deposit at Skilling is $100, compared to $100 at Markets.com. 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
Skilling scores 8/10 for platforms compared to 8/10 for Markets.com. Skilling provides Skilling Trader, MT4, cTrader, while Markets.com offers Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5. 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. Skilling is regulated by CySEC (Tier 1), while Markets.com holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA (Tier 1). Skilling scores 7/10 and Markets.com 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, Markets.com leads with 7.5/10 compared to 7/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Skilling and Markets.com 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
Skilling offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email and scores 7.5/10, while Markets.com provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7.5/10. 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
Skilling scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Markets.com scores 7.5/10. Skilling accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, and Markets.com supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Skilling requires a minimum deposit of $100 versus $100 for Markets.com. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Skilling if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer Skilling's trading environment overall
Choose Markets.com if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skilling better than Markets.com?
Skilling scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.8/10), winning 2 of 8 categories. However, Markets.com is stronger in stronger regulation and superior education resources. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Skilling or Markets.com?
Skilling scores higher for trading costs. Skilling offers spreads from 0.1 pips with a $100 minimum deposit, while Markets.com starts from 0.6 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Skilling safe to trade with?
Skilling is regulated by CySEC and scores 7/10 for regulation. Markets.com is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Skilling or Markets.com?
Skilling scores 8/10 for platforms. Skilling offers Skilling Trader, MT4, cTrader, while Markets.com provides Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Skilling vs Markets.com?
Skilling requires a minimum deposit of $100, while Markets.com requires $100. Markets.com 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.