Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs Axi, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
When comparing CMC Markets and Axi, there are several factors to consider. Founded in 1989, CMC Markets holds an impressive ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 99 and boasts six Tier-1 licenses, which reflect a high level of reliability. CMC Markets distinguishes itself by being publicly traded, which may provide an added layer of transparency for investors. While CMC Markets is not a bank, its early establishment and strong regulatory framework position it as a significant player in the online brokerage industry.
In contrast, Axi, established in 2007, has garnered a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 82 and holds two Tier-1 licenses alongside one Tier-2 license. Though not publicly traded, Axi is considered a trusted broker with a well-regarded reputation in the market. Axi's regulatory achievements demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a strong trust factor, even though it operates as a private company. Both CMC Markets and Axi are not banks, but their regulatory standings offer insights into their respective levels of trust and transparency.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2007 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
When comparing CMC Markets and Axi on commissions and fees, CMC Markets emerges as a leader, winning the #1 spot in ForexBrokers.com's 2025 Annual Awards for their Commissions and Fees category. This is largely due to their consistently low spreads and varied pricing options that cater to different trader needs. CMC Markets offers typical spreads of 0.61 pips on the EUR/USD, as per August 2023 data, which places their pricing above the industry average. Their active trader program, known as the Price Plus Scheme, offers discounts on trading costs, allowing traders to potentially reduce expenses through accumulated Trading Points. Additionally, their FX Active commission-based pricing provides highly competitive spreads, even hitting an all-in cost of 0.5 pips for the EUR/USD, further enhancing their appeal.
In comparison, Axi, with a four-star rating for commissions and fees, ranks considerably lower at #44 by ForexBrokers.com, out of 63 brokers in the same category. Specific average spread data for Axi is unavailable, which makes it challenging to provide a direct comparison to CMC Markets. Despite this, Axi maintains a solid reputation, offering various competitive pricing options that attract a range of traders, yet it does not achieve the same level of recognition as CMC Markets in terms of cost-effectiveness and innovative pricing models.
In essence, if minimizing trading costs is a top priority, CMC Markets may present a more attractive option with its highly-rated, cutting-edge pricing structure, particularly for active traders looking to capitalize on spread discounts. On the other hand, Axi remains a viable choice for traders seeking reliable service with reasonable fees, but does not surpass CMC Markets' offerings in terms of commissions and fees savings.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.3 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.65 | N/A |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
CMC Markets and Axi both let you trade forex as CFDs or spot, and each supports copy trading. The big difference is breadth. CMC Markets lists 12,029 tradeable symbols and 141 forex pairs, while Axi offers 175 symbols and 65 forex pairs. CMC Markets also lets you buy actual exchange-traded shares in the U.S. and on international markets, whereas Axi does not. Neither broker supports buying real crypto, but both offer crypto CFDs.
For range of investments, CMC Markets earns 5 stars and ranks 9th out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com. Axi scores 3.5 stars and ranks 57th. Choose CMC Markets if you want a very wide selection and access to listed shares alongside CFDs; pick Axi if you’re comfortable with a smaller catalog focused on forex and CFD trading.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 12029 | 175 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 141 | 65 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
CMC Markets and Axi both make it easy to get started with a free demo account and offer trading on Windows desktop and in your web browser. Each supports copy trading and MetaTrader 4 (MT4), plus the handy ability to place trades directly from charts. The big differences: CMC Markets also provides its own in-house trading platform and supports MetaTrader 5 (MT5), while Axi does not offer a proprietary platform and does not support MT5.
For Trading Platforms and Tools, CMC Markets earns 5 stars and ranks #4 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, while Axi scores 3.5 stars and ranks #64. If you want more platform choice—including a proprietary platform and MT5—CMC Markets stands out. If you only need MT4 with web and desktop access plus copy trading, Axi covers the essentials.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 73 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Comparing CMC Markets and Axi for mobile trading: both offer iPhone and Android apps and support price alerts. CMC Markets stands out for watchlist syncing between mobile and web, while Axi does not sync watchlists. Charting tools are strong on both, with 29 technical studies on CMC Markets and 30 on Axi, and each lets you draw trendlines. However, CMC Markets auto-saves your chart drawings, while Axi does not—useful if you switch devices or revisit setups.
For overall quality, CMC Markets earns 5 stars and ranks #5 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps on ForexBrokers.com. Axi is rated 3.5 stars and ranks #60. If you value seamless watchlists and saved chart work, CMC Markets is the better fit. If you mainly want indicator variety and basic charting on iPhone or Android, Axi can still do the job.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
CMC Markets outshines Axi for market research thanks to daily market commentary, while both brokers deliver forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones. Each provides Autochartist tools and a sentiment gauge showing long vs. short positioning, though neither integrates Trading Central. Both include an economic calendar. CMC Markets does not offer TipRanks or Acuity Trading tools; Axi’s support for TipRanks and Acuity Trading isn’t specified.
Independent ratings underline the gap: CMC Markets earns 5 stars for Research and ranks #6 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, whereas Axi holds 3 stars and ranks #56. If you want frequent, in-house insights alongside premium news and core analysis tools, CMC Markets is the stronger pick; Axi covers the basics but lacks daily commentary and trails in overall research standing.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central | No | No |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | |
| Acuity Trading | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
New to trading? Both CMC Markets and Axi provide forex and CFD education with sizable libraries, including at least 10 beginner-focused videos. Axi stands out for live learning with monthly educational webinars, while CMC Markets does not run regular client webinars. If you prefer structured video lessons to get started, either broker works; if you like interactive sessions and Q&A, Axi has an edge.
As you grow, CMC Markets offers both beginner and advanced video series, giving you material to progress, whereas Axi lacks 10+ advanced videos. That depth is reflected in independent ratings: CMC Markets earns 5 stars for Education and ranks #10 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com; Axi receives 3 stars and ranks #27. For most beginners who want a clear path from basics to advanced topics, CMC Markets is the stronger all-around choice, while Axi suits those who value regular webinars.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | No | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that CMC Markets is better than Axi. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4, while Axi finished with an overall rank of #49.
CMC Markets is well-trusted across the globe, and delivers a terrific trading experience thanks to its excellent pricing and selection of over 12,000 tradeable instruments.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Trust Score | 99 | 82 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
| Commissions & Fees |
|
|
| Platforms & Tools |
|
|
| Research |
|
|
| Mobile Trading |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
CMC Markets and Axi are online brokers that do not support buying actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, but both offer cryptocurrency CFD trading.
Compared with Axi, online broker CMC Markets supports ACH/SEPA, PayPal, and bank wire deposits and withdrawals (no Skrill; Visa or Mastercard not specified), while Axi does not support ACH/SEPA and its support for PayPal, Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires is not specified.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 99 | 82 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| Regulation | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 82 | |
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2007 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | |||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 12029 | 175 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 141 | 65 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | No | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.3 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.65 | N/A | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Agency | No | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | ||
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 73 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | ||
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | No | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
| Overall | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 99 | 82 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
IG
CMC Markets
FOREX.com
XTB
eToro
AvaTrade
Plus500
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill