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 online brokers CMC Markets and Axi, it's essential to consider their history and trust ratings. Established in 1989, CMC Markets is a veteran in the trading industry and stands out with a Trust Score of 99, indicating a highly trusted status according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, Axi, founded in 2007, carries a Trust Score of 82, falling into the trusted category. The two companies differ significantly in market presence, with CMC Markets being publicly traded while Axi remains a private entity. Neither of them operates as a bank.
Regulatory licensing is a crucial factor in gauging the trustworthiness of brokers. CMC Markets enjoys a strong regulatory standing with five Tier-1 licenses, the highest level of trust, and one Tier-2 license. Meanwhile, Axi is not far behind with two Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license. These licenses ensure both companies adhere to stringent guidelines, although CMC Markets clearly holds a more extensive regulatory backing. Overall, potential traders may find CMC Markets to be the more reassuring choice due to its longer track record and superior regulatory framework.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2007 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
When comparing CMC Markets and Axi in terms of commissions and fees, CMC Markets stands out as the top choice among traders. In the 2025 Annual Awards, CMC Markets was recognized as the number one broker in the Commissions and Fees category, thanks to its low spread offerings. Typical spreads at CMC Markets are competitive, generally around 0.61 pips on the popular EUR/USD currency pair. Additionally, their active trader program, known as the Price Plus Scheme, offers significant discounts based on trading volumes, further enhancing cost efficiency for active traders. CMC Markets also offers a commission-based pricing structure, FX Active, which enables traders to benefit from low all-in trading costs, particularly advantageous on platforms like MT4 and Next Generation. All these factors contribute to CMC Markets receiving a perfect 5-star rating and the #1 ranking out of 63 brokers.
On the other hand, Axi does not disclose specific average spread data, making direct comparison with CMC Markets more challenging. While Axi provides a solid trading experience, its commissions and fees position don’t quite match the competitive pricing of CMC Markets. Although Axi achieves a respectable 4-star rating, it occupies the #43 ranking in the Commissions and Fees category out of 63 brokers.
In summary, if competitive pricing and low trading costs are priorities, CMC Markets is the clear frontrunner with its industry-leading offerings. Axi, while reliable, falls short in matching the cost benefits and transparent pricing that give CMC Markets its edge in the market. Choosing between the two will depend on individual trading needs, but CMC Markets clearly excels when it comes to economical trading costs.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When it comes to the range of investments, CMC Markets and Axi present distinct offerings for traders. CMC Markets boasts a vast selection with 11,925 tradeable symbols, which includes an impressive array of 156 forex pairs, allowing investors a broad range of options to explore. In contrast, Axi provides access to 175 tradeable symbols, including 65 forex pairs. Both platforms offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, giving traders the flexibility to choose based on their strategies.
Another area where CMC Markets shines is its access to exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, enabling clients to purchase well-known stocks like Apple and Vodafone directly. Axi, however, does not offer the ability to invest in exchange-traded securities—these features are limited to CFD trading. Both platforms support cryptocurrency derivatives, but not actual cryptocurrencies. With copy trading available on both CMC Markets and Axi, users can emulate successful strategies. According to ForexBrokers.com, CMC Markets stands out with a 5-star rating and ranks #9 out of 63 brokers for range of investments, while Axi receives a 3.5-star rating, ranking at #56.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 175 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 65 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | 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 offer traders a range of tools and platforms for online trading, but they each bring their own strengths to the table. CMC Markets stands out with its proprietary, in-house developed trading platform, offering both Windows-based desktop and web-based trading options. The platform is rich with features, including a comprehensive suite of 40 drawing tools and the ability to trade directly from the stock charts, supported by 11 customizable fields for watch lists. Traders can also take advantage of MetaTrader 4 and 5 (MT4 and MT5) for a more traditional trading experience. CMC Markets achieves a five-star rating for its trading platforms and tools, securing the #4 spot out of 63 brokers in this category.
With Axi, traders are provided a solid selection of trading platforms, though without a proprietary option. Axi supports both MetaTrader 4 and a web-based trading platform while missing out on the newer version, MetaTrader 5. For those interested in copy trading, Axi integrates with ZuluTrade. Charting capabilities include 15 drawing tools and direct trading from stock charts, along with the option for free virtual demo accounts to simulate trading strategies. Axi's offerings earn a 3.5-star rating for trading platforms and tools, placing it at #63 among 63 brokers ranked by ForexBrokers.com in this category.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of CMC Markets and Axi, both offer apps for iPhone and Android users, ensuring you can trade on the go regardless of your device. Both platforms provide valuable features such as price alerts and real-time quote watchlists, which are important for traders needing up-to-date information at their fingertips. However, CMC Markets takes a lead with seamless watchlist syncing between the mobile app and online accounts, allowing for a more integrated experience, while Axi lacks this feature. In terms of charting capabilities, CMC Markets provides 29 technical studies, marginally fewer than Axi’s 30, but compensates with additional functionalities such as the ability to auto-save drawings on charts, which Axi does not offer.
CMC Markets is rated higher at 5 stars for its mobile trading app, reflecting its excellence in mobile trading features compared to Axi’s 3.5-star rating. This is highlighted by their respective rankings for mobile trading apps on ForexBrokers.com, where CMC Markets proudly stands at #5, while Axi is positioned much lower at #59 out of 63 brokers. Both apps enable users to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on charts, catering to diverse trading strategies. However, CMC Markets clearly offers a more efficient and user-friendly mobile trading experience, making it a preferable choice for traders seeking comprehensive app functionality.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research capabilities, CMC Markets and Axi offer similar essential tools, but there are some differences worth noting. CMC Markets provides daily market commentary, which Axi does not, enhancing its appeal for traders seeking daily insights. Both brokers deliver forex news from prominent sources like Bloomberg and Reuters and offer technical and fundamental analysis tools from Autochartist. However, neither offers tools from Trading Central or research initiatives from TipRanks and Acuity Trading, maintaining much of their parity.
Sentiment-based trading tools and economic calendars are features both brokers support, allowing traders to track trends and global events effectively. However, a key distinguishing factor is their ranking and star rating for research. CMC Markets holds a research rating of 5 out of 5 stars and ranks sixth among 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, Axi receives a 3-star rating and stands 55th, indicating a wider acceptance and preference for CMC Markets among traders for market research resources.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When exploring educational resources for beginners provided by online brokers, CMC Markets and Axi both offer valuable content, but they have distinct approaches. CMC Markets provides a wealth of forex and CFDs education with at least ten pieces, including articles and videos. They enhance learning with a searchable archive of client webinars, enabling traders to access past educational content at their convenience. Additionally, CMC Markets excels in offering beginner and advanced educational videos, along with a comprehensive investor dictionary covering over 50 investing terms. However, they do not host regular monthly webinars.
In contrast, Axi also delivers extensive educational materials, including at least ten beginner-friendly videos and essential forex and CFDs education. Axi shines in offering monthly educational webinars, which are a great live resource for interactive learning, although they lack a searchable archive of these webinars. While Axi provides a solid foundation for beginners with an informative investor dictionary, they do not have the same depth of advanced video content as CMC Markets. Overall, CMC Markets achieves a higher education rating of 5 stars compared to Axi’s 3 stars, with CMC Markets ranked #10 and Axi #27 for education among 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
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 |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 82 |
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Both CMC Markets and Axi do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers, CMC Markets and Axi show distinct differences in fund transfer options: CMC Markets supports ACH or SEPA transfers and PayPal, which Axi does not, while Axi accommodates Skrill, unavailable through CMC Markets, with both brokers allowing transactions via Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires.
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.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | CMC Markets | Axi | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 82 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
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| 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 | 5 | 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) | No | No | |
| 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) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 175 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 65 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | 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 | 0.61 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 15 | |
| 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 Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
| Overall | CMC Markets | Axi | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 82 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
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