ForexBrokers.com is committed to the highest ethical standards and reviews services independently. Learn How We Make Money

CMC Markets vs iFOREX 2025

ForexBrokers.com

Written by ForexBrokers.com

February 05, 2025

In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs iFOREX, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

CMC Markets
5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Trust Score: 99
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 11925
iFOREX
3.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $100
  • Trust Score: 75
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 750

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.

Regulation

Founded in 1989, CMC Markets stands out in the online brokerage scene with a 99 Trust Score rating from ForexBrokers.com, classifying it as highly trusted. The company is publicly traded, although not a bank, and benefits from holding five Tier-1 licenses, alongside one Tier-2 license. These factors contribute significantly to its reputation as a secure choice for traders seeking reliable market access.

In contrast, iFOREX, which was established in 1996, operates with a Trust Score of 75, indicating an average risk level. Unlike CMC Markets, iFOREX is not publicly traded, nor is it a bank, and it possesses only one Tier-1 license without any Tier-2 licenses. While it provides trading services, potential users may find CMC Markets a more regulated alternative for secure trading activities.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
iFOREX logoiFOREX
Year Founded info 1989 1996
Publicly Traded (Listed) info Yes No
Bank info No No
Tier-1 Licenses info 5 1
Tier-2 Licenses info 1 0
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 0 1

Fees

CMC Markets and iFOREX are two options for forex traders, but they differ significantly in their commissions and fees structures. CMC Markets stands out in this area, taking the top spot in our 2025 Annual Awards for Commissions and Fees with a perfect 5-star rating. They offer consistently low spreads above the industry average, such as a typical 0.61 pips on the EUR/USD. This competitive pricing is available for all customer segments and account types. CMC Markets has also introduced innovative programs like the Price Plus Scheme, which allows active traders to earn discounts through Trading Points based on monthly trading volumes. Additionally, their commission-based FX Active pricing in select regions combines low minimum spreads and a commission per trade to further reduce trading costs.

In contrast, iFOREX received a 3-star rating and ranks at #61 out of 63 brokers for commissions and fees. Unlike CMC Markets, iFOREX doesn't provide average spread data, making it challenging for traders to assess its cost-effectiveness. This lack of transparency can make it difficult for potential clients to weigh the potential costs and benefits.

Overall, CMC Markets leads in terms of competitive pricing and transparency, having established programs to continually improve efficiencies and reward their clients, setting a high bar in the industry. Meanwhile, iFOREX lags significantly behind in both ranking and transparency, suggesting that traders looking for clear and cost-effective pricing might find better options with CMC Markets.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
iFOREX logoiFOREX
Minimum Deposit info $0 $100
Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard info 0.61 info N/A info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.51 info N/A info
Active Trader or VIP Discounts info Yes No
ACH or SEPA Transfers info Yes No
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info No Yes
Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) info Yes Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.

Featured Offers


Range of investments

When comparing the range of investments available at CMC Markets and iFOREX, it's evident that CMC Markets provides a notably broader selection. With a staggering 11,925 tradeable symbols, including 156 forex pairs, CMC Markets gives investors a vast array of options. In contrast, iFOREX offers 750 tradeable symbols and 88 forex pairs. Both platforms facilitate forex trading as CFDs, and both also allow investing in cryptocurrency derivatives. However, if buying actual delivered cryptocurrency is what you're after, neither broker provides this service.

CMC Markets not only excels in the number of tradable instruments but also offers unique features such as access to U.S. and international exchange-traded securities, allowing clients to purchase stocks like Apple or Vodafone directly. On the other hand, iFOREX does not provide exchange-traded securities. Additionally, CMC Markets supports copy trading, a feature not available with iFOREX. These advantages reflect in CMC Markets' impressive 5-star rating for range of investments and its rank as #9 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, iFOREX holds a 3.5-star rating and ranks #41 in the same category.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
iFOREX logoiFOREX
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 11925 750
Forex Pairs (Total) info 156 88
U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) info Yes No
Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) info Yes No
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes No
Cryptocurrency (Physical) info No No
Cryptocurrency (Derivative) info 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.

Trading platforms and tools

When comparing the trading platforms and tools of CMC Markets and iFOREX, CMC Markets clearly stands out by offering a more extensive range of features. Notably, CMC Markets provides a free virtual demo account for simulated trading, which iFOREX lacks. Both brokers have developed their proprietary platforms; however, CMC Markets goes a step further with additional platform options, including a Windows-based desktop download and access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. In contrast, iFOREX does not support these popular MetaTrader platforms. While both brokers offer web-based trading, CMC Markets also supports copy trading, which is not available on iFOREX.

Charting tools further differentiate the two brokers. CMC Markets offers a greater variety of drawing tools, totaling 40, compared to the 25 provided by iFOREX. Additionally, CMC Markets provides more customization for watch lists, with 11 columns available versus iFOREX's 9. Both brokers allow trading directly from stock charts, but CMC Markets secures a leading edge with higher ratings and rankings in trading platforms and tools. CMC Markets is awarded 5 stars in this category and is ranked 4th out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, whereas iFOREX earns 4 stars and sits at 54th place. Overall, CMC Markets delivers a more versatile and advanced trading experience.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
iFOREX logoiFOREX
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes No
Proprietary Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes No
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes No
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes No
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info Yes No
DupliTrade info No No
ZuluTrade info No No
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 79 57
Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) info 40 25
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes
Watchlists - Total Fields info 11 9
View More

Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.

Forex trading apps

When it comes to mobile trading apps, both CMC Markets and iFOREX offer options for iPhone and Android users. However, CMC Markets clearly stands out in several key areas. It provides features like stock and forex price alerts, watchlist symbol syncing for seamless management across devices, and 29 technical studies for in-depth chart analysis. Users of the CMC Markets app can draw trendlines, view multiple time frames, and enjoy auto-saving for chart drawings, enhancing the overall trading experience. Additionally, its ability to create watchlists with real-time quotes adds another layer of convenience and efficiency.

iFOREX, while offering a competitive mobile experience, lacks some of these advanced features. It does not provide price alerts, watchlist syncing, or the ability to draw trendlines and view various time frames within its app. When it comes to user satisfaction, CMC Markets is rated at 5 stars, ranking #5 out of 63 brokers for mobile trading apps according to ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, iFOREX holds a 4-star rating and ranks significantly lower at #55. Overall, CMC Markets offers a more comprehensive and versatile mobile trading platform, accommodating the needs of traders at every level.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
iFOREX logoiFOREX
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes No
Watchlist Syncing info Yes No
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 29 N/A
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes No
Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes No
Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave info Yes No
Mobile Watchlist info Yes No

Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.

Market research

When comparing the market research offerings of CMC Markets and iFOREX, several differences stand out. Both brokers provide daily market commentary and maintain economic calendars to keep users informed about global events. CMC Markets sets itself apart by featuring forex news from prestigious sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, which iFOREX does not offer. Additionally, CMC Markets integrates tools like Autochartist for enhanced technical analysis, whereas iFOREX lacks this feature. Alternatively, iFOREX utilizes Trading Centralโ€™s analytics tools, which are not available with CMC Markets. Both brokers supply sentiment-based trading tools, allowing users to see the balance of positions across various instruments.

Despite both platforms offering a range of research tools, CMC Markets excels with a superior research rating of 5 stars compared to iFOREX's 3.5 stars. Rating highly, CMC Markets is ranked 6th out of 63 brokers for its research capabilities by ForexBrokers.com, whereas iFOREX stands at the 48th position. This highlights CMC Markets' comprehensive and in-depth research offerings, positioning it as a preferable choice for traders seeking detailed market insights and credible news sources. In contrast, iFOREX caters well to those who value Trading Central's unique tools despite its overall lower rating and rank.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
iFOREX logoiFOREX
Daily Market Commentary info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes No
Autochartist info Yes No
Trading Central (Recognia) info No Yes
Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs info Yes Yes
TipRanks info No No
Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) info No No
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.

Beginners and education

When it comes to educational resources for beginner traders, CMC Markets stands out compared to iFOREX. CMC Markets provides a comprehensive selection of over ten educational pieces, including articles, videos, and a searchable archive of previously recorded webinars, all focused on forex and CFDs. They also offer an extensive array of over ten videos targeting beginner traders and provide advanced content for experienced traders. Additionally, CMC Markets includes an investor dictionary featuring over 50 trading terms, making it a valuable tool for those new to investing. These offerings contribute to CMC Markets' impressive 5-star rating in the Education category, placing them at #10 out of 63 brokers as ranked by ForexBrokers.com.

In contrast, iFOREX provides more limited educational support for beginners. While they do offer beginner-focused videos, they lack the breadth of educational materials available at CMC Markets. iFOREX also does not provide a searchable archive of webinars or an investor glossary with comprehensive definitions. With these shortcomings, iFOREX holds a 3.5-star rating for education and ranks #53 out of 63 brokers, indicating room for improvement in nurturing rookie investors. For those stepping into the world of forex and CFDs, CMC Markets presents a more thorough learning platform, making it a compelling choice for educational resources.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
iFOREX logoiFOREX
Education (Forex or CFDs) info Yes No
Client Webinars info No No
Client Webinars (Archived) info Yes No
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes No
Investor Dictionary (Glossary) info Yes No

Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.

Winner

After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that CMC Markets is better than iFOREX. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4, while iFOREX finished with an overall rank of #52.

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 logoCMC Markets
iFOREX logoiFOREX
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 75
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 5/5 Stars 3/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 4.5/5 Stars 3/5 Stars

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with CMC Markets or iFOREX?

Both CMC Markets and iFOREX do not provide the option to purchase actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.

What funding options does each broker offer?

CMC Markets provides various deposit and withdrawal options, including ACH, SEPA, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, whereas iFOREX offers PayPal, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, but lacks ACH and SEPA transfer options.




announcementPlease note:

We review each brokerโ€™s overall global offering โ€“ a โ€œYesโ€ 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

×
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxActivTrades
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxACY Securities
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxAdmirals
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxAlpari
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxATFX
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxAvaTrade
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxAxi
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxBDSwiss
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxBlackBull Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCapital.com
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCharles Schwab
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCity Index
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCMC Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxDooPrime
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxEarn
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxeasyMarkets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxEightcap
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxeToro
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxExness
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFinecoBank
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFOREX.com
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFP Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFXCM
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFXGT.com
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFXOpen
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFXPrimus
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFxPro
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxGBE brokers
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxHFM
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxHYCM (Henyep Capital Markets)
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIC Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIFC Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxiFOREX
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIG
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxInteractive Brokers
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIronFX
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIUX
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxLegacyFX
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxLibertex (Forex Club)
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxMarkets.com
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxMarkets4you
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxMoneta Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxMultiBank
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxOANDA
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxOcta
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxPepperstone
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxPlus500
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxQuestrade
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxRoboForex
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxSaxo
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxSpreadex
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxSwissquote
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxThinkMarkets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxTickmill
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxTMGM
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxTopFX
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxTrade Nation
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxTrading 212
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxVantage
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxVT Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxXM Group
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxXTB
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxXtrade

Compare

0 of 5
Overall Rating CMC Markets iFOREX
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 5/5 Stars 3/5 Stars
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Education 4.5/5 Stars 3/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 75
Winner check_circle
Review CMC Markets Review
Broker Screenshots CMC Markets iFOREX
Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) info
Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) info
Research Gallery (click to expand) info
Education Gallery (click to expand) info
Regulation CMC Markets iFOREX
Trust Score info 99 75
Year Founded info 1989 1996
Publicly Traded (Listed) info Yes No
Bank info No No
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info Yes info
Tier-1 Licenses info 5 1
Tier-2 Licenses info 1 0
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 0 1
Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) CMC Markets iFOREX
Australia (ASIC Authorised) info Yes No
Canada (CIRO Authorised) info Yes No
Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) info No No
Japan (SFC Authorised) info No No
Singapore (MAS Authorised) info Yes No
Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) info No No
United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) info Yes Yes
USA (CFTC Authorized) info No No
New Zealand (FMA Authorised) info Yes No
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info Yes info
Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) CMC Markets iFOREX
Kenya (CMA Authorised) info No No
Israel (ISA Authorised) info No No
South Africa (FSCA Authorised) info No No
UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) info Yes No
India (SEBI Authorised) info No No
Jordan (JSC Authorised) info No No
Investments CMC Markets iFOREX
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 11925 750
Forex Pairs (Total) info 156 88
U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) info Yes No
Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) info Yes No
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes No
Cryptocurrency (Physical) info No No
Cryptocurrency (Derivative) info 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 iFOREX
Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard info 0.61 info N/A info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.51 info N/A info
Active Trader or VIP Discounts info Yes No
Inactivity Fee info Yes No
Execution: Agency Broker info No No
Execution: Market Maker info Yes Yes
Funding CMC Markets iFOREX
Minimum Deposit info $0 $100
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info No Yes
Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) info Yes Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
ACH or SEPA Transfers info Yes No
Trading Platforms CMC Markets iFOREX
Proprietary Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes No
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes No
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes No
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info Yes No
cTrader info No No
DupliTrade info No No
ZuluTrade info No No
Trading Tools CMC Markets iFOREX
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes No
Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes No
Watchlists - Total Fields info 11 9
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 79 57
Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) info 40 25
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes
Charts can be saved info Yes No
Mobile Trading CMC Markets iFOREX
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes No
Mobile Watchlist info Yes No
Watchlist Syncing info Yes No
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 29 N/A
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes No
Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes No
Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave info Yes No
Mobile Economic Calendar info Yes No
Research CMC Markets iFOREX
Daily Market Commentary info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes No
Autochartist info Yes No
Trading Central (Recognia) info No Yes
TipRanks info No No
Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs info Yes Yes
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Education CMC Markets iFOREX
Education (Forex or CFDs) info Yes No
Client Webinars info No No
Client Webinars (Archived) info Yes No
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes No
Investor Dictionary (Glossary) info Yes No
Major Forex Pairs CMC Markets iFOREX
GBP/USD info Yes Yes
USD/JPY info Yes Yes
EUR/USD info Yes Yes
USD/CHF info Yes Yes
USD/CAD info Yes Yes
NZD/USD info Yes Yes
AUD/USD info Yes Yes
Review CMC Markets Review
Overall CMC Markets iFOREX
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 5/5 Stars 3/5 Stars
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Education 4.5/5 Stars 3/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 75
Winner check_circle
Review CMC Markets Review
arrow_upward

close