Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs IronFX, 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.
Founded in 1989, CMC Markets enjoys a prestigious position as a leading online broker with an impressive Trust Score of 99, according to ForexBrokers.com. This score ranks it among the highly trusted brokers globally. CMC Markets is publicly traded, adding an extra layer of transparency for its clients. It operates under six Tier-1 licenses, denoting the highest level of regulatory trust, and holds one Tier-2 license. Despite not being a bank, the company’s regulatory framework assures clients of its reliability and strong governance.
In comparison, IronFX, established in 2010, holds a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 83, classifying it as a trusted broker. Although not publicly traded, IronFX operates under three Tier-1 licenses, displaying a solid level of trust in regulatory standards, though it lacks any Tier-2 licenses. Like CMC Markets, IronFX is not a bank, but it offers reassuring regulatory oversight, making it a trusted option for traders seeking a secure trading environment.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 3 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
When it comes to comparing online broker CMC Markets to IronFX on commissions and fees, CMC Markets stands out notably. Awarded the number one spot in our 2025 Annual Awards, CMC Markets offers consistently low spreads across all customer segments and account types. For example, the average spread on EUR/USD is 0.61 pips, pushing it above the industry average. CMC Markets also provides a Price Plus Scheme for active traders, offering discounts based on trading volumes. Additionally, their FX Active pricing structure, available in several regions, combines commissions with low spreads, resulting in a competitive edge.
On the other hand, IronFX has room for improvement in its pricing structure. Their typical spread for a standard variable spread account is 1.8 pips, which is higher than the industry average. Although IronFX offers a zero fixed-spread account, this comes with a high commission of $18 per lot, and spreads widen to 3 pips overnight. As a result, CMC Markets is rated five stars for commissions and fees, while IronFX earns four stars.
In terms of industry ranking, CMC Markets is positioned as the top broker out of 63 for commissions and fees, while IronFX ranks significantly lower at #47. This comparison highlights CMC Markets as a more cost-effective choice for traders prioritizing low spreads and competitive pricing schemes.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.3 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.65 | 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.
CMC Markets offers a far wider range of markets than IronFX. You can trade 12,029 instruments at CMC Markets versus 340 at IronFX, including 141 forex pairs at CMC Markets and 83 at IronFX. Both brokers support forex trading (CFD/spot), offer copy trading, and let you trade crypto derivatives, though neither lets you buy actual cryptocurrency. A key difference is stock access: CMC Markets lets clients buy exchange-traded shares on U.S. and international exchanges, while IronFX does not offer real share dealing (non-CFD) on those markets.
For range of investments, CMC Markets earns 5 stars and ranks #9 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, reflecting its extensive catalog and share dealing options. IronFX earns 3.5 stars and ranks #52 out of 63, covering core markets but with a much smaller lineup and no access to real U.S. or international stocks.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 12029 | 340 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 141 | 83 |
| 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 IronFX both provide free demo accounts, web and Windows desktop platforms, copy trading, and the ability to place trades directly from charts. Each supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4). CMC Markets goes further with a proprietary in-house platform and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), while IronFX does not offer its own platform and does not support MT5. Neither broker connects to DupliTrade or ZuluTrade.
For tools, CMC Markets offers 36 drawing tools and 11 watchlist columns, compared with IronFX’s 15 drawing tools and 7 watchlist columns. That advantage helps explain CMC Markets’ 5-star Platforms and Tools rating and #4 ranking out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, versus IronFX’s 3.5 stars and #62 ranking. If you want more platform choice and deeper charting, CMC Markets stands out; if you only need MT4 with basic web and desktop access, IronFX covers the essentials.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 73 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 36 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
CMC Markets and IronFX both offer iPhone and Android apps with price alerts, real-time quote watchlists, trendline drawing, multiple time frames, and auto-saved chart annotations. A key difference is watchlist syncing: CMC Markets syncs symbols between the mobile app and your online account, while IronFX does not—useful if you switch between phone and desktop.
On charting, IronFX lists 30 technical studies versus 29 for CMC Markets, but overall ratings tell a different story. CMC Markets earns 5 stars and ranks #5 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps on ForexBrokers.com, while IronFX holds 3.5 stars and ranks #63. If seamless cross-device use and top-tier app quality matter most, CMC Markets is the stronger pick; if you mainly need core charting and alerts on iOS or Android, both apps can cover the basics.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
CMC Markets and IronFX both deliver daily market commentary, premium forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones, and handy economic calendars. Their toolkits differ: CMC Markets includes Autochartist for pattern ideas and a helpful sentiment tool that shows the long vs. short split across instruments. IronFX skips Autochartist and sentiment but adds Trading Central research for technical and fundamental insights.
For third-party extras, CMC Markets does not include TipRanks or Acuity Trading; availability for these at IronFX is not specified. In independent testing, CMC Markets earns 5 stars for Research and ranks #6 out of 63 brokers, while IronFX scores 4 stars and ranks #29. In short, choose CMC Markets if you want sentiment data and Autochartist-driven ideas; pick IronFX if Trading Central analysis is your priority.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | No | |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
For beginners exploring the educational offerings of CMC Markets and IronFX, both brokers provide a solid starting point with more than ten educational pieces focusing on forex and CFDs. These resources come in various formats, including articles, videos, and archived webinars. Both CMC Markets and IronFX offer a searchable archive of these past webinars, but unfortunately, neither hosts live educational webinars monthly. For those just starting out, each platform provides at least ten beginner-friendly educational videos covering essential trading topics.
When it comes to more advanced education, CMC Markets stands out by offering over ten advanced trading videos, a feature IronFX does not match. Both brokers include a glossary with definitions for over 50 trading terms, aiding newcomers in mastering trading jargon. Rated at five stars for education, CMC Markets secures the 10th spot out of 63 brokers in the Education category by ForexBrokers.com, while IronFX, rated at four stars, ranks 44th. This reflects CMC Markets’ broader range of resources that cater to both beginners and more seasoned traders.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 IronFX. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4, while IronFX finished with an overall rank of #48.
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
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 83 |
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Both CMC Markets and IronFX do not provide the option to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency but offer the ability to purchase cryptocurrency derivatives.
CMC Markets provides more versatile funding options compared to IronFX, including ACH and SEPA transfers and PayPal, while both offer Visa or Mastercard and bank wires; however, only IronFX supports Skrill.
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 | IronFX | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 83 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | CMC Markets | IronFX | |
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| Regulation | CMC Markets | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 83 | |
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 3 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | CMC Markets | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | CMC Markets | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | CMC Markets | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 12029 | 340 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 141 | 83 | |
| 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 | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.3 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.65 | 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 | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 | |
| 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 | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| Trading Tools | CMC Markets | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 73 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 36 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | CMC Markets | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | CMC Markets | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | ||
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IronFX | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 83 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
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