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Admiral Markets vs IG (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare Admiral Markets against IG across spreads, regulations, platforms, and trading costs. Read our algorithmic breakdown and expert verdict to find out which broker suits your trading style in 2026.
Verdict: It's a Tie
Both Admiral Markets and IG offer exceptional trading environments with distinct strengths. Admiral Markets is ideal for educational learners & metatrader power users, while IG excels for professional traders, us traders & comprehensive market access. Your choice should depend entirely on whether you prioritize excellent educational content and webinars or publicly traded (ftse 250) with exceptional financial stability.
Admiral Markets vs IG: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 | 1974 |
| Overall Rating | 4.4/5.0 | 4.7/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $25 | $250 ($0 bank transfer) |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Zero) | 0.5 pips (Trade) | 0.6 pips (Standard) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) | 1:500 (Pro) | 1:30 (Retail UK/EU) | 1:200 (Pro) |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | No |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Copy Trading | No | No |
| Forex Pairs | 50+ | 80+ |
| Deposit Methods | Card, Bank, Skrill, Neteller | Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | 2-5 business days |
| Execution Type | STP / ECN | Market Maker (+ DMA routing available) |
Admiral Markets vs IG: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between Admiral Markets and IG, it's essential to look beyond just the advertised spreads. We must factor in commissions, swap rates, and non-trading fees like deposit or inactivity charges. Admiral Markets offers pricing characterized by $3/lot (Zero) alongside 0.0 pips (Zero) | 0.5 pips (Trade) spreads. In contrast, IG utilizes a model with $0 (Built into spread for Forex) and 0.6 pips (Standard) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, Admiral Markets provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | Admiral Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Zero) | 0.5 pips (Trade) | 0.6 pips (Standard) |
| Commission Defaults | $3/lot (Zero) | $0 (Built into spread for Forex) |
| Execution Model | STP / ECN | Market Maker (+ DMA routing available) |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | 2-5 business days |
Safety & Regulation: Is Admiral Markets or IG Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both Admiral Markets and IG are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. Admiral Markets is armed with 4 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2001. IG, licensed since 1974, counters with 5 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. IG holds a slight edge with more top-tier authorities. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
Admiral Markets
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)CySEC (Cyprus)ASIC (Australia)EFSA (Estonia)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (FSCS) / €20,000 (ICF)
- Licensed Since: 2001
IG
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)ASIC (Australia)CFTC/NFA (USA)FINMA (Switzerland)MAS (Singapore)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (FSCS UK)
- Licensed Since: 1974
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. Admiral Markets equips its clients with MT4, MT5, MetaTrader Supreme Edition. IG, on the other hand, grants access to IG Platform, L2 Dealer, ProRealTime, MT4. If you rely on third-party EA automation, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | Admiral Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | ||
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: Admiral Markets vs IG
Admiral Markets
Pros
- Excellent educational content and webinars
- FCA, ASIC and CySEC regulated
- MetaTrader Supreme Edition plugin
- Low $25 minimum deposit
- Invest accounts for real stocks
Cons
- Spreads on standard accounts are average
- No cTrader or TradingView
- Inactivity fee after 24 months
IG
Pros
- Publicly traded (FTSE 250) with exceptional financial stability
- Access to over 17,000 global markets
- Industry-leading proprietary web and mobile platform
- Accepts US clients via IG US
- ProRealTime charting is fantastic for technical analysis
Cons
- Does not offer MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- Stock CFD commissions can be high
- Customer service can be impersonal for smaller accounts
Expert Verdict: Admiral Markets vs IG
When we place Admiral Markets and IG side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. Admiral Markets, licensed since 2001, has carved out a massive niche focusing on educational learners & metatrader power users. Their execution model heavily leans into STP / ECN, and their platform environment highlights MT4.
Conversely, IG, operational out of London, UK, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for professional traders, us traders & comprehensive market access. Their $0 (Built into spread for Forex) commission structure combined with 0.6 pips (Standard) spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is excellent educational content and webinars, and you intend to start with a minimum of $25, Admiral Markets is the logical path forward. If, however, you value publicly traded (ftse 250) with exceptional financial stability and require IG Platform, IG edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
Admiral Markets vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
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Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. 68–80% 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.|Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation from the brokers listed on this page. This does not influence our rankings or reviews, which are based on independent analysis.
Comparison data updated February 2026. Broker terms, spreads, and conditions vary by region and account type. See our methodology | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy