Choose CMC Markets if you want…
Discretionary traders wanting deep instrument coverage and a sophisticated proprietary platform from a publicly-listed UK broker.
CMC Markets
⭐ 4.5 / 5
VS
Windsor Brokers
⭐ 3.5 / 5
CMC Markets vs Windsor Brokers — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared CMC Markets and Windsor Brokers across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. CMC Markets wins on more criteria (4 categories vs 1), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| CMC Markets | Windsor Brokers | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 3.5 / 5 | CMC Markets |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland | CySEC, FSC Mauritius, JSC Jordan, CMA Kenya | CMC Markets |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $100 | CMC Markets |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips (Next Generation) | 0.0 pips (Zero) | Windsor Brokers |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (Professional) | 1:30 (EU) / 1:1000 | — |
| Platforms | CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile | MT4, MT5 | CMC Markets |
| Founded | 1989 | 1988 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | Limassol, Cyprus | — |
Pros & cons compared
CMC Markets pros
- ✓ Founded 1989 — among the oldest CFD brokers (LSE: CMCX)
- ✓ FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS — tier-1 regulators across major financial centres
- ✓ 12,000+ instruments — one of the broadest catalogues in retail CFDs
- ✓ Award-winning proprietary 'Next Generation' platform
- ✓ No minimum deposit
Cons
- ✗ Proprietary platform has a learning curve vs. MT4
- ✗ Spread on FX 'Standard' account (0.7 pips) wider than ECN brokers
- ✗ Limited cryptocurrency CFD coverage
Windsor Brokers pros
- ✓ Established in 1988 — one of the oldest CySEC-regulated brokers
- ✓ Strong MENA and Africa licensing including Jordan (JSC) and Kenya (CMA)
- ✓ Zero-spread account option for cost-sensitive traders
- ✓ Swap-free Islamic account available on the Prime account
Cons
- ✗ Inactivity fees apply to dormant accounts
- ✗ Lower brand visibility in Western retail markets
- ✗ Top leverage and the Zero account come from offshore/region-specific entities
Which one should you choose?
Choose Windsor Brokers if you want…
MENA and African traders wanting a long-established, multi-licensed CySEC broker with a swap-free option.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — CMC Markets or Windsor Brokers?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), CMC Markets wins 4 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is CMC Markets more regulated than Windsor Brokers?
CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. Windsor Brokers holds licenses from: CySEC, FSC Mauritius, JSC Jordan, CMA Kenya. CMC Markets has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at CMC Markets vs Windsor Brokers?
CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). Windsor Brokers spreads start from 0.0 pips (Zero). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, CMC Markets or Windsor Brokers?
CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). Windsor Brokers: $100. CMC Markets has the lower entry barrier.
