XTB vs XM 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at XTB if you value tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $5), real stock ownership, more instruments (5,800 vs 1,400). XM plates up better for anyone who leans on specific use cases detailed below.
The two menus, side by side
| XTB | XM | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 522157 | CySEC 120/10 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | None | $5 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.1 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Instruments | 5,800+ | 1,400+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | Yes | No, CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | $10/mo after 12mo | $15/mo after 3mo |
| Founded | 2002 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Warsaw, Poland | Limassol, Cyprus |
The kitchen inspection: XTB vs XM
XTB is regulated by FCA under licence 522157 (XTB Ltd). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
XM is regulated by CySEC under licence 120/10 (Trading Point of Financial Instruments Ltd). The CySEC is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Ingredient costs and the bill
XTB's EUR/USD spread is 0.1 pips. XM's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. XTB offers tighter spreads on this pair.
XTB charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months without trading. XM charges an inactivity fee of $15/month after 3 months.
Platforms and tools
Both XTB and XM support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
The cover charge
XTB requires a minimum deposit of None. XM requires $5. XTB has the lower barrier to entry. Traders who want to start with less capital should consider XTB.
Note that minimum deposits can vary by account type and by which regulatory entity serves your country. Some offshore entities allow lower deposits than the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
XTB also has the lower minimum deposit of None, making it easier to start with a small amount. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both XTB and XM support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. XTB's tighter spreads (0.1 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. XTB offers more instruments (5,800) for portfolio diversification.
The verdict: XTB vs XM
Book a table at XTB if what you are after is tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $5), real stock ownership, more instruments (5,800 vs 1,400). Its FCA licence (522157) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with XM if you want specific use cases detailed below. Its CySEC licence (120/10) means solid tier-1 protection.
Neither kitchen is a bad one; both hold real licences. In the end it is your own trading appetite that picks the table.
Frequently asked questions
XTB vs XM: which is better?
XTB is better for tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $5), real stock ownership, more instruments (5,800 vs 1,400). XM is better for specific use cases detailed below. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is XTB or XM safer?
Both XTB (FCA 522157) and XM (CySEC 120/10) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for XTB and XM?
XTB minimum deposit: None. XM minimum deposit: $5. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do XTB and XM have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.