IGvs
XMForex Broker Comparison
In this comparison, IG offers breadth and strong regulation while XM emphasizes low deposits and broad platform access.
Our Verdict
IG winsby 0.5 pts
IG edges XM on the editorial score, 4.8 vs 4.3.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1IG offers 19000+ markets versus XM's ~1400.
- 2IG provides a proprietary platform; XM relies on MT4/MT5.
- 3IG has $0 min deposit; XM requires $5 and 1000:1 leverage.
Who should choose IG vs XM?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Both brokers offer spreads from 0.60 pips.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IG vs XM: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.8/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 5.0 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
IG vs XM Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
LSE-listed with FCA and ASIC regulation, among the most credible regulatory stacks in retail CFDs
19,000+ markets including weekend crypto, volatility indices, and EM pairs, real breadth, not a padded count
Proprietary platform with ProRealTime charts, Reuters news, and DMA equity routing built in
Spread betting available for UK clients, tax-free gains on the same account used for CFD trading
No minimum deposit and no deposit or withdrawal fee on standard methods
IG vs XM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
IG
criteria win
0
XM
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IG | XM |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
IG vs XM: Frequently Asked Questions
IG rates 4.8/5 versus 4.3/5 for XM. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both IG and XM start from 0.6 pips, making them equivalent on this metric. Compare commissions and account types to evaluate total trading costs.
IG has no minimum deposit, while XM requires at least $5. This makes IG more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IG and XM hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: IG has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
IG lists maximum leverage of 30:1, while XM lists up to 1000:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while XM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView. XM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
