Plus500vs
XMForex Broker Comparison
Two FCA- and ASIC-regulated giants meet in a head-to-head on trust, costs, and platform access. The matchup pits a proprietary platform against MT4/MT5 availability and leverage options.
Our Verdict
XM winsby 0.3 pts
XM edges Plus500 on editorial score, MT4/MT5 access, and higher leverage. Plus500 remains credible with LSE listing and zero commissions, but lacks MT4/MT5.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Plus500 uses a proprietary trading platform
- 2XM supports MT4/MT5 trading platforms
- 3Leverage: XM up to 1000:1 vs Plus500 30:1
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
Plus500 vs XM: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.3 / 5▲ |
Plus500 vs XM Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
LSE-listed providing strong institutional credibility
Zero commission on all trades
Intuitive proprietary platform with a clean mobile app
Negative balance protection across all accounts
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Plus500 vs XM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
Plus500
criteria win
3
XM
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Plus500 | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
Plus500 vs XM: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Plus500 rates 4/5 and XM rates 4.3/5. XM has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Both Plus500 and XM start from 0.6 pips, making them equivalent on this metric. Compare commissions and account types to evaluate total trading costs.
XM has $5, while Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes XM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Plus500 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: XM requires a lower minimum deposit ($5), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Plus500 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.
Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while XM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Plus500 has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. XM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
