A head-to-head comparison of ThinkMarkets and XTB across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
No minimum deposit on standard account, a highly rated ThinkTrader mobile app, and JFSA regulation for Japanese clients.
XTB edges ahead with a score of 4.5/5 vs ThinkMarkets's 4.2/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
ThinkMarkets offers tighter spreads from 0.4 pips vs 0.8 pips for XTB, reducing trading costs.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
ThinkMarkets has a cost edge: raw/ECN spreads, tighter spreads from 0.4 pips.
ThinkMarkets offers more exclusive platform options: Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 5, a proprietary platform.
XTB edges out ThinkMarkets with a higher editorial score (4.5/5 vs 4.2/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.4 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
| Founded | 2010 | 2002 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Warsaw, Poland |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.4 pips | 0.8 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
| Max leverage | 500:1 | 500:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA FSCA ASIC JFSA | FCA CySEC KNF |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView MetaTrader 5 | MetaTrader 4 xStation 5 |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit ThinkMarkets | Visit XTB |
Pros
No minimum deposit on standard ThinkForex account
ThinkTrader proprietary app is well-reviewed for mobile trading
JFSA regulation for Japanese clients
Strong multi-region regulatory coverage
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
LSE- and WSE-listed with FCA, CySEC, and KNF regulation - exceptional corporate transparency
xStation 5 is one of the best proprietary platforms in retail forex
Zero-commission stock CFDs up to EUR 100,000/month
No minimum deposit on standard accounts
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
ThinkZero account requires $500 minimum deposit
Standard account is spread-only and not competitive for scalpers
Not available to US residents
Cons
Market maker on forex - not suited for raw ECN scalpers
Product breadth narrower than IG or Saxo
Support quality varies outside European hours
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ThinkMarkets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Pass |
| 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 |
Based on our independent editorial scoring, XTB ranks higher with a score of 4.5/5 vs 4.2/5 for ThinkMarkets. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; ThinkMarkets and XTB may each suit different trader profiles.
ThinkMarkets offers tighter spreads starting from 0.4 pips, compared to XTB's spreads from 0.8 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Neither ThinkMarkets nor XTB requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ThinkMarkets and XTB hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Both are considered safe. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners: both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
ThinkMarkets offers maximum leverage of 500:1, while XTB offers up to 500:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
ThinkMarkets charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for the other broker are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 5 and XTB offers MetaTrader 4, xStation 5; both support MetaTrader 4; ThinkMarkets exclusively offers Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 5; XTB exclusively offers xStation 5.
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