Forex.comvs
XMStock Broker Comparison
This head-to-head weighs exchange coverage, platform options, and leverage against regulation and cost structure. The balance may tilt differently depending on what you value most.
Our Verdict
Forex.com winsby 0.2 pts
Forex.com and XM are closely matched overall. The clearest differentiator is exchange coverage, with XM access to 10 exchanges vs Forex.com's 8.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1XM gives access to 10 exchanges, more than Forex.com's 8.
- 2Forex.com offers a proprietary platform in addition to MT4/MT5.
- 3XM offers up to 1000:1 leverage versus Forex.com's 20:1.
Who should choose Forex.com vs XM?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Forex.com if…
Choose Forex.com if you need US-resident access and broad regulation. You also gain a proprietary Web Trader plus MT4/MT5.
Choose XM if…
Choose XM if you want a wide 1,200+ share CFD selection and strong educational content. Note leverage can reach up to 1000:1 on offshore accounts.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Forex.com is regulated by NFA, CFTC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC, offering broad oversight.
Best for active traders
Forex.com vs XM: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $5▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 1 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
Forex.com vs XM Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- NFA, CFTC, and FCA regulated, accessible to US residents who cannot use most CFD brokers
- Share CFDs on MT4, MT5, and proprietary Web Trader from a single account
- Reuters news and integrated economic calendar in the Web Trader
- No inactivity fee for actively funded accounts
Cons
- Narrowest stock selection (220+) among regulated multi-platform equity CFD brokers
Forex.com vs XM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Forex.com | XM |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Forex.com vs XM: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Forex.com rates 3.9/5 and XM rates 3.7/5. Forex.com 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.
XM lists tighter spreads from 0.6, compared with Forex.com's 1. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
XM has $5, while Forex.com requires at least $100. This makes XM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Forex.com 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.
Forex.com lists maximum leverage of 20:1, 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.
Forex.com charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for XM are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Forex.com supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while XM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Forex.com has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither Forex.com nor XM is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both Forex.com and XM are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
