IGvs
XMStock Broker Comparison
In this stock broker showdown, IG and XM pose different approaches to access and regulation. The tension centers on real ownership versus CFDs and platform breadth.
Our Verdict
IG winsClear Winner
IG tops XM on the editorial score, reflecting stronger Trust & Regulation and Platforms & Tools.
IG
4.5/5
XM
3.7/5
Key Differences
- 1IG offers real stock ownership plus a Stocks & Shares ISA.
- 2XM provides 1,200+ share CFDs across major exchanges.
- 3IG covers 30 global exchanges versus XM's 10.
Who should choose IG vs XM?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
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
IG wins safety & regulation due to its broader, higher-tier regulator coverage.
Best for active traders
Recommended
IG vs XM: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $5 |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £12/month (after 24 months) | $5/month (after 90 days)▼ lower |
| Deposit fee |
IG vs XM Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exchange-listed options trading alongside real share dealing in one account
- Bonds trading available in the same account as equities and options
- Stocks & Shares ISA with no annual platform fee
- 13,000+ shares across 30+ global exchanges
- FCA-regulated and LSE-listed, among the highest regulatory standards in UK retail
- Integrated ProRealTime charts, Reuters news, and Morningstar research
Cons
IG vs XM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
IG
criteria wins
1
XM
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IG | 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 | Pass | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IG vs XM: Frequently Asked Questions
IG rates 4.5/5 versus 3.7/5 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 the same spread of 0.6. For stock trading, also compare per-trade or per-share commissions to determine the total cost per transaction.
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 1:1, 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.
Neither IG 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 IG 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.
