IG vs XM Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of IG and XM across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
IG stands out in the UK stocks market for combining real share dealing, a Stocks & Shares ISA, listed options trading, and bonds - giving active investors a full-service, multi-asset account that most app-based platforms cannot match.
IG comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.5/5 compared to XM's 3.7/5.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
IG has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
IG edges out XM with a higher editorial score (4.5/5 vs 3.7/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
Commission data is not yet available for this pair. Check each broker's pricing page to compare trading costs directly.
Long-term investing feature data (fractional shares, dividend reinvestment, IPO access) is not yet available for this pair.
IG vs XM: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | $5 |
| Commission-free | No | No |
| Fractional shares | No | No |
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
| Extended hours | Yes | No |
| IPO access | No | No |
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA CMVM BaFin Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet FMA CBI KNF Finanstilsynet | ASIC CySEC ASF FSC KNF |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
| Visit broker | Visit IG | Visit XM |
IG vs XM Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- 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
- Share dealing commission (£8 or 0.1%) is higher than commission-free platforms
- No SIPP - pension wrapper requires a separate provider
- Options trading requires a DMA account and is not available to all retail clients
- No fractional shares on the share dealing account
- 1,200+ share CFDs - one of the widest selections among multi-asset regulated brokers
- CySEC and ASIC regulated with compensation fund coverage
- Outstanding educational content and 24/7 multilingual support
- Share CFDs only - no real stock ownership or ISA/SIPP wrapper
- Spreads and commissions on standard accounts are higher than ECN alternatives
- High leverage (1000:1) available only on offshore entity - not ASIC/CySEC clients
IG vs XM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| 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
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IG ranks higher with a score of 4.5/5 vs 3.7/5 for XM. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
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 hold top-tier regulatory licences, indicating a high standard of investor protection. Confirm each broker's specific regulatory bodies and compensation scheme coverage to ensure they apply in your jurisdiction.
IG has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while XM requires at least $5. This makes IG more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
IG supports MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView and XM offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Platform availability affects the tools, charting, and order types available to you. If you rely on a specific platform like MetaTrader or a proprietary web app, confirm compatibility before opening an account.
For beginners: IG has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum); IG has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
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