IGvs
XTBStock Broker Comparison
This face-off pits IG's multi-asset, regulated framework against XTB's commission-free equity offering. The tension centers on cost models, exchange access, and long-term features that matter for stock investors.
Our Verdict
IG winsby 0.4 pts
IG wins on the editorial score over XTB, grounded in stronger regulation and broader platform scope. XTB remains competitive with a commission-free tier up to €100,000 monthly turnover, but trails IG overall.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1IG provides an ISA wrapper for stocks and shares.
- 2XTB offers 24/5 live chat support.
- 3XTB supports fractional shares on major US equities.
Who should choose IG vs XTB?
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 low cost trading
Recommended
XTB wins for low cost trading thanks to a commission-free tier up to €100,000 monthly turnover.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IG vs XTB: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £12/month (after 24 months) | $10/month (after 12 months)▼ lower |
| Deposit fee |
IG vs XTB 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 XTB: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
IG
criteria wins
3
XTB
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IG | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IG vs XTB: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: IG rates 4.5/5 and XTB rates 4.1/5. IG 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.
IG starts from 0.6. Current spread data is not available for XTB. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
IG requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for XTB.
Both IG and XTB 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, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
IG lists maximum leverage of 1:1, while XTB lists up to 1:5. 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 XTB supports xStation 5. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. XTB has exclusive access to xStation 5.
XTB offers commission-free stock trading while IG does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Both IG and XTB 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.
