IG vs XM Group
Can't decide between IG and XM Group? We've put both brokers head-to-head. Compare their spreads, regulation, platforms, and fees below.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Executive Summary
IG and XM Group are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. IG scores 99/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, edging ahead of XM Group's 91/100.
On pricing, IG offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.7 pips vs 0.8 pips). IG supports IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer while XM Group offers MT4, MT5, XM App, giving IG an edge in platform diversity.
For regulation, IG holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS while XM Group is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, DFSA, FSC. Both brokers offer segregated client funds and are considered safe for retail trading.
The Verdicts
Most Trusted
IG scores higher in our TrustMetrics system (99/100) compared to XM Group (91/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
IG offers better pricing with an average EUR/USD spread of 0.7 pips, beating the 0.8 pip average of its competitor.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $5, XM Group is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | IG | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 99/100 ✓ | 91/100 |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.6 pips | 0.6 pips |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.7 pips ✓ | 0.8 pips |
| Commission | $0 | $0 |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | 22ms | 35ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:1000 |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 | $5 ✓ |
| Instruments | 17,000+ | 1,000+ |
| Account Types | CFD, Spread Betting, DMA | Micro, Standard, Ultra Low |
| Platforms | IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer | MT4, MT5, XM App |
| Top Regulators | FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS | CySEC, ASIC, DFSA, FSC |
Withdrawal Speed The average processing time before funds hit your account. | 1-3 business days | 1-3 business days |
Inactivity Fee Fees charged if you do not place any trades for a specific period. | $18 per month (after 24 months) | $5 per month (after 90 days of inactivity) |
| Customer Support | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone |
Which Broker Should You Choose?
Choose IG if...
- ✓You need access to a massive range of instruments
- ✓You are a beginner and value education and simplicity
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
Choose XM Group if...
- ✓You want to start with a very low minimum deposit
- ✓You are a beginner and value education and simplicity
- ✓You value beginners and education
IG Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Unmatched regulatory trust with 6+ Tier-1 licenses
- ✓ Massive selection of 17,000+ tradable instruments
- ✓ World-class educational resources (IG Academy)
- ✓ Premium proprietary trading platform with guaranteed stops
Drawbacks
- × No MT5 platform available
- × Spreads can be wider than raw ECN competitors
- × High minimum deposit for bank transfers
XM Group Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Industry-leading education with 50+ live webinars per week
- ✓ Extremely low $5 minimum deposit across all accounts
- ✓ Micro accounts allow trading with 10-cent risk
- ✓ Excellent localized payment methods for emerging markets
- ✓ 100% execution rate with no requotes or rejections
Drawbacks
- × Spreads are wider than true ECN competitors (0.8 pip EUR/USD avg)
- × No cTrader or TradingView platforms
- × Inactivity fee of $5/month after 90 days of no trading
Algorithmic Deep Dive
Data Updated: Sep 2026🛡️ Safety & Regulation
Tier-1 Licenses
💸 Pricing Economics
⚡ Technical Capabilities & Execution
Platform Support
- MT4✓✓
- MT5✗✓
- cTrader✗✗
- TradingView✗✗
IG Execution
Their proprietary web platform is exceptional. We used it exclusively for a month and found its charting tools and guaranteed stop-loss features (which protect you from catastrophic slippage) to be industry-leading. If you prefer MetaTrader, MT4 is available, though oddly, MT5 is missing from their lineup.
XM Group Execution
You get MT4, MT5, and the XM App. The desktop experience is standard MetaTrader—nothing flashy, but it works. Where XM shines is their mobile app. It's incredibly intuitive, allowing beginners to execute trades on the fly while watching integrated live educational streams.
The Bottom Line: IG vs XM Group
- ✓ Instrument Variety
- ✓ Regulatory Trust
- ✓ Research
- ✓ UK Traders
- ✓ Tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.7 pips)
- ✓ Beginners
- ✓ Education
- ✓ Low Minimum Deposit
- ✓ Micro Lot Trading
- ✓ Lower minimum deposit ($5)
Both brokers are featured in our top broker rankings. Your choice should depend on your specific trading style, preferred platform, and geographical location.
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