Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs XTB, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
When comparing IG and XTB, two well-known online brokers, trust and regulatory information are key factors to consider. Founded in 1974, IG stands out with a top-tier Trust Score of 99 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, reflecting its position as a highly trusted broker. It maintains this reputation with 8 Tier-1 licenses, which are seen as highly reliable. Added to this, IG is a publicly traded company and also operates as a bank, elements that contribute to its robust regulatory standing.
XTB, established in 2002, shares some similarities but also has notable differences in its regulatory profile. It is also publicly traded and holds 2 Tier-1 licenses, fostering a respected reputation with a Trust Score of 96 out of 99—still significantly strong but slightly lower than IG. Although not a bank, XTB's 2 Tier-2 licenses further underpin its credibility in the trading community. Both brokers offer solid regulatory credentials, though IG's additional features may provide an added sense of security for some investors.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2002 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
When it comes to commissions and fees, IG is a popular choice for active traders, securing a 5-star rating and ranking 8th out of 62 brokers for its pricing structure. Known for its ability to handle large orders and various execution methods, IG offers competitive spreads on its Forex Direct accounts. In July 2023, the average spread on IG's Forex Direct account was around 0.62 pips, while its all-in cost, factoring in a 0.2 pips per-trade commission, stood at 0.82 pips. For active traders in the EU, IG provides enticing discounts through its rebate program, rewarding high-volume traders up to 20% off the spread for trading over £300 million per month.
XTB, with a 4.5-star rating and positioned 11th, presents a solid alternative, offering both Standard and Professional account types. The Standard account focuses on spread-only pricing and includes a minimum deposit of 250 base currency units. XTB's average forex spreads on EUR/USD were around 1 pip in Q4 2023, aligning with the industry standard but slightly lagging behind top-tier brokers. XTB also extends up to a 30% rebate on spreads through its Lower Spread Group program for active traders who meet specific monthly volume criteria, starting at 20 lots.
While IG generally offers more favorable pricing for professional traders with its active trader rebates and Forex Direct accounts, XTB provides accessible pricing options with its competitive Standard accounts. Each brokerage caters to specific trading needs, with IG leading in discounts for high-volume traders and XTB offering versatility and accessibility for everyday traders. Ultimately, the choice between IG and XTB would depend on your trading style and the importance of scalable execution versus simplicity in account management.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.00 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 1.00 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
IG and XTB both offer rich selections for those interested in forex trading and beyond, catering to diverse investment needs. With IG, you have access to a staggering 19,537 tradeable symbols, including 97 forex pairs, while XTB offers 7,184 symbols and 71 forex pairs. Both brokers excel in providing opportunities to invest in exchange-traded securities, allowing you to buy shares from leading U.S. and international exchanges, such as Apple and Vodafone. However, neither platform supports purchasing of actual cryptocurrencies, although both offer cryptocurrency derivatives for those looking to explore crypto markets.
In terms of ratings, IG and XTB both boast a perfect five-star rating for their range of investments, highlighting their commendable offerings. Yet, IG edges ahead in the rankings, positioned at #4 by ForexBrokers.com, compared to XTB's rank of #14 among 62 brokers. While both lack copy trading features, their expansive asset lists and the ability to trade both CFDs and spot contracts make them attractive choices for varied trading strategies. Whether you are more inclined towards a platform with a larger catalog or one with specific features, IG and XTB each provide solid options for online trading enthusiasts.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 7184 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 71 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing the online brokers IG and XTB, both offer a full suite of trading features designed to meet the needs of traders at all levels. IG provides a simulated trading option with its free virtual demo account, closely matched by XTB’s similar offering. Both brokers have developed proprietary platforms, available as Windows-based desktop downloads and web-based browser platforms. However, IG supports MetaTrader 4, whereas XTB does not, giving IG the edge for traders who favor this popular platform. Neither broker offers MetaTrader 5, copy trading, DupliTrade, or ZuluTrade, keeping their offerings streamlined but without certain additional options that some traders might seek.
When it comes to charting tools, XTB stands out with 32 drawing tools compared to IG's 20, though both allow direct trading from a stock chart, enhancing user convenience. Watchlist customization also sees XTB in the lead, offering eight columns to IG's five. Ratings for their platforms reflect these differences, with IG receiving a commendable five-star rating for Trading Platforms and Tools while XTB follows closely with 4.5 stars. IG is ranked #2 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, outperforming XTB, which holds the #9 spot, largely due to IG's comprehensive trading options and feature set.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 39 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 32 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 8 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
IG and XTB both offer mobile apps for iPhone and Android devices, allowing users to trade on the go with ease. When it comes to features, both brokers provide valuable options like price alerts, drawing tools for charting, and the ability to view multiple time frames on charts. One notable difference is that IG offers seamless watchlist syncing between their mobile app and online accounts, a feature that XTB does not provide. Moreover, IG includes 33 technical studies for charting, while XTB offers a slightly higher number at 39.
Both apps allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, and they also support the auto-saving of any chart drawings. IG has received high praise for their mobile trading experience, earning a five-star rating and ranking #1 out of 62 brokers reviewed by ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, XTB is still impressive, receiving a 4.5-star rating and securing the #8 spot overall. These distinctions highlight IG's exceptional mobile trading platform, yet XTB remains a strong contender with its competitive offerings.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 39 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the research offerings of IG and XTB, both online brokers provide daily market commentary and forex news from reputable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring clients stay updated with the latest market trends. Both platforms also feature sentiment-based tools that showcase the ratio of long and short positions across various assets, empowering traders with insights into market sentiment. Additionally, each broker includes an economic calendar displaying significant global economic events, which is crucial for informed trading decisions.
Differences emerge in the range of specialized research tools. IG stands out by offering tools from Autochartist and Acuity Trading, plus market research from TipRanks, enhancing the research toolkit available to its users. In contrast, XTB lacks these specific features, which could be a consideration for traders looking for more in-depth analysis options. Despite these differences, both brokers earn an impressive five-star research rating and are highly ranked by ForexBrokers.com, with IG taking the number two spot and XTB coming in at number seven out of 62 brokers in the research category.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
Both IG and XTB excel in providing educational resources for those new to forex and CFD trading. Each broker offers a library of over ten educational pieces including articles, videos, and archived webinars focusing on forex and CFDs. Beginners can also benefit from regular live educational webinars hosted online, along with access to a searchable archive of past sessions. Importantly, both platforms feature more than ten beginner-oriented educational videos that cover trading basics, thus providing a solid foundation for new traders. Each broker also caters to seasoned traders by offering at least ten advanced educational videos.
Where IG sets itself apart is with its comprehensive investor dictionary, including over 50 investing terms, which XTB lacks. This additional resource can be especially beneficial for those just starting out, providing quick access to important trading terminology. While both IG and XTB have earned a top education rating with five stars, IG has been ranked as the number one broker for education by ForexBrokers.com, out of a field of 62, whereas XTB sits at the 11th spot. This distinction highlights IG's leading approach to trader education in the online brokerage industry.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IG is better than XTB. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while XTB finished with an overall rank of #7.
IG offers the ultimate comprehensive trading package, featuring excellent trading and research tools, industry-leading education, and an extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
IG
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XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 96 |
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Both IG and XTB provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither offers the ability to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrency.
When comparing online brokers IG and XTB, IG stands out by offering ACH or SEPA transfers for funding accounts, a feature XTB lacks, both platforms support PayPal and major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard, but only XTB provides Skrill as a payment option, while both allow for bank wire transactions, providing diverse and flexible financial transaction methods for their users.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | IG | XTB | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 96 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | XTB Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | XTB | |
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| Regulation | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 96 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2002 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 7184 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 71 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.00 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 1.00 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 8 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 39 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 32 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 39 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | IG Review | XTB Review |
| Overall | IG | XTB | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 96 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | XTB Review |
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