Plus500 vs XM Group 2026
In this head to head comparison of Plus500 vs XM Group, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
In this head to head comparison of Plus500 vs XM Group, 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.
Comparing online brokers Plus500 and XM Group: Plus500 was founded in 2008 and is publicly traded, while XM Group started in 2009 and is privately held. Neither broker is a bank.
On regulation and safety, Plus500 holds 7 Tier-1 licenses and 4 Tier-2 licenses; XM Group holds 4 Tier-1 and 3 Tier-2 licenses. According to ForexBrokers.com, Plus500 earns a Trust Score of 99/99 and XM Group scores 93/99—both fall in the 90–99 “highly trusted” range.
| Feature |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2008 | 2009 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 4 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
Plus500’s commissions and fees are slightly above the industry average, and its active trader pricing trails leaders like IG and Saxo. The broker doesn’t offer retail discounts, but Professional clients who qualify can receive cash rebates. For transparency on spreads, the EUR/USD averaged 1.5 pips in April 2024, which is higher than the industry norm. Rating: 4.0/5 stars; Ranking in Commissions and Fees by ForexBrokers.com: #24 of 63.
XM Group’s standard account spreads are on the expensive side, and it does not publish average spreads for its commission-based XM Zero account, making costs harder to compare. Rating: 3.5/5 stars; Ranking in Commissions and Fees by ForexBrokers.com: #34 of 63.
In a head-to-head look at commissions and fees, Plus500 provides clearer spread data but still charges more than the average, while XM Group’s standard pricing is costly and its XM Zero transparency is limited. Active traders seeking sharper pricing may look to brokers like IG or Saxo, and those considering Plus500 should note that rebates apply only to Professional clients who meet eligibility requirements.
| Feature |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €50 | $5 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.3 | 2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.3 | N/A |
| Non-wire bank transfer | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Plus500 vs XM Group: Both support forex trading (CFD or spot). Plus500 offers a wider catalog with about 5,500 tradeable symbols and 65 forex pairs, compared with XM Group’s roughly 1,429 symbols and 55 pairs. Each earns 4.5 out of 5 stars for Range of Investments; in ForexBrokers.com’s list of 63 brokers, Plus500 ranks #16 and XM Group ranks #19.
Both brokers let clients buy exchange-traded shares on U.S. and international exchanges, and both provide cryptocurrency CFDs (neither lets you buy actual crypto). XM Group includes copy trading, while Plus500 does not. If you want the biggest selection of markets, Plus500 has the edge; if copy trading is important, XM Group is the better fit. Both cover a wide mix from stocks to forex and crypto CFDs.
| Feature |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 1429 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 65 | 55 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | Yes |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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). Non-CFD share trading at Plus500 is only available through the Plus500 Invest account. | 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.
Plus500 vs XM Group: Both brokers offer free demo (paper) accounts and web-based trading. Plus500 focuses on an in-house proprietary platform and does not support MetaTrader or a downloadable Windows desktop app. XM Group, by contrast, supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), offers a Windows desktop platform, and includes copy trading. XM also lets you place trades directly from charts, while Plus500 does not.
For trading platforms and tools, ForexBrokers.com rates Plus500 4.5/5 and ranks it #14 out of 63 brokers, while XM Group earns 4/5 and ranks #27 out of 63. In short, choose Plus500 if you want a streamlined, broker-built web platform with an easy demo to practice; pick XM if you prefer MetaTrader features, a desktop setup, copy trading, and trading from charts.
| Feature |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Plus500 and XM Group both offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android. Each app supports stock and forex price alerts, watchlist syncing between mobile and web, and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. One limitation shared by both is that chart drawings do not auto-save, so you’ll need to reapply them when you return to a chart.
For charting depth, Plus500 stands out with 115 technical studies compared with XM Group’s 30. That difference shows up in user scores: Plus500’s mobile app is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #14 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps at ForexBrokers.com, while XM Group earns 4 stars and ranks #26. If you want more technical indicators on the go, Plus500 may be the better fit; if you prefer a simpler toolkit, XM Group still covers the essentials with price alerts, synced watchlists, and trendline drawing.
| Feature |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 115 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Comparing Plus500 vs. XM Group for market research: both brokers deliver daily market commentary, Trading Central tools, a sentiment gauge showing long/short positioning, and an economic calendar. Only XM Group adds forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg/Reuters/Dow Jones or similar, while Plus500 does not. Neither platform integrates Autochartist, TipRanks, or Acuity/Signal Centre.
In independent ratings, Plus500 scores 4.5/5 stars for Research and ranks #16 out of 63 brokers, while XM Group earns 5/5 stars and ranks #8. If integrated, big-name news is a priority, XM Group has the edge; if you mainly want Trading Central insights, sentiment data, and a clear calendar, both platforms cover those needs.
| Feature |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central | Yes | Yes |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Acuity Trading | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
Comparing Plus500 vs XM Group for beginner education, both brokers make it easy to start learning forex and CFDs. Each offers monthly client webinars and a sizable video library with at least 10 beginner-friendly lessons, plus 10 or more advanced videos as you progress. This mix of webinars and videos helps new traders understand core concepts and build skills step by step.
For quality and depth, XM Group leads with a 5-star Education rating and a #5 ranking out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. Plus500 is also strong for newcomers, earning 4.5 stars, though it ranks #26 out of 63. If you want the most comprehensive learning path, XM Group edges ahead; if you prefer straightforward videos and regular webinars, Plus500 remains a practical choice.
| Feature |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Plus500 is better than XM Group. Plus500 finished with an overall rank of #14, while XM Group finished with an overall rank of #16.
Plus500 is a trusted global brand that offers an easy-to-use trading platform for online traders, alongside access to a thorough selection of CFDs. Share trading is available, but only via its Plus500 Invest product offering.
| Feature |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Trust Score | 99 | 93 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
| Trading Fees |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Research |
|
|
| Mobile Trading |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
Plus500 vs XM Group: neither broker lets you buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but both support trading cryptocurrency CFDs.
In a Plus500 vs XM Group funding comparison, neither supports ACH or SEPA, both support Skrill and bank wire transfers, only Plus500 supports PayPal, and Visa/Mastercard availability is not specified for either broker.
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.
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Trading Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Trading Platforms |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Plus500 Review | XM Group Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
| Regulation | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Year Founded | 2008 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 4 | 3 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (FSA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | |||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or CMA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 1429 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 65 | 55 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | Yes | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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). Non-CFD share trading at Plus500 is only available through the Plus500 Invest account. | 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 | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.3 | 2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.3 | N/A | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Agency | No | No | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €50 | $5 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 115 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | No | No | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | Plus500 Review | XM Group Review |
| Overall | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Trading Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Trading Platforms |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Plus500 Review | XM Group Review |