Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Swissquote 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.
When comparing the online brokers Swissquote and XM Group, there are several noteworthy differences in their background and trust indicators. Established in 1996, Swissquote is not only publicly traded but also operates as a bank. In contrast, XM Group, which was founded in 2009, is neither publicly traded nor a bank. This points to Swissquote’s broader operational framework and potentially greater financial transparency due to its public trading status.
In terms of regulatory standing, Swissquote holds 5 Tier-1 licenses, making it highly reliable according to ForexBrokers.com standards. It also boasts a perfect Trust Score of 99 out of 99. On the other hand, XM Group holds 4 Tier-1 licenses and has a Trust Score of 88, placing it just within the "trusted" category. Both brokers hold one Tier-2 license each. These ratings suggest that while both brokers are reliable, Swissquote has a stronger regulatory reputation and is considered more trusted overall.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2009 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
When it comes to commissions and fees, Swissquote and XM Group offer different benefits depending on your trading needs. Swissquote’s appeal largely stems from its position as a well-established Swiss banking conglomerate, although this prestige comes at a cost. Trading with Swissquote typically incurs higher fees, and its pricing structure tends to be less competitive compared to lower-cost forex brokers. Swissquote's UK entity offers a choice of accounts with varying deposit requirements; for example, the Elite account, suitable for active traders, demands a $10,000 deposit and features a $5 commission per round-turn trade. Spreads differ among its branches, with the UK accounts generally offering lighter fees than those from the Switzerland and Luxembourg branches. Swissquote has a 3.5-star rating for commissions and fees, placing it at #52 out of 62 brokers in this category.
On the other hand, XM Group provides a more attractive cost structure with a 4-star rating for commissions and fees, ranking it at #33 out of 62 brokers. However, prospective XM traders should be aware that the standard account spreads are on the pricey side, and average spreads for its commission-based XM Zero account are not disclosed. Despite this, XM Group remains a favored choice for its relatively better fees and commissions compared to Swissquote.
Ultimately, while Swissquote might be appealing for those who value the backing of a Swiss institution and are willing to pay a premium for it, XM Group's lower fee structure and higher ranking make it a compelling option for cost-conscious traders looking for a more financially efficient trading experience.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1000 | $5 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | 1.6 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 0.8 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When it comes to the variety of investment options, Swissquote and XM Group both cater to diverse trader needs, yet they differ in their specific offerings. Swissquote provides access to 472 tradeable symbols, including 80 forex pairs, appealing to forex enthusiasts. In contrast, XM Group surpasses Swissquote in sheer numbers, with 1,394 tradeable symbols, albeit offering fewer forex pairs, totaling 55. Both brokers support forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, enabling users to engage in foreign exchange market movements.
Trading enthusiasts seeking traditional investment routes can purchase exchange-traded securities on U.S. and international exchanges through both Swissquote and XM Group. For investors interested in cryptocurrency, Swissquote stands out by allowing the purchase of real digital currencies, in addition to crypto derivatives. Meanwhile, XM Group supports cryptocurrency derivatives but does not offer the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies. Both brokers provide copy trading, yet Swissquote receives a higher accolade, earning a 5-star rating and ranking second among 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. XM Group, with its broad array of symbols, garners a 4.5-star rating and ranks 23rd in the same category.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 472 | 1394 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 80 | 55 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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 Swissquote and XM Group in terms of trading platforms and tools, you'll find that both brokers offer a wide array of features suitable for the modern trader. Both Swissquote and XM Group provide simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts, allowing traders to practice without financial risk. While both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, Swissquote distinguishes itself by offering a proprietary platform developed in-house, whereas XM Group does not. For accessibility, both firms offer Windows-based desktop, and web-based platforms, ensuring traders can manage their portfolios on various devices. Additionally, both brokers support copy trading, simplifying social trading experiences for users.
Swissquote and XM Group both allow trading directly from stock charts, yet they differ in charting tools—Swissquote offers 75 drawing tools compared to XM Group's 15. Moreover, Swissquote provides 11 columns for watch lists, surpassing XM Group's 7. These distinctions contribute to Swissquote's higher rating of 4.5 stars, compared to XM Group's 4 stars, in the Trading Platforms and Tools category. Consequently, Swissquote is ranked #11 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, while XM Group stands at #30, highlighting Swissquote's proficiency in offering comprehensive trading solutions.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 86 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 75 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing Swissquote and XM Group for their mobile trading apps, both brokers provide comprehensive features for iPhone and Android users, including the capability to send stock or forex price alerts. While Swissquote's app stands out with its auto-save feature for chart drawings and offers a seamless experience for technical analysis with 30 technical studies, it lacks the capability for watchlist symbol syncing. Meanwhile, XM Group provides the convenience of syncing your watchlists across your mobile app and online account. Both mobile platforms allow users to draw trendlines, analyze multiple time frames, and maintain real-time watchlists.
Despite XM Group's user-friendly features, Swissquote edges ahead in overall mobile app satisfaction. With a rating of 4.5 stars compared to XM Group's 4 stars, Swissquote is recognized as #10 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com for mobile trading apps, while XM Group takes the 27th spot. Ultimately, both platforms cater well to traders on the move, but Swissquote's higher rating and ranking suggest a more refined user experience in the mobile trading landscape.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research offerings, both Swissquote and XM Group provide a variety of resources to support traders. Swissquote and XM Group equally deliver daily market commentary and forex news sourced from top-tier providers like Bloomberg and Reuters. However, Swissquote distinguishes itself by offering technical analysis tools from Autochartist, while XM Group takes advantage of Trading Central's resources. Additionally, XM Group offers a sentiment-based trading tool to provide insights into current market conditions, an option not available at Swissquote. Both brokers enrich their services with comprehensive economic calendars, ensuring traders stay updated on global events affecting markets.
Despite each broker’s unique features, XM Group holds a higher overall research rating with 5 stars compared to Swissquote's 4 stars. In terms of ranking among 62 brokers, XM Group achieves an impressive 8th position for their research offerings, while Swissquote is positioned at 16th according to ForexBrokers.com. This suggests that while both are strong contenders in market research, XM Group offers a slightly broader array of tools and insights for traders seeking extensive data-driven research support.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginner traders, both Swissquote and XM Group present a variety of tools and learning materials. They each provide over ten educational pieces, including articles, videos, and archived webinars on the subjects of forex and CFDs. Furthermore, both offer regular webinars, with clients able to access at least one online session each month and revisit any session via a searchable archive. This consistency ensures that learners can stay informed with new and updated trading strategies.
However, some differences set these two brokers apart. Both Swissquote and XM Group provide over ten beginner-focused educational videos, and they even extend their libraries to cover advanced topics for experienced traders. Despite the shared breadth of offerings, Swissquote distinguishes itself by providing an investor dictionary with definitions for over 50 investing terms, a feature that XM Group does not offer. In terms of education ratings, XM Group slightly outperforms Swissquote with a perfect score and stands out in the ForexBrokers.com education ranking, taking the 7th spot compared to Swissquote's 21st placement. These distinctions might guide beginners in deciding the platform that best meets their learning needs.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 Swissquote is better than XM Group. Swissquote finished with an overall rank of #11, while XM Group finished with an overall rank of #17.
Traders choose Swissquote for its quality research and vast multi-asset offering – as long as they are willing to pay a premium to have their brokerage account held with a Swiss bank.
| Feature |
Swissquote
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XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 88 |
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Swissquote allows investors to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency derivatives, while XM Group only provides options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
Swissquote and XM Group both support Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, and bank wires for depositing and withdrawing funds, but Swissquote surpasses XM Group by also offering ACH, SEPA transfers, and PayPal as additional options.
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 | Swissquote | XM Group | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 88 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Swissquote Review | XM Group Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Swissquote | XM Group | |
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| Regulation | Swissquote | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 88 | |
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Swissquote | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Swissquote | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Swissquote | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 472 | 1394 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 80 | 55 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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 | Swissquote | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | 1.6 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 0.8 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Swissquote | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1000 | $5 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | Swissquote | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Swissquote | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 86 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 75 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Swissquote | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Swissquote | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Swissquote | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Swissquote | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Swissquote Review | XM Group Review |
| Overall | Swissquote | XM Group | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 88 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Swissquote Review | XM Group Review |
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