Our comparison of leading Forex brokers IG and XTB, examines trading features like costs, platform, customer service and more to help you make an informed decision when choosing a broker.
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IG and XTB are both well-established forex brokers, but they differ in several key areas. IG offers a wider range of trading instruments, while XTB excels in its proprietary trading platform and educational resources.
When it comes to trading costs, both IG and XTB offer competitive pricing.
IG offers lower spreads on its standard account compared to XTB, making it a more cost-effective choice for traders who prioritise low spreads.
For RAW account spreads, XTB takes the lead with its ultra-low spreads, offering significant savings for high volume traders.
Both brokers charge competitive commission rates, but IG’s rates are slightly lower, providing an edge for cost-conscious traders.
Neither broker charges fees for deposits or withdrawals, making them both excellent choices for traders who frequently move money in and out of their accounts.
In terms of other fees, such as inactivity fees, both brokers are on par with industry standards.
| Broker | Other Fees |
|---|---|
| IG | Standard industry fees for inactivity |
| XTB | Standard industry fees for inactivity |
Verdict: In terms of other fees, such as inactivity fees, both brokers are on par with industry standards.
IG is regulated by a larger number of regulatory bodies, including ASIC, FCA, BaFin, FINMA, NFA/CFTC, CySEC, DFSA, FMA, MAS, JFSA, BMA, and FSCA.
On the other hand, XTB is regulated by FCA, CMNV, BaFin, KNF, CySEC, DFSA, and IFSC.
| Broker | Regulatory Bodies |
|---|---|
| IG | ASIC, FCA, BaFin, FINMA, NFA/CFTC, CySEC, DFSA, FMA, MAS, JFSA, BMA, FSCA |
| XTB | FCA, CMNV, BaFin, KNF, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC |
Verdict: IG’s broader regulatory oversight makes it the more trustworthy choice for traders concerned about security and regulation.
Both IG and XTB offer a range of trading platforms to suit different trading styles and experience levels.
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and 5, popular platforms known for their advanced charting features and automated trading capabilities.
While neither broker offers cTrader or TradingView, they both provide their own proprietary platforms that offer similar functionality.
| Criteria | IG | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | No | No |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Other Platforms | IG Trading Platform L2 Dealer |
xStation 5 xStation Mobile |
| VPS Services | Yes | Yes |
XTB offers social and copy trading through its xSocial platform, while IG does not currently offer this feature.
Both brokers offer VPS services and a range of other trading tools, including advanced charting tools, economic calendars, and market news updates.
| Broker | Limit Order Speed | Market Order Speed |
|---|---|---|
| IG | 209 ms | 182 ms |
| XTB | N/A | N/A |
Verdict: While both brokers offer a range of robust trading platforms, XTB’s social and copy trading capabilities give it a slight edge for traders interested in thesefeatures.
When it comes to execution speed, both IG and XTB perform well. However, IG’s advanced technology infrastructure provides slightly faster execution speeds, which can be crucial for traders employing high-frequency or scalping strategies.
| Broker | Execution Speed | Limit Orders | Market Orders |
|---|---|---|---|
| IG | Fast, with advanced technology infrastructure | 17 ms | 20 ms |
| XTB | Fast, but slightly slower than IG | N/A | N/A |
Verdict: IG’s superior execution speeds make it the better choice for traders who require fast order execution.
IG offers a wider range of account types, including standard, DMA, and professional accounts. XTB, on the other hand, offers standard and pro accounts.
Verdict: IG’s wider range of account types makes it a more versatile choice for traders with varying needs and trading styles.
Both IG and XTB offer excellent customer service, with multiple channels of communication and 24/7 support. However, IG’s customer service is slightly more responsive based on user reviews.
Verdict: While both brokers offer excellent customer service, IG’s slightly more responsive service gives it the edge in this category.
There are several other factors to consider when choosing between IG and XTB.
IG requires a lower minimum deposit, making it a more accessible choice for beginner traders or those with smaller trading budgets.
Both brokers offer a variety of payment methods, including bank transfer, credit/debit card, and e-wallets.
Both brokers offer a range of educational resources, but XTB’s comprehensive education centre makes it a better choice for beginner traders looking to learn more about forex trading.
Verdict: IG’s lower minimum deposit and XTB’s superior educational resources make them both strong choices depending on your individual needs and trading experience.
| Criteria | IG | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Instruments | ||
| Forex CFD | 110 | 48 |
| Shares CFD | 13000+ | 1848 |
| Cryptos CFD | 13 (+ Crypto 10 Index) |
10+ |
| Commodities CFD | 11 Metals 7 Energies 23 Softs |
7 Metals 6 Energies 10 Softs |
| Indices CFD | 130 | 30 |
| Bonds/Treasuries CFD | 14 | 3 |
| Spread Betting (UK only) | Yes | No |
| Other Products | Yes | No |
| Shares (underlying) | Yes | No |
Best For Beginner Traders: XTB, with its comprehensive educational resources and social trading features, is our top pick for beginner traders.
Best For Experienced Traders: IG, with its lower trading costs, faster execution speeds, and wider range of account types, is our top pick for experienced traders.
| Best For | Broker |
|---|---|
| Beginner Traders | XTB |
| Experienced Traders | IG |
In conclusion, both IG and XTB are excellent forex brokers, each with their own strengths. Your choice between the two will depend on your individual trading needs and experience level.
XTB is better for beginner traders due to its comprehensive educational resources and social trading features.
IG offers lower trading costs, making it a more cost-effective choice for traders.
