Choose CMC Markets if you want…
Discretionary traders wanting deep instrument coverage and a sophisticated proprietary platform from a publicly-listed UK broker.
CMC Markets
⭐ 4.5 / 5
VS
XTB
⭐ 4.6 / 5
CMC Markets vs XTB — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared CMC Markets and XTB across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. XTB wins on more criteria (2 categories vs 1), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
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| CMC Markets | XTB | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | XTB |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland | FCA, CySEC, KNF Poland, DFSA, BaFin, IFSC Belize | CMC Markets |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $0 (no minimum) | Tie |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips (Next Generation) | 0.5 pips (Standard) | XTB |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (Professional) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile | xStation 5, xStation Mobile, MT4 | Tie |
| Founded | 1989 | 2002 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | Warsaw, Poland | — |
Pros & cons compared
CMC Markets pros
- ✓ Founded 1989 — among the oldest CFD brokers (LSE: CMCX)
- ✓ FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS — tier-1 regulators across major financial centres
- ✓ 12,000+ instruments — one of the broadest catalogues in retail CFDs
- ✓ Award-winning proprietary 'Next Generation' platform
- ✓ No minimum deposit
Cons
- ✗ Proprietary platform has a learning curve vs. MT4
- ✗ Spread on FX 'Standard' account (0.7 pips) wider than ECN brokers
- ✗ Limited cryptocurrency CFD coverage
XTB pros
- ✓ Listed on Warsaw Stock Exchange (XTB) — audited financials
- ✓ FCA + CySEC + KNF + DFSA + BaFin regulation
- ✓ Proprietary xStation 5 platform consistently ranked #1 in EU broker surveys
- ✓ Zero commission on real stocks/ETFs up to €100K/month
- ✓ No minimum deposit
Cons
- ✗ Spreads on Standard account (0.5–1.0 pips) wider than pure ECN brokers
- ✗ MT4 supported but xStation is the primary platform
- ✗ No cTrader option
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Which one should you choose?
Choose XTB if you want…
EU traders wanting an LSE-listed, multi-regulated broker with the best proprietary platform in retail and a strong stock-trading complement.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — CMC Markets or XTB?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), XTB wins 2 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is CMC Markets more regulated than XTB?
CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. XTB holds licenses from: FCA, CySEC, KNF Poland, DFSA, BaFin, IFSC Belize. CMC Markets has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at CMC Markets vs XTB?
CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). XTB spreads start from 0.5 pips (Standard). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, CMC Markets or XTB?
CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). XTB: $0 (no minimum). Both require the same minimum.