Choose IG if you want…
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
VS
XM
⭐ 4.5 / 5
IG vs XM — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared IG and XM across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. IG wins on more criteria (4 categories vs 0), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
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| IG | XM | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | IG |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | CySEC, ASIC, IFSC, DFSA | IG |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $5 | IG |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | 0.6 pips (Ultra Low) | Tie |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:1000 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | MT4, MT5, XM WebTrader, XM Mobile | IG |
| Founded | 1974 | 2009 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | Limassol, Cyprus | — |
Pros & cons compared
IG pros
- ✓ Founded 1974 — oldest CFD/spread-bet broker (LSE: IGG)
- ✓ Nine tier-1 regulators across UK, US, EU, APAC, Africa
- ✓ 17,000+ instruments — broadest in retail FX/CFD industry
- ✓ L2 Dealer DMA + ProRealTime for advanced traders
- ✓ Direct US CFTC/NFA regulation (one of few non-US brokers)
Cons
- ✗ Spreads on Standard account (0.6 pips FX) not the absolute tightest
- ✗ Proprietary platform learning curve
- ✗ EU leverage 1:30 (ESMA)
XM pros
- ✓ $5 minimum deposit — the lowest in the regulated peer group
- ✓ Industry-leading educational content (XM Live webinars, daily research)
- ✓ Multi-jurisdictional regulation: CySEC, ASIC, IFSC, DFSA
- ✓ Strong MENA presence with Arabic platform + local payment methods
- ✓ Negative balance protection on all account types
Cons
- ✗ Spreads on Standard account (1.6+ pips) are uncompetitive vs ECN brokers
- ✗ EU leverage capped at 1:30 retail (ESMA rules)
- ✗ Limited cTrader availability — MT4/MT5 only
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Which one should you choose?
Choose XM if you want…
Beginners, low-deposit traders, and education-focused traders, especially in MENA and Asia.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — IG or XM?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), IG wins 4 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is IG more regulated than XM?
IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. XM holds licenses from: CySEC, ASIC, IFSC, DFSA. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at IG vs XM?
IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). XM spreads start from 0.6 pips (Ultra Low). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, IG or XM?
IG: $0 (no minimum). XM: $5. IG has the lower entry barrier.