Choose IG if you want…
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
VS
XTB
⭐ 4.6 / 5
IG vs XTB — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared IG and XTB across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. IG 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.
Ad · leaderboard · 728×90
| IG | XTB | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | Tie |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | FCA, CySEC, KNF Poland, DFSA, BaFin, IFSC Belize | IG |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $0 (no minimum) | Tie |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | 0.5 pips (Standard) | XTB |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | xStation 5, xStation Mobile, MT4 | IG |
| Founded | 1974 | 2002 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | Warsaw, Poland | — |
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)
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
Ad · in-content · 728×90
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 — IG or XTB?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), IG wins 2 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is IG more regulated than XTB?
IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. XTB holds licenses from: FCA, CySEC, KNF Poland, DFSA, BaFin, IFSC Belize. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at IG vs XTB?
IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). XTB spreads start from 0.5 pips (Standard). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, IG or XTB?
IG: $0 (no minimum). XTB: $0 (no minimum). Both require the same minimum.