Choose Tickmill if you want…
Cost-sensitive scalpers and high-volume traders who prioritise the lowest commissions on FX majors.
Tickmill
⭐ 4.5 / 5
VS
XM
⭐ 4.5 / 5
Tickmill vs XM — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared Tickmill and XM across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. The two brokers are evenly matched — your final choice depends on your specific trading style.
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| Tickmill | XM | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | Tie |
| Regulators | FCA, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, FSCA, Labuan FSA | CySEC, ASIC, IFSC, DFSA | Tickmill |
| Min. deposit | $100 | $5 | XM |
| Spreads from | 0.0 pips (Pro / Raw) | 0.6 pips (Ultra Low) | Tickmill |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:1000 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, Tickmill Trader | MT4, MT5, XM WebTrader, XM Mobile | XM |
| Founded | 2014 | 2009 | — |
| HQ | London, UK / Limassol, Cyprus | Limassol, Cyprus | — |
Pros & cons compared
Tickmill pros
- ✓ FCA + CySEC + FSCA + Labuan tier-1 + tier-2 regulators
- ✓ Pro account spreads from 0.0 pips with $2/lot commission (lowest in industry)
- ✓ Extremely scalper-friendly — no restrictions, fast execution
- ✓ Negative balance protection across all entities
- ✓ ISO 27001 certified — strong information security
Cons
- ✗ Smaller instrument catalogue (~150 vs 2,000+ at peers)
- ✗ Limited educational content
- ✗ $100 minimum deposit higher than budget brokers
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 — Tickmill or XM?
Tickmill and XM are evenly matched on most measurable criteria. Your choice should depend on which specific features matter most — review the comparison table above and the "Pros & Cons" section.
Is Tickmill more regulated than XM?
Tickmill holds licenses from: FCA, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, FSCA, Labuan FSA. XM holds licenses from: CySEC, ASIC, IFSC, DFSA. Tickmill has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at Tickmill vs XM?
Tickmill spreads start from 0.0 pips (Pro / Raw). XM spreads start from 0.6 pips (Ultra Low). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, Tickmill or XM?
Tickmill: $100. XM: $5. XM has the lower entry barrier.