Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FOREX.com vs XM Group, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
When comparing online brokers FOREX.com and XM Group, regulatory information is a key factor to consider. FOREX.com was founded in 1999 and is publicly traded, while XM Group was established in 2009 and is not listed on a stock exchange. Both companies are not banks, but they differ significantly in their regulatory standing and reputation. FOREX.com holds an impressive seven Tier-1 licenses, which are considered the most trusted regulatory approvals, while XM Group holds four. Each also holds one Tier-2 license, regarded as trusted by ForexBrokers.com.
The Trust Score provides further insight into their credibility, with FOREX.com achieving the highest possible score of 99, signifying a highly trusted status. In comparison, XM Group has a Trust Score of 88, placing it in the trusted category. These scores are vital indicators for traders assessing safety and reliability, with FOREX.com leading in terms of trust and regulatory oversight. Both brokers offer a secure trading environment, but FOREX.com's higher trust score and regulatory coverage may appeal more to those seeking an established and well-regulated broker.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2009 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When it comes to comparing commissions and fees, FOREX.com and XM Group each offer distinct advantages for traders. FOREX.com provides multiple account types and execution methods, making it a top choice for many. While their commission-based offerings and lower Raw account spreads benefit non-US traders, the Standard account features higher spreads. In comparison, XM Group does not publish its average spreads for its XM Zero account, contributing to potential cost transparency challenges.
FOREX.com's Standard account spreads are relatively high at an average of 1.4 pips on the EUR/USD for US traders. Their Raw account offers lower spreads of 0.13 pips for the same currency pair, with a commission starting at $7 per standard lot. This can make it appealing for high-volume traders, especially with tiered rebates offering up to $9 per million as trading volume increases. Conversely, XM Group's standard account spreads are noted as expensive without specific data shared for their XM Zero account. The lack of published average spreads makes a direct comparison more challenging, especially for commission-based models.
In terms of ratings, FOREX.com scores a solid 4.5 stars out of 5 in the commissions and fees category, ranking #13 out of 63 brokers surveyed by ForexBrokers.com. XM Group, while still respectable, holds a 4-star rating, placing it at #33 in the same category. This ranking reflects the competitive edge FOREX.com holds, particularly for active traders and those who can capitalize on their rebates and commission structures.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $5 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 1.6 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.9 | 0.8 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing the offerings of FOREX.com and XM Group, both online brokers provide access to forex trading either as a CFD or a spot contract. FOREX.com shines with an impressive 5,500 tradeable symbols and 80 forex pairs, which provides a diverse selection for traders seeking various financial products from around the globe. In contrast, XM Group offers a smaller selection with 1,394 tradeable symbols and 55 forex pairs. However, XM Group differentiates itself by giving clients the opportunity to buy exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, enabling investments in stocks like Apple and Vodafone. Additionally, XM Group supports copy trading, offering new ways for investors to engage with the markets by mimicking the trades of successful traders.
In terms of cryptocurrency trading, both FOREX.com and XM Group provide the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, though neither offers the option to buy actual cryptocurrencies directly. In overall rankings by ForexBrokers.com, FOREX.com boasts a higher position, securing the 7th spot out of 63 brokers in the Range of Investments category, and it achieves a five-star rating. XM Group, while still competitive with a 4.5-star rating, is ranked 24th, reflecting its slightly more limited range of investment options. Ultimately, each platform has its unique strengths, with FOREX.com providing a broader array of instruments and XM Group offering more stock investment opportunities and trading strategies like copy trading.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 1394 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 80 | 55 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools offered by FOREX.com and XM Group, there are several noteworthy distinctions. Both brokers provide a free virtual demo account, allowing traders to practice and improve their skills without risking real money. FOREX.com stands out with its proprietary trading platform, developed in-house, and a Windows-based desktop platform, giving users more options for a tailored trading experience. XM Group does not develop its own platform but does offer a Windows-based download. Both brokers provide web-based platforms, supporting on-the-go trading without the need for downloads. While both offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, only XM Group supports copy trading, a tool many traders find valuable to mirror successful strategies.
Charting and customization are critical for many traders, and here, FOREX.com leads with a vast array of 239 drawing tools compared to XM Group's 15. Both platforms allow for direct trading from stock charts, streamlining the trading process. When it comes to organizing watch lists, FOREX.com offers more functionality, with 20 columns available for customization, compared to seven offered by XM Group. In terms of overall platform and tool ratings, FOREX.com achieves a full five-star rating and ranks 7th out of 63 brokers. In contrast, XM Group holds a four-star rating, placing 31st in the same category. These differences highlight FOREX.com's commitment to providing a feature-rich trading environment that caters to various trader needs.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 20 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both FOREX.com and XM Group provide comprehensive tools for traders using iPhone and Android devices. They both support price alerts, allowing users to stay informed about market movements. Additionally, both platforms ensure that watchlists are synchronized between the app and the online account, enabling traders to seamlessly make and save changes across devices. However, FOREX.com outshines with a larger array of technical studies, offering 88 compared to XM Group's 30. This could be particularly beneficial for traders who rely heavily on technical analysis. Both apps allow drawing trendlines on charts, viewing multiple timeframes, and accessing real-time quotes for watchlists.
A standout feature of FOREX.com's app is its ability to auto-save drawings. This feature is absent in XM Group's app, which might be a consideration for traders who frequently use chart annotations. In terms of ratings, FOREX.com receives a perfect score with 5 stars for its mobile trading experience, while XM Group comes close with a respectable 4 stars. Ranking assessments from ForexBrokers.com position FOREX.com at the impressive number 3 spot, out of 63 brokers, revealing a higher endorsement compared to XM Group's rank at number 29. Overall, for traders keen on a more advanced toolset and highly rated user experience, FOREX.com might be the preferred choice.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Both FOREX.com and XM Group deliver daily market commentary and forex news sourced from leading platforms like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring traders have access to the latest insights. Both brokers provide technical analysis tools from Trading Central, assisting users in making informed trading decisions. Additionally, both offer sentiment-based trading tools that display the ratio of long to short positions across various instruments, as well as economic calendars highlighting significant global events. However, neither broker provides tools from Autochartist, TipRanks, or Acuity Trading.
When it comes to ranking, XM Group edges slightly ahead with a perfect 5-star research rating, compared to FOREX.com's commendable 4.5-star rating. Among 63 brokers reviewed on ForexBrokers.com, XM Group stands at position 8, narrowly surpassing FOREX.com, which ranks 9th. The subtle distinctions in their research offerings could make XM Group a more appealing choice for those emphasizing top-rated market analysis as part of their trading toolkit.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginner traders, both FOREX.com and XM Group deliver comprehensive offerings, catering well to those new to forex and CFDs trading. Both platforms provide at least ten educational pieces, such as articles and videos, which are tailored to help beginners grasp the basics of trading. Each broker also hosts online webinars at least monthly and maintains a searchable archive of previous sessions, making it easy for novices to access valuable insights and catch up on missed learning opportunities.
Additionally, both brokers supply over ten educational videos specifically geared towards beginners, along with materials for more advanced traders, ensuring a well-rounded education at every stage. However, there's a slight divergence when it comes to the availability of an investor dictionary. FOREX.com offers one with definitions of at least 50 investing terms, aiding users in familiarizing themselves with industry jargon, whereas XM Group does not offer this feature. While FOREX.com carries a 4.5-star rating for education compared to XM Group's 5-star accolade, it is ranked higher at #4 for education among 63 brokers, showcasing its strong reputation in the learning segment.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that FOREX.com is better than XM Group. FOREX.com finished with an overall rank of #5, while XM Group finished with an overall rank of #17.
FOREX.com is a trusted brand that delivers an excellent trading experience for forex and CFDs traders across the globe. It offers a wide range of markets and provides an impressive suite of proprietary platforms – alongside limited access to MetaTrader.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 88 |
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Both FOREX.com and XM Group do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing FOREX.com to XM Group, FOREX.com supports ACH/SEPA transfers and PayPal for account funding, both of which XM Group does not offer, while XM Group supports Skrill, which FOREX.com does not provide; both brokers accept Visa/Mastercard and bank wires for deposits and withdrawals.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | FOREX.com | XM Group | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 88 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FOREX.com Review | XM Group Review |
| Broker Screenshots | FOREX.com | XM Group | |
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| Regulation | FOREX.com | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 88 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FOREX.com | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | FOREX.com | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | FOREX.com | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 1394 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 80 | 55 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | FOREX.com | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 1.6 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.9 | 0.8 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FOREX.com | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $5 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | FOREX.com | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | FOREX.com | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 20 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | FOREX.com | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | FOREX.com | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FOREX.com | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | FOREX.com | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | FOREX.com Review | XM Group Review |
| Overall | FOREX.com | XM Group | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 88 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FOREX.com Review | XM Group Review |
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