Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of XTB vs FXCM, 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 it comes to choosing a reliable online broker, both XTB and FXCM present strong options in the world of forex trading. Founded in 2002, XTB operates as a publicly traded company, similar to FXCM, which has been in operation since 1999. Neither of the brokers are banks, but both hold a range of licenses adding to their credibility. Highlighting their regulatory strength, XTB holds two Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses, earning it a Trust Score of 96 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com. This places it in the highly trusted category.
FXCM, on the other hand, holds a slightly greater number of Tier-1 licenses, boasting four of them, along with two Tier-2 licenses, which speaks volumes about its trusted status in the industry. Although its Trust Score is just a point lower than XTB's, at 95, it still sits comfortably in the highly trusted bracket. Both brokers, being publicly traded and regulated in multiple jurisdictions, offer dependable choices for traders seeking assurance and transparency.
| Feature |
XTB
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2002 | 1999 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of XTB with FXCM, both brokers cater to different needs. XTB offers a Standard account with spread-only pricing, while its Professional account, now phased out in most regions, was commission-based. As of Q4 2023, the average forex spread for EUR/USD on XTB's Standard account is 1 pip, with pricing aligning with the industry standard but falling short of leading competitors. Active traders can benefit from XTB's Lower Spread Group, with discounts up to 30% on spreads based on trading volume. XTB receives a commendable rating of 4.5 stars, ranking it 11th out of 62 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category.
FXCM, on the other hand, generally features pricing slightly above the industry average for forex trading. In May 2024, the standard account's average spread for EUR/USD was 0.78 in select markets like the EU and Australia, and 1.38 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Commission-based accounts averaged 0.28 pips excluding commissions, making the effective spread approximately 0.74 pips after commissions. FXCM's Active Trader Rebate Program, although geographically restricted, provides rebates that enhance the effective spread reduction. FXCM is rated 4 stars and ranked 24th in the Commissions and Fees category among 62 brokers.
Overall, XTB's Standard account is recommended for retail traders due to its straightforward pricing and active trader rebates, while FXCM offers a potentially lower spread for high-volume traders through its Active Trader Program. Both brokers provide unique cost-saving features, but XTB edges slightly ahead with its higher star rating and ranking.
| Feature |
XTB
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | Starts from $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | 0.78 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.00 | 0.78 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When it comes to offering a wide array of investment options, XTB and FXCM both shine in forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts. However, XTB clearly extends a broader reach with a remarkable 7,184 tradeable symbols compared to FXCM's 440. For forex enthusiasts, XTB provides 71 tradeable forex pairs, overshadowing FXCM, which offers 43. Additionally, XTB offers unique access to exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international markets, allowing clients to purchase shares like Apple or Vodafone directly. In contrast, FXCM falls short in this arena, not offering direct access to these exchange-traded securities.
In terms of advanced investment tools, both brokers allow trading in cryptocurrency derivatives, although neither offers the option to buy actual cryptocurrencies. When considering extra features like copy trading, FXCM stands out by providing this service, unlike XTB. Overall, XTB receives a 5-star rating for its range of investments, reaching the 14th spot among 62 brokers reviewed by ForexBrokers.com. FXCM, on the other hand, secures a 3.5-star rating and is ranked 47th in the same category. This makes XTB a more versatile choice for those seeking extensive investment options, while FXCM may appeal to those interested in social trading through its copy trading feature.
| Feature |
XTB
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7184 | 440 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 71 | 43 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| 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.
XTB and FXCM both provide impressive features in their trading platforms and tools, appealing to traders seeking versatility. Both firms offer free demo accounts, which are great for beginners to practice trading without real financial risk. XTB and FXCM each have their own proprietary platforms, ensuring a unique trading experience tailored to their clients. Both brokers support Windows-based desktop platforms and web-based browser platforms, providing flexibility in trading access. However, FXCM takes the lead when it comes to options like copy trading, offering both MetaTrader 4 and ZuluTrade, which XTB does not.
When it comes to charting, XTB provides a broader range of 32 drawing tools compared to FXCM's 10, enhancing the chart analysis for users on XTB’s platform. Both allow trading directly from stock charts, making execution straightforward. For watch list customization, FXCM offers more columns with 13 fields, compared to XTB’s 8, giving users more information at a glance. FXCM slightly edges out XTB in ratings and rankings, with FXCM holding a 5-star rating and ranking 6th out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com for Trading Platforms and Tools, while XTB earns a respectable 4.5 stars and ranks 9th. Both brokers offer considerable functionality, but FXCM's additional tools could be more appealing to those interested in expanded trading capabilities.
| Feature |
XTB
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 39 | 115 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 32 | 10 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 8 | 13 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of XTB and FXCM, both platforms provide comprehensive services for traders using either iPhone or Android devices. Each app offers essential features like stock and forex price alerts, the ability to draw trendlines, and options to view various time frames on charts. However, a key difference is in the synchronization of watchlists; FXCM allows watchlist syncing with the client’s online account, making it convenient to keep track of your preferences seamlessly across devices. On the other hand, while XTB lacks this feature, it still provides a well-rounded trading experience with real-time quote watchlists and automatic chart drawing saves.
In terms of technical analysis, FXCM edges out with 59 technical studies compared to XTB's 39. Despite this, both apps receive an equal rating of 4.5 stars for their mobile trading capabilities. Yet, XTB holds a stronger position with an eighth-place ranking by ForexBrokers.com compared to FXCM's sixteenth place. This suggests a difference in user satisfaction and overall app performance, making XTB a preferred choice for many traders seeking a top-ranked mobile trading experience.
| Feature |
XTB
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 39 | 59 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research offerings of online brokerages XTB and FXCM, both platforms deliver insightful resources for their users. Each provides daily market commentary and forex news from leading sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring traders stay informed on critical financial updates. While both brokers offer a sentiment-based trading tool, XTB and FXCM differ in other aspects. XTB does not integrate Autochartist or Trading Central's technical analysis tools, yet continues to provide its clients with robust market insights, as reflected in its high research rating of 5 stars and a 7th place ranking among 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, FXCM also supplies users with an economic calendar and a sentiment-based trading tool. While lacking resources from Acuity Trading, it stands out by offering tools from Trading Central and market research from TipRanks. Although FXCM is rated slightly lower with 4.5 stars for research, it remains a solid choice for market analysis, achieving an 11th place ranking in the research category by ForexBrokers.com. Overall, traders seeking a comprehensive range of tools may find merit in both brokers, depending on their specific needs and preferences.
| Feature |
XTB
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | Yes |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources provided by XTB and FXCM for beginners, both brokers excel at offering a diverse selection of educational content tailored to new traders. Each platform delivers over 10 educational pieces focusing on forex and CFDs, including articles, videos, and archived webinars. They also hold monthly live webinars to keep users engaged and knowledgeable. Furthermore, both XTB and FXCM provide searchable archives of recorded webinars, making it easy for beginners to access past sessions at their convenience. Each broker offers more than 10 beginner-oriented educational videos, ensuring that newcomers have ample materials to get started in understanding trading topics.
While XTB and FXCM offer comprehensive educational programs with advanced video content for seasoned traders, their services diverge slightly regarding additional resources. FXCM stands out with an investor dictionary that includes definitions for over 50 investing terms, a feature that XTB does not provide. Nevertheless, XTB holds a higher educational rating, at 5 stars, compared to FXCM's 4.5 stars. Additionally, XTB ranks 11th among 62 brokers in the Education category according to ForexBrokers.com, above FXCM's 14th place, indicating a slight edge in their educational offerings.
| Feature |
XTB
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| 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) | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that XTB is better than FXCM. XTB finished with an overall rank of #7, while FXCM finished with an overall rank of #15.
As a trusted multi-asset broker, XTB offers outstanding customer service, a wide variety of forex and CFDs, and an excellent overall trading experience. Its xStation 5 trading platform is well-designed and packed with innovative features, and XTB’s offers comprehensive educational content and market research.
| Feature |
XTB
|
FXCM
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 96 | 95 |
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Both XTB and FXCM do not offer the ability to buy actual, delivered cryptocurrency, but they both do provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers XTB and FXCM in terms of funding options, FXCM offers ACH or SEPA transfers which XTB does not, however, both brokers provide options for PayPal, Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires for depositing or withdrawing account funds.
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 | XTB | FXCM | |
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| Trust Score | 96 | 95 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XTB Review | FXCM Review |
| Broker Screenshots | XTB | FXCM | |
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| Regulation | XTB | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 96 | 95 | |
| Year Founded | 2002 | 1999 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | XTB | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | XTB | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | XTB | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7184 | 440 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 71 | 43 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | XTB | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | 0.78 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.00 | 0.78 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | XTB | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | Starts from $50 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | XTB | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | XTB | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 8 | 13 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 39 | 115 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 32 | 10 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | XTB | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 39 | 59 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | XTB | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | Yes | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | XTB | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | No | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | XTB | FXCM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | XTB Review | FXCM Review |
| Overall | XTB | FXCM | |
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| Trust Score | 96 | 95 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XTB Review | FXCM Review |
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