Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs XTB, 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 IG and XTB, two well-known online brokers, trust and regulatory information are key factors to consider. Founded in 1974, IG stands out with a top-tier Trust Score of 99 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, reflecting its position as a highly trusted broker. It maintains this reputation with 8 Tier-1 licenses, which are seen as highly reliable. Added to this, IG is a publicly traded company and also operates as a bank, elements that contribute to its robust regulatory standing.
XTB, established in 2002, shares some similarities but also has notable differences in its regulatory profile. It is also publicly traded and holds 2 Tier-1 licenses, fostering a respected reputation with a Trust Score of 96 out of 99—still significantly strong but slightly lower than IG. Although not a bank, XTB's 2 Tier-2 licenses further underpin its credibility in the trading community. Both brokers offer solid regulatory credentials, though IG's additional features may provide an added sense of security for some investors.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2002 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
Comparing commissions and fees, IG earns 5/5 stars and ranks #8 of 63 brokers, while XTB scores 4.5/5 stars and ranks #12 of 63. Both are competitive, but IG has the edge for active and high-volume traders thanks to its Direct Market Access (DMA) pricing and volume-based rebates. XTB’s pricing is generally in line with the industry average, making it a solid pick for everyday retail traders who want simple, spread-only pricing.
IG offers two main ways to trade forex: a spread-only CFD account and the commission-based Forex Direct (DMA) account. On the DMA side, EUR/USD averaged 0.62 pips in July 2023, with an all-in cost around 0.82 pips once commission is included. For the CFD account, typical EUR/USD spreads were about 0.69 pips during core hours (0.98 pips across all sessions). Active traders may cut costs further: IG’s tiered rebates can discount spreads by 10% to 20% for very high monthly volumes, which can bring effective costs down to roughly 0.60 pips in the best cases.
XTB focuses on a straightforward Standard (spread-only) account, with average EUR/USD spreads around 1.0 pip in Q4 2023. Its commission-based Pro account is being phased out and is mainly available to legacy or elective professional clients. Active traders can still lower costs via XTB’s Lower Spread Group, which rebates 5% to 30% of the spread once you hit monthly volume thresholds (starting at 20 lots). Minimum deposits start at 250 in your base currency, and overall pricing is competitive for most retail traders, though not as aggressive as IG’s top-tier active-trader and DMA pricing.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $0 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.91 | 0.92 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.92 |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
IG and XTB both support forex trading as CFDs and spot, and each offers exchange-traded stocks on U.S. and international exchanges (think Apple and Vodafone). IG stands out with 19,537 tradeable symbols and 97 forex pairs, while XTB lists 7,184 symbols and 71 forex pairs. Both earn 5 stars for Range of Investments, though IG ranks higher (#4 of 63) than XTB (#15 of 63) in this category.
For cryptocurrencies, IG lets you buy actual coins as well as trade crypto CFDs; XTB offers crypto CFDs but not delivered crypto. Neither broker provides copy trading. In short, choose IG if you want the largest selection and access to real crypto, while XTB remains a strong choice for a wide set of markets with straightforward access to stocks, forex, and CFDs.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 7184 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 71 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | Yes |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | Yes | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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.
IG and XTB both deliver beginner-friendly and advanced trading platforms with free demo (paper) accounts, in-house proprietary platforms, and the choice of either a Windows desktop download or a web-based platform. Each broker lets you place trades directly from charts, and neither offers copy trading. A key difference is third-party platform support: IG offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), while XTB does not. Neither broker supports MetaTrader 5 (MT5).
For trading platforms and tools, ForexBrokers.com rates IG at 5 stars and ranks it #2 out of 63 brokers, while XTB earns 4.5 stars and ranks #9. If you want MT4 alongside a strong web and desktop experience, IG stands out. If you’re focused on a streamlined proprietary platform with chart trading and a demo account, XTB remains a solid contender.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 39 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
IG and XTB both offer full-featured mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, with handy stock and forex price alerts. Each app supports drawing tools like trendlines and auto-saves your chart annotations. A key difference is watchlists: IG syncs watchlists between mobile and web, so changes carry over automatically, while XTB does not offer watchlist syncing.
For charting, XTB provides 39 built-in technical studies versus IG’s 33, giving indicator-focused traders a slight edge on XTB. That said, IG earns a higher overall score: IG is rated 5 stars and ranked #1 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps by ForexBrokers.com, while XTB holds a strong 4.5-star rating and ranks #8. Choose IG if you value seamless watchlist syncing and top-tier app quality; pick XTB if having more indicators on your phone matters most.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 39 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing market research offerings, both IG and XTB provide essential tools for traders, such as daily market commentary and forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. They both feature sentiment-based trading tools and comprehensive economic calendars, showcasing a commitment to keeping traders informed about current and future economic events. However, IG stands out by offering additional tools not available with XTB, such as technical analysis from Autochartist, market research from TipRanks, and research tools from Acuity Trading, such as Signal Centre.
Dissecting ratings and rankings, both IG and XTB have earned a solid 5-star research rating. Yet, IG secures a more prestigious position by ranking #2 among 63 brokers in the Research category on ForexBrokers.com, whereas XTB holds the 7th spot. This distinction highlights IG's broader range of research tools that might benefit traders looking for a more enhanced analytical experience.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central | No | No |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Acuity Trading | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
IG vs XTB for beginner education: both brokers deliver extensive forex and CFD learning. Each offers well over 10 pieces of content across articles, videos, and archived webinars, and both run live client webinars at least monthly. Beginners get 10+ entry-level videos at IG and XTB, with another 10+ advanced videos available when you’re ready to go deeper. Both earn a 5-star Education rating.
The difference is their standing in third‑party reviews: ForexBrokers.com ranks IG #1 for Education out of 63 brokers, while XTB is #11. If you want the highest‑rated education hub, IG has the edge. If you’re looking for a strong alternative with plenty of beginner support and frequent webinars, XTB is a solid choice.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IG is better than XTB. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while XTB finished with an overall rank of #7.
IG offers the ultimate comprehensive trading package, featuring excellent trading and research tools, industry-leading education, and an extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Trust Score | 99 | 96 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
| Commissions & Fees |
|
|
| Platforms & Tools |
|
|
| Research |
|
|
| Mobile Trading |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
In the IG vs XTB comparison, IG allows investors to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency and trade crypto CFDs, while XTB offers cryptocurrency exposure exclusively via CFDs and does not provide direct ownership.
IG vs XTB funding comparison: IG offers ACH/SEPA transfers, PayPal, and bank wire deposits and withdrawals but not Skrill, whereas XTB offers PayPal, Skrill, and bank wire options but does not support ACH/SEPA.
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.
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 99 | 96 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | XTB Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
|
|
| Regulation | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 96 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2002 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (FSA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 7184 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 71 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | Yes | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | Yes | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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 | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.91 | 0.92 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.92 | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | No | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 39 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 39 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | IG Review | XTB Review |
| Overall | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 99 | 96 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | XTB Review |
IG
CMC Markets
FOREX.com
XTB
eToro
AvaTrade
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill