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 | 0.98 | 1.00 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 1.00 |
| 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 vs XTB for range of investments: IG lists 19,537 tradeable symbols and 97 forex pairs, while XTB offers 7,184 symbols and 71 forex pairs. Both let you trade forex either as CFDs or spot contracts, and both let you buy exchange-traded shares (not CFDs) on U.S. markets like NASDAQ and on international markets such as the London Stock Exchange.
For cryptocurrencies, IG supports both buying actual coins and trading crypto derivatives; XTB supports crypto derivatives only (no delivered coins). Neither broker provides copy trading. Despite both earning a 5-star Range of Investments score from ForexBrokers.com, IG ranks higher at #4 of 63 brokers versus XTB at #15, reflecting IG’s wider market selection.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 7184 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 71 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | Yes | 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.
IG and XTB both check the key boxes for platform access and ease of use. Each broker offers a free demo account, a proprietary platform, a downloadable Windows desktop platform, and a browser-based web platform. Both also let you place trades directly from charts, which can speed up execution. Neither broker supports copy trading. Platform support differs on MetaTrader: IG supports 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. Choose IG if MT4 access or top-tier platform ratings matter most to you; choose XTB if you want a well-regarded in-house platform with both web and desktop access and a free demo to get started.
| Feature |
IG
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / 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 deliver capable mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android. Each app includes price alerts, real-time quote watchlists, trendline drawing, and auto-saved chart annotations. For chart studies, XTB offers 39 technical indicators while IG provides 33. A key difference is watchlist syncing: IG syncs symbols between the mobile app and your online account so changes carry over automatically, whereas XTB does not support cross-platform watchlist sync.
In independent testing by ForexBrokers.com, IG’s mobile app holds a 5-star rating and ranks #1 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps. XTB earns 4.5 stars and ranks #8. If seamless watchlist sync and top-tier recognition matter most, IG is the better fit; if you prefer a wider selection of built-in indicators, XTB has the edge. Either way, both apps cover core needs like alerts, charting, and real-time quotes.
| 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 |
| Mobile Watchlist | 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
If you’re new to trading and comparing IG vs XTB for education, both brokers shine for beginners. Each offers at least 10 beginner-focused videos that cover the basics of forex and CFD trading, and both host monthly educational webinars. In independent testing, both earned 5-star Education ratings; IG ranks #1 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while XTB ranks #11—useful context if you want the highest-rated learning path.
As you advance, both brokers also provide at least 10 videos aimed at experienced traders. This summary does not confirm whether either broker meets a 10-piece threshold for dedicated forex/CFD articles or videos beyond those noted, offers a searchable archive of past webinars, or maintains an investor dictionary of 50+ terms. Bottom line: pick IG if you want the top-ranked education experience with frequent webinars, or choose XTB for a high-quality alternative with solid beginner and advanced video libraries.
| 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
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XTB
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|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 96 |
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While both IG and XTB offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, only IG provides the option to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency, setting it apart from XTB's offerings.
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.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | IG | XTB | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 96 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | XTB Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | XTB | |
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| 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 (SFC 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. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | Yes | 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 | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.00 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 1.00 | |
| 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 | |
| Social Trading / 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 | 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 | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | 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 | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | IG Review | XTB Review |
| Overall | IG | XTB | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 96 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | XTB Review |
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