Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs Xtrade, 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 the online brokers IG and Xtrade, several key differences emerge regarding their trustworthiness and regulatory standings. IG, established in 1974, boasts a Trust Score of 99 out of 99, reflecting its high level of reliability. As a publicly traded company on a stock exchange and functioning as a bank, IG holds 8 Tier-1 licenses, regarded as highly trustworthy, along with 2 Tier-2 licenses. These credentials signify strong regulatory oversight and provide peace of mind for investors.
On the other hand, Xtrade, founded in 2003, demonstrates an average risk profile with a Trust Score of 74. Unlike IG, Xtrade isn't publicly traded nor does it operate as a bank, which could be factors for potential customers to consider. Although it holds 1 Tier-1 license and 1 Tier-2 license, indicating some level of trustworthiness, these figures are modest compared to IG's extensive licensing. For those prioritizing regulatory assurance, IG stands out as a more trusted choice.
| Feature |
IG
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2003 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
IG and Xtrade differ widely on commissions and fees. IG publishes detailed pricing and multiple ways to trade, earning 5 out of 5 stars and a #8 ranking out of 63 brokers from ForexBrokers.com. Xtrade provides far less fee transparency, earning 2.5 out of 5 stars and ranking #64 out of 63.
IG’s Forex Direct (DMA) pricing averaged 0.62 pips on EUR/USD in July 2023, with an all-in cost around 0.82 pips after commission. Its CFD account averaged 0.69 pips during main trading hours, and 0.98 pips across all sessions globally (IG US: 1.18 pips), with spreads widening to about 1.03 pips in quieter hours. Active traders who qualify as professionals can get spread rebates of 10% at £50 million in monthly forex volume and up to 20% at £300 million—potentially trimming a 0.76-pip spread to about 0.60 pips. The DMA account requires a £1,000 minimum and uses tiered commissions: $60 per $1 million if trading under $100 million a month, dropping to $10 per million per side ($20 round-turn) for $1.5 billion+ in monthly volume.
Xtrade does not provide average spread data, making typical trading costs harder to gauge. Reflecting this limited visibility and its overall fee profile, Xtrade holds a 2.5/5 star rating and is ranked #64 out of 63 brokers for commissions and fees. If tight, clearly published spreads and high-volume discounts matter to you, IG’s pricing structure is the stronger fit.
| Feature |
IG
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $250 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A |
| 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.
Comparing IG and Xtrade on range of investments, IG offers 19,537 tradeable symbols versus Xtrade’s 482. IG lists 97 forex pairs to Xtrade’s 56, and both support forex trading via CFDs or spot. IG also lets clients buy exchange-traded shares on U.S. and international exchanges (for example, Apple on NASDAQ and Vodafone in London), while Xtrade does not offer direct share dealing. In crypto, IG provides access to both actual coins and crypto derivatives; Xtrade offers crypto derivatives only. Neither broker offers copy trading.
These differences are reflected in independent scores: IG earns 5 stars and ranks #4 out of 63 brokers for Range of Investments at ForexBrokers.com, while Xtrade is rated 3.5 stars and ranks #50. IG is a better fit if you want broad market access—stocks, a larger set of forex pairs, and the ability to own cryptocurrency—whereas Xtrade suits traders who prefer a simpler, CFD-focused lineup with fewer markets.
| Feature |
IG
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 482 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 56 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | 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.
Comparing IG vs Xtrade for trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer free demo accounts, in-house platforms, and user-friendly web platforms. IG also provides a Windows desktop platform and supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4), while Xtrade does not offer a desktop download and does not support MT4. Neither broker supports MetaTrader 5, copy trading, DupliTrade, or ZuluTrade. Both let you place trades directly from charts, which helps streamline order entry.
For charting and workflow, IG lists 20 drawing tools, whereas Xtrade offers 100. Watch lists include five columns on IG and nine on Xtrade. While indicator counts aren’t specified, overall quality differs: IG earns 5 stars and ranks #2 of 63 brokers for Trading Platforms and Tools on ForexBrokers.com, compared to Xtrade’s 3.5 stars and #59 ranking. If you need MT4 or a Windows desktop platform, IG stands out; if you favor more drawing tools or broader watch list fields in a web environment, Xtrade has appeal.
| Feature |
IG
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | N/A |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 100 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 9 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Comparing IG vs Xtrade for mobile trading apps: both brokers offer iPhone and Android apps for trading stocks and forex on the go. IG stands out with stock and forex price alerts, synced watchlists between mobile and web, and real-time quotes in custom watchlists. Xtrade provides the core apps but does not include price alerts, watchlist syncing, or real-time quote watchlists.
IG’s charting tools are more advanced for everyday use, featuring 33 technical studies, trendline drawing, multiple time frames (intraday to weekly), and autosave for chart drawings. Xtrade does not list the number of indicators and lacks trendlines, multiple time frames, and autosave. Independent ratings reflect these differences: IG earns 5 stars and ranks #1 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps on ForexBrokers.com, while Xtrade is rated 4 stars and ranks #54. If mobile charting, alerts, and synced watchlists matter to you, IG’s app delivers a fuller feature set, whereas Xtrade suits traders who only need basic mobile access.
| Feature |
IG
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | N/A |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Comparing IG vs Xtrade for market research, both brokers deliver the essentials: daily market commentary, an economic calendar, and forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones. Where they diverge is in depth. IG layers on extra tools and third‑party research, including Autochartist, a sentiment tool showing the ratio of long vs short positions, TipRanks insights, and Acuity Trading’s Signal Centre. Xtrade does not offer these additions. Neither broker provides Trading Central.
These differences show up in independent ratings: IG earns 5 stars for Research and ranks #2 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, while Xtrade scores 3.5 stars and ranks #53. If you want a fuller toolkit for idea generation and sentiment tracking, IG is the stronger pick; if you only need basic updates and a calendar, Xtrade covers the core needs.
| Feature |
IG
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, IG stands out as a more comprehensive option compared to Xtrade. Both platforms offer at least 10 educational pieces focusing on forex or CFDs, assuring that newcomers can access essential learning materials. However, IG distinguishes itself by hosting monthly online educational webinars and providing an archive of these sessions for future reference, whereas Xtrade does not offer these features. Additionally, IG offers an array of beginner videos that dive into trading topics, while Xtrade lacks this offering. Furthermore, for advanced traders, IG provides extensive educational video content, a resource that Xtrade does not match.
IG also provides a valuable investor dictionary with over 50 investing terms, a feature that Xtrade mirrors. However, IG's commitment to educational excellence is reflected in its top ranking on ForexBrokers.com, where it holds the #1 spot out of 63 brokers, with a perfect 5-star rating for education. In contrast, Xtrade finds itself ranked at #46 with a 3.5-star rating. This highlights IG's dedication to nurturing both beginner and experienced traders through a wealth of educational resources.
| Feature |
IG
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | 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 Xtrade. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while Xtrade finished with an overall rank of #60.
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
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 74 |
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When comparing online brokers IG and Xtrade for cryptocurrency options, IG stands out by offering both actual delivered cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency derivatives, whereas Xtrade provides access only to cryptocurrency derivatives, not the actual cryptocurrencies.
When comparing online brokers IG and Xtrade, IG supports ACH and SEPA transfers and PayPal for deposits and withdrawals while Xtrade does not, although both platforms accommodate Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, with Xtrade additionally offering Skrill where IG does not.
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 | Xtrade | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 74 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | Xtrade Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | Xtrade | |
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| Regulation | IG | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 74 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2003 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| 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 | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | IG | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 482 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 56 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | 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 | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $250 | |
| 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 | IG | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 9 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | N/A | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 100 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | No |
| Mobile Trading | IG | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | No | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | N/A | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | IG | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IG Review | Xtrade Review |
| Overall | IG | Xtrade | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 74 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | Xtrade Review |
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