Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of XM Group vs Markets.com, 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 XM Group and Markets.com, both established players in the online brokerage sector, their regulatory standings are key. Founded in 2009, XM Group is not publicly traded nor a bank, and it holds four Tier-1 licenses—indicating a high trust. With one additional Tier-2 license, XM Group has a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 88, categorizing it as a trusted broker.
Markets.com, on the other hand, was founded earlier in 1999 and similarly is neither publicly traded nor a bank. It possesses three Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license. Notably, Markets.com earns a superior Trust Score of 93, denoting a more highly trusted standing compared to XM Group. This comprehensive oversight contributes to their reputable position in the financial market landscape.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2009 | 1999 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 3 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When it comes to comparing online brokers XM Group and Markets.com on commissions and fees, XM Group offers a slightly more favorable option. For standard accounts, XM Group's spreads are on the higher end, and there is a lack of transparency regarding the average spreads for their commission-based XM Zero account. Despite these challenges, XM Group receives a solid 4-star rating in this category from ForexBrokers.com and holds a respectable position, ranked #33 out of 62 brokers.
On the other hand, Markets.com does not provide information on average spread data, which might make it harder for traders to assess potential costs accurately. As a result, it receives a lower rating of 3.5 stars for commissions and fees. In the rankings, Markets.com sits at #49 out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, indicating room for improvement in terms of costs and transparency.
Both XM Group and Markets.com have their strengths and weaknesses in commissions and fees. However, if minimizing trading costs is your priority, XM Group might be the more appealing choice despite the higher spreads in their standard account, due to their higher rating and better ranking.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.6 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| 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 comparing XM Group and Markets.com for the range of investments they offer, both platforms provide a rich selection though there are key differences. XM Group impresses with 1,394 tradeable symbols while Markets.com takes the lead with 2,179. However, forex enthusiasts will find a slight edge at Markets.com, which offers 57 forex pairs compared to XM Group's 55. When it comes to trading on U.S. and international exchanges, XM Group allows clients to purchase and hold actual stocks like Apple and Vodafone, while this option is unavailable at Markets.com, which solely focuses on CFDs. Both brokers offer the opportunity to invest in cryptocurrency derivatives but not in actual cryptocurrencies themselves. Copy trading is supported by both brokers, giving users flexibility in their investment strategies.
Ratings and rankings further highlight the differences between these two online brokers. XM Group receives a higher range of investment rating with 4.5 stars, while Markets.com follows with 4 stars. In terms of rankings in the Range of Investments category by ForexBrokers.com, XM Group is placed at #23, outperforming Markets.com, which sits at #29. These distinctions can provide valuable insights for investors who prioritize a diverse lineup of investment options while considering the unique strengths each platform brings to the table.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1394 | 2179 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 57 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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 of XM Group and Markets.com, both brokers offer a wide array of features that cater to different trading needs. Both provide traders with a demo account for simulated trading experiences, which is an excellent way to practice without risking real money. XM Group and Markets.com support MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, offering industry-standard options for traders who prefer these platforms. While XM Group does not have a proprietary platform, Markets.com offers one they developed in-house, catering to those seeking a unique trading experience. Both brokers provide access to web-based and Windows-based desktop platforms, ensuring traders can engage from multiple devices without hassle. In terms of innovation, both companies support copy trading; however, neither offers DupliTrade or ZuluTrade at this time.
When it comes to charting and watchlist features, XM Group holds a slight advantage. It offers 15 drawing tools compared to Markets.com's 4, and allows traders to execute trades directly from a stock chart, enhancing ease of use. Additionally, XM Group watchlists can be customized with 7 columns, while Markets.com offers 6. Despite these differences, both brokers are rated at 4 stars for their trading platforms and tools, indicating strong overall performance. However, in rankings from ForexBrokers.com, XM Group is placed at #31, while Markets.com holds a higher position at #27, suggesting small variations in user satisfaction or perceived capabilities. Overall, the selection between XM Group and Markets.com should be based on specific features individual traders prioritize for their trading activities.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 89 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 4 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 6 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of XM Group and Markets.com, both brokers offer convenient trading experiences for iPhone and Android users. Both platforms enable traders to receive stock and forex price alerts and sync their online watchlists with their mobile apps, ensuring a seamless experience across devices. XM Group edges ahead with 30 technical studies available for charting on its mobile app, a feature that is not present on the Markets app. Both apps allow traders to draw trendlines on charts; however, XM Group provides the additional benefit of viewing multiple time frames, such as daily, weekly, or intraday, which Markets.com does not support.
Neither XM Group nor Markets.com offers auto-saving of drawings on their mobile apps, but they both allow for the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes. Both brokers are well-rated, earning 4 stars each for their mobile trading apps. In terms of rankings by ForexBrokers.com, XM Group is slightly ahead, placed at #29 out of 62 brokers, while Markets.com holds the #33 spot. This comparison suggests that while both platforms are well-matched in several areas, XM Group offers a bit more flexibility and features in its mobile trading app.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | (default on MT4, none on Markets app) |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research features, both XM Group and Markets.com cater to traders with daily market commentary and forex news sourced from top-tier providers like Bloomberg and Reuters. However, XM Group stands out by providing a technical analysis tool from Trading Central, which Markets.com does not offer. Both brokers boast sentiment-based trading tools that analyze traders' positions across various currency pairs, enhancing decision-making processes for their users. In addition, each platform offers an economic calendar, keeping traders informed on global news events impacting the market landscape.
Despite some similarities in their offerings, XM Group outshines Markets.com in research ratings, achieving a solid 5-star score compared to Markets.com's 4 stars. In a ranking of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, XM Group secures the eighth spot in the Research category, while Markets.com is placed at seventeenth. Therefore, while both brokers bring valuable market insight to the table, XM Group offers a more comprehensive suite of research tools and earns higher accolades for its offerings.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| 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 comparing the educational resources offered by XM Group and Markets.com, beginners will find substantial benefits with XM Group. It provides an impressive array of over 10 educational pieces focusing on forex and CFDs, including articles, videos, and archived webinars. XM Group also hosts online webinars monthly, with a convenient archive of recorded sessions, enabling learners to revisit and reinforce their understanding. In terms of video content, both XM Group and Markets.com cater to both novices and seasoned traders with ten or more videos in each category. However, XM Group stands out in the education arena by earning an exceptional 5-star rating, while Markets.com holds a commendable but lesser 4-star rating.
For those just starting their trading journey or looking to deepen their knowledge, XM Group's offerings are further validated by its high ranking of 7th in the Education category out of 62 brokers, according to ForexBrokers.com. While Markets.com provides a solid educational experience and ranks 34th in the same category, it lacks a searchable archive of webinar content and a comprehensive set of educational articles, making it less accommodating for beginners seeking in-depth resources. Both trading platforms are excellent choices, but XM Group showcases a fuller educational suite tailored to nurturing trader expertise from the ground up.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that XM Group is better than Markets.com. XM Group finished with an overall rank of #17, while Markets.com finished with an overall rank of #23.
XM Group is a MetaTrader-only broker that offers a strong selection of high-quality educational content and market research.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 93 |
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Both XM Group and Markets.com do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, but they do provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both XM Group and Markets.com provide similar funding options for depositing and withdrawing account funds, offering services such as Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, but neither platform supports ACH, SEPA, or PayPal transfers.
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 | XM Group | Markets.com | |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XM Group Review |
| Broker Screenshots | XM Group | Markets.com | |
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| Regulation | XM Group | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 88 | 93 | |
| Year Founded | 2009 | 1999 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 3 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | XM Group | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| 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) | No | No | |
| 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) | XM Group | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | XM Group | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1394 | 2179 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 57 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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 | XM Group | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.6 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | XM Group | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | XM Group | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | XM Group | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 6 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 89 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 4 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | XM Group | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 30 | (default on MT4, none on Markets app) | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | XM Group | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | XM Group | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | XM Group | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | No | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | XM Group Review |
| Overall | XM Group | Markets.com | |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XM Group Review |
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