Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of XTB 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.
Founded in 2002, XTB is a well-regarded online broker with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 96, indicating a highly trusted status. While not a bank, XTB stands out by being publicly traded, adding a layer of transparency. It holds two Tier-1 licenses, considered the highest level of regulatory trust, alongside two Tier-2 licenses, affirming its commitment to reliable service and client protection.
Markets.com, established in 1999, also maintains a strong reputation with a Trust Score of 93. Unlike XTB, Markets.com is not publicly listed, but it does claim an edge with three Tier-1 licenses, offering a reassuring degree of regulatory oversight. However, it only has one Tier-2 license. Both brokers offer a trusted platform for individuals looking to engage in online trading, but their differences in licensure and public transparency might influence some users' preferences.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2002 | 1999 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 3 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of XTB and Markets.com, XTB clearly stands out with a higher rating and better ranking. XTB offers two types of accounts: a spread-only Standard account and a commission-based Professional account, though the latter is being phased out. With average forex spreads on EUR/USD at 1 pip, their overall pricing aligns with industry averages. In contrast, average spread data for Markets.com is not available, making it difficult to compare directly. XTB is rated at an impressive 4.5 stars for their commissions and fees, placing them at #11 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, Markets.com holds a 3.5-star rating and ranks significantly lower at #50.
XTB’s Standard account, with a minimum deposit requirement of 250 base currency, is a good choice for retail forex traders. The Pro account, on the other hand, is phased out for new clients but still available to certain legacy ones. For those actively trading in the EU who meet specific criteria, XTB offers an attractive rebate program called the Lower Spread Group. This program provides active trader discounts of up to 30% for clients who reach volume thresholds starting from 20 lots per month, allowing XTB to compete with offerings from brokers like FXCM, FOREX.com, and CMC Markets. Markets.com doesn’t seem to offer a similar rebate program or publish typical spread data, which may be a consideration for cost-conscious traders.
Overall, XTB’s structured pricing, coupled with its active trader rebate, presents a more predictable cost structure compared to Markets.com. While XTB’s fees and commissions align with industry standards, active traders may find added value in their rebates, particularly if they trade in higher volumes. With a higher star rating and a superior ranking in the Commissions and Fees category, XTB may be a more appealing choice for traders prioritizing transparency and cost-effectiveness.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.00 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | 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.
XTB and Markets.com both allow traders to engage in forex trading as CFDs, providing investors with flexibility in trading. XTB presents a more extensive selection, offering 71 tradeable forex pairs compared to Markets.com's 57. When it comes to the overall number of tradeable symbols, XTB stands out significantly with 7,184 options, far exceeding Markets.com's 2,179. Another key difference is XTB's provision of exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, enabling direct ownership of stocks like Apple's AAPL or Vodafone's London Stock Exchange shares, a service not available on Markets.com.
While both platforms let traders buy cryptocurrency derivatives, neither offers the option to purchase actual cryptocurrencies. XTB, however, lacks copy trading features, which are available on Markets.com, making it suitable for those who prefer this service. Assessing their range of investments, XTB earns a stellar 5-star rating compared to Markets.com's 4 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, XTB is ranked #14 out of 63 brokers for investment range, while Markets.com holds the #29 position, further highlighting XTB's broader investment offerings.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7184 | 2179 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 71 | 57 |
| 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.
For traders exploring options between XTB and Markets.com, both brokers provide robust platforms and tools to cater to different trading needs. XTB stands out with its proprietary platform that supports Windows desktop downloads and web-based trading, along with a free virtual demo account for simulated trading. Though lacking support for popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, XTB compensates with advanced charting capabilities, offering 32 drawing tools and the ability to trade directly from stock charts. Moreover, it provides eight columns for watch list customization, earning a high rating of 4.5 stars for its trading platforms and tools.
Markets.com also offers a proprietary platform compatible with Windows desktop and web-based trading, complemented by a virtual demo account. Unlike XTB, Markets.com supports MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, and includes social trading features with its copy trading option. However, its charting tools include only four drawing tools, and it lacks the direct-from-chart trading feature that XTB provides. Its watch lists are slightly less customizable, offering six columns for personalization. Despite these differences, Markets.com still holds a respectable 4-star rating. According to ForexBrokers.com, XTB ranks higher at #9, compared to Markets.com at #27, making it a preferred choice for those prioritizing trading platforms and tools.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 39 | 89 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 32 | 4 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 8 | 6 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both XTB and Markets.com offer iPhone and Android apps, catering to a wide range of mobile traders. However, when it comes to certain features, XTB stands out. It provides 39 technical studies for chart analysis, while Markets.com relies on the default options available in MetaTrader 4. XTB also allows users to draw trendlines on charts and view multiple time frames, which are valuable tools for active traders. Additionally, XTB's app automatically saves chart drawings, enhancing user experience and convenience.
When it comes to customizing your trading experience, XTB and Markets.com both enable traders to create watchlists with real-time quotes. However, Markets.com offers a seamless syncing of watchlists across devices, unlike XTB. Despite this advantage, in overall ratings, XTB earns 4.5 stars for its mobile trading app and ranks 8th out of 63 brokers, reflecting its superior performance. On the other hand, Markets.com garners 4 stars and ranks 33rd, indicating room for improvement in its mobile trading capabilities.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 39 | (default on MT4, none on Markets app) |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Both XTB and Markets.com excel in providing daily market commentary and reliable forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, keeping traders informed of major financial events and developments. Each platform also offers a sentiment-based trading tool, which helps investors understand market positions on various currency pairs. Despite these commonalities, neither XTB nor Markets.com provides research tools from companies like Autochartist, Trading Central, or Acuity Trading, nor do they deliver market research from TipRanks, which might be a drawback for traders seeking these specific services.
When it comes to the overall quality of market research, XTB shines brighter with a 5-star rating compared to Markets.com's 4 stars. ForexBrokers.com ranks XTB as the 7th out of 63 brokers in the Research category, showcasing its commitment to insightful market analysis. In contrast, Markets.com holds the 17th position, still representing a strong choice but slightly lagging behind in comprehensive research offerings. Both brokers do provide robust economic calendars, helping traders stay aware of important global news events. However, XTB's higher ranking and rating suggest a slight edge in delivering superior research tools and resources to enable informed trading decisions.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | 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 it comes to educational resources for beginners, XTB edges out Markets.com by offering a more comprehensive selection. XTB provides a range of tools to help new traders grasp forex and CFD concepts, showcasing a minimum of 10 educational pieces, including articles, videos, and archived webinars on these topics. In contrast, Markets.com falls short in this area. Both brokers, however, offer regular client webinars to aid learning, but only XTB keeps a searchable archive of these informative sessions. Additionally, for those just starting out, both XTB and Markets.com have at least 10 beginner-friendly educational videos available.
For more advanced traders, both brokers supply over 10 videos covering complex trading topics. However, neither offers an investor dictionary brimming with investing terms, which may leave a gap for users seeking quick definitions. Ultimately, XTB holds a higher education rating of 5 stars, compared to Markets.com's 4 stars, and ranks #11 out of 63 brokers in the education category, whereas Markets.com is ranked #34. Choosing XTB may provide a more well-rounded educational experience for newcomers venturing into trading.
| Feature |
XTB
|
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 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that XTB is better than Markets.com. XTB finished with an overall rank of #7, while Markets.com finished with an overall rank of #23.
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
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 96 | 93 |
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Both XTB and Markets.com do not offer the option to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do provide the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
In comparing online brokers XTB and Markets.com, both brokers do not support ACH or SEPA transfers for account funding or withdrawals; however, XTB stands out by accepting PayPal, unlike Markets.com, while both brokers allow Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transfers as viable options for depositing and withdrawing 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 | Markets.com | |
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| Trust Score | 96 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XTB Review |
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| Regulation | XTB | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 96 | 93 | |
| Year Founded | 2002 | 1999 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 3 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | XTB | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | 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) | Yes | 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) | XTB | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| 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) | No | No |
| Investments | XTB | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7184 | 2179 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 71 | 57 | |
| 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 | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.00 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | XTB | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | 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 | XTB | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | XTB | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 8 | 6 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 39 | 89 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 32 | 4 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | XTB | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | (default on MT4, none on Markets app) | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | XTB | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | XTB | 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 | XTB | 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 | XTB Review |
| Overall | XTB | Markets.com | |
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| Trust Score | 96 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XTB Review |
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