Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of XM Group vs Octa, 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.
XM Group and Octa are both well-known online brokers, each established in the early 2010s; XM Group in 2009 and Octa in 2011. Neither broker is publicly traded or operates as a bank. However, their trustworthiness, as assessed by ForexBrokers.com, varies significantly. XM Group earns a Trust Score of 88, placing it in the "trusted" category, while Octa scores 72, indicating an "average risk" level.
When it comes to regulatory credentials, XM Group holds more Tier-1 licenses — four in total, reflecting a high level of trust according to industry standards. Meanwhile, Octa holds just one Tier-1 license. Both brokers hold one Tier-2 license each, showing a reliable level of trust. These differences reflect XM Group’s stronger regulatory standing in comparison to Octa.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2011 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing XM Group and Octa on commissions and fees, both brokers offer distinct pricing structures that cater to different trading needs. XM Group’s standard account spreads are considered costly, and the broker does not disclose average spreads for its commission-based XM Zero account. This lack of transparency might make it challenging for traders to fully assess costs upfront. XM Group holds a 4-star rating in the commissions and fees category and ranks 33rd out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, Octa has made significant strides to enhance its pricing, positioning itself closer to more low-cost MetaTrader brokers. A standout feature of Octa is its claim of no slippage on 97.5% of executed orders and the absence of overnight carry costs. However, Octa imposes certain limitations that may affect high-frequency traders. The commissions and fees at Octa vary based on the chosen account type and the regulatory entity overseeing the account, with options available for clients in Europe, South Africa, and from its offshore entity in Mwali. Octa also boasts a 4-star rating and holds the 29th spot out of 63 brokers in the same category.
Both brokers, while they share the same star rating, showcase their differences in trading costs and transparency. XM Group’s lack of detailed spread information contrasts with Octa’s variable spread pricing, which although improved, lacks specific date references for its average spread claims. This variability may impact traders' perceptions of cost accuracy. While traders who prioritize a comprehensive fee structure may consider Octa, those seeking more transparent spread information might find other brokers more desirable.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $25 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.6 | 0.9 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| 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 the available range of investments at XM Group and Octa, XM Group stands out by offering 1,394 tradeable symbols, nearly five times more than Octa's 300. Both platforms provide forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, but XM Group leads with 55 tradeable forex pairs compared to Octa's 35. Additionally, XM Group allows clients to invest in exchange-traded securities from U.S. and international markets, whereas Octa only provides access to international exchanges. Both brokers offer copy trading and derivative cryptocurrency options, although neither supports the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies.
For investors seeking an extensive investment portfolio, XM Group's offerings and 4.5-star rating for its range of investments place it significantly ahead of Octa, which holds a 3.5-star rating. In ForexBrokers.com rankings, XM Group secures the 23rd spot out of 63, highlighting its comprehensive investment resources. In contrast, Octa ranks 52nd, indicating a more limited selection for traders and investors. This makes XM Group a more versatile choice for those looking to explore a broader array of investment opportunities.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1394 | 300 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 35 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| 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.
Both XM Group and Octa provide traders with reliable trading platforms and tools. They both offer free virtual demo accounts, ideal for beginners looking to practice their trading skills without financial risk. XM Group relies on popular third-party platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, while Octa offers its proprietary platform alongside these industry staples. Both brokers support trading on Windows-based desktop platforms and web browsers, allowing for more flexible access to your trading activities. Additionally, they each facilitate copy trading, enabling users to mirror the trades of experienced traders.
When it comes to charting, both XM Group and Octa offer traders 15 drawing tools, although the number of technical indicators available for charting remains unspecified. They also allow trading directly from stock charts, adding to their ease of use. Traders can manage their portfolios using watchlists with seven columns. Rated four stars for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers provide a solid experience, although XM Group is slightly higher ranked at 31 out of 63 according to ForexBrokers.com, compared to Octa's 37th position. Despite these minor differences, both brokers deliver a comparable suite of trading platforms and tools to meet the needs of their users.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both XM Group and Octa offer comprehensive mobile trading apps compatible with iPhone and Android devices. They cater to forex and stock traders with features such as real-time price alerts, the ability to draw trendlines on charts, and the option to view different time frames. However, a key difference lies in watchlist syncing: XM Group provides seamless integration between mobile and online accounts, a feature that Octa lacks. Additionally, while both platforms offer 30 technical studies for chart analysis, Octa stands out by automatically saving drawings on charts, a function not available with XM Group.
Despite both brokers earning a solid four-star rating for their mobile trading apps, XM Group is ranked 29th by ForexBrokers.com, while Octa trails slightly behind at 36th out of 63 brokers. Both platforms enable the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes, providing users an efficient way to track their interests. Overall, while both apps excel in various areas, your choice may depend on whether features like automatic drawing saves and watchlist syncing are priorities for your trading strategy.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Both XM Group and Octa provide valuable daily market commentary and offer forex news from leading sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. However, when it comes to research tools, XM Group and Octa differ significantly. XM Group does not feature Autochartist tools, but it shines with offerings from Trading Central, including Technical Analytics. In contrast, Octa includes Autochartist in its suite but lacks support from Trading Central. Furthermore, XM Group provides a sentiment-based trading tool that gives insights into the market's bullish or bearish tendencies, a feature Octa does not currently offer.
Economic calendars are available through both brokers, helping traders keep track of global events that could impact the markets. Despite these similarities, XM Group stands out with a stronger research rating of 5 stars, compared to Octa's 4 stars. Additionally, XM Group ranks notably higher for research among 63 brokers, securing the 8th spot as per ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, Octa trails at 27th, reflecting XM Group's broader and more integrated research offerings.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
For those just starting out in forex and CFD trading, both XM Group and Octa offer a substantial array of educational resources aimed at beginners. Each broker provides at least 10 educational pieces covering essential trading topics, ranging from articles and videos to archived webinars. Additionally, they both host regular online webinars—at least once a month—which are perfect for newcomers eager to deepen their understanding. Importantly, both XM Group and Octa make these webinars accessible through searchable archives, so users can easily revisit the material as needed.
When diving into more specific educational offerings, both brokers excel in delivering targeted content. They each feature a minimum of 10 beginner-focused videos to help newcomers gain a foothold in trading. For those looking to advance their skills, they also offer at least 10 videos that tackle more complex topics. However, an edge goes to Octa for including an investor dictionary with definitions for over 50 investing terms, a resource not offered by XM Group. Despite this, XM Group scores higher overall, earning a 5-star education rating and ranking 7th among 63 brokers, while Octa garners 4 stars and ranks 42nd.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that XM Group is better than Octa. XM Group finished with an overall rank of #17, while Octa finished with an overall rank of #47.
XM Group is a MetaTrader-only broker that offers a strong selection of high-quality educational content and market research.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Trust Score | 88 | 72 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
| Commissions & Fees |
|
|
| Platforms & Tools |
|
|
| Research |
|
|
| Mobile Trading |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
Neither XM Group nor Octa provide the option to purchase actual cryptocurrency, but both offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both XM Group and Octa offer Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wire options for depositing or withdrawing account funds, while none support ACH, SEPA, or PayPal transactions.
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 | XM Group | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 88 | 72 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XM Group Review | Octa Review |
| Broker Screenshots | XM Group | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| |
| Research Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| |
| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
|
|
| Regulation | XM Group | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 88 | 72 | |
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2011 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | XM Group | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1394 | 300 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 35 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.6 | 0.9 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | XM Group | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $25 | |
| 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 | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | XM Group | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | XM Group | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | XM Group | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | XM Group | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | XM Group Review | Octa Review |
| Overall | XM Group | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 88 | 72 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XM Group Review | Octa Review |
IG
CMC Markets
FOREX.com
XTB
eToro
AvaTrade
Plus500
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill