Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of XTB 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.
XTB and Octa are two online brokers with different regulatory backgrounds and trust scores. Founded in 2002, XTB is a publicly traded company, which contributes to its higher level of transparency. Octa, established in 2011, is privately held, lacking the added scrutiny of a stock exchange listing. Neither broker operates as a bank. XTB boasts a high Trust Score of 96 on ForexBrokers.com, making it highly trusted. This rating is bolstered by its two Tier-1 and two Tier-2 licenses. In contrast, Octa holds one Tier-1 and one Tier-2 license, leading to a Trust Score of 72, categorizing it as an average risk according to ForexBrokers.com.
Overall, XTB's longer history, public company status, and greater number of Tier-1 licenses give it an advantage in terms of trust and regulatory compliance over Octa. For traders seeking higher trust, XTB stands out, although both brokers remain viable options for different types of investors.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2002 | 2011 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of online brokers XTB and Octa, it's clear that both have their own unique offerings. XTB provides two account types: a Standard account with spread-only pricing and a Professional account that is commission-based. However, the Professional account is reserved for select clients in the U.K. and Europe and is being phased out. XTB's pricing structure is average within the industry, with their EUR/USD forex spreads averaging 1 pip as of Q4 2023. Although XTB offers active trader discounts, it is most competitive for high-volume traders, with reductions on spreads ranging from 5% to 30% depending on trade volume. XTB earns a 4.5-star rating for commissions and fees, ranking 11th out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, Octa has made significant strides in pricing, offering more competitive rates compared to past years. Octa's accounts vary by the entity under which they are regulated, affecting pricing and accessibility for high-frequency trading. In the EU, Octa promotes only the MT5 platform with a single account option, while other regions have access to both MT4 and MT5, as well as OctaTrader. Octa's spread pricing is notably competitive, with a 0.5 pip average spread for the EUR/USD pair in the EU, though this varies in other regions. Despite the competitive pricing, the lack of a corresponding date range for advertised spreads makes exact comparisons challenging. Octa secures a 4-star rating for its fees, placing it 29th among 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com.
In summary, while XTB edges out with a higher rating and better ranks due to its structured discounts for active traders, Octa's overall pricing improvements and competitive spreads make it an attractive choice for those looking at MetaTrader platforms. Each broker has their own strengths, with XTB offering incentives for higher volume trades and Octa continuing to develop its fee structures to match other leading brokers.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $25 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | 0.9 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.00 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| 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.
When comparing the range of investments offered by XTB and Octa, XTB clearly stands out with a broader selection. XTB provides access to 7,184 tradeable symbols, including 71 forex pairs. Moreover, it allows clients to invest in exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, such as Apple and Vodafone. Although XTB doesn't support copy trading or the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies, it does offer cryptocurrency derivatives, expanding its investment options.
In contrast, Octa has a more limited selection, with only 300 tradeable symbols and 35 forex pairs available. While Octa offers exchange-traded securities on international exchanges, it lacks the option to invest in securities on U.S. exchanges. On the upside, Octa supports copy trading, which can be appealing to those looking to mimic the trades of experienced investors. Both platforms provide access to cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither allows for the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies. Overall, XTB receives a higher rating of 5 stars for its range of investments, ranking 14 out of 63 brokers, compared to Octa's 3.5 stars and 52nd rank.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7184 | 300 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 71 | 35 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| 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.
When comparing XTB and Octa, both brokers cater to users through various trading platforms and tools aimed at enhancing the trading experience. Both XTB and Octa offer free virtual demo accounts, allowing users to simulate trading without real financial risks. Each broker also provides its own proprietary platform developed in-house, alongside offering platforms that are compatible with Windows desktop and web-based browsers. However, Octa distinguishes itself by supporting MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), catering to those who prefer these well-known platforms. In contrast, XTB opts not to support MetaTrader but enhances its trading suite with 32 drawing tools, compared to Octa’s 15. Both brokers allow trades to be executed directly from stock charts.
Personalized trading options further underline the differences between XTB and Octa. While Octa supports copy trading—a feature prized for the ability to mimic the trades of experienced traders—XTB does not offer this option. For those closely monitoring market movements, the number of customizable columns in watch lists is another point of divergence, with XTB allowing eight, while Octa provides seven. Overall, XTB receives a slightly higher rating for its trading platforms and tools, scoring 4.5 stars compared to Octa's 4 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, XTB ranks at number nine, reflecting a superior offering in trading platforms and tools, whereas Octa comes in at number thirty-seven.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 32 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 8 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both XTB and Octa provide robust trading experiences through their mobile apps on iPhone and Android devices. They both offer essential features such as stock or forex price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. A key advantage of both platforms is the capability to display multiple time frames, such as daily or weekly, which is crucial for traders analyzing market trends. Additionally, users can easily create watchlists with real-time quotes, although neither platform supports syncing watchlists between the mobile app and online account.
XTB takes the lead with 39 technical studies available for chart analysis, compared to Octa's 30. XTB's app also stands out in user ratings, earning 4.5 stars, while Octa is rated at 4 stars. This difference is reflected in their overall rankings by ForexBrokers.com, where XTB is placed at #8 compared to Octa's #36. Both platforms auto-save drawings on charts, aiding traders in maintaining their analysis efficiently, though enhancements in watchlist syncing could elevate both platforms further.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 39 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When assessing market research offerings, both XTB and Octa demonstrate strong capabilities. They each provide daily market commentary and offer forex news from top-tier sources, ensuring that traders have access to timely and relevant information. In addition, both brokers include an economic calendar that highlights current and upcoming global events, which is crucial for those trading in volatile markets. However, XTB stands out by offering a sentiment-based trading tool that shows the ratio of long or short positions across various instruments, a feature Octa lacks.
Although neither broker uses tools from Trading Central or offers research tools from Acuity Trading, Octa provides technical analysis tools from Autochartist, which traders might find beneficial. In terms of overall research ratings, XTB shines with a full 5-star rating compared to Octa's 4 stars, reflecting the depth and variety of its research offerings. According to ForexBrokers.com, XTB is ranked #7 out of 63 brokers in the research category, significantly ahead of Octa, which holds the #27 position. This suggests that XTB may be a more comprehensive choice for traders who prioritize advanced market research features.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | 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.
Both XTB and Octa present an array of educational tools aimed at helping beginner traders gain confidence in the world of forex and CFDs trading. They each provide over 10 educational pieces, such as detailed articles and engaging videos. New traders benefit further from regular monthly webinars that guide them through key trading concepts, as well as a handy archive of past webinars for easy reference. Both platforms boast a catalog of at least 10 videos tailored specifically for beginners, ensuring learners have access to informative resources that help demystify the trading process.
XTB and Octa each offer advanced educational videos designed for traders with more experience. However, Octa stands out by providing an extensive investor dictionary that clarifies over 50 investing terms, a feature not available with XTB. Despite this, XTB receives a higher educational rating with five stars compared to Octa's four stars. Furthermore, according to ForexBrokers.com, XTB ranks higher for educational resources, securing the 11th position out of 63 brokers, while Octa is placed at 42nd. This suggests that XTB might be a preferable choice for those specifically seeking highly-rated educational support.
| Feature |
XTB
|
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 XTB is better than Octa. XTB finished with an overall rank of #7, while Octa finished with an overall rank of #47.
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
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Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 96 | 72 |
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Both XTB and Octa do not offer the purchase of actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, allowing investors to engage in crypto market speculation without owning the digital assets directly.
While both XTB and Octa provide options to deposit or withdraw funds via Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, only XTB supports PayPal transactions, whereas neither broker offers ACH or SEPA transfer options.
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 | Octa | |
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| Trust Score | 96 | 72 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XTB Review | Octa Review |
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| Regulation | XTB | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 96 | 72 | |
| Year Founded | 2002 | 2011 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | XTB | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | 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) | 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 | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7184 | 300 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 71 | 35 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | 0.9 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.00 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | XTB | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $25 | |
| 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 | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 8 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 39 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 32 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | XTB | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 39 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | XTB | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | XTB | 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 | XTB | 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 | XTB Review | Octa Review |
| Overall | XTB | Octa | |
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| Trust Score | 96 | 72 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XTB Review | Octa Review |
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