Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Pepperstone vs XM Group, 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.
Pepperstone, established in 2010, and XM Group, founded in 2009, are prominent online brokers known for their strong regulatory frameworks. Both companies are not publicly traded and do not operate as banks, ensuring a streamlined focus on brokerage services. Pepperstone holds a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 95, reflecting its standing as a highly trusted broker, while XM Group holds a slightly lower Trust Score of 88, placing it in the trusted category.
In terms of regulatory licenses, Pepperstone has secured 3 Tier-1 licenses, making it a highly trusted choice for traders seeking reliability. It also holds 2 Tier-2 licenses, reinforcing its trusted status. Meanwhile, XM Group boasts 4 Tier-1 licenses, demonstrating a strong commitment to meeting high regulatory standards, alongside 1 Tier-2 license. Overall, both brokers exhibit a commendable commitment to trust and regulatory compliance, each with its own strengths in licensing and trust scores.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2009 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
When comparing Pepperstone and XM Group in terms of commissions and fees, Pepperstone emerges as a strong contender with its Razor account. This account offers excellent pricing, especially for high-volume traders who can benefit from its Active Trader program. The Razor account follows a commission-based pricing model and showed an average spread of 0.10 pips for the EUR/USD. When commissions are included, the all-in cost rises to 0.80 pips, aligning closely with industry standards. In contrast, Pepperstone's Standard account does not charge a commission, but its EUR/USD average spread of 1.1 pips makes it a pricier option compared to the Razor account. High-volume traders might find extra value in Pepperstone's Active Trader program, which offers spread rebates based on trading volume.
XM Group, on the other hand, struggles to compete with its Standard account, primarily due to its higher costs. The broker does not disclose average spreads for its commission-based XM Zero account, making it challenging for potential clients to assess the account's cost-effectiveness. However, for those looking for detailed evaluations, Pepperstone proudly boasts a 4.5-star rating for commissions and fees, ranking 10th out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, whereas XM Group holds a slightly lower rating of 4 stars and ranks 33rd.
Overall, Pepperstone seems to offer more competitive conditions, especially for traders engaging in substantial trading volumes. Diners opting for Pepperstone can leverage their Active Trader program to potentially lower costs further, while XM Group's transparency regarding pricing may deter some cost-conscious clients. Thus, traders prioritizing lower fees and detailed pricing information might be more inclined to choose Pepperstone over XM Group.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $5 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | 1.6 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.70 | 0.8 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | 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.
Pepperstone and XM Group are both strong choices for investors seeking diverse trading options. Pepperstone offers an extensive array of 1,726 tradeable symbols, including 65 forex pairs. Both brokers allow you to engage in forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts. However, when it comes to exchange-traded securities, Pepperstone does not offer access to U.S. or international exchanges, whereas XM Group allows clients to directly purchase shares, such as Apple and Vodafone, on these markets. Both platforms support cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither provides the option to buy actual cryptocurrencies.
For those interested in copy trading, both Pepperstone and XM Group have this feature available. In terms of ratings, Pepperstone receives 4 out of 5 stars for its range of investments, while XM Group slightly edges ahead with a 4.5-star rating. Looking at industry rankings, Pepperstone places as the 26th broker in this category according to ForexBrokers.com, whereas XM Group ranks higher at 23rd. These rankings highlight the broader investment options provided by XM Group, making it a potentially more attractive choice for those seeking a wider range of trading opportunities.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1726 | 1394 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 65 | 55 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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.
Pepperstone and XM Group both offer a range of trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, as well as web-based and Windows-based options. Both brokers provide the option for simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, making it accessible for beginners to practice their skills risk-free. Pepperstone stands out by offering its own proprietary platform, whereas XM Group does not have an in-house developed platform. When it comes to copy trading, both firms offer it, but only Pepperstone provides DupliTrade access. Both brands enable trading directly from stock charts and offer seven columns for watch lists, making it convenient for users to keep track of their chosen investments.
For those focusing on charting tools, Pepperstone takes the lead with 30 drawing tools compared to XM Group's 15. While neither offers ZuluTrade, Pepperstone's inclusion of more drawing tools might appeal to traders who rely heavily on chart analysis. According to ForexBrokers.com, Pepperstone is ranked 22nd out of 62 brokers for trading platforms and tools, while XM Group is ranked 31st. Despite these differences, both brokers are rated four stars in trading platforms and tools, indicating strong offerings from each in terms of features and usability.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| 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 | Yes | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Pepperstone and XM Group both offer comprehensive mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, making it easy for traders to engage with the markets on the go. Both platforms provide essential features such as stock or forex price alerts, watchlist symbol syncing, and the ability to create watchlists with real-time quotes. Additionally, each app includes 30 technical studies for charting and supports trendline drawing as well as multiple time frame views, from intraday to weekly. However, when it comes to saving drawings automatically, only Pepperstone offers this feature, giving it a slight edge in terms of ease and convenience for users who frequently use technical analysis tools.
Both Pepperstone and XM Group are rated four out of five stars for their mobile trading apps, suggesting they both provide reliable and user-friendly experiences. In the rankings by ForexBrokers.com, Pepperstone is positioned at number 21, whereas XM Group is further down the list at number 29. This ranking may reflect the additional features and functionalities offered by Pepperstone, making it potentially more appealing for those who prioritize seamless technical analysis capabilities and convenient on-the-go trading. Whether you choose Pepperstone or XM Group, both apps cover the essentials, but subtle differences in features might influence your choice depending on your specific trading needs.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Pepperstone and XM Group both provide daily market commentary and access to forex news from respected sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring that traders stay informed. Additionally, both brokers offer sentiment-based trading tools that highlight the long or short positions across currency pairs. However, when it comes to technical analysis tools, Pepperstone partners with Autochartist, while XM Group offers services from Trading Central. Both brokers also supply an economic calendar to keep traders updated on global news and economic events.
Rated 4.5 stars for research, Pepperstone ranks 12th out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, XM Group boasts a 5-star rating and occupies the 8th spot in the same category. While neither broker collaborates with TipRanks or Acuity Trading for research, their varying partnerships with other analytical tools reflect differences in their research offerings. These distinctions play a vital role in helping traders decide which broker aligns best with their needs.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| 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, both Pepperstone and XM Group offer a range of options for those looking to understand forex and CFD trading. Pepperstone provides a solid foundation with at least 10 educational pieces, including articles, videos, and archived webinars focused on these subjects. Similarly, XM Group matches this initiative, ensuring beginners can access a wealth of information. Each broker also holds monthly educational webinars to enhance learning opportunities, with accessible archives for revisiting past webinars. Both platforms offer more than 10 beginner-specific videos, and where Pepperstone shines, even more, is in its comprehensive investor dictionary containing definitions of over 50 investment terms, an area where XM Group falls short.
In terms of quality and recognition, both brokers are highly rated for their educational content, with XM Group receiving a perfect 5-star rating and Pepperstone closely following with 4.5 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, XM Group holds a top 10 ranking, coming in at #7, while Pepperstone is ranked at #17 among 62 brokers in the education category. This ranking underscores the broad spectrum of advanced educational videos offered by both brokers, ensuring even experienced traders can find valuable insights. Beginners are well-catered to by both firms, but Pepperstone’s investment dictionary adds a valuable touch for anyone needing clarification on trading terminology.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Pepperstone is better than XM Group. Pepperstone finished with an overall rank of #16, while XM Group finished with an overall rank of #17.
Pepperstone offers a growing range of tradeable markets, good-quality research, and support for multiple social copy trading platforms.
| Feature |
Pepperstone
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XM Group
|
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| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 88 |
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Both Pepperstone and XM Group do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do provide options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Pepperstone offers a wider variety of deposit and withdrawal options than XM Group, including ACH, SEPA, and PayPal, while both platforms support Skrill, bank wires, and Visa or Mastercard 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.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Pepperstone | XM Group | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 88 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Pepperstone Review | XM Group Review |
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| Regulation | Pepperstone | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 88 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Pepperstone | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | 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) | Pepperstone | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Pepperstone | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1726 | 1394 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 65 | 55 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 | Pepperstone | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | 1.6 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.70 | 0.8 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Pepperstone | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $5 | |
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | Pepperstone | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Yes | No | |
| DupliTrade | Yes | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Pepperstone | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Pepperstone | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Pepperstone | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Pepperstone | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | Pepperstone | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pepperstone Review | XM Group Review |
| Overall | Pepperstone | XM Group | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 88 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Pepperstone Review | XM Group Review |
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