Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Plus500 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.
Plus500, established in 2008, stands out with its status as a publicly traded company, contributing to its high visibility and trust in the financial markets. It holds an impressive 99 Trust Score rating from ForexBrokers.com, marking it as a highly trusted online broker. Plus500 is well-regulated with 6 Tier-1 licenses and 3 Tier-2 licenses, ensuring a secure trading environment for its users. Despite not being a bank, its strong licensing positions it favorably among investors seeking a reliable brokerage platform.
XM Group, founded in 2009, is also a reputable player in the online brokerage space, although it operates as a private company. It boasts an 88 Trust Score, categorizing it as a trusted broker according to ForexBrokers.com. While not as high as Plus500, XM Group's regulatory framework includes 4 Tier-1 licenses and 1 Tier-2 license, providing a solid foundation for its credibility. Like Plus500, XM Group is not a bank but remains a viable choice for traders valuing trust and moderate risk investments.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2008 | 2009 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
When evaluating commissions and fees, Plus500's pricing is slightly above the industry average and not as competitive as top-tier forex brokers like IG or Saxo for active trader pricing. Although Plus500 doesn't offer discounts to retail clients, it has a cash rebate program that functions similarly to an active trader program for those qualified as Professional clients. For example, the spreads for EUR/USD averaged 1.5 pips in April 2024, which is higher than the industry norm. Despite these slightly higher costs, Plus500 earns a respectable rating of 4.0 stars out of 5 in this category and ranks #25 among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, XM Group's standard account spreads are considered expensive, and it does not publish average spreads for its commission-based XM Zero account. Despite this lack of transparency about potential trading costs, XM Group still achieves a fair rating, matching Plus500 with a 4-star score for its commissions and fees. However, it ranks slightly lower at #33 out of 63 brokers as per ForexBrokers.com. This suggests that while both brokers receive similar star ratings, Plus500 is perceived as more competitive when compared on a wider scale among industry participants.
In summary, Plus500 may appeal more to professional clients seeking cash rebates despite its higher pricing, whereas XM Group may suit those less focused on cost information transparency. Choosing between Plus500 and XM Group for trading will largely depend on whether you prioritize a detailed understanding of fees or if you qualify for professional incentives that Plus500 offers. Both brokers have room for improvement in offering competitive fees to attract a broader range of traders.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €100 | $5 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.5 | 1.6 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.5 | 0.8 |
| 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 it comes to the range of investments, both Plus500 and XM Group offer a broad selection for traders to explore, including forex trading as CFDs. Plus500 stands out with an impressive 5,500 tradeable symbols, whereas XM Group offers 1,394 tradeable symbols. In the realm of forex pairs, Plus500 leads with 65, compared to XM Group's 55. Both brokers provide opportunities to invest in exchange-traded securities on U.S. and international exchanges, allowing clients to buy shares of companies like Apple and Vodafone. However, Plus500 lacks a copy trading feature, which XM Group provides, adding a social dimension to its trading platform.
Regarding cryptocurrencies, both Plus500 and XM Group offer derivatives rather than the actual purchase of cryptocurrencies. Despite their differences, each broker receives a 4.5-star rating for the range of investments and holds close rankings by ForexBrokers.com, with XM Group slightly ahead at #23, followed by Plus500 at #24 out of 63 brokers. This positions both as competitive choices for traders seeking a diverse array of trading options.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 1394 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 65 | 55 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| 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). Non-CFD share trading at Plus500 is only available through the Plus500 Invest account. | 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 Plus500 and XM Group, both brokers offer a free virtual demo account, perfect for honing trading skills without financial risk. However, Plus500 shines with its proprietary, web-based platform that does not require a desktop download, while XM Group provides a Windows-based platform and supports popular choices like MetaTrader 4 and 5, catering to those who prefer these established trading environments. For traders interested in charting, Plus500 provides a more extensive set of drawing tools, offering 36 compared to XM Group's 15, although XM allows direct chart-based trading, adding a layer of convenience.
On the social trading front, XM Group offers copy trading, a feature absent in Plus500, which might appeal to those looking to follow experienced traders' strategies. Watch list functionality sees Plus500 offering more fields for customization, with 10 compared to XM's 7. In terms of ratings, Plus500 slightly edges out XM Group with a 4.5-star rating versus a 4-star rating for its trading platforms and tools. ForexBrokers.com ranks Plus500 significantly higher at 14th place out of 63 brokers, compared to XM Group's 31st place, indicating Plus500's strengths in this category.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | 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) | 115 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 36 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 10 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both Plus500 and XM Group offer user-friendly experiences tailored for iPhone and Android devices. They both provide essential features like stock or forex price alerts and watchlist syncing, ensuring that changes made on the mobile app reflect on your online account seamlessly. However, Plus500 stands out with its offering of 115 technical studies for charting, significantly more than XM Group's 30. Both platforms allow users to draw trendlines on charts and view multiple time frames, but neither app saves drawings automatically.
In terms of real-time information, Plus500 and XM Group both enable users to create watchlists with live quotes, keeping traders informed. For overall mobile trading app ratings, Plus500 edges slightly ahead with 4.5 stars compared to XM Group’s 4 stars. Additionally, Plus500 is ranked higher at #14 versus XM Group at #29 among 63 brokers assessed by ForexBrokers.com, signifying a more favorable overall user experience for mobile trading enthusiasts.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
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 | 115 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research features, both Plus500 and XM Group deliver daily market commentary and provide tools that offer sentiment-based trading insights, allowing traders to see the balance of long and short positions on various instruments. However, XM Group stands out by providing forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones, while Plus500 does not include this feature in its offerings. Additionally, both platforms provide technical analysis tools from Trading Central, but neither supports tools from Autochartist or research inputs from Acuity Trading or TipRanks.
In terms of added value, both brokers offer an economic calendar to track global economic events. Despite similarities, XM Group is rated higher for its market research capabilities, earning a solid 5-star rating compared to Plus500's 4-star rating. ForexBrokers.com ranks XM Group at number 8 out of 63 brokers, a significant step up from Plus500, which holds the 19th spot in the Research category. XM Group's access to premium news sources and higher overall ranking make it a preferable choice for traders seeking comprehensive market insights.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | 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 comparing the educational resources available for beginners at Plus500 and XM Group, both online brokers provide a strong foundation for newcomers to forex and CFDs trading. Plus500 and XM Group offer at least ten educational pieces like articles, videos, and archived webinars centered around these subjects. Beginner traders can benefit from access to educational client webinars conducted monthly by both brokers. For those who miss the live sessions, both platforms also maintain searchable archives of recorded webinars. These resources make it easy for new traders to learn at their own pace and revisit content anytime.
For those starting out, the two platforms provide over ten beginner-focused educational videos, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of fundamental trading concepts. More experienced traders aren't left behind, as both brokers offer a selection of advanced educational videos. However, neither Plus500 nor XM Group provides an investor dictionary with definitions for a wide range of investing terms, which might be a drawback for those looking to build a broad knowledge base. In summary, Plus500 is rated 4 out of 5 stars, while XM Group exceeds with a 5-star rating for education, ranking seventh out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, in contrast to Plus500's thirty-first position. These rankings highlight XM Group's superior educational offerings for beginners.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
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) | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Plus500 is better than XM Group. Plus500 finished with an overall rank of #14, while XM Group finished with an overall rank of #17.
Plus500 is a trusted global brand that offers an easy-to-use trading platform for online traders, alongside access to a thorough selection of CFDs. Share trading is available, but only via its Plus500 Invest product offering.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
XM Group
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 88 |
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Both Plus500 and XM Group do not provide the option to buy actual, delivered cryptocurrency but do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
While both Plus500 and XM Group support Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire transactions for depositing or withdrawing funds, Plus500 uniquely offers PayPal, whereas neither broker supports ACH or SEPA 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 | Plus500 | XM Group | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 88 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Plus500 Review | XM Group Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Plus500 | XM Group | |
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| Regulation | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 88 | |
| Year Founded | 2008 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 1394 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 65 | 55 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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). Non-CFD share trading at Plus500 is only available through the Plus500 Invest account. | 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 | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.5 | 1.6 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.5 | 0.8 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €100 | $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 | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | 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 | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 10 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 36 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Plus500 | 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 | 115 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Plus500 | XM Group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Plus500 | 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) | No | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | Plus500 | 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 | Plus500 Review | XM Group Review |
| Overall | Plus500 | XM Group | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 88 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Plus500 Review | XM Group Review |
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