Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of XTB vs Plus500, 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 Plus500 are both prominent online brokerage firms that provide various trading services to investors around the world. Founded in 2002, XTB is a publicly traded company and is not a bank. Similarly, Plus500, which began operations in 2008, is also publicly traded and not a bank. Both companies are transparent and regulated, but there are differences in their regulatory standings and trust ratings. XTB holds two highly trusted Tier-1 licenses and two trusted Tier-2 licenses, earning a very high Trust Score of 96 on ForexBrokers.com.
Comparatively, Plus500 surpasses XTB with six highly trusted Tier-1 licenses and three trusted Tier-2 licenses, culminating in a near-perfect Trust Score of 99. Both brokers are subject to rigorous regulatory oversight, providing a secure environment for traders. While XTB offers a strong level of trust and reliability, Plus500 takes a slight edge by holding more licenses and scoring the highest possible trust rating. This makes Plus500 a compelling choice for those prioritizing regulatory assurance and trust in their online brokerage.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2002 | 2008 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 6 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
When it comes to evaluating online brokers on their commissions and fees, XTB and Plus500 present some key differences. XTB offers two account types: a spread-only Standard account and a commission-based Professional account, which is phased out currently and reserved for select European and UK clients. The average forex spreads for XTB during Q4 2023 stood at 1 pip for EUR/USD, aligning with industry averages. Furthermore, XTB's Standard account appears to be the more suitable option for retail forex traders, especially as the Pro account is mostly limited to legacy clients in certain regions. Notably, XTB offers rebates up to 30% for active traders under the Lower Spread Group program, which competes well with similar offerings from major brokers such as FXCM and FOREX.com. XTB earns a 4.5-star rating and holds the 11th rank among 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category as evaluated by ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, Plus500’s pricing is slightly above the industry average and trails behind some of the best brokers in terms of active trader pricing. For instance, its average spread on EUR/USD was reported at 1.5 pips in April 2024, which is higher than the industry average. Unlike XTB, Plus500 does not extend discounts to retail clients. However, it does provide cash rebates to those qualifying as Professional clients, akin to an active trader program but without the broader rebate incentives available at XTB. Plus500's commissions and fees earn it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a rank of 23 out of 63 brokers in the same category, according to ForexBrokers.com.
In summary, both XTB and Plus500 provide competitive accounts, but significant distinctions are present in their offerings. XTB's provision of rebates for active traders and its mostly spread-only structure cater well to retail clients, while Plus500 leans toward professional traders with its cash rebates. The rankings and ratings by ForexBrokers.com highlight XTB's edge in terms of commissions and fees when compared to Plus500. This makes XTB a slightly more appealing choice for traders seeking favorable trading conditions on a broader scale.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | €50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | 1.3 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.00 | 1.3 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 XTB to Plus500 in terms of their available range of investments, both brokers offer forex trading as CFDs. XTB stands out with a broader selection, offering 7,184 tradeable symbols, while Plus500 provides 5,500. For forex pairs, XTB again takes the lead with 71 options compared to Plus500's 65. Both platforms allow users to invest in exchange-traded securities on U.S. and international exchanges, giving clients access to well-known companies like Apple and Vodafone. However, neither XTB nor Plus500 offers the option to purchase actual cryptocurrencies, although they both support cryptocurrency derivatives.
Despite the similarities, XTB outshines Plus500 in the variety of its investment offerings, earning it a five-star rating for Range of Investments, compared to Plus500's 4.5 stars. As per ForexBrokers.com, XTB is ranked 14th among 63 brokers for its investment range, a commendable lead over Plus500, which is ranked 21st. However, both brokers do not support copy trading, which might be a consideration for investors looking for that feature.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7184 | 5500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 71 | 65 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No |
| 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). Non-CFD share trading at Plus500 is only available through the Plus500 Invest account. |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing XTB and Plus500, both brokers offer impressive proprietary platforms developed in-house, providing users with innovative and user-friendly trading experiences. Both platforms include a free virtual demo account, allowing traders to practice and familiarize themselves with the interface before committing to real trades. However, XTB gives traders the flexibility of a Windows-based desktop download platform, which Plus500 lacks, though both brokers deliver easy access through web-based trading platforms. Although neither broker offers the widely used MetaTrader 4 or 5 platforms, they provide ample technical analysis tools for charting. XTB offers 32 drawing tools, while Plus500 edges ahead slightly with 36. Notably, only XTB permits direct trading from stock charts, adding a layer of convenience for its users.
When it comes to organizing and monitoring potential trades, both brokers offer comprehensive watch lists, with Plus500 allowing for more customization via ten columns compared to XTB’s eight. Despite these differences, both brokers receive an impressive 4.5-star rating for their trading platforms and tools. XTB holds a slight lead in the ForexBrokers.com rankings, coming in at 9th place, compared to Plus500’s 14th out of 63 brokers. Each platform thus caters to various trading needs, with XTB standing out for desktop platform availability and the ability to trade directly from charts.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 39 | 115 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 32 | 36 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 8 | 10 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
XTB and Plus500 both provide versatile mobile trading apps available for iPhone and Android devices, catering to traders on the go. Each app offers essential features such as stock and forex price alerts, trendline drawing capabilities, and the ability to view multiple time frames like daily, weekly, or intraday on charts. When it comes to technical studies, Plus500 stands out with 115 options, compared to XTB's 39. Additionally, Plus500 allows watchlist symbol syncing, making it easier to track preferred stocks across devices, whereas XTB does not offer this feature. Conversely, XTB ensures that any drawings on charts are automatically saved, while Plus500 lacks this functionality.
In terms of user satisfaction, both platforms earn a strong 4.5-star rating for their mobile trading apps. However, XTB holds a slightly higher rank, placing 8th out of 63 brokers in ForexBrokers.com's Mobile Trading Apps category, while Plus500 is ranked 14th. Both apps enable users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, offering a reliable and engaging trading experience. Whether you prioritize detailed charting options or seamless syncing across devices will help determine which platform might be the better fit for your trading needs.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 39 | 115 |
| 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.
When it comes to providing daily market insights, both XTB and Plus500 stand out as they each offer daily market commentary to keep traders informed. However, when delving into specialized market news, XTB takes a lead by incorporating forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, which Plus500 lacks. Though both platforms lack tools from Autochartist, Plus500 compensates with research features from Trading Central, offering technical analytics not available on XTB. For traders interested in market sentiment, both platforms offer sentiment-based trading tools that highlight trading positions across various instruments, ensuring users stay in tune with market trends.
In terms of specialized market research, neither XTB nor Plus500 offers resources from TipRanks or Acuity Trading. However, both platforms provide an economic calendar that highlights key global events, helping traders stay ahead of economic changes. Despite some similarities, XTB is favored for research capabilities, boasting a stellar 5-star rating and ranking 7th out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Plus500, while still competitive with a 4-star rating, follows behind in 19th place. For traders focused on research-driven strategies, XTB's superior integration of high-quality forex news and higher industry ratings make it a more appealing choice.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | 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 comparing the educational offerings for beginners between XTB and Plus500, both online brokers provide a variety of learning materials suitable for those new to trading. They each deliver more than ten educational pieces, including articles, videos, and archived webinars, focusing on forex and CFDs. Additionally, both platforms host at least one online webinar every month and have an archive of past webinars for users to search through. This accessibility to educational content ensures that starters in the trading world have ample resources to explore and learn at their own pace.
However, there are distinctions in how each broker is perceived in terms of educational quality. XTB boasts a higher rating, receiving 5 stars for education, compared to Plus500, which is rated at 4.0 stars. Furthermore, XTB ranks significantly higher in the educational category at number 11 out of 63 brokers, whereas Plus500 is positioned at number 31. Despite neither broker offering an investor dictionary with definitions of at least 50 investing terms, the overall learning experience for beginners may be more enriched with XTB due to these differences in ranking and rating.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 XTB is better than Plus500. XTB finished with an overall rank of #7, while Plus500 finished with an overall rank of #14.
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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Plus500
|
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| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 96 | 99 |
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Both XTB and Plus500 do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they do provide options to purchase cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both XTB and Plus500 offer convenient options like PayPal, Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires for depositing or withdrawing account funds, but neither 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 | XTB | Plus500 | |
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| Trust Score | 96 | 99 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XTB Review | Plus500 Review |
| Broker Screenshots | XTB | Plus500 | |
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| Regulation | XTB | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 96 | 99 | |
| Year Founded | 2002 | 2008 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 6 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 3 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | XTB | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | XTB | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | XTB | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7184 | 5500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 71 | 65 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No | |
| 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). Non-CFD share trading at Plus500 is only available through the Plus500 Invest account. |
| Cost | XTB | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | 1.3 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.00 | 1.3 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | XTB | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | €50 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | XTB | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 8 | 10 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 39 | 115 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 32 | 36 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | XTB | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 115 | |
| 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 | XTB | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | XTB | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | XTB | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Plus500 Review |
| Overall | XTB | Plus500 | |
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| Trust Score | 96 | 99 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XTB Review | Plus500 Review |
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