Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Saxo vs XTB, 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.
When comparing online brokers Saxo and XTB, it's clear that both have strong reputations, but they differ in several key areas. Saxo, founded in 1992, operates as a bank and is privately owned. It commands a top Trust Score rating of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, thanks in part to its seven Tier-1 licenses—indicating a high level of reliability. Meanwhile, XTB, founded a decade later in 2002, is publicly traded, which offers investors a layer of transparency. XTB achieves a Trust Score of 96, bolstered by its two Tier-1 and two Tier-2 licenses, showcasing its solid standing in the market.
Both brokers provide an array of trading services and maintain high trust levels, but Saxo's status as a bank and its extensive Tier-1 licensing set it apart as a highly dependable choice. XTB, however, stands out for those who prefer a publicly traded company that combines transparency with a strong regulatory foundation. Each broker, with its distinct background and regulatory credentials, caters to different trader preferences and risk tolerances.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1992 | 2002 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | Yes |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 2 |
Comparing Saxo vs XTB on commissions and fees: Saxo earns 5 out of 5 stars and is ranked #9 of 63 for Commissions and Fees, while XTB earns 4.5 out of 5 stars and is ranked #12 of 63. Saxo tends to suit high-volume traders and those with larger balances, whereas XTB’s simple setup and rebates can appeal to active retail traders. Both rely mainly on spreads for forex pricing, with different perks and thresholds that can lower costs as your trading volume rises.
Saxo’s forex pricing is spread-only (no commission), with a small exception: if you trade under 50,000 units per month, there’s a $3-per-side ticket fee. As of November 2023, average EUR/USD spreads were 1.1 pips (Classic), 1.0 pips (Platinum), and 0.9 pips (VIP), with minimums about 0.2 pips tighter. The Classic account now has a $0 minimum deposit, while Platinum requires $200,000 and VIP requires $1,000,000; both tiers can also be unlocked via Saxo’s loyalty program (e.g., about $40M in forex volume for Platinum or roughly $167M for VIP, each for 12 months). Saxo also waives share-trading custody fees if you opt into securities lending.
XTB offers a spread-only Standard account and a commission-based Pro account that’s being phased out and is generally limited to elected professionals in the U.K. and EU. Using Q4 2023 data, the average EUR/USD spread was 1 pip on the Standard account, with a 250 base-currency minimum deposit. Active traders can tap XTB’s Lower Spread Group, which rebates 5% to 30% of the spread once you hit monthly volume tiers (from 20 lots up to 1000 lots). Overall pricing sits around the industry average, and the Standard account is the go-to for most retail traders.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.1 | 1.00 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.9 | 1.00 |
| Non-wire bank transfer | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Saxo and XTB both let you trade forex either as CFDs or spot. In terms of breadth, Saxo lists about 71,000 tradeable instruments and 190 currency pairs, while XTB offers roughly 7,184 symbols and 71 pairs. Both brokers also let you buy exchange-traded shares directly on U.S. markets (like NASDAQ: AAPL) and on international exchanges (such as London-listed Vodafone). Neither platform supports copy trading. If you want crypto exposure, both provide cryptocurrency CFDs, but neither lets you buy and hold actual coins.
For Range of Investments, both earn 5 out of 5 stars from ForexBrokers.com; however, Saxo ranks #3 out of 63 brokers, while XTB ranks #15. If you want the widest selection, Saxo stands out, while XTB still covers key markets with a simpler lineup.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 71000 | 7184 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 190 | 71 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | Yes |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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.
Saxo and XTB both check key boxes for traders who want modern platforms and tools. Each offers a free demo account for paper trading, proprietary platforms built in-house, and access via both a Windows desktop download and a web-based platform. You can place trades directly from charts with either broker. Note that neither supports copy trading or MetaTrader (MT4 or MT5).
Independent reviews favor Saxo for platform quality: ForexBrokers.com rates Saxo 5 stars and ranks it #1 out of 63 brokers for Trading Platforms and Tools. XTB also scores highly with 4.5 stars and a #9 ranking. If you want a polished, proprietary platform experience across web and desktop with chart trading and a demo account, both are strong choices, with Saxo edging ahead in overall platform accolades.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 61 | 39 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Saxo and XTB both deliver full-featured mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, with price alerts available on both. Where they differ is in convenience and recognition: Saxo syncs your watchlists between the mobile app and your online account, while XTB does not. In independent reviews, Saxo earns 5 stars and ranks #2 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps at ForexBrokers.com, while XTB scores 4.5 stars and ranks #8—still excellent, but a step behind.
Charting is a strong point for both, yet Saxo offers more depth with 64 technical indicators compared to XTB’s 39. Each app lets you draw trendlines and automatically saves your chart drawings, so your work isn’t lost. If you want the most indicators and seamless watchlist sync across devices, the Saxo mobile app is the better pick. If you’re okay without sync and need a highly rated app with solid charting and alerts, XTB remains a good choice.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 64 | 39 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing Saxo and XTB in terms of market research, both platforms shine with their daily market commentaries and access to forex news from reputable sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones. Traders using either broker can rely on comprehensive insights to guide their investment decisions. Saxo and XTB both offer sentiment-based trading tools to give users a snapshot of market sentiments across various currency pairs, and they also provide detailed economic calendars showcasing global news events. However, Saxo stands out by offering tools from Autochartist, enhancing its research toolbox for technical and fundamental analysis, something XTB currently lacks.
Both Saxo and XTB are highly rated for their research capabilities, each earning a stellar five out of five stars. However, a closer look at rankings by ForexBrokers.com positions Saxo as the top choice, securing the number one spot among 63 brokers, while XTB is ranked seventh. While both brokers deliver reliable market insights and tools, Saxo's edge in Autochartist tools and top ranking might appeal to those seeking a more diversified research experience.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central | No | No |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Acuity Trading | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
Saxo vs XTB for beginner education: both brokers deliver standout learning hubs for forex and CFD traders. Each offers monthly client webinars, plus 10+ beginner videos that explain key trading basics in plain language, and 10+ advanced videos for when you’re ready to level up. That mix of on-demand videos and frequent live sessions makes it easy to start from zero and build confidence step by step. Both brokers earn a 5-star education rating, signaling high-quality materials for new traders.
When comparing rankings, XTB holds a slight edge at #11 for Education on ForexBrokers.com, while Saxo comes in at #13. In practice, that means you’re in good hands with either choice. If you want the marginally higher-ranked education suite, pick XTB; if you prefer Saxo’s ecosystem, you’ll still get top-tier webinars and a deep library of beginner and advanced content focused on forex and CFDs.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
XTB
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Saxo is better than XTB. Saxo finished with an overall rank of #3, while XTB finished with an overall rank of #7.
Saxo is an exclusive multi-asset broker with brilliant research and a superb trading platform experience – as well as a stunning selection of over 40,000 securities.
| Feature |
Saxo
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XTB
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| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 96 |
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Saxo vs XTB: Neither broker lets you buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, but both offer cryptocurrency CFD trading.
In a Saxo vs XTB comparison of deposit and withdrawal methods, both online brokers do not offer ACH/SEPA and both support bank wire transfers, but XTB additionally accepts PayPal and Skrill while Saxo does not, and Visa/Mastercard availability for both is not specified.
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 | Saxo | XTB | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 96 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Saxo Review | XTB Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Saxo | XTB | |
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| Regulation | Saxo | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 96 | |
| Year Founded | 1992 | 2002 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | Yes | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Saxo | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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) | Saxo | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | Saxo | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 71000 | 7184 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 190 | 71 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | Yes | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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 | Saxo | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.1 | 1.00 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.9 | 1.00 | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Saxo | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | Saxo | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | No | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Saxo | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 61 | 39 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Saxo | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 64 | 39 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Saxo | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Saxo | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Saxo | XTB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | Saxo Review | XTB Review |
| Overall | Saxo | XTB | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 96 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Saxo Review | XTB Review |
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