Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of XTB vs ThinkMarkets, 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 ThinkMarkets are both prominent online brokers established in 2002 and 2010, respectively. While XTB stands out as a publicly traded company, ThinkMarkets remains privately owned. Neither firm operates as a bank. Looking at regulatory standing, XTB holds two Tier-1 licenses, which are among the most trustworthy according to ForexBrokers.com, whereas ThinkMarkets boasts five of these high-tier licenses. Additionally, both brokers hold two Tier-2 licenses, also recognized for their dependability.
In terms of trust ratings, XTB achieves an impressive Trust Score of 96 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, signifying a highly trusted status. ThinkMarkets follows closely with a Trust Score of 92, also considered to be highly trusted. Both companies assure a safe trading environment, though XTB’s slightly higher trust score may offer a small edge in terms of perceived reliability.
| Feature |
XTB
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2002 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 5 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 3 |
When comparing online brokers XTB and ThinkMarkets, both platforms offer distinct options and pricing structures for their commissions and fees. XTB provides two account types: a spread-only Standard account and a Professional account that was commission-based but is no longer being promoted in most regions. XTB has average forex spreads on the EUR/USD currency pair at 1 pip, aligning with industry standards but not leading the field. For most retail traders, particularly given the phase-out of the Professional account, the Standard account is often the go-to due to its lower cost for smaller amounts. XTB also features an active trader program, where users can receive rebates between 5% and 30% depending on their trading volume.
On the other hand, ThinkMarkets does not provide specific average spread data for comparison. However, in terms of ratings, XTB is slightly ahead with a 4.5-star rating for commissions and fees, while ThinkMarkets holds a 4-star rating. This slight edge given to XTB reflects its competitive pricing framework and available trading benefits.
According to ForexBrokers.com, XTB stands out more noticeably in their ranking for the Commissions and Fees category, securing the 11th position out of 62 brokers. Meanwhile, ThinkMarkets is ranked at number 48. Overall, both brokers have their strengths, but XTB is recognized as having a more favorable commission and fee structure for most traders.
| Feature |
XTB
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | 1.1 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.00 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| 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 offering a wide range of investments, XTB and ThinkMarkets both have unique features that cater to various trading needs. XTB stands out with an impressive array of 7,184 tradeable symbols, while ThinkMarkets provides access to 4,000 symbols. For forex traders, XTB offers 71 tradeable forex pairs compared to ThinkMarkets' 46. XTB also allows clients to trade exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, enabling them to invest in major companies like Apple and Vodafone directly. Conversely, ThinkMarkets permits trading on international exchanges but lacks access to U.S.-listed securities.
Additionally, XTB provides the opportunity to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, although not actual cryptocurrencies, a feature it shares with ThinkMarkets. While XTB does not support copy trading, this feature is available with ThinkMarkets. According to ForexBrokers.com, XTB receives a 5-star rating and ranks 14th among 62 brokers for its range of investments, slightly edging out ThinkMarkets, which holds a 4.5-star rating and a 21st place ranking. These distinctions highlight the nuanced differences between the two brokers, offering traders varied platforms based on their investment priorities.
| Feature |
XTB
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7184 | 4000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 71 | 46 |
| 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.
The trading platforms and tools offered by XTB and ThinkMarkets cater to a variety of trading needs, with both brokers providing users with free virtual demo accounts to practice their strategies. XTB offers its own in-house developed platform alongside a Windows-based desktop platform and a web-based platform for easy access. ThinkMarkets matches this by offering its own proprietary platform along with MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), making it a flexible option for those familiar with these popular platforms. Notably, ThinkMarkets supports copy trading, expanding opportunities for traders looking to follow experienced counterparts, a feature not provided by XTB.
Charting capabilities of XTB include 32 drawing tools and the ability to trade directly from a stock chart, offering a user-friendly experience focused on customization. However, ThinkMarkets compensates with 15 drawing tools, complemented by a comprehensive list of 15 columns for its watch lists, ideal for those who prefer extensive tracking options. XTB's platforms and tools earn an impressive 4.5-star rating and rank 9th out of 62 on ForexBrokers.com, whereas ThinkMarkets holds a solid 4-star rating and is ranked 28th. This makes XTB a compelling choice for traders prioritizing a high-rated platform and tools, while ThinkMarkets provides additional flexibility with familiar trading software and copy trading features.
| Feature |
XTB
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 15 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of XTB and ThinkMarkets, both brokers provide apps for iPhone and Android users. Their apps include features like stock and forex price alerts, the ability to draw trendlines, view multiple time frames on charts, and create watchlists with real-time quotes. Both apps also automatically save chart drawings, making them convenient for active traders. However, neither XTB nor ThinkMarkets offers syncing capabilities for watchlist symbols across mobile and online accounts. This means any changes made to the watchlist must be updated manually in both places, which might be a slight drawback for users who frequently switch between their devices.
In terms of charting tools, there's a notable difference: XTB's mobile app includes 39 technical studies, while ThinkMarkets provides a more extensive selection with 94 technical studies. This could be a deciding factor for traders who rely heavily on technical analysis. XTB holds a higher rating for mobile trading apps at 4.5 out of 5 stars, compared to ThinkMarkets' 4 stars. Reflecting these ratings, XTB ranks 8th out of 62 brokers in the mobile trading apps category according to ForexBrokers.com, while ThinkMarkets is positioned at 20th. For traders focused on technical analysis and user ratings, XTB might edge out as the preferred choice, although both platforms offer a solid mobile trading experience.
| Feature |
XTB
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 39 | 94 |
| 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.
Both XTB and ThinkMarkets provide a solid foundation for market research, offering daily market commentary and access to forex news from leading sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. Each platform supplies a sentiment-based trading tool that helps gauge market positions, and both come equipped with an economic calendar to keep traders informed of global news events. However, where they differ significantly is in their additional research tools. ThinkMarkets provides access to tools from Acuity Trading, such as the Signal Centre, making it a standout feature, while XTB does not offer this.
Despite these offerings, XTB excels with a higher research rating and ranking. It boasts a 5-star rating compared to ThinkMarkets' 3.5 stars, according to ForexBrokers.com. Among 62 brokers, XTB holds the #7 spot for research excellence, whereas ThinkMarkets lags behind at #50. While both brokers cater to traders seeking reliable market insights, XTB’s overall reputation and broader acclaim make it a more compelling choice for those prioritizing research prowess in their trading strategy.
| Feature |
XTB
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | Yes |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both XTB and ThinkMarkets offer a comprehensive selection to get new traders started. Each broker provides over ten educational materials that include articles, videos, and archived webinars focused on forex and CFDs. Additionally, both offer monthly online webinars and maintain a searchable archive of these sessions. For beginners, XTB and ThinkMarkets each supply over ten specially tailored educational videos. Advanced traders aren't left out either, as both brokers present more than ten detailed videos for the seasoned trader.
However, there are distinct differences. ThinkMarkets offers a helpful investor dictionary that includes more than 50 investing term definitions, a resource XTB does not provide. In terms of user ratings, XTB shines brighter with a five-star rating for education and holds a commendable #11 ranking among 62 brokers as per ForexBrokers.com, indicating a higher level of educational support. In contrast, ThinkMarkets has a 3.5-star rating and is ranked #52, suggesting some room for improvement in their educational offerings. Both brokers provide a strong basis for beginners, but XTB is noted for its slightly more extensive educational value.
| Feature |
XTB
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that XTB is better than ThinkMarkets. XTB finished with an overall rank of #7, while ThinkMarkets finished with an overall rank of #27.
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
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Trust Score | 96 | 92 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
| Commissions & Fees |
|
|
| Platform & Tools |
|
|
| Research |
|
|
| Mobile Trading |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
Both XTB and ThinkMarkets do not provide the option to purchase actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they both offer the capability to buy cryptocurrency derivatives instead.
When comparing deposit and withdrawal options between online brokers, XTB and ThinkMarkets both support Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transfers, but XTB stands out by offering PayPal, unlike ThinkMarkets, whereas neither broker provides 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.
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | XTB | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platform & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 96 | 92 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XTB Review |
| Broker Screenshots | XTB | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Research Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| Regulation | XTB | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 96 | 92 | |
| Year Founded | 2002 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 5 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | XTB | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| 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 | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| 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 | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7184 | 4000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 71 | 46 | |
| 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 | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | 1.1 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.00 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | XTB | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 | |
| 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 | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 8 | 15 | |
| 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 | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 94 | |
| 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 | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | XTB | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Overall | XTB | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platform & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 96 | 92 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XTB Review |
IG
CMC Markets
FOREX.com
XTB
eToro
AvaTrade
Plus500
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill