Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of XM Group vs Tickmill, 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.
XM Group and Tickmill, both established players in the online brokerage landscape, offer different strengths when it comes to their regulatory credentials. Founded in 2009, XM Group holds four Tier-1 licenses, demonstrating a high level of trustworthiness. Tickmill, which started in 2014, has secured two Tier-1 licenses. Both brokers also hold additional Tier-2 licenses, with XM Group having one, and Tickmill holding two. These licenses indicate that while both companies are not publicly traded or banks, they comply with significant regulatory standards.
In terms of trust ratings, XM Group earns a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 88, placing it in the trusted category. Tickmill's Trust Score is slightly lower at 86, also reflecting a trusted rating. These scores suggest that both brokers are reliable options, though they vary somewhat in regulatory coverage and longevity in the industry. Whether you opt for XM Group's slightly higher Trust Score or Tickmill's equivalent regulatory standing, both brokers offer reputable services for traders.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2014 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When it comes to commissions and fees, XM Group and Tickmill offer different approaches for traders. XM Group's standard account is noted for its costly spreads, and unfortunately, the broker does not disclose average spreads for its XM Zero account, which is based on commissions. Despite these considerations, XM Group holds a respectable ranking, rated at 4 stars for commissions and fees, sitting at #33 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com.
Tickmill, on the other hand, provides traders with two distinct account types: the Classic and the Raw. The Classic account features commission-free trading, but with average spreads being on the higher side, at approximately 1.76 pips. Conversely, the Raw account, which transitioned from the previous Pro account, offers minimal typical spreads, such as 0.11 pips for the EUR/USD, with an all-in cost coming to 0.71 pips once the $6 per standard lot commission is applied. Despite the slight increase in commission fees, Tickmill maintains its reputation for affordability and flexibility, securing a 5-star rating and a commendable #4 spot in commissions and fees among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
Tickmill's Raw account is particularly appealing to active traders, with spreads and commissions that accommodate frequent trading activity. Unlike XM Group, Tickmill provides more transparency with its spread statistics and offers flexible policies that favor both manual and algorithmic traders. Even with the recent increase to a $3 per side commission, Tickmill's combination of competitive pricing and low entry barriers, highlighted by a mere $100 minimum deposit for the Raw account, makes it a strong competitor in the brokerage landscape.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.6 | 0.51 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 0.31 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | 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.
XM Group and Tickmill both cater to forex traders, offering currency trading as a contract for difference (CFD) or spot contract. XM Group provides an impressive 1,394 tradeable symbols and 55 forex pairs, while Tickmill offers 725 tradeable symbols, including 63 forex pairs. A notable difference is XM Group's access to exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international markets, allowing clients to invest directly in stocks like Apple and Vodafone. Tickmill, on the other hand, does not offer direct access to these securities.
When it comes to cryptocurrency, neither broker allows for the direct purchase of actual cryptocurrencies, but both provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives. Both brokers support copy trading, which can be a boon for new investors looking to emulate successful trading strategies. Despite these similarities, XM Group stands out with a 4.5-star rating for its range of investments, ranking #23 among 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. Tickmill, while offering competitive services, receives a slightly lower rating of 3.5 stars and ranks #42 in the same category.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1394 | 725 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 63 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| 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.
XM Group and Tickmill offer comparable features in their trading platforms and tools, making them strong contenders for traders seeking reliable online brokers. Both brokers provide simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, allowing beginners to practice strategies without financial risk. They each support both MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), ensuring a familiar and versatile trading experience. Neither broker offers a proprietary platform, but they compensate with solid Windows-based desktop platforms and web-based trading options. Additionally, they facilitate copy trading to help users learn from successful traders. Although neither supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade, both brokers maintain a user-friendly experience.
Charting capabilities are consistent across XM Group and Tickmill, as both offer trading directly from stock charts and incorporate 15 drawing tools to enhance analysis. Watch lists feature seven columns for customizable market tracking. Despite an identical four-star rating for Trading Platforms and Tools, slight differences in rankings place XM Group at #31 and Tickmill at #32 out of 63 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com. Overall, both brokers present a well-rounded suite of trading tools suitable for various user needs.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | 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 | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both XM Group and Tickmill offer a comprehensive experience for iPhone and Android users. They provide essential features like stock and forex price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. XM Group has an advantage with watchlist symbol syncing, allowing trades and watchlist changes to seamlessly update between the mobile app and the online account. In contrast, Tickmill doesn't offer this syncing feature, though it compensates with auto-saving capabilities for chart drawings, which XM Group lacks.
Both brokers provide 30 technical studies for charting, support multiple time frames, and offer real-time quote watchlist creation. Each receives a 4-star rating for their mobile trading apps. However, XM Group slightly edges out Tickmill in ForexBrokers.com's ranking, coming in at #29 compared to Tickmill's #32 out of 63 brokers. While both apps tend to most essential needs for traders on the go, XM Group might appeal more to those who value integrated watchlist management. Meanwhile, Tickmill’s auto-save feature could attract those prioritizing a seamless charting experience.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing XM Group to Tickmill in terms of market research offerings, both brokers provide valuable daily market commentary and access to top-tier forex news sources like Bloomberg or Reuters. However, XM Group holds an edge by offering tools through Trading Central, which Tickmill does not. This gives XM Group users access to more comprehensive technical analysis insights.
Both brokers excel with sentiment-based trading tools and economic calendars that keep traders informed of global news events. Despite Tickmill offering research tools from Acuity Trading, XM Group's superior feature set and research capabilities earn it a 5-star rating and a #8 ranking in the research category, while Tickmill secures a 4-star rating and is ranked #22. Ultimately, XM Group seems to offer a more extensive array of market research tools for traders looking for comprehensive support.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | 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 beginner investors, XM Group and Tickmill both offer commendable options. XM Group is highly praised for its extensive educational offerings, providing a variety of resources like articles, videos, and archived webinars focused on forex and CFDs. They host monthly webinars and maintain a detailed archive of past events, catering well to beginners and experienced traders alike with a series of educational videos for each group. Although XM Group lacks an investor dictionary, its overall educational support earns it a top rating and a high ranking among industry peers.
Tickmill also ensures a solid educational foundation, offering a collection of resources designed to inform new and seasoned investors about trading. Like XM Group, Tickmill provides more than ten educational pieces focused on forex or CFDs, regular webinars, and archived content. Beginner and advanced traders can both find educational videos suited to their level. Additionally, Tickmill features an investor dictionary, making it easier for beginners to grasp trading terminology. However, despite these offerings, Tickmill is slightly edged out by XM Group in both rating and rank for educational resources.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that XM Group is better than Tickmill. XM Group finished with an overall rank of #17, while Tickmill finished with an overall rank of #22.
XM Group is a MetaTrader-only broker that offers a strong selection of high-quality educational content and market research.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Tickmill
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 86 |
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Both XM Group and Tickmill provide the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives but do not allow the purchase of actual (delivered) cryptocurrency.
When comparing online brokers XM Group and Tickmill regarding deposit and withdrawal options, neither offers ACH or SEPA transfers, XM Group supports Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, while Tickmill offers all these methods plus PayPal.
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 | XM Group | Tickmill | |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XM Group Review | Tickmill Review |
| Broker Screenshots | XM Group | Tickmill | |
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| Regulation | XM Group | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 88 | 86 | |
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2014 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | XM Group | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| 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) | No | 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) | XM Group | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | XM Group | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1394 | 725 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 63 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | XM Group | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.6 | 0.51 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 0.31 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | XM Group | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | 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 | XM Group | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | 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 | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | XM Group | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | XM Group | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | XM Group | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | XM Group | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | XM Group | Tickmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | XM Group Review | Tickmill Review |
| Overall | XM Group | Tickmill | |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XM Group Review | Tickmill Review |
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