Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of XM Group vs Trading 212, 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 Trading 212 are both well-regarded online brokers, though they come with some differences in regulatory foundations and trust ratings. Established in 2009 and 2004, respectively, neither XM Group nor Trading 212 is publicly traded or operates as a bank. In terms of regulatory licenses, XM Group leads with four Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license, indicating a strong level of safety and compliance. On the other hand, Trading 212 has three Tier-1 licenses and no Tier-2 licenses, suggesting a slightly different approach to regulatory standards.
When considering trustworthiness, XM Group scores an 88 out of 99 on ForexBrokers.com's Trust Score, placing it in the 'trusted' category. Trading 212, with a score of 80, also falls into the 'trusted' category but on the lower end of the scale. Choosing between these two brokers may depend on individual priorities, such as the importance of regulatory licenses and the perceived level of trust each company's score suggests.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2004 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 3 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
When comparing XM Group and Trading 212 in terms of commissions and fees, there are notable differences and similarities to consider. XM Group offers a standard account with relatively high spreads, and they do not publish average spread data for their XM Zero account, which is based on commission. This lack of transparency may be a consideration for traders seeking detailed cost information. XM Group has earned a commendable rating of 4 stars for commissions and fees, placing it at #33 out of 63 brokers in this category according to ForexBrokers.com.
Trading 212 provides two account types: the Invest account for trading shares and the CFD account for trading contracts for difference (CFDs). This comparison focuses on the CFD account, which requires a minimum deposit of 10 euros. Although Trading 212 advertises zero-commission trading, traders should expect to pay a spread. Notably, Trading 212 has started publishing average spread data to enhance pricing transparency. In April 2025, the average spread for the EUR/USD pair was 2.7 pips, which is higher than the industry average. Trading 212 also holds a 4-star rating for commissions and fees but is ranked lower at #49 out of 63 brokers in this category.
In conclusion, both XM Group and Trading 212 provide competitive offerings but have room for improvement in transparency and cost efficiency. XM Group stands out with its higher ranking, while Trading 212's publication of average spread data marks a positive step toward increased transparency. Whether choosing XM Group or Trading 212, being aware of the costs involved is critical for making an informed decision.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | €1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.6 | 2.7 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 2.7 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
XM Group and Trading 212 both provide access to a diverse array of investment options, catering to a wide range of trading preferences. One key similarity is their offering of forex trading as CFDs, making both platforms accessible for those interested in currency trading. However, when it comes to the number of tradeable symbols, Trading 212 takes the lead with 7,868 symbols compared to XM Group's 1,394. In terms of forex pairs, Trading 212 again surpasses XM Group, offering 146 forex pairs to XM Group's 55. Both platforms allow users to buy exchange-traded securities in popular international markets, enabling investments in well-known companies such as Apple and Vodafone. Additionally, both brokers offer cryptocurrency derivatives, although neither provides the option to buy actual cryptocurrencies.
Despite these similarities, there are notable differences between XM Group and Trading 212. XM Group distinguishes itself by offering features like copy trading, which is not available with Trading 212. This feature might attract investors looking for social trading opportunities. When it comes to user ratings for the range of investments, Trading 212 secures a higher rating with a perfect 5-star score compared to XM Group’s 4.5 stars. Furthermore, Trading 212 is ranked higher at #15 for range of investments, whereas XM Group stands at #23, according to ForexBrokers.com. These differences in features and rankings may influence investor decisions based on individual trading needs and preferences.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1394 | 7868 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 146 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing online trading platforms, XM Group and Trading 212 stand out with distinct features tailored to different preferences. XM Group offers the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, providing users with robust capabilities on Windows-based desktop downloads. In contrast, Trading 212 offers its own uniquely developed platform but does not support MetaTrader options, instead focusing on accessibility through its web-based interface. Both brokers allow users to engage in simulated trading via demo accounts, making it easy for beginners to practice. However, only XM Group supports copy trading, providing users the opportunity to follow and replicate successful strategies.
For those who value customization, XM Group and Trading 212 offer trading directly from stock charts, along with multiple technical indicators and drawing tools—Trading 212 slightly outpaces XM Group with twenty drawing tools compared to fifteen. Additionally, XM Group provides more columns for watch lists, allowing more detailed monitoring with seven fields compared to Trading 212's five. Despite having a more extensive toolset, XM is ranked #31 compared to Trading 212, which holds a better rank at #20 for trading platforms and tools according to ForexBrokers.com. However, both platforms share an equal rating of four out of five stars, highlighting their strong offerings tailored to different trading needs.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 54 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 20 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 5 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
XM Group and Trading 212 both offer comprehensive mobile trading experiences, providing apps compatible with iPhone and Android devices. Users can receive stock or forex price alerts and enjoy the convenience of syncing watchlists between their mobile app and online accounts. In terms of charting capabilities, XM Group offers 30 technical studies, whereas Trading 212 provides a more extensive selection with 104 studies. Both apps allow traders to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on stock or forex charts. A standout feature of Trading 212 is its ability to auto-save chart drawings, a function not available in the XM Group mobile app.
Both apps allow the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes, making it easy for traders to stay updated. When it comes to user ratings, XM Group and Trading 212 both earn 4 out of 5 stars for their mobile trading apps. However, Trading 212 enjoys a higher rank, coming in at position 17 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, compared to XM Group's ranking of 29. These features and rankings offer traders insights into the strengths of each platform, helping them make informed decisions about which app best suits their trading needs.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 104 |
| 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 the market research offerings of XM Group and Trading 212, several key differences emerge. XM Group stands out by providing daily market commentary, which Trading 212 does not offer. Both brokers, however, give traders access to forex news from renowned sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones. In terms of analytical tools, XM Group has an edge by offering resources from Trading Central, known for its comprehensive technical analytics, while Trading 212 lacks any tools from this provider. Both brokers can be commended for offering sentiment-based trading tools and comprehensive economic calendars, aiding traders in making informed decisions.
In terms of overall research ratings, XM Group receives high marks with a 5-star rating, while Trading 212 secures a 3.5-star rating. This distinction is further highlighted by their respective rankings by ForexBrokers.com; XM Group is positioned at an impressive #8 among 63 brokers, whereas Trading 212 is ranked at #44. These ratings reflect XM Group's superior commitment to providing a wealth of market insights and tools, ensuring traders have a supportive environment for making informed trading decisions.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| 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 | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both XM Group and Trading 212 provide a strong foundation with at least ten articles, videos, or webinars focused on forex and CFDs. However, XM Group stands out by hosting monthly online educational webinars for their clients, a feature that Trading 212 does not offer. Both brokers do maintain a searchable archive of past webinars, ensuring traders have access to a wealth of recorded content at their convenience.
In terms of educational videos, XM Group and Trading 212 both offer extensive libraries for beginners and advanced traders alike, covering a range of trading topics. However, Trading 212 distinguishes itself by offering an investor dictionary with definitions of over 50 terms, a resource not provided by XM Group. Despite this, XM Group earns a higher education rating of 5 stars compared to Trading 212’s 3.5 stars, and it ranks 7th among 63 brokers in the education category, whereas Trading 212 ranks 20th. This highlights XM Group as the more highly recommended platform for beginners seeking comprehensive educational support.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| 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 Trading 212. XM Group finished with an overall rank of #17, while Trading 212 finished with an overall rank of #31.
XM Group is a MetaTrader-only broker that offers a strong selection of high-quality educational content and market research.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 80 |
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Neither XM Group nor Trading 212 offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but both provide options for purchasing cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing XM Group and Trading 212 for depositing or withdrawing account funds, Trading 212 supports ACH and SEPA transfers as well as PayPal, unlike XM Group, which instead offers Skrill, while both brokers accept Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transfers, providing flexible options for diverse user preferences.
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 | Trading 212 | |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 80 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XM Group Review | Trading 212 Review |
| Broker Screenshots | XM Group | Trading 212 | |
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| Regulation | XM Group | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 88 | 80 | |
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2004 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 3 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | XM Group | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | XM Group | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1394 | 7868 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 146 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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). |
| Cost | XM Group | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.6 | 2.7 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 2.7 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | XM Group | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | €1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | XM Group | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | XM Group | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 5 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 54 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 20 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | XM Group | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 30 | 104 | |
| 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 | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Trading 212 Review |
| Overall | XM Group | Trading 212 | |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 80 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XM Group Review | Trading 212 Review |
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