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Markets.com vs XM (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare Markets.com against XM across spreads, regulations, platforms, and trading costs. Read our algorithmic breakdown and expert verdict to find out which broker suits your trading style in 2026.
Which is better: Markets.com or XM?
Sources & References
- XM Account Types— XM
- BrokerAnalysis ranking methodology— BrokerAnalysis
- BrokerAnalysis data sources— BrokerAnalysis
- BrokerAnalysis editorial policy— BrokerAnalysis
Verified promotions on this matchup
We keep this factual and secondary to safety, pricing, and platform fit. Terms still matter.
Markets.com
Welcome BonusUp to $5,000 Trading Rewards
New-client trading rewards up to $5,000 by tier. Terms apply; eligibility varies by region.
XM
No-Deposit Bonus$30 No-Deposit Bonus for New Clients
$30 no-deposit bonus for new clients. Profits withdrawable after meeting volume requirements.
Verdict: XM Holds a Slight Edge
After side-by-side testing, **XM** holds a slight edge over Markets.com in this matchup. The gap is small and Markets.com remains an excellent choice — especially for beginner-to-intermediate multi-asset cfd traders who value research tools — but XM edges it on outstanding daily webinars and educational courses and payout reliability.
Markets.com vs XM: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2008 | 2009 |
| Overall Rating | 4.7/5.0 | 4.7/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $5 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.6 pips | 0.6 pips (Ultra Low) | 1.6 pips (Standard) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:30 (UK/EU/AU retail) | up to 1:300 (Intl) | 1:1000 |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | Yes |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Forex Pairs | 67 | 55+ |
| Deposit Methods | Bank, Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller | Bank, Card, Skrill, Neteller |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | 24 hours |
| Execution Type | Market Execution | Market Execution |
Markets.com vs XM: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between Markets.com and XM, it's essential to look beyond just the advertised spreads. We must factor in commissions, swap rates, and non-trading fees like deposit or inactivity charges. Markets.com offers pricing characterized by $0 (spread-based on most CFDs) alongside 0.6 pips spreads. In contrast, XM utilizes a model with $0 (Spread only on most accounts) and 0.6 pips (Ultra Low) | 1.6 pips (Standard) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, either broker provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | Markets.com | XM |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.6 pips | 0.6 pips (Ultra Low) | 1.6 pips (Standard) |
| Commission Defaults | $0 (spread-based on most CFDs) | $0 (Spread only on most accounts) |
| Execution Model | Market Execution | Market Execution |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | 24 hours |
Safety & Regulation: Is Markets.com or XM Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both Markets.com and XM are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. Markets.com is armed with 3 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2008. XM, licensed since 2009, counters with 2 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. Markets.com holds a slight edge in absolute tier-1 licenses. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
Markets.com
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)CySEC (Cyprus)ASIC (Australia)FSCA (South Africa)FSA (BVI)
- Investor Protection: FSCS (UK) up to £85k; ICF (EU) up to €20k
- Licensed Since: 2008
XM
Tier 1- Regulators:CySEC (Cyprus)ASIC (Australia)DFSA (Dubai)FSC (Belize)
- Investor Protection: Up to €20,000 (EU ICF)
- Licensed Since: 2009
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. Markets.com equips its clients with Marketsx, MT4, MT5. XM, on the other hand, grants access to MT4, MT5, XM App. If you rely on third-party EA automation, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | Markets.com | XM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (Marketsx) | |
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: Markets.com vs XM
Markets.com
Pros
- Strong tier-1 regulation (FCA, CySEC, ASIC)
- Easy-to-use Marketsx platform with sentiment tools
- Investment Strategy Builder & 'Blends'
- Very low 0.6 pip EUR/USD spread
- Backed by Finalto / Playtech (FTSE 250)
Cons
- Inactivity fee after just 3 months
- 0.6% currency conversion fee
- High overnight financing on some positions
- Fewer platform options vs pure ECN brokers
XM
Pros
- Outstanding daily webinars and educational courses
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Strict no re-quotes policy with 99.35% execution in <1s
- Generous loyalty program and promotions
- Micro accounts available for low-risk testing
Cons
- Spreads on Standard account are wider than competitors
- No crypto trading on weekends
- Inactivity fee of $15 applies after 90 days
Expert Verdict: Markets.com vs XM
When we place Markets.com and XM side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. Markets.com, licensed since 2008, has carved out a massive niche focusing on beginner-to-intermediate multi-asset cfd traders who value research tools. Their execution model heavily leans into Market Execution, and their platform environment highlights Marketsx.
Conversely, XM, operational out of Cyprus, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for beginners, education-focused traders & low deposit users. Their $0 (Spread only on most accounts) commission structure combined with 0.6 pips (Ultra Low) | 1.6 pips (Standard) spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is strong tier-1 regulation (fca, cysec, asic), and you intend to start with a minimum of $100, Markets.com is the logical path forward. If, however, you value outstanding daily webinars and educational courses and require MT4, XM edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
Explore Each Broker in Detail
Markets.com vs XM: Frequently Asked Questions
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Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. 68–80% 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.|Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation from the brokers listed on this page. This does not influence our rankings or reviews, which are based on independent analysis.
Comparison data updated August 2026. Broker terms, spreads, and conditions vary by region and account type. See our methodology | Editorial Policy | Data Sources | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
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How we measured this — Markets.com vs XM
XM publishes the tighter EUR/USD spread at 0.8 pips against Markets.com's 1.0 pips, a difference of 0.2 pips. Both figures are taken from the broker's own published specification.
- EUR/USD spread difference
- 0.19999999999999996 pips
- Brokers measured
- 2
- Linked to broker spec
- 2 of 2
- Data as of
- 2026-11-12
Figures compiled by BrokerAnalysis from each broker's own published specification where available, otherwise from our broker catalogue. Per-broker spreads, minimum deposits and regulators are listed in the comparison table on this page. Spreads are typical, not guaranteed, and change with market conditions.
Sources: markets.com · xm.com