CMC Markets vs XM: which broker is better in 2026?
We compare CMC Markets and XM — two forex & CFD brokers — side by side across regulation, fees, platforms, minimum deposit, and our editorial scores. Based on our overall editorial score, CMC Markets edges ahead (4.0/5), but the right choice depends on what matters most to you — check the breakdown below.
Side-by-side comparison
CriteriaCMC MarketsXM
Overall score 4.0 3.6
Regulation & safety 4.0 3.0
Fees & deposit 3.5 3.5
Platform & assets 4.5 4.0
User support 4.0 4.0
Trust score80/10069/100
Minimum depositVaries by account type — check the official siteVaries by account type — check the official site
Demo accountAvailableAvailable
PlatformsProprietary web platform (Next Generation), MetaTrader 4, TradingView (integrated), Mobile appMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, XM app
Fee modelSpread & commission model varies per product — details not yet verifiedStandard / ultra-low spread; figures vary
Pros & cons
- Public company (LSE FTSE 250, since 1989) regulated by the FCA + Bermuda Monetary Authority
- Highly regarded Next Generation platform + MT4 + TradingView integration
- Broad coverage: forex/share/index CFDs, spread betting, and share dealing
- Historical note: ASIC once ordered retail-client remediation over margin-netting breaches
- Focus on leveraged CFD/spread betting products — high-risk
- Not the choice for those chasing the cheapest cost/raw ECN
- Very large client base, strong multilingual education & support
- MT4/MT5 + many instruments
- CySEC license for the EU entity
- Many retail clients via the offshore entity (Belize) — weaker protection
- Standard spread is not the cheapest
- Leverage is high-risk
Regulation at a glance
CMC Markets
Regulated by the FCA in the UK; holds an additional license from the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250).
XM
Trading Point group — regulated by CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (historically), DFSA (Dubai), FSC (Belize), FSCA (South Africa). Many retail clients via the offshore entity (Belize).