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Interactive Brokers
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XM

Interactive Brokers vs XM: which broker is better in 2026?

We compare Interactive Brokers 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, Interactive Brokers edges ahead (4.3/5), but the right choice depends on what matters most to you — check the breakdown below.

Side-by-side comparison

CriteriaInteractive BrokersXM
Overall score 4.3 3.6
Regulation & safety 4.5 3.0
Fees & deposit 4.5 3.5
Platform & assets 4.5 4.0
User support 3.5 4.0
Trust score87/10069/100
Minimum depositVaries by account type — check the official siteVaries by account type — check the official site
Demo accountAvailableAvailable
PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, Client Portal (web), IBKR Mobile, API (TWS/Web)MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, XM app
Fee modelKnown for very low costs (tiered/fixed) — among the cheapest in the industry for stocks/futures/forex; structure varies per product/regionStandard / ultra-low spread; figures vary

Pros & cons

Interactive Brokers
  • Top-tier regulation & transparency — a US public company (Nasdaq: IBKR) supervised by SEC/FINRA/CFTC + many global regulators
  • Among the cheapest costs in the industry; very broad global market access
  • Very powerful TWS platform & API for professional/algorithmic traders
  • The TWS platform has a steep learning curve — less beginner-friendly
  • Customer support is more self-service (not hand-holding), suited to technical users
  • Interface & account structure can feel complex at first
XM
  • 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

Interactive Brokers

A US public company (Nasdaq: IBKR) with entities regulated by SEC/FINRA/CFTC (US), FCA (UK), IIROC (Canada), MAS (Singapore), ASIC (Australia), the Central Bank of Ireland, and others. One of the most regulated & financially transparent brokers.

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).