Plus500 vs XM: which broker is better in 2026?
We compare Plus500 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, Plus500 edges ahead (3.8/5), but the right choice depends on what matters most to you — check the breakdown below.
Side-by-side comparison
CriteriaPlus500XM
Overall score 3.8 3.6
Regulation & safety 4.0 3.0
Fees & deposit 3.5 3.5
Platform & assets 4.0 4.0
User support 3.5 4.0
Trust score76/10069/100
Minimum depositVaries by account type — check the official siteVaries by account type — check the official site
Demo accountAvailableAvailable
PlatformsProprietary web platform, iOS/Android mobile appMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, XM app
Fee modelSpread model (no separate commission) — exact spreads not yet verified in detailStandard / ultra-low spread; figures vary
Pros & cons
- Public company (LSE FTSE 250) with layered regulation (FCA UK, MAS Singapore)
- Simple, beginner-friendly proprietary platform, no separate commission (spread model)
- Broad instrument coverage: share/forex/commodity/index CFDs + futures & share dealing
- Historical note: £205,128 FCA fine (2012) for inaccurate transaction reporting + a past dispute with the Belgian regulator (FSMA)
- Own platform only — no MT4/MT5/cTrader for advanced traders
- Leveraged CFD model is high-risk (most retail accounts lose money — standard industry warning)
- 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
Plus500
Listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250). The UK entity (Plus500UK Ltd) is supervised by the FCA; the Singapore entity (Plus500SG) holds a Capital Markets Services license from MAS. Check which entity serves your country — regulation differs per entity.
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).