Publicly listed brokers XTB and IG Markets, the former in Poland and the latter in the UK, share many similarities in their core trading environment. Both brokers present competitive proprietary trading platforms, but IG Markets additionally deploys ProRealTime, MT4, and L2 Dealer. It also upgrades the core MT4 with 18 add-ons plus the Autochartist plugin, creating a superior MT4 trading experience.

IG Markets shines with its asset selection, order execution, and trading costs. XTB counters with a well-balanced choice of trading instruments, but notably less quantity with 17,000+ at IG Markets versus 2,100+ at XTB. It does take a minor edge in minimum trading costs and higher leverage. Both feature a volume-based rebate program and training academies for beginner traders.

We have conducted an in-depth review of XTB and IG Markets to determine which one presents the better overall choice and from which traders will benefit the most.

Headquarters
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Regulators
N/AFCA
Tier 1 Regulator(s)?
Owned by Public Company?
Year Established
20021974
Execution Type(s)
Market MakerMarket Maker
Minimum Deposit
$0300€
Negative Balance Protection
N/A
Trading Platform(s)
Proprietary platformMetaTrader 4, Proprietary platform
Average Trading Cost EUR/USD
0.1 pips ($1.00)0.9 pips
Average Trading Cost GBP/USD
0.2 pips ($2.00)1.4 pip
Average Trading Cost WTI Crude Oil
$0.04$0.03
Average Trading Cost Gold
$0.36$0.30
Retail Loss Rate
N/AUndisclosed
Minimum Raw Spreads
N/ANot applicable
Minimum Standard Spreads
N/A0.8 pips
Minimum Commission for Forex
N/ACommission-free
Islamic Account
Signals
US Persons Accepted?
Managed Accounts
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Features and Platforms

MT4
MT5
MT4/MT5 Add-Ons
N/A
cTrader
Proprietary Platform
Automated Trading
Social/Copy Trading
N/A
DOM?
Guaranteed Stop Loss
Scalping
Hedging
One-Click Trading
OCO Orders
Interest on Margin
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Noteworthy:

IG Markets maintains ideal trading conditions for algorithmic trading via API, ProRealTime, and MT4. It is notably absent from the trading environment at XTB.

Available Markets

Currency Pairs
N/A
Cryptocurrencies
N/A
Commodities
Crude Oil
Gold
Metals
Equity Indices
Stocks (non-CFDs)
Bonds
N/A
ETFs
Options
N/A
Futures
Synthetics
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IG Markets offers an unrivaled asset selection, including options and DMA. The breadth of investment and trading choices creates a distinct competitive advantage for advanced traders and fund managers. While XTB has notably fewer assets, it maintains a well-balanced and competitive overall selection. Cryptocurrencies remain underserved at XTB and IG Markets alike.

Typical Spreads and Fees

Average Trading Cost EUR/USD
0.1 pips ($1.00)0.9 pips
Average Trading Cost GBP/USD
0.2 pips ($2.00)1.4 pip
Average Trading Cost WTI Crude Oil
$0.04$0.03
Average Trading Cost Gold
$0.36$0.30
Average Trading Cost Bitcoin
$100.00$90
Minimum Raw Spreads
N/ANot applicable
Minimum Standard Spreads
N/A0.8 pips
Minimum Commission for Forex
N/ACommission-free
Deposit Fee
N/A
Withdrawal Fee
N/A
Inactivity Fee
N/A$12 per month after 24 months
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Both brokers maintain a commission-free Forex pricing environment, where XTB provides traders with an edge. Costs for the EUR/USD are as low as $1.00 versus $6.00 at IG Markets. XTB also has 20% lower commissions on equities. The pricing advantage extends with average spreads at XTB versus IG Markets.

Security and Trust

Country of the Regulator
Belize, Cyprus, Poland, United KingdomAustralia, Bermuda, Switzerland, Cyprus, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, United States
Name of the Regulator
N/AFCA
Regulatory License Number
000302/438, 522157, 169/12, 0000217580195355, 378/19, 10148759, confirmed, but no regulaary license number, F001780, 41393, 1489, unconfirmed, 220440, 18923, 0509630, 54814
Regulatory Tier
4, 1, 1, 1N/A
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XTB and IG Markets both offer negative balance protection and segregate all client deposits from corporate funds.

IG vs XTB – Verdict

XTB

Pros
Cons
Outstanding trading costs, ranking among the best Forex spreads industry-wideLimited deposit and withdrawal methods
Well-balanced asset selection with high leverageAbsence of MT4 and no algorithmic trading
Fast NDD order execution and deep liquidity
Quality training academy for beginner traders

IG

Pros
Cons
Excellent choice of trading platforms and superior asset selectionLimited deposit and withdrawal methods
Competitive trading costs with a volume-based cash rebate programHigher minimum deposit requirement, but within a reasonable demand
Outstanding trading environment for algorithmic trading, including API support
Comprehensive educational tools for beginner traders

Both brokers maintain an industry-leading trading environment. IG Markets takes an overall lead due to superior asset selection and extensive support for advanced algorithmic trading solutions. The educational platforms for beginners at XTB and IG Markets offer in-depth and high-quality courses.

You might also be interested in reviewing the below broker comparisons:

FAQs

Is XTB a good broker?

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XTB presents one of the lowest trading costs and a well-balanced asset selection. XTB is an ideal choice for manual traders.

Is IG the best Forex broker?

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With 99 currency pairs and three for weekend trading, plus its competitive trading costs and competitive trading platforms, IG ranks among the elite Forex brokers industry wide.

Is IG a good broker?

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IG maintains an ultra-competitive trading environment, supplemented by excellent trading tools and services. IG remains a market leader in most categories.