If you are reading this article, you are likely having trouble deciding whether Plus500 or XTB is the better trading platform for you. While both platforms generally provide positive user experiences, there are some essential differences to note.
In this Plus500 or XTB broker comparison, we outline the highlights of each trading platform to help you make a more informed decision. We evaluate:
- Features and Platforms
- Available Markets
- Typical Spreads and Fees
- Security and Trust
- Plus500 vs XTB - Verdict
Israel United Kingdom ASIC, CySEC, FCA, FMA, FSCA, MAS N/A 2008 2002 Market Maker Market Maker $100 $0 N/A Proprietary platform, Web-based Proprietary platform 1.3 pips 0.1 pips ($1.00) 1.7 pips 0.2 pips ($2.00) - $0.04 - $0.36 82.00% N/A Not applicable N/A Not applicable N/A Commission-free N/A Visit Website 82% of retail CFD accounts lose money Visit Website
Features and Platforms
N/A N/A Visit Website 82% of retail CFD accounts lose money Visit Website
Traders who seek a commission-free trading environment and do not mind elevated mark-ups from an execution-only broker will feel at home at Plus500. This broker does not provide any value-added services, only maintains a below-average proprietary trading platform; on a positive note, it does offer more than 2,400 assets. In operation since 2008, 80% of retail CFD accounts lose money at Plus500. Founded in 2002, Poland-based XTB, which is publicly listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, grew into one of the most reliable multi-asset brokers. Its proprietary trading platform serves manual traders; similar to Plus500, support for automated trading solutions is unavailable. As such, neither broker caters to high-growth sectors of financial markets. XTB does offer research and education, but 82% of its retail traders face a loss.
Available Markets
N/A N/A N/A N/A Visit Website 82% of retail CFD accounts lose money Visit Website
Asset selection is where Plus500 trumps XTB with more than 2,400 assets versus below 2,100. Forex traders have 71 currency pairs to trade at the former against just 57 at the latter. Plus500 features 26 index CFDs, and 95 ETFs, while XTB provides traders with 42 and 80+, respectively. The majority of assets remain in equity CFDs, where the 1,737 available at Plus500 trails the 1,849 offered at XTB, which also provides 25 cryptocurrency pairs against just four at Plus500. The 585 options contracts at Plus500 add hedging and diversification opportunities. While the overall asset selection remains similar in terms of the number of total assets offered, Plus500 offers more quality due to broader sector exposure.
Typical Spreads and Fees
1.3 pips 0.1 pips ($1.00) 1.7 pips 0.2 pips ($2.00) - $0.04 - $0.36 - $100.00 Not applicable N/A Not applicable N/A Commission-free N/A N/A N/A $10 monthly after 3 months N/A Visit Website 82% of retail CFD accounts lose money Visit Website
Plus500 offers Forex traders commission-free, dynamic spreads with above-average but reasonable fees versus minimum spreads of 0.1 pips at XTB. Traders can achieve better pricing at XTB, where a commission of 0.08% and lower markups may offer an advantage. Swap rates on leveraged overnight positions apply equally. Plus500 charges a $10 monthly inactivity fee after three months versus twelve months at XTB. Plus500 does not levy a deposit fee, while XTB charges 2.00% on PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller deposits. Third-party payment processor costs exist at both brokers. Overall, XTB maintains a pricing edge for high-frequency traders.
Security and Trust
United Arab Emirates, Australia, Cyprus, Estonia, Israel, New Zealand, Seychelles, Singapore, United Kingdom, South Africa Belize, Cyprus, Poland, United Kingdom ASIC, CySEC, FCA, FMA, FSCA, MAS N/A 509909, 250/14, 417727, 486026, 47546, SD039, 100648-1, NOT AVAILABLE, 4.1-1/18, F005651 000302/438, 522157, 169/12, 0000217580 N/A 4, 1, 1, 1 Visit Website 82% of retail CFD accounts lose money Visit Website
Both brokers are publicly listed companies, Plus500 on the London Stock Exchange and XTB on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Therefore, both comply with stringent capital requirements and provide an equally secure trading environment. The former maintains oversight from seven regulators and the latter has oversight from four. Client deposits remain segregated, negative balance protection applies, and an investor compensation fund is available for UK and EU entities. XTB earned a reputation as a trustworthy broker. While Plus500 falls into a similar category, a 2012 UK FCA fine does exist; moreover. Plus500 and XTB both earn equal marks on security, but XTB pulls ahead when it comes to trust. All client funds deposited with Plus500’s Cyprus subsidiary are held in segregated client bank accounts in accordance with the Cyprus Security and Exchange Commission’s (CySEC) client funds rules. Plus500AU Pty Ltd holds client money in a segregated trust account, in accordance with the Australian legal requirements.
Plus500 vs XTB – Verdict
Plus500 offers clients an above-average asset selection, allowing quality diversification opportunities from a marginally overpriced commission-free cost structure. Unfortunately, the proprietary trading platform lacks essential trading functionalities such as support for automated trading solutions or social trading. As an execution-only broker, advanced retail traders with access to a superior independent trading platform and research tools may benefit from the quality asset selection at Plus500. XTB provides traders with its proprietary xStation5, which is suitable for manual traders only, similar to Plus500. It grants fewer assets but a more competitive cost structure. While Plus500 neither provides research nor adequate education, XTB delivers a quality service for both. New traders have five educational categories that consist of numerous lessons; while it remains notably superior to Plus500, it is not as extensive as other well-established competitors. The research and market commentary provide a competitive service for all traders to consider. Given the similarities between both brokers, XTB pulls ahead due to its cost structure, research, and educational capabilities.
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