Octa vs XM

If you are reading this article, you’re likely having trouble deciding whether Octa or XM is the better Forex trading platform for you. While both platforms generally provide positive user experiences, there are some essential differences to note.

In this Octa & XM review, we outline the highlights of each trading platform to help you make a more informed decision. We evaluate:

Headquarters
ComorosCyprus
Regulators
CySEC, FSCA, MWALI International Services AuthorityASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC Belize
Tier 1 Regulator(s)?
Owned by Public Company?
Year Established
20112009
Execution Type(s)
Market MakerMarket Maker
Minimum Deposit
$25$5
Negative Balance Protection
N/A
Trading Platform(s)
MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary platformMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary platform
Average Trading Cost EUR/USD
0.9 pips0.1 pips
Average Trading Cost GBP/USD
1.3 pips0.2 pips
Average Trading Cost WTI Crude Oil
$0.07 $0.05
Average Trading Cost Gold
$0.30 $0.19
Retail Loss Rate
67.65%N/A
Minimum Raw Spreads
Not applicableN/A
Minimum Standard Spreads
0.6 pipsN/A
Minimum Commission for Forex
Commission-freeN/A
Islamic Account
Signals
US Persons Accepted?
Managed Accounts
Get StartedGet Started

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
Get StartedGet Started

Octa executes an excellent business model, having attracted more than 42 million accounts, since 2011 to its MT4/MT5 and OctaTrader trading platforms. It also benefits from its proprietary copy-trading platform and a generous bonus program, including the Octa Status Level reward program., including the Octa Status Level reward program. XM, founded in 2009, established itself as one of the best overall brokers and is home to 3.5 million clients. They benefit from upgraded MT4/MT5 trading platforms, an excellent management team, bonuses, rewards, plus excellent research and trading tools. XM also maintains a quality educational section for beginner traders.

Available Markets

Currency Pairs
Cryptocurrencies
Commodities
Crude Oil
Gold
Metals
Equity Indices
Stocks (non-CFDs)
Bonds
N/A
ETFs
Options
N/A
Futures
Synthetics
Get StartedGet Started

One of the most distinct weaknesses at Octa is the asset selection, which ranks at the bottom compared to other brokers. It consists of 32 currency pairs, 34 cryptocurrencies, five commodities and ten index CFDs. XM provides Forex traders with 57 currency pairs, but cryptocurrencies remain notably missing. While the 15 commodities are below average, XM shines with 1,243 equity CFDs and 28 index CFDs. Completing the asset selection are 100 shares, the latest addition at XM. Octa fails to provided traders with a competitive asset selection. XM counters with more than 1,300 assets centered on equity trading.

Typical Spreads and Fees

Average Trading Cost EUR/USD
0.9 pips0.1 pips
Average Trading Cost GBP/USD
1.3 pips0.2 pips
Average Trading Cost WTI Crude Oil
$0.07 $0.05
Average Trading Cost Gold
$0.30 $0.19
Average Trading Cost Bitcoin
$11 N/A
Minimum Raw Spreads
Not applicableN/A
Minimum Standard Spreads
0.6 pipsN/A
Minimum Commission for Forex
Commission-freeN/A
Deposit Fee
N/A
Withdrawal Fee
N/A
Inactivity Fee
NoN/A
Get StartedGet Started

The commission-free pricing structure at Octa and XM both show a minimum mark-up of 0.6 pips. It translates to a trading cost of $6.00 per 1.0 standard lot. Octa provides a commission-based alternative, which is more expensive at a starting spread of 0.8 pips and a commission of $6.00. CFD traders at XM transact commission-free, while direct share dealing faces a minimum cost of $10.00 or 0.10%. XM forwards all corporate actions, and traders pay swap rates on leveraged overnight positions. Octa advertises no swaps but charges a series of other fees to compensate for it.

Security and Trust

Country of the Regulator
Cyprus, Comoros, South AfricaUnited Arab Emirates, Australia, The Bahamas, Belize, Cyprus, United Kingdom, United States
Name of the Regulator
CySEC, FSCA, MWALI International Services AuthorityASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC Belize
Regulatory License Number
372/18, 51913, HY00623410705428, 120/10, 443670, 000261/397, F003484, SIA-F201, 0516820
Regulatory Tier
N/A1,1,1,4,2,4,1
Get StartedGet Started

Octa operates branches in Cyprus, regulated by CySEC, and in Comoros Union (Mwali) regulated by MISA, South Africa regulated by FSCA. XM has licenses from the UK FCA, the CySEC, the ASIC, the Belize IFSC, and the DFSA. Both brokers segregate client deposits, and traders get negative balance protection.

Octa vs XM – Verdict

Octa continues to attract traders with generous bonuses and promotions. It lists more than 42 million account openings, but the retention rate is unknown. Traders get the MT4, MT5 and OctaTrader trading platforms, plus the proprietary Octa Trading App. One of its unique features is Octa Space. While the pricing environment is competitive, asset selection ranks among the worst compared to all brokers.

XM presents an overall excellent trading environment, where all clients have access to upgraded MT4/MT5 trading platforms, including the XM MT4 Multiterminal. With more than 1,300 assets and a trader-friendly cost structure, where active traders can lower trading costs via the loyalty program, XM established itself as a reliable and trustworthy broker. The research and educational sections present a quality value-added service complemented by the XM bonuses. Octa has a sound foundation but pales in comparison to the products and services at XM.

Both XM and Octa present a safe Forex and CFD trading environment. XM operates with five global licenses, while Octa operates with licenses from three global regulators.

XM presents the better choice for beginner traders due to its quality educational content, including videos, webinars, and seminars. The trading tools and in-house research complement it well. Octa offers research and education, but the quality is inferior.

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

Read full Octa Review
Read full XM Review

FAQs

Is Octa or XM safer for Forex and CFDs trading?

XM presents a safer Forex and CFD trading environment, as it operates with licenses from five global regulators. Octa remains an unregulated Forex broker with a clean history.

How many Forex pairs and CFDs are available to trade?

Octa only offers a dismal 32 Forex pairs and 20 CFDs. By comparison, XM features 57 currency pairs and 1,286 CFDs.

Which broker is better for beginner traders?

XM presents the better choice for beginner traders due to its quality educational content, including videos, webinars, and seminars. The trading tools and in-house research complement it well. Octa offers research and education, but the quality is inferior.

Which trading platform is better: Octa or XM?

Traders at XM get upgraded MT4/MT5 trading platforms, making it a better choice. Octa has the Autochartist plugin, but traders must qualify for it via trading volume.

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