Plus500 vs XM

If you are reading this article, you are likely having trouble deciding whether Plus500 or XM 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 XM broker comparison, we outline the highlights of each trading platform to help you make a more informed decision. We evaluate:

FeaturePlus500 (visit site)XM (visit site)
Headquarter:IsraelCyprus
Regulation :
CySEC, FCA, ASIC, FMA, FSCA, MASCySEC, ASIC, IFSC, DFSA
Type of Broker:
Market MakerMarket Maker
U.S. Clients Allowed:
Minimum Deposit:
$100$5
Maximum Leverage:
1:301:888
Commissions / Spreads:
Variable SpreadsLow Spreads
Account 1:
CFDMicro
Account 2:
Standard
Demo Account:
Islamic Account:
Segregated Account:
Managed Accounts:
Institutional Accounts:
Website Languages:
  • imageEnglish
  • image Chinese
  • Other
  • imageEnglish
  • image Chinese
  • Other
Support Hours:
24/724/7
E-mail Support:
SMS Support:
Chat:
Broker Offers:
82% of retail CFD accounts lose money
.

Features and Platforms

Since its inception in 2009, XM quickly grew into one of the most trusted multi-asset brokers globally. Today, it caters to more than 3,500,000 traders, offering them the full suite of MT4/MT trading platforms, enhanced by six add-ons. An excellent research division, which includes a web TV channel, and live educational sessions, complement the core trading environment. The bonus offers at XM allow traders to accelerate portfolio growth, and this broker remains accessible to all traders due to its low minimum deposit requirement. Plus500 has marginally more experience but fails to deliver value to its 200,000+ traders, who must trade via the uncompetitive proprietary trading platform at Plus500, which does not support alternatives. No other services are available at Plus500, placing it at a distinct disadvantage.

FeaturePlus500XM
Type of Platform:Proprietary platform, Web-basedMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Web-based
Platform Languages:
  • imageEnglish
  • image Chinese
  • image Spanish
  • image Italian
  • image French
  • image German
  • Other
  • imageEnglish
  • imageChinese
  • Other
OS Compatibility:
  • imageWindows
  • Mobile
  • Web
  • image iPhone
  • image iPad
  • imageWindows
  • Mobile
  • Web
  • image iPhone
  • image iPad
Trading Signals:
Charting Package:
Market Analysis:
Chart Trading:
Automated Trading:
Scalping:
Hedging:
Mobile Alerts:
Trailing Stops:
Guaranteed Stop Loss:
Guaranteed Limit Orders:
Guaranteed Execution:
One-click Execution:
Interest on Margin:
Web-based Trading:
Mobile Trading:

Available Markets

traders at Plus500 have more currency pairs and commodities compared to XM, with 71 and 22 versus 57 and 15, respectively. Plus500 extends its lead in asset selection with 1,737 equity CFDs, while XM maintains 1,243 but grants more index CFDs with 28, ahead of the 26 at Plus500. Completing the asset selection at Plus500 are 95 ETFs and 585 options contracts, which are not available at XM. Plus500 also provides four cryptocurrencies, missing from the choices at XM. As such, Plus500 enjoys a visible edge in tradable markets, allowing for greater cross-asset diversification. XM maintains an above-average selection, ahead of many competitors, and both have enough choices for most retail traders.

FeaturePlus500XM
ETFs:
CFDs:
Commodities:
Metals:
Stocks:
Oil:
Gold:
Binary Options:
Indices:

Typical Spreads and Fees

Forex traders get commission-free Forex costs at both brokers, but Plus500 maintains dynamic market spreads plus internal markups versus 0.6 pips at XM. Traders face higher fees on equity CFDs at Plus500 to offset the absence of commissions. XM carries a minimum cost between $1.00 and $9.00 but notably tighter spreads. Traders pay swap rates on leveraged overnight positions at Plus500 and XM, but the inactivity fee is twice as high at Plus500 at $10 compared to $5 at XM. Third-party payment processor costs may apply equally, but the overall pricing environment remains superior at XM.

Security and Trust

XM is one of the most trustworthy brokers today, with a clean track record maintained at five regulators. Plus500 has seven regulators and is a publicly-listed company in the UK, but has had several missteps as part of its recent history. These missteps include a 2012 FCA fine in the UK for inaccurate transaction reporting. Plus500 and XM are transparent and honest about involved trading costs and maintain adequate capital reserves. Select jurisdictions remain protected by an investor compensation fund, such as CySEC and FCA mandated ones, in the case of an unlikely default.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 XM – Verdict

XM presents most retail traders with an excellent choice due to its competitive core trading environment, which is supported by a quality selection of auxiliary services. The out-of-the-box MT4 and MT5 trading platforms receive an upgrade via six add-ons, and retail account management support exists through the MT4 MAM terminal. A trader-friendly cost structure, in conjunction with an above-average asset selection, make this broker a market-leader. XM is home to one of the most engaging management teams; to date, they have visited over 120 cities to promote a closer relationship with traders and partners. XM provides quality research and trading signals, and offers new traders valuable educational content which includes live training sessions. The low minimum deposit and high leverage, together with a generous bonus structure, expand its lead over Plus500. Clients at Plus500 have more assets to trade, while the trading costs are higher. The proprietary trading platform lacks core trading features, such as support for automated and social traders, and this broker does not provide value-added services. Those seeking an execution-only broker may opt for Plus500. All other traders will determine XM distinctively superior. 82% of retail CFD accounts lose money and 77.2% at XM operate at a loss.

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

Read full Plus500 Review
Read full XM Review

FAQs

Which trading platform is better: Plus500 or XM?

The XM trading platform is notably superior. While Plus500 only provides traders with its inferior web trader, where essential trading functionalities do not exist, XM upgrades the MT4/MT5 trading platforms with six add-ons. Neither automated trading nor social trading is available at Plus500, both possible at XM. Plus500 claims technological superiority but fails to deliver on it.

Which is better, Plus500, or XM?

Besides providing a sub-standard trading platform, Plus500 fails to offer research to traders. An attempt at education exists via seven articles, which fails to deliver value. Plus500 deploys its resources in marketing, with costly sports team sponsorships a favorite. XM prefers to source a competitive portfolio of products and services via research and education, plus withdrawable bonuses. Therefore, XM remains well ahead of Plus500.

Is Plus500 or XM safer for Forex and CFDs trading?

From a safety perspective, both brokers deliver. Client deposits remain segregated, and negative balance protection is available where regulators require it, together with an investor compensation fund, where applicable. While XM remains more trustworthy, both earned a reliable reputation from an operational and financial stability perspective.

How many Forex pairs and CFDs are available to trade?

Forex traders can trade 71 Forex pairs at Plus500 and 57 at XM. The former also maintains four cryptocurrency pairs versus zero at the latter. Plus500 extends its lead with equity CFDs, where it offers 1,737 against 1,243 available at XM. The overall asset selection totals above 2,400 at Plus500, offering clients more trading opportunities and superior cross-asset diversification over XM, which has less than 1,350.

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