X
XM
3.9 / 5Score: 3 / 5
XM combines tier-1 multi-jurisdiction regulation with commission-free, high-leverage trading across five asset classes.
- Min deposit
- $5
- Max leverage
- 1:1000
- Spread from
- 0.6 pips
- Regulators
- CySEC, ASIC, FCA
Reviewed by Experts Updated 10/4/2026
XM vs DEGIRO: Full 2026 Broker Comparison & Verdict
XM and DEGIRO serve very different types of traders, and picking the wrong one could cost you in fees or flexibility. Our proprietary rating puts XM ahead overall at 3.9/5 versus DEGIRO's 3.3/5, but DEGIRO fights back hard on raw pricing and accessibility.
D
DEGIRO
3.3 / 5Score: 2 / 5
DEGIRO delivers ultra-low-cost stock and ETF investing with zero minimum deposit and razor-thin spreads.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:1
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- FCA
Overall Winner
XM
Best for Beginners
DEGIRO
Lowest Fees
DEGIRO
Top Regulation
XM
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | X XM | D DEGIRO |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.9 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 |
| Founded | 2009 | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Regulation | CySEC, ASIC, FCA | FCA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $5 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | $1.75/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:1000 | 1:1 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities | Stocks, Indices, Commodities |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
XM
$5
DEGIRO
$0
Spreads From
XM
0.6 pips
DEGIRO
0 pips
Commission
XM
None
DEGIRO
$1.75/lot
Deposit Fees
XM
None
DEGIRO
None
Withdrawal Fees
XM
None
DEGIRO
None
Pros & cons
X
XM
Pros
- Higher overall rating at 3.9/5 versus competitors in this segment
- Zero per-trade commission keeps cost structure simple and predictable
- Very high maximum leverage of up to 1:1000 for eligible traders
- Backed by three tier-1 regulatory licences for added trust
- Broad multi-asset market access spanning five categories
- Low $5 minimum deposit keeps entry barrier accessible
- Industry-standard MT4/MT5 platforms support algorithmic trading
Cons
- Spreads from 0.6 pips are wider than DEGIRO's headline 0-pip offering
- High leverage up to 1:1000 increases risk for inexperienced traders
- No dedicated web-based proprietary trading terminal listed
- Founded in 2009, but multi-licence structure can add jurisdictional complexity for account selection
D
DEGIRO
Pros
- No minimum deposit required, removing the barrier to entry entirely
- Spreads starting from 0 pips are highly competitive for stock trading
- Simple proprietary platforms are easy for beginners to navigate
- No deposit or withdrawal fees preserve trading capital
- Regulated by the FCA, a respected tier-1 authority
- Streamlined asset focus suits long-term investors over active traders
Cons
- Only one regulatory licence (FCA) versus competitors' multi-jurisdiction coverage
- Charges a $1.75 per lot commission on top of spreads
- Maximum leverage capped at 1:1, unsuitable for leveraged forex trading
- No MT4 or MT5 support limits automation and algorithmic trading options
- Narrower market access excludes Forex and CFD products entirely
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner XM
Lowest fees DEGIRO
Best regulation XM
Better for beginners DEGIRO
XM is our recommended pick for the majority of traders in this comparison, earning a 3.9/5 on our proprietary rating scale versus DEGIRO's 3.3/5. XM's multi-asset offering, tier-1 regulatory coverage from ASIC and FCA, and flexible leverage up to 1:1000 make it the stronger all-round platform for forex and CFD traders. That said, DEGIRO is not far behind for a specific type of user — cost-conscious stock and ETF investors who want tight spreads from 0 pips and a genuinely free $0 minimum deposit entry point.
Regulation & Trust
Regulatory strength is one of the clearest differentiators in this matchup. XM is licensed across three separate jurisdictions — CySEC, ASIC, and FCA — giving traders a genuine choice of tier-1 oversight depending on where they open their account. This layered regulatory structure is a meaningful trust signal for anyone trading leveraged forex and CFD products.
DEGIRO, by contrast, operates under a single FCA licence in this comparison. While the FCA is a respected tier-1 regulator in its own right, having only one licence on record gives traders less redundancy and fewer regional protections than XM's multi-jurisdictional setup.
For traders who prioritize regulatory depth above all else, XM's three licences make it the safer-feeling choice on paper. DEGIRO's single licence is still solid, but it's a narrower safety net.
Fees & Spreads
This is where DEGIRO claws back significant ground. DEGIRO advertises spreads starting from 0 pips, undercutting XM's spread-from figure of 0.6 pips on paper. However, DEGIRO charges a flat commission of $1.75 per lot, whereas XM charges no per-trade commission at all.
That combination matters: XM's cost structure is built into the spread with zero added commission, which tends to suit high-frequency forex and CFD traders who want predictable, all-in pricing. DEGIRO's model — tight spreads plus a per-lot commission — can work out cheaper for buy-and-hold stock investors trading less frequently.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, so account funding and cashing out won't erode your capital on either platform. The real cost difference comes down to your trading frequency and asset class of choice.
Minimum Deposit & Accessibility
DEGIRO wins outright on accessibility, requiring a $0 minimum deposit to get started. This makes it an extremely low-barrier entry point for beginners or anyone wanting to test the platform without committing capital upfront.
XM requires a modest $5 minimum deposit, which is still very low by industry standards but technically higher than DEGIRO's zero-dollar threshold. For most traders this difference is negligible in practice.
If absolute lowest possible entry cost is your priority, DEGIRO edges ahead here. But a $5 minimum is unlikely to be a genuine obstacle for the vast majority of new traders considering XM.
Trading Platforms & Tools
XM supports the industry-standard MT4 and MT5 platforms alongside its own proprietary mobile app. This gives traders access to advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and a huge ecosystem of third-party plugins and indicators that MT4/MT5 are known for.
DEGIRO instead relies on a proprietary web platform and proprietary mobile app, without MT4 or MT5 support. This is a simpler, more streamlined experience geared toward stock and ETF investors rather than active forex or CFD traders relying on algorithmic tools.
Traders who value automation, custom indicators, or a familiar interface across brokers will likely prefer XM's MT4/MT5 access. Those who just want a clean, no-frills interface for buying and holding stocks may find DEGIRO's proprietary tools perfectly sufficient.
Market Access & Leverage
XM offers a genuinely diversified market lineup spanning Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, and Commodities, paired with maximum leverage up to 1:1000. That leverage ceiling is dramatically higher than DEGIRO's 1:1, reflecting XM's positioning as a leveraged CFD and forex broker.
DEGIRO's market access is narrower — Stocks, Indices, and Commodities — with no forex CFD leverage trading offered at 1:1. This confirms DEGIRO's identity as an investment-focused platform rather than a leveraged trading broker.
Traders seeking leveraged forex exposure have no real substitute for XM in this comparison. Investors wanting straightforward, unleveraged stock and ETF exposure will find DEGIRO's model more aligned with long-term investing principles.
Our Verdict
Weighing all factors together, XM is the stronger all-round broker for most traders, backed by its higher 3.9/5 rating, deeper regulatory coverage, wider market access, and commission-free pricing model. It's the more versatile platform for anyone trading forex, CFDs, or multiple asset classes with leverage.
DEGIRO remains a compelling, specialized alternative for cost-conscious stock investors who want $0 minimum deposit accessibility and tight 0-pip spreads without needing leverage or forex exposure.
Ultimately, your choice should hinge on trading style: active forex/CFD traders should lean XM, while passive stock and ETF investors on a budget may prefer DEGIRO.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
XM wins overall
XM edges out DEGIRO overall based on our expert rating score.
X
Highest Rated
XM
3.9 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.9/5).
XMBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
DEGIROLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
DEGIROStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
XM
Frequently asked questions
According to our independent proprietary rating system, XM comes out ahead with a score of 3.9 out of 5, compared to DEGIRO's 3.3 out of 5. XM's advantage stems from broader regulatory coverage, wider market access, and commission-free pricing, though DEGIRO remains competitive for stock-focused investors. Your ideal pick still depends on whether you prioritize leveraged trading or straightforward investing, so review the full verdict breakdown above.
Cost comparisons depend heavily on your trading style. DEGIRO advertises spreads from 0 pips but adds a $1.75 per lot commission, while XM charges spreads from 0.6 pips with zero commission. Frequent forex traders often find XM's all-in spread pricing more predictable, while lower-frequency stock investors may benefit from DEGIRO's tighter headline spreads.
XM requires a minimum deposit of just $5, making it very accessible despite technically requiring some initial capital. DEGIRO requires no minimum deposit at all, setting the entry threshold at $0, which makes it marginally more accessible for absolute beginners testing the waters.
XM holds licences from CySEC, ASIC, and FCA, giving it three separate tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. DEGIRO operates under a single FCA licence in this comparison. Both regulators are respected, but XM's layered multi-jurisdictional coverage offers a broader regulatory safety net.
XM supports the widely used MT4 and MT5 trading terminals alongside its own proprietary mobile app, giving traders access to automated strategies and custom indicators. DEGIRO instead offers a proprietary web platform and proprietary mobile app, without MT4 or MT5 compatibility, favoring simplicity over algorithmic trading tools.
Yes, there's nothing stopping you from holding accounts at both brokers simultaneously. Many traders intentionally diversify across multiple platforms to access different asset classes, tools, and fee structures — for example, using XM for leveraged forex trading and DEGIRO for long-term stock investing.
XM offers substantially higher leverage, up to 1:1000 on eligible accounts, catering to active forex and CFD traders who want to amplify their market exposure. DEGIRO caps leverage at 1:1, reflecting its focus on straightforward stock and ETF investing rather than leveraged speculative trading.
XM offers access to five asset categories: Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, and Commodities. DEGIRO's market access is narrower, covering Stocks, Indices, and Commodities without forex or CFD products. Traders wanting diversified multi-asset exposure will find XM's lineup more comprehensive.
DEGIRO's $0 minimum deposit and simplified proprietary platforms make it an approachable choice for beginners, particularly those interested in stock and ETF investing rather than leveraged trading. Our data flags DEGIRO as a strong pick for beginners specifically due to this low barrier to entry, though XM's $5 minimum is also negligible for most new traders.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, according to our research. This means traders on both platforms can move funds in and out without worrying about erosion from transaction fees, leaving trading costs concentrated purely in spreads and commissions.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.