X
XTB
3.8 / 5Score: 3 / 4
Zero minimum deposit and razor-thin spreads make XTB the most accessible low-cost entry point into forex and CFD trading.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:500
- Spread from
- 0.1 pips
- Regulators
- FCA, CySEC
Reviewed by Experts Updated 8/19/2026
XTB vs Markets.com: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
XTB and Markets.com are both well-established multi-asset brokers, but they cater to slightly different priorities. XTB edges ahead with tighter spreads and a $0 minimum deposit, while Markets.com counters with broader regulatory coverage across three top-tier jurisdictions.
M
Markets.com
3.8 / 5Score: 1 / 4
Triple-regulated across CySEC, ASIC, and the FCA, Markets.com offers unmatched jurisdictional trust for global traders.
- Min deposit
- $100
- Max leverage
- 1:300
- Spread from
- 0.6 pips
- Regulators
- CySEC, ASIC, FCA
Overall Winner
XTB
Best for Beginners
XTB
Lowest Fees
XTB
Top Regulation
Markets.com
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | X XTB | M Markets.com |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.8 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 |
| Founded | 2002 | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Warsaw, Poland | Limassol, Cyprus |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC | CySEC, ASIC, FCA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Spreads From | 0.1 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Commission | None | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:300 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4 | MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web |
| Markets Offered | Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
XTB
$0
Markets.com
$100
Spreads From
XTB
0.1 pips
Markets.com
0.6 pips
Commission
XTB
None
Markets.com
None
Deposit Fees
XTB
None
Markets.com
None
Withdrawal Fees
XTB
None
Markets.com
None
Pros & cons
X
XTB
Pros
- Highest overall rating of the two brokers at 3.8/5
- Significantly tighter spreads starting from just 0.1 pips
- No minimum deposit barrier, ideal for beginners
- Higher maximum leverage of up to 1:500
- No commission charged on standard trades
- Full range of markets including forex, stocks, and crypto
- Modern, intuitive proprietary platform suite
Cons
- Regulated by only two authorities (FCA, CySEC) versus Markets.com's three
- No MT5 support, which may deter advanced algorithmic traders
- Higher leverage carries increased risk for inexperienced traders
- Narrower regulatory footprint outside Europe and the UK
M
Markets.com
Pros
- Widest regulatory coverage with three top-tier licences
- Support for both MT4 and MT5 platforms
- No commission on standard trading accounts
- Established broker with operating history since 2008
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Full multi-asset offering including forex, stocks, and indices
Cons
- Higher minimum deposit requirement of $100
- Wider spreads starting from 0.6 pips versus competitors
- Lower maximum leverage capped at 1:300
- Lower overall composite rating on key trading cost metrics
- No proprietary mobile app mentioned alongside web platform
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner XTB
Lowest fees XTB
Best regulation Markets.com
Better for beginners XTB
XTB is our top pick overall, narrowly outscoring Markets.com on our proprietary rating (3.81/5 vs 3.76/5). It wins on cost efficiency thanks to spreads from 0.1 pips versus 0.6 pips, and its $0 minimum deposit makes it far more accessible to newer traders. Markets.com still holds its own for traders who prioritise regulatory breadth, holding licences from CySEC, ASIC, and the FCA, but for the majority of retail forex and CFD traders, XTB delivers the stronger all-round package in 2026.
Regulation & Safety
Both brokers are regulated by reputable authorities, giving traders a reasonable degree of confidence in fund security and operational transparency. XTB is licensed by the FCA and CySEC, two of the most respected regulatory bodies in the retail trading space.
Markets.com extends its oversight further, holding licences from CySEC, ASIC, and the FCA — three separate top-tier regulators spanning Europe, Oceania, and the UK. This broader jurisdictional spread is a genuine advantage for traders who value multi-region compliance or who reside in areas where ASIC oversight matters.
For pure regulatory breadth, Markets.com takes the edge, and it's officially named our pick for 'Best for Regulation.' However, XTB's FCA and CySEC combination is still considered a strong, trustworthy regulatory footprint for the majority of retail clients.
Fees, Spreads & Trading Costs
Cost efficiency is where XTB pulls decisively ahead. XTB advertises spreads from just 0.1 pips, compared to Markets.com's 0.6 pips starting point — a meaningful difference for active traders and scalpers where every fraction of a pip compounds over volume.
Neither broker charges a commission on standard trading, and both waive deposit and withdrawal fees entirely, which keeps the overall cost comparison straightforward and transparent.
For high-frequency traders or those running tight-margin strategies, the spread differential alone makes XTB the more economical choice over the long run, which is reflected in its 'Best for Low Fees' award.
Account Accessibility & Minimum Deposit
XTB requires no minimum deposit at all, making it exceptionally easy for beginners or cautious traders to open an account and start with whatever capital they feel comfortable committing.
Markets.com, by comparison, requires a $100 minimum deposit. While not a steep barrier by industry standards, it's still a meaningfully higher entry point than XTB's $0 requirement.
This accessibility difference is a core reason XTB earns our 'Best for Beginners' award — new traders can test strategies and platform functionality without committing meaningful capital upfront.
Trading Platforms & Tools
XTB offers its own Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile platforms alongside MetaTrader 4, giving traders a choice between an in-house, streamlined experience and the industry-standard MT4 ecosystem.
Markets.com supports MT4 and MT5, plus its own Proprietary Web platform, offering slightly deeper MetaTrader coverage with the inclusion of MT5's expanded asset classes and order types.
Traders who prefer MetaTrader's automated trading (Expert Advisors) and broader indicator library may lean toward Markets.com's MT5 support, while those who value a modern, easy-to-navigate proprietary interface may prefer XTB's in-house tools.
Leverage & Market Access
XTB offers higher maximum leverage at up to 1:500, compared to Markets.com's 1:300 ceiling. This gives XTB clients (subject to jurisdiction and account classification) more flexibility to amplify position sizes.
Both brokers offer an identical breadth of tradable markets, spanning Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, and Crypto — so market diversity is essentially a tie between the two platforms.
Higher leverage is a double-edged sword and should be approached cautiously, but for experienced traders who understand risk management, XTB's 1:500 offering provides more strategic flexibility.
Our Verdict
XTB is the stronger all-round broker for most traders in 2026, backed by our proprietary rating of 3.81/5 versus Markets.com's 3.76/5. Its combination of tighter spreads, zero minimum deposit, and higher leverage caters well to both newcomers and cost-conscious active traders.
Markets.com remains a highly credible alternative, particularly for traders who prioritize triple-jurisdiction regulatory coverage or want MT5 access alongside MT4.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to priorities: choose XTB for lower costs and easier accessibility, or choose Markets.com if regulatory breadth and MetaTrader 5 support are non-negotiable for your trading approach.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
It's a tie
XTB and Markets.com are evenly matched in our ratings — your best choice depends on your specific trading style and platform preference.
Visit XTBCategory winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.8/5).
TieBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
XTBLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
XTBStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Markets.com
Frequently asked questions
According to our independent rating system, XTB scores 3.81/5 compared to Markets.com's 3.76/5, making it the slightly stronger all-round choice. XTB pulls ahead primarily due to lower trading costs and easier account accessibility, though Markets.com remains highly competitive on regulatory breadth. The right choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize cost efficiency or multi-jurisdiction regulatory coverage.
XTB is the clear winner on trading costs, with spreads starting from 0.1 pips compared to Markets.com's 0.6 pips. Neither broker charges a commission on standard trades, and both waive deposit and withdrawal fees. For high-frequency traders, this spread difference can add up to substantial savings over time.
XTB requires no minimum deposit at all, allowing traders to open an account and start trading with any amount they're comfortable committing. Markets.com requires a $100 minimum deposit, which is still reasonable by industry standards but represents a higher entry barrier than XTB.
Markets.com holds a broader regulatory footprint, licensed by CySEC, ASIC, and the FCA — three separate top-tier authorities. XTB is regulated by the FCA and CySEC, which is still a strong and trustworthy combination, but covers fewer jurisdictions than Markets.com's triple-regulated structure.
XTB offers its own Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile platforms alongside MetaTrader 4 support. Markets.com supports both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, plus a Proprietary Web platform, giving it a slight edge for traders who specifically want MT5's expanded features.
XTB offers higher maximum leverage of up to 1:500, while Markets.com caps leverage at 1:300. Higher leverage can amplify both potential gains and losses, so traders should approach this feature with careful risk management regardless of which broker they choose.
Yes, there is nothing preventing you from holding accounts at both brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across multiple platforms to access different markets, platform tools, or regulatory protections depending on their strategy and location.
XTB is generally the better fit for beginners thanks to its $0 minimum deposit requirement and intuitive proprietary platform suite. This makes it easier for new traders to start with minimal financial commitment while still accessing a full range of markets including forex, stocks, indices, and crypto.
No, both XTB and Markets.com have a transparent no-fee policy for deposits and withdrawals. This makes cost comparisons between the two brokers simpler, since the primary cost differentiator comes down to spreads rather than hidden account fees.
Both XTB and Markets.com offer an essentially identical range of markets, including Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, and Crypto. Market diversity is not a differentiating factor between the two brokers, so the decision should be based on costs, regulation, and platform preference instead.
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.