CMC Markets vs XTB Comparison: Which Is Better for Traders?
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - CMC Markets or XTB?
Our pick: CMC Markets
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - CMC Markets looks preferable to XTB.
CMC Markets scored 4.4/5 and ranks 15 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas XTB has 4.2/5 and ranks 31.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is CMC Markets suitable for?
Broker CMC Markets is suitable for all traders thanks to its reliability, low commissions, and excellent trading platform.
Who is XTB suitable for?
XTB suits experienced traders looking for a reliable broker with a wide selection of instruments and high-quality analytics.
Comparison Table of CMC Markets and XTB
| Broker | CMC Markets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1988 | 2001 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates | Belize, Poland, United Kingdom, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Germany |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0.5 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Review | CMC Markets Review | XTB Review |
CMC Markets Review
CMC Markets has been a reliable CFD and Forex broker in the business for a long time. Top-tier financial authorities regulate the company, offers an excellent trading platform, and has low commission fees.
We believe it is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced traders. CMC Markets is a good option if you are seeking a trustworthy broker with extensive experience.
Pros and Cons of CMC Markets
Pros
- Low trading fees.
- Wide range of markets and products.
- Access to the popular MetaTrader 4 and CMC Markets platforms.
- Extensive analytical materials.
- Comprehensive educational materials.
Cons
- Limited account options.
- Inactivity fee.
- No online chat.
CMC Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
XTB Review
XTB is a highly regulated broker with licenses from leading bodies such as the FCA, reinforcing its reliability and transparency. This broker offers a wide range of trading products, including currencies, indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies, making it a flexible choice for traders of different levels and interests. Various deposit options and advanced analytical support further enhance its appeal against competitors.
XTB suits traders who value regulation and security, those looking for various trading tools, and those who want access to extensive analytical resources. The broker will especially suit active traders who maximize low spreads and product diversity.
Pros and Cons of XTB
Pros
- Regulated by several leading financial authorities.
- Variety of methods to deposit funds.
- Wide range of trading assets.
- Extensive analytical tools and resources.
Cons
- Withdrawal methods are limited.
- Lack of educational materials.
Reliability
| Broker | CMC Markets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1988 | 2001 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates | Belize, Poland, United Kingdom, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Germany |
| Regulators |
|
|
CMC Markets
CMC Markets demonstrates a high level of regulation and protection of client funds.
Pros
- Regulation in multiple countries.
- Adherence to CASS rules to protect client funds.
- Compensation through FSCS in case of financial problems.
XTB
XTB is quite reliable, considering regulation in several authoritative jurisdictions.
Account Opening
| Broker | CMC Markets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
CMC Markets
The account opening process is standard but has some limitations.
Pros
- No minimum deposit requirement.
- Clear and transparent registration process.
Cons
- Requirement to provide extensive information.
- Restrictions for residents of certain countries.
XTB
The account opening process at XTB is simple and clear, but takes some time.
Pros
- Easy registration and data verification.
- Flexibility regarding the minimum deposit.
- Adherence to KYC and AML standards.
Cons
- Verification can take time.
- Need to provide a large volume of personal data.
Account Types
| Broker | CMC Markets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 2.3/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
|
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| Minimum Deposit |
|
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| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0.5 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
CMC Markets
Accounts meet basic needs but do not offer a wide selection.
Pros
- Availability of a demo account.
Cons
- No cent or Islamic accounts.
- No accounts with fixed spreads.
- No investment accounts (PAMM, copy trading).
XTB
XTB’s account types cover the core needs of most traders and investors: a Standard and Swap-Free account for CFD trading plus a separate investment account for real stocks and ETFs, though the overall choice is less diverse than some rivals.
Pros
- Simple lineup: Standard, Swap-Free and Investment account.
- Access to real stocks and ETFs with one broker.
- Unified xStation platform for trading and investing.
Cons
- Fewer account types than some competitors.
- No specialized “pro” accounts for niche strategies.
Commissions
| Broker | CMC Markets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.7/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0.5 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.7 | 1.4 |
| Commission per Lot |
CMC Markets
The broker offers competitive spreads and does not charge fees for depositing/withdrawing.
Pros
- No deposit or withdrawal fees.
- Competitive spreads and swaps.
- Cashback on trading commissions.
Cons
- Monthly inactivity fee.
XTB
XTB offers an average level of commissions.
Pros
- Cashback system helps to offset some of the commissions.
Cons
- Fee for account inactivity.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | CMC Markets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
|
|
CMC Markets
The broker offers flexibility and transparency in transactions.
Pros
- No fees for deposits or withdrawals.
- Fast processing of withdrawal requests.
Cons
- Some competitors offer more payment methods.
XTB
XTB provides convenient methods for depositing funds without a commission, but has limited withdrawal options.
Pros
- Wide selection of deposit methods.
- No commission for depositing funds.
- No commission for withdrawals over $50.
Cons
- The only available withdrawal method is bank transfer.
- Commission of $30 for withdrawals less than $50.
Markets and Products
| Broker | CMC Markets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.4/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 336 | 57 |
| Precious Metals | 19 | 9 |
| Energy Carriers | 45 | 5 |
| Soft Commodities | 58 | 10 |
| Indices | 99 | 35 |
| Stocks | 10099 | 1997 |
| ETF | 1200 | 177 |
| Bonds | 71 | 3 |
| Cryptocurrency | 336 | 41 |
CMC Markets
CMC Markets offers various trading instruments for multiple markets but with limited maximum leverage.
XTB
XTB offers an extensive range of markets and products for trading, including currency pairs, indices, commodities, stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | CMC Markets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
CMC Markets
The broker provides two powerful and flexible trading platforms.
Pros
- Availability of the popular MetaTrader 4 platform.
- Proprietary platform with extensive functionality and customization options.
Cons
- The proprietary platform may be complex for beginners.
- Lack of MetaTrader 5 platform.
XTB
XTB offers its functional and user-friendly trading platform xStation 5, well-suited for market analysis.
Pros
- A multitude of analytical tools.
- Customizable terminal interface.
- Android mobile app available.
Cons
- Lack of choice between different trading platforms.
- No platform version for iOS devices.
- No desktop version of the platform.
Analytics
| Broker | CMC Markets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
CMC Markets
The broker offers extensive analytical resources that assist traders in decision-making.
Pros
- Comprehensive commentary and forecasts from experts.
- Technical and fundamental analysis.
- News from Reuters and economic calendar.
XTB
XTB offers superior analytics with a rich set of tools available to all users, making them one of the leaders in this area.
Pros
- In-depth analytics, including forecasts from experts and news.
- A wide range of analysis tools, including an economic calendar and trading schedules.
- Analytics available to all users, not only company clients.
Education
| Broker | CMC Markets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 3/5 |
CMC Markets
The broker offers extensive and quality educational resources for traders of all levels.
Pros
- A wide range of educational forms: seminars, webinars, video conferences, courses.
- Classes conducted by leading traders and guest experts.
- Most materials are available for free to company clients.
XTB
XTB's educational materials are limited.
Pros
- Basic trading information is provided.
Cons
- Lack of webinars and detailed video tutorials.
- Not suitable for beginners seeking comprehensive education.
Customer Support
| Broker | CMC Markets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media | — |
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
LinkedInCMC Markets
CMC Markets provides quality technical support operating 24/5, with prompt and professional responses.
Pros
- Support available 24/5.
- Prompt and professional responses.
Cons
- Lack of online chat for instant communication.
XTB
XTB's technical support is generally good, available 24/5.
Pros
- Operates 24/5.
- Contact options include phone and email.
- Responses to inquiries are received within a reasonable timeframe.
Cons
- Lack of messaging channels for communication.
Comparisons of CMC Markets and XTB with other brokers
Conclusion
CMC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while XTB trails on aggregate criteria.
CMC Markets scored 4.4/5 and ranks 15 in our rating; XTB has 4.2/5 and ranks 31.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: CMC Markets or XTB?
CMC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.4/5, position 15) versus XTB (score 4.2/5, position 31).
Which broker is better for beginners: CMC Markets or XTB?
CMC Markets is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — CMC Markets or XTB?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with CMC Markets and XTB?
CMC Markets: MetaTrader 4, CMC Markets. XTB: xStation. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with CMC Markets and XTB?
CMC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. XTB: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by CMC Markets and XTB?
CMC Markets: CFD. XTB: Standard, Swap Free. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by CMC Markets and XTB?
CMC Markets: PayPal, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Online banking. XTB: Neteller, Skrill, PaySafeCard, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — CMC Markets or XTB — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
