FXCM vs XM 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 - FXCM or XM?
Our pick: FXCM
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - FXCM looks preferable to XM.
FXCM scored 4.3/5 and ranks 27 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas XM has 4.2/5 and ranks 30.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is FXCM suitable for?
FXCM is suitable for traders of all levels. Beginners will find educational materials and helpful analytics, while experienced traders will appreciate various instruments and flexible platforms.
Who is XM suitable for?
Broker XM is suitable for both novice traders, thanks to educational materials, and experienced traders who value a variety of instruments.
Comparison Table of FXCM and XM
| Broker | FXCM | XM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1999 | 2009 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Australia, Cyprus, South Africa, Canada, Israel, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Belize, Cyprus, Australia, United Arab Emirates |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:1000 | 1:1000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
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| Trading Platforms |
|
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| Review | FXCM Review | XM Review |
FXCM Review
FXCM represents a comprehensive solution that will benefit traders of all levels — from beginners to professionals. Beginners will appreciate the accessible educational materials and analytics, while experienced traders can use various instruments and flexible platform settings.
However, it's essential to consider drawbacks such as fees for account inactivity and the limited variety of trading accounts. These factors may be particularly significant for traders who do not plan to trade actively or are looking for more options for customization.
The broker offers a good balance between high-quality services and reasonable rates, making it an attractive choice for a broad spectrum of traders.
Pros and Cons of FXCM
Pros
- Diverse methods for deposit and withdrawal.
- Wide range of markets and products for trading.
- A broad spectrum of trading platforms.
- Extensive and quality materials for making informed decisions.
- Quick and efficient help in solving emerging issues.
Cons
- Insufficient variety of trading accounts.
- Inactivity fees and commissions for bank transfer withdrawals.
- Protracted account opening and verification process.
FXCM is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
XM Review
XM broker offers a wide range of services, making it an attractive option for various traders. With over 1500 trading instruments, extensive educational resources, and numerous trading platforms, XM is ideally suited for beginners and experienced traders. Novice traders will particularly appreciate the accessible educational materials and low entry threshold, while professionals will find the competitive spreads and diversity of instruments appealing.
Pros and Cons of XM
Pros
- Wide range of trading assets.
- Extensive educational resources.
- Tight spreads on the Ultra Low account.
- Many analytical materials.
- Commission-free deposits and withdrawals.
Cons
- Inconsistency in technical support.
- Inactivity fee.
- Standard account has a higher spread than the market average.
XM is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | FXCM | XM |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1999 | 2009 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Australia, Cyprus, South Africa, Canada, Israel, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Belize, Cyprus, Australia, United Arab Emirates |
| Regulators | FCA FCA ASIC ASIC CySEC CySEC FSCA FSCA CIRO CIRO ISA ISA SVGFSA SVGFSA | BFSC BFSC CySEC CySEC ASIC ASIC DFSA DFSA |
FXCM
FXCM is a well-regulated broker with numerous licenses from various global organizations.
XM
XM Group is highly regarded for its reliability, holding ASIC, CySEC, FSC, and DFSA licenses.
Account Opening
| Broker | FXCM | XM |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
FXCM
The account opening process at FXCM is logically organized and efficient, providing clear steps for traders. The structured system and quick verification make this process convenient and straightforward.
Pros
- Clear and structured registration form.
Cons
- Verification waiting time can take up to 3 days.
XM
Opening an account with XM Group is straightforward and quick.
Account Types
| Broker | FXCM | XM |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:1000 | 1:1000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
FXCM
FXCM offers two types of accounts: Mini for beginners and Standard for experienced traders. Although the choice is not vast, both accounts are well adapted for their target audiences.
Pros
- Mini account available - akin to a cent account.
- Option for copy trading through ZuluTrade.
- Demo and Islamic accounts available.
Cons
- Limited selection of account types.
- No account with fixed spreads.
XM
XM broker offers various account types to satisfy the needs of different traders, from beginners to professionals.
Pros
- A wide choice of accounts for different experience levels.
- Flexible trading conditions (leverage, deposit).
- Specialized accounts for stock trading.
Cons
- No fixed spread accounts.
- No ECN or STP accounts.
Commissions
| Broker | FXCM | XM |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 3.2/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 1.2 | 1.7 |
| Commission per Lot |
FXCM
Commissions at FXCM are average. The broker offers favorable conditions for long-term trading thanks to competitive spreads and swaps. However, there is an inactivity fee and a fee for fund withdrawal.
Pros
- Competitive spreads and swaps.
- Rebate program for active traders.
Cons
- Inactivity fee.
- Fee for withdrawals via bank transfer.
XM
XM's commissions are rated as average.
Pros
- Low spreads on the Ultra Low account.
- No swaps on many currency pairs on the Ultra Low account.
Cons
- Wider spreads and higher swaps on the standard account.
- Inactivity fee.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | FXCM | XM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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FXCM
FXCM offers a wide range of methods for depositing and withdrawing funds, including cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- Variety of deposit methods.
- Fast processing of withdrawal requests.
- No broker commissions for depositing.
Cons
- Commission for withdrawals via bank transfer.
XM
The broker offers convenient deposit and withdrawal methods with zero commission but lacks cryptocurrency support.
Pros
- Zero commission for deposits and withdrawals.
- A minimum limit of only 5 dollars.
- Quick processing of withdrawal requests.
Cons
- No cryptocurrency deposit/withdrawal options.
Markets and Products
| Broker | FXCM | XM |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 41 | 55 |
| Precious Metals | 3 | 3 |
| Energy Carriers | 7 | 3 |
| Soft Commodities | 4 | 8 |
| Indices | 15 | 50 |
| Stocks | 3512 | 1307 |
| ETF | 280 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 23 | 58 |
FXCM
FXCM provides a wide range of trading instruments, making it attractive for various categories of traders. Different markets, from Forex to stocks and cryptocurrencies, are available.
Pros
- Good selection of markets and instruments.
Cons
- Some competitors have even more CFDs.
XM
The broker offers a wide range of markets and products, including over 1500 items.
Pros
- A large selection of currency pairs.
- Access to CFDs on various assets.
- The ability to trade cryptocurrencies.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | FXCM | XM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
FXCM
FXCM offers a wide choice of trading platforms with high functionality, meeting the needs of different traders.
Pros
- Wide choice of platforms for different trading styles.
- Advanced analytical tools in Trading Station.
- Support for algorithmic and social trading through Capitalise AI and ZuluTrade.
XM
XM offers various versions of MT4 and MT5 platforms, providing flexibility in trading.
Pros
- Availability on various devices (PC, Mac, mobile).
- MultiTerminal for managing multiple accounts.
- WebTrader for browser-based trading.
Cons
- No alternatives to MetaTrader.
Analytics
| Broker | FXCM | XM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
FXCM
FXCM offers comprehensive analytical tools, from trading signals to expert research. These resources not only simplify trading decisions but also help to improve strategy.
Pros
- Wide range of analytical tools.
- Professional signals and market analysis.
- Personalized trading applications.
Cons
- Some tools may require a subscription or active account.
- Lack of analytics localization in different languages.
XM
Analytics at XM are extensive and varied, providing traders with valuable resources for making informed decisions.
Pros
- Exclusive market analysis from professionals.
- Trading signals and tools such as Autochartist.
- The option to listen to news recordings.
Cons
- Real account required to access all materials.
Education
| Broker | FXCM | XM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
FXCM
The broker offers quality webinars and helpful guides that make the learning process informative and interactive.
Pros
- Webinars with experts for direct interaction.
- Detailed Forex guides.
- Materials suitable for traders of all levels.
Cons
- Lack of video courses.
- No podcasts for audio learning.
XM
XM's educational materials are extensive and varied, suitable for all experience levels.
Pros
- A wide range of materials: webinars, videos, seminars.
- Available in different languages.
- Daily online sessions with experts.
Cons
- Lack of textual materials and books.
- No personalized learning options.
Customer Support
| Broker | FXCM | XM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Email Support |
|
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media |
Whatsapp
YouTube
Twitter
LinkedInFXCM
FXCM's technical support is highly rated for its variety of communication channels and quick response. Customer reviews confirm the professionalism and efficiency of the staff.
Pros
- Multiple channels of communication, including WhatsApp and live chat.
- Available 24/5.
- High degree of customer satisfaction.
Cons
- There may be telephone charges for international calls.
XM
XM's technical support offers 24/7 access through various channels, but the service quality is inconsistent.
Pros
- Round-the-clock support.
- A variety of communication channels.
- Quick responses in some cases.
Cons
- Ineffectiveness of solutions, according to reviews.
Comparisons of FXCM and XM with other brokers
Conclusion
FXCM stands out as the better overall pick, while XM trails on aggregate criteria.
FXCM scored 4.3/5 and ranks 27 in our rating; XM has 4.2/5 and ranks 30.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: FXCM or XM?
FXCM comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.3/5, position 27) versus XM (score 4.2/5, position 30).
Which broker is better for beginners: FXCM or XM?
FXCM 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) — FXCM or XM?
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 FXCM and XM?
FXCM: MetaTrader 4, Trading Station, TradingView. XM: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with FXCM and XM?
FXCM: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Cryptocurrency. XM: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by FXCM and XM?
FXCM: Standard. XM: Standard, Micro, XM Ultra Low, Shares. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by FXCM and XM?
FXCM: Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Swift, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, UnionPay. XM: Neteller, Skrill, WebMoney, Perfect Money, SticPay, Visa, Mastercard. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — FXCM or XM — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
