We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links. Learn how we make money and the numbers behind trading.
Rankings updated October 2026

XM vs IC Markets

Your capital is at risk. Trade only with funds you can afford to lose.

XM

4.8/5

#1 in our CFD broker rankings

American Samoa flag Accepts traders from AS

Rating breakdown

  • Regulation & trust4.50.1 lower than IC (4.6)
  • Assets & markets4.50.4 higher than IC (4.1)
  • Fees & costs4.00.6 lower than IC (4.6)
  • Platforms & tools4.80.8 higher than IC (4.0)
  • Accounts & banking4.50.5 higher than IC (4.0)
  • Education4.81.3 higher than IC (3.5)
  • Research4.30.3 higher than IC (4.0)
  • Customer support4.90.4 higher than IC (4.5)

IC’s score. Numbers show the difference.

IC

4.8/5

#4 in our CFD broker rankings

American Samoa flag Accepts traders from AS

Rating breakdown

  • Regulation & trust4.60.1 higher than XM (4.5)
  • Assets & markets4.10.4 lower than XM (4.5)
  • Fees & costs4.60.6 higher than XM (4.0)
  • Platforms & tools4.00.8 lower than XM (4.8)
  • Accounts & banking4.00.5 lower than XM (4.5)
  • Education3.51.3 lower than XM (4.8)
  • Research4.00.3 lower than XM (4.3)
  • Customer support4.50.4 lower than XM (4.9)

XM’s score. Numbers show the difference.

XM vs IC comparison table 2026
XMIC
OverviewXM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 20+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been delivering low trading fees across its growing roster of 1000+ instruments. It also offers a comprehensive MetaTrader experience that we've observed firsthand placing test trades.IC Markets (now IC) is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 200,000 clients from over 200 countries.
Customer Reviews
4.6
Based on 53 customer reviews
4.3
Based on 3 customer reviews
Trustpilot Score
2
3
Bonus Offer$30 No Deposit Bonus, 100% Deposit Bonus–
Promotions–
Comment by Reviewer“With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders, even earning our ‘Best MT4/MT5 Broker’ award in recent years.”“IC (formerly IC Markets) offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders.”
Pros
  • XM has rolled out platform upgrades with integrated TradingView charts and an XM AI assistant, delivering faster execution, smarter analysis, and a sleeker, more intuitive trading experience.
  • XM’s Zero account is ideal for day trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, 99.35% of orders executed in <1 second, and no requotes or rejections.
  • XM’s growing roster of 1,400+ instruments provides diverse short-term trading opportunities, with unique turbo stocks, fractional shares, and more recently thematic indices.
  • XM stands out for its commitment to trader education, with a wealth of well-presented resources, including webinars, tutorials, and even real-time trading sessions through XM Live.
  • XM secured a category 5 license from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates in late 2025, strengthening its regulatory credentials and making it a strong option for traders in the Middle East.
  • You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
  • As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
  • IC offers fast and dependable 24/7 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
  • IC secured DayTrading.com's 'Best MT4/MT5 Broker' in 2025 for its seamless, industry-leading MetaTrader integration, refined over years to maximize the platform experience.
  • IC offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
Cons
  • XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
  • While the XM app stands out for its usability and exclusive copy trading products, the selection of technical analysis tools needs to be improved to meet the needs of advanced traders.
  • Although trusted and generally well-regulated in some regions, XM also has global entities registered with the weak regulators like FSC (Belize) and FSA (Seychelles), whilst UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
  • XM is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader, which is favored over MetaTrader by some serious traders for its smoother user experience and superior charting package.
  • There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
  • While IC offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
  • The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
  • Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
  • Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
Awards
  • Best Gold Broker 2026 - Capital Finance International
  • Best Customer Service 2026 - Capital Finance International
  • Outstanding Customer Service Global 2024 - Capital Finance International
  • Best FX Service Provider 2024 - City of London Wealth Management Awards
  • Best FX Broker, Europe 2023 - World Finance Forex Awards
  • Best CFD Provider 2023 - City of London Wealth Management Awards
  • Best MT4/MT5 Broker 2025 - DayTrading.com
  • Best MT4/MT5 Broker 2023 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Forex Broker 2022 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Overall Broker 2020 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Trading App 2020 - DayTrading.com
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, EnergiesCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
Demo AccountYesYes
Minimum Deposit$5$200
Trading Platforms
  • MT4
  • MT5
  • TradingCentral
  • MT4
  • MT5
  • cTrader
  • TradingView
  • TradingCentral
  • DupliTrade
  • Quantower
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots0.01 Lots
RegulatorCySEC, DFSA, FSCA, SCA, FSA, FSC-Belize, FSC-Mauritius, CMA-Kenya, CMA-UAEASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB, CMA-Kenya
Margin TradingYesYes
STP AccountYesNo
ECN AccountNoYes
DMA AccountNoYes
MAM AccountNoYes
PAMM AccountNoYes
LAMM AccountNoNo
Demat AccountNoNo
AI / Machine LearningYesNo
Robo AdvisorNoNo
Negative Balance ProtectionYesYes
Market MakerYesNo
P2P TradingNoNo
Spot TradingYesNo
Mobile AppsiOS, Android & WindowsiOS & Android
App ReviewXM offer a mobile app for both Android and iOS that has been specifically tailored to each platform, maximizing the functionality of both. The app delivers the MT4 and MT5 software on the move, with full access to the broker’s 1,400+ instruments. Where they shine is their dependability with minimal glitches and delays during testing. The built-in news, trading journal and push notifications also ensure you have everything you need to day trade from your hand.IC deliver mobile apps for their cTrader, MT4, MT5 and TradingView  platforms. They have been developed on Android and iOS separately, taking full advantage of the functionality available on each. With raw pricing, and spreads from 0.0, the apps deliver an excellent trading tool for all levels of trader. Yet what really stands out is how they've managed to maintain the lightning-fast execution speed IC Markets (now just IC) is known for, right within the apps. It's a seamless trading experience that feels both professional and highly responsive.
Android App Rating
3.9
4.2
iOS App Rating
4.7
3.1
Auto TradingExpert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTraderExpert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade
Copy TradingYesYes
Copy Trading PlatformXM offers copy trading through its intuitive app with exclusive crypto pairs. XM global offers a pre-integrated signals service via the MT5 platform. Aspiring investors can view detailed performance metrics and copy the trades of strategy managers. It's easy to set up, only requiring a handful of steps after logging in to your MQL5 community account.Launched in February 2023, the IC Social app offers an intuitive way to learn, share, and mirror the positions of other traders with just a few clicks. Additionally, the app features risk management tools and supports dedicated trading groups. Alternatively, IC grants access to Signal Start, along with well-known third-party copy trading platforms including ZuluTrade and cTrader Copy.
Social TradingYesYes
Trade SignalsYesYes
VPS HostingYesYes
TournamentsYesNo
Demo CompetitionsYesNo
Ethical InvestingNoNo
Custodial AccountNoNo
Guaranteed Stop LossNoNo
Inactivity Fee$5$0
Islamic AccountYesYes
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • JPY
  • ZAR
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • NZD
  • JPY
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
Stock Exchanges
Commodities
CFD Trading
OverviewXM delivers for CFD traders with flexible leverage and a huge range of markets, including bespoke thematic indices for exposure to popular sectors like artificial intelligence. The MT4/MT5 platforms are also fast and dependable while a free VPS is available to qualifying XM traders running algo trading strategies. You gain access to over 2,250 CFDs, available for trading 24/5 across popular markets such as forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and bonds. Utilizing deep liquidity and advanced bridge technology, IC ensures optimal conditions for scalpers, hedgers, and algo traders alike.
Leverage1:10001:5000
FTSE Spread1.4 1.0
GBPUSD Spread0.80.23
Oil Spread0.03 0.03
Stocks Spread1.79 (Apple)0.02
Forex Trading
OverviewXM offers a strong selection of currency pairs with no re-quotes or hidden charges, while spreads have come down over the years, now starting from 0.6 pips on the EUR/USD in the commission-free account. IC maintains its commitment to providing exceptionally tight 0.0-pip forex spreads on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD. This makes it an excellent option if you are seeking superior execution, with an average of 35 milliseconds. Additionally, if you are a high-volume trader, you can benefit from rebates of up to $2.50 per forex lot.
GBPUSD Spread0.80.23
EURUSD Spread0.80.1
EURGBP Spread1.50.27
Assets55+75
Currency Indices
  • USD
–
Cryptocurrency
OverviewXM offers a handful of cryptocurrencies against the USD via the South African entity only. These are tradable via CFDs with very high leverage up to 1:500, amplifying potential returns but also losses. You can day trade major tokens like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple, though the suite of tokens trails the 100+ crypto derivatives at some category leaders.IC offers 20+ cryptocurrencies which are tradable via CFDs, including lesser-known tokens such as Avalanche, Kusama and Uniswap. Commission-free trading is available, and experienced crypto traders can access leverage in the MetaTrader platforms.
SpreadVariableBTC 42.036
Coins
  • BTC
  • ETH
  • LTC
  • XRP
  • BCH
  • BTC
  • BCH
  • DOT
  • DSH
  • EMC
  • EOS
  • ETH
  • LNK
  • LTC
  • NMC
  • PPC
  • XLM
  • XRP
  • ADA
  • BNB
  • DOG
  • UNI
  • XTZ
Crypto LendingNoNo
Crypto MiningNoNo
Crypto StakingNoNo
Auto Market MakerNoNo