Our comparison of Forex brokers Plus500 and XTB looks at differences and similarities between trading costs, platforms, regulation, and more to help you decide on a broker to trade with.
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Our full comparison dives deep into the 10 most pivotal trading factors. Here are five standout differences:
Both Plus500 and XTB offer competitive pricing, but the specifics can vary depending on the account type and trading conditions. Try the XTB vs Plus500 fee calculator below based on the most popular forex pairs and base currencies.
Plus500 Spreads
Plus500 offers tighter spreads on its standard account compared to XTB. This can lead to lower trading costs in the long run.
| Plus500 | EUR/USD | USD/JPY | GBP/USD | AUD/USD | USD/CAD | EUR/GBP | EUR/JPY | AUD/JPY | All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | EUR/USD Standard Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MyFxBook | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| BrokerChooser | 0.80 | 1.00 | 1.30 | 0.80 | 2.00 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| ForexBrokers.com | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| CompareForexBrokers | 1.70 | 1.90 | 2.30 | 1.40 | 2.00 | 1.70 | 2.40 | 3.00 | N/A | N/A |
| Plus500 | 0.02 | 0.11 | 0.09 | 0.25 | 0.15 | 0.11 | 0.28 | 0.36 | N/A | N/A |
| Consensus | 0.84 | 1.00 | 1.23 | 0.82 | 1.38 | 0.91 | 1.34 | 1.68 | N/A | N/A |
XTB Spreads
XTB’s pro account provides more competitive pricing for traders who prefer raw spreads to Plus500’s equivalent.
| Plus500 | EUR/USD | USD/JPY | GBP/USD | AUD/USD | USD/CAD | EUR/GBP | EUR/JPY | AUD/JPY | All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | EUR/USD Standard Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MyFxBook | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| BrokerChooser | 1.00 | 1.40 | 1.30 | 1.30 | 1.80 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| ForexBrokers.com | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1.04 | 1.07 |
| CompareForexBrokers | 0.09 | 1.40 | 0.14 | 0.13 | 0.18 | 0.14 | 0.14 | 0.17 | N/A | N/A |
| XTB | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.02 | 0.02 | N/A | N/A |
| Consensus | 0.36 | 0.94 | 0.48 | 0.48 | 0.66 | 0.07 | 0.08 | 0.10 | 1.04 | 1.07 |
The graph below shows the consensus data with XTB having lower spreads in all major currency pairs.
Commission Rates
Plus500 operates on a commission-free model, making money through spreads, while XTB charges commissions on certain account types.
Other Fees
Plus500 and XTB both charge inactivity fees, but Plus500’s fee kicks in after a shorter period of inactivity.
Verdict
Both Plus500 and XTB charge inactivity and overnight fees. It’s important for traders to be aware of these costs, especially if they plan to hold positions overnight or remain inactive for extended periods.
*Your capital is at risk ‘82% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Plus500 and XTB offer different trading platforms to their users mainly.
| Trading Platform | Plus500 | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | No | No |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Copy Trading | No | No |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
MetaTrader 4 and 5
While Plus500 offers its proprietary platform, XTB supports MetaTrader 4, a popular platform known for its advanced features and customisability.
cTrader and TradingView
Neither Plus500 nor XTB offers cTrader or TradingView.
Social And Copy Trading
XTB and Plus500 do not offer social or copy trading.
Verdict
XTB wins this category due to its support for MetaTrader, a proprietary platform and mobile trading app.
*Your capital is at risk ‘77% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Plus500 offers a simple account type, while XTB provides accounts designed for novice and professional traders. The Plus500 platform is designed with a focus on simplicity and ease of use, making it ideal for beginners.
Plus500 Account Types:
XTB Account Types:
| Plus500 | XTB | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Account | Yes | Yes |
| Raw Account | No | Yes |
| Swap Free Account | No | Yes |
| Active Traders | No | No |
| Spread Betting (UK) | No | No |
Verdict
Both Plus500 and XTB offer competitive account features tailored to different types of traders. If variety and specialised account options are your priority, Plus500 might be the better choice. However, for traders seeking simplicity and ease of access, XTB’s approach could be more appealing.
*Your capital is at risk ‘77% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Trading should be a breeze, not a chore. Plus500’s platform is designed with simplicity in mind, making it a favourite among newcomers. Its clean interface ensures that traders aren’t overwhelmed. Conversely, XTB seems to cater to the more experienced crowd. Their platform, brimming with advanced charting tools, is a haven for those who love in-depth analysis.
Verdict
While Plus500 is a haven for beginners, XTB is the go-to for traders seeking advanced functionalities.
*Your capital is at risk ‘77% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Plus500 has a higher trust score of 78 than XTB, which is 70. We have evaluated both brokers based on their regulations, reputation, and reviews.
Plus500 Trust Score
XTB Trust Score
Regulation
Both Plus500 and XTB are highly regulated. Plus500 is regulated by several top-tier financial authorities worldwide, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). It’s also regulated by other notable regulatory bodies, such as BaFin in Germany, FINMA in Switzerland, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), among others.
| Plus500 | XTB | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 Regulation | ASIC (Australia) FCA (UK) CYSEC (Cyprus) FMA (New Zealand) MAS (Singapore) | FCA (UK) CYSEC (Cyprus) |
| Tier 2 Regulation | DFSA (Dubai) EFSRA | DFSA (Dubai) CMNV (Spain) KNF (Poland) |
| Tier 3 Regulation | FSA-S (Seychelles) FSCA (South Africa) | FSC-BZ |
Similarly, XTB is also regulated by multiple top-tier financial authorities, including ASIC, FCA, and CySEC. In addition, it’s regulated by the KNF in Poland, where it’s headquartered, and other regulatory bodies such as the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa.
Reputation
Plus500 was established in 2008 in Haifa, Israel, which means they have earned a name for themselves. This fact is further backed up by the Google monthly search they get at 246,000 hits.
XTB also has a long history, with its origins dating back to 2002 in London, UK. Similarly, they have around 246,000 monthly searches.
Reviews
Plus500 has gained a TrustPilot score of 4.0 out of 5 from 12,099 reviews, while XTB also scored 4.0 out of 865 reviews.
Verdict
Plus500 has more weight in this category despite both brokers being regulated by multiple top-tier authorities and having similar scores in a couple of factors.
*Your capital is at risk ‘82% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Plus500 offers a commendable array of CFDs, covering popular markets like forex, commodities, and indices. XTB, however, goes a step further. Their expansive features include emerging markets such as cryptocurrencies and ETFs, which are gaining traction among traders.
| Product/Market | Plus500 | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | ✓ | ✓ |
| Commodities | ✓ | ✓ |
| Indices | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cryptocurrencies | ✕ | ✓ |
| ETFs | ✕ | ✓ |
| Stocks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bonds | ✕ | ✓ |
| Options | ✕ | ✓ |
| Futures | ✕ | ✓ |
| Precious Metals | ✓ | ✓ |
Verdict
While Plus500 offers a solid range of CFDs, XTB clearly has the upper hand with its broader spectrum of markets, making it the preferred choice for traders seeking variety and depth in their trading portfolio.
*Your capital is at risk ‘77% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Plus500 does offer educational resources, but they’re more on the basic side. XTB, in contrast, is like an open university for traders. Their range is vast, from webinars to e-books, catering to all levels.
Verdict
For those hungry for knowledge, XTB is the clear winner with its extensive educational resources.
*Your capital is at risk ‘77% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Plus500 offers swift responses, but their avenues for support are somewhat limited. XTB stands out with its round-the-clock support and a plethora of contact methods.
| Feature | Plus500 | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Support | ✕ | ✓ |
| Live Chat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Phone Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Email Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multilingual Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Educational Webinars | ✕ | ✓ |
Verdict
When it comes to unparalleled support, XTB takes the crown with its diverse and always-available customer service.
*Your capital is at risk ‘77% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
Smooth trading is backed by seamless funding. Brokers offer various funding options which differentiate them.
| Payment Options | Plus500 | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| PayPal | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✕ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Other methods (i.e. Crypto, digital wallets, cheque) | ✓ | ✓ |
Verdict
XTB emerges as the more versatile option for traders seeking varied funding avenues.
*Your capital is at risk ‘82% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
XTB has a lower minimum deposit of $0 than Plus500, which requires $100. By setting a lower threshold, XTB simplifies the process for beginners, allowing them to start small before diving deep. Although Plus500 offers a wide range of features, it requires a substantial initial investment.
Plus500
| GBP | USD | EUR | AUD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card / Debit Card | £100 Minimum Deposit | $100 Minimum Deposit | €100 Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Paypal | £100 Minimum Deposit | $100 Minimum Deposit | €100 Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Bank Wire | £100 Minimum Deposit | $100 Minimum Deposit | €100 Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Skrill | £100 Minimum Deposit | $100 Minimum Deposit | €100 Minimum Deposit | $100 |
XTB
| GBP | USD | EUR | AUD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card / Debit Card | £0 | $0 Minimum Deposit | €0 Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Bank Wire | £0 | $0 Minimum Deposit | €0 Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Skrill | £0 | $0 Minimum Deposit | €0 Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Neteller | £0 | $0 Minimum Deposit | €0 Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Here’s a quick look at each broker’s required and recommended deposit amounts.
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Recommended Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Plus500 | $100 | $100 |
| XTB | $0 | $250 |
Verdict
XTB wins this category with its no minimum deposit requirement.
*Your capital is at risk ‘82% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
XTB emerges as the winner due to its comprehensive offerings in terms of educational resources, trading platforms, customer service, and product range.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | Plus500 | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Spreads And Fees | ❌ | ✅ |
| Better Trading Platform | ❌ | ✅ |
| Superior Accounts And Features | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best Trading Experience And Ease | ❌ | ✅ |
| Stronger Trust And Regulation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Top Product Range And CFD Markets | ❌ | ✅ |
| Superior Educational Resources | ❌ | ✅ |
| Superior Customer Service | ❌ | ✅ |
| Better Funding Options | ❌ | ✅ |
| Lower Minimum Deposit | ❌ | ✅ |
Plus500 is better for beginner traders due to its streamlined user interface and simpler account structure, making it easier for newcomers to start trading.
XTB is the preferred choice for experienced traders, offering advanced charting tools, a wider range of educational resources, and a more diverse product portfolio.
Plus500 generally offers lower costs. Their spreads are competitive, often outperforming many in the industry. For a deeper dive into low commission brokers, check out our guide on Lowest Commission Brokers.
Only XTB has MetaTrader 4, thus giving it its win here. For more insights on MT4 brokers, explore our detailed review of the best MT4 brokers.
XTB shines in the realm of social trading, offering robust tools for traders to collaborate and share strategies. For a broader perspective on social trading platforms, visit our comprehensive guide on the best social trading platforms.
Yes, Plus500 offers spread betting for traders, especially appealing to UK traders. For more on spread betting, consider our guide on the best spread betting brokers in the UK.
In my opinion, Plus500 has a slight edge for Australian traders. They’re ASIC regulated, ensuring a high level of trust. While XTB offers a plethora of features, Plus500’s foundation in Australia gives it a home advantage. Dive deeper into the best options for Aussie traders at our Best Forex Brokers In Australia comparison.
For UK traders, XTB is the superior choice. They’re FCA regulated, ensuring top-notch security and trustworthiness. Plus, their global foundation and vast features make them a favourite among UK traders. For more insights on UK trading, check out our Best Forex Brokers In UK.
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