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Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Mar 11, 2026

XM vs ActivTrades 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Choosing between XM and ActivTrades depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. XM is headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, while ActivTrades operates from London, UK. ActivTrades has the longer track record, established in 2001, compared to XM which was founded in 2009. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.

XM

ActivTrades

Higher ratedXM logo

XM

3.9/ 5
Visit XM →Full review
VS
XMActivTrades
BrokerRank Score3.9/5 ✓3.6/5
Min. Deposit$5$0 ✓
Spread from0.6 pips0.5 pips ✓
Max Leverage1:1000 ✓1:400
RegulationCySEC, DFSA, FSC ✓FCA, CySEC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, Proprietary MobileMT4, MT5, Proprietary Web
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
ActivTradesXM
Best for Low Fees
ActivTradesXM
Best for Regulation
XMActivTrades
Best Overall
XMActivTrades
Quick Answer

XM is the better choice overall, scoring 3.9/5 vs 3.6/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, ActivTrades offers lower spreads (0.5 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

XM vs ActivTrades: Key Differences

Feature

XM

ActivTrades

Our Rating
3.9 / 5
3.6 / 5
Min. Deposit
$5
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.6 pips
0.5 pips
Commission
None
None
Regulated By
CySECDFSAFSCFSCAFSA
Platforms
MT4, MT5, Proprietary Mobile
MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web
Markets
Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Founded
2009
2001
Headquarters
Limassol, Cyprus
London, UK
Score
2 / 4
2 / 4

Fees Comparison

Fee

XM

ActivTrades

Lower fees
Spread From
0.6 pips
0.5 pips
Commission
None
None
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None

Regulation & Trust

XM holds licences from ASIC, FCA, CySEC. ActivTrades is regulated by FCA, CySEC.

Markets & Assets

Both brokers offer access to Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities markets.

Fees & Spreads

On spreads, ActivTrades is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.5 pips, compared to 0.6 pips at XM.

Trading Platforms

XM supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Mobile. ActivTrades offers MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. Both brokers are available on MT4, MT5.

Minimum Deposit

XM requires a minimum deposit of $5, while ActivTrades sets no minimum deposit. This makes ActivTrades accessible to traders with any budget.

Overall Ratings

BrokerRank scores XM at 3.92/5 and ActivTrades at 3.56/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. XM leads overall with a clear advantage.

BrokerRank Verdict

XM is our recommended pick in this comparison, scoring 3.92/5 versus ActivTrades's 3.56/5. XM holds more tier-1 licences (ASIC, FCA), offering stronger regulatory protection. ActivTrades has a fees advantage with 0.5 pip spreads. Traders with smaller budgets may find ActivTrades's lower minimum deposit of $0 more accessible. ActivTrades is still a solid option for beginners starting with a smaller initial capital, but XM offers a stronger overall package for the majority of traders.

Who Should Choose Which?

XM

XM

3.9/5

Top pick

Choose XM if you want…

  • Higher overall rating (3.9/5)
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:1000)
  • More regulatory licences (5)
ActivTrades

ActivTrades

3.6/5

Choose ActivTrades if you want…

  • Tighter spreads (from 0.5 pips)
  • No minimum deposit
  • More market types (6)
  • More established (est. 2001)

Also consider

View all rankings

We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.

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4.3
FCA
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FxPro
4.1
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Plus500
4.0
MAS
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AvaTrade
4.0
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Both XM & ActivTrades are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is XM better than ActivTrades?

XM scores higher overall on our independent rating system. XM holds a 3.9/5 rating vs ActivTrades's 3.6/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.

2

Which has lower fees, XM or ActivTrades?

XM offers spreads from 0.6 pips, while ActivTrades starts at 0.5 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for XM vs ActivTrades?

XM requires a minimum deposit of $5. ActivTrades requires $0.

4

Which broker is safer, XM or ActivTrades?

XM is regulated by CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA, FSA, while ActivTrades holds licences from FCA, CySEC.

5

What trading platforms do XM and ActivTrades support?

XM supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Mobile. ActivTrades supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web.

6

Can I use both XM and ActivTrades?

Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.

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