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

XM vs LHV 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Choosing between XM and LHV depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. XM is headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, while LHV operates from Tallinn, Estonia. LHV has the longer track record, established in 1999, 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

LHV

XMLHV
BrokerRank Score3.9/5 ✓3.5/5
Min. Deposit$5$0 ✓
Spread from0.6 pips0 pips ✓
Max Leverage1:1000 ✓1:5
RegulationCySEC, DFSA, FSC ✓Finantsinspektsioon, FCA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, Proprietary MobileProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, LHV Broker
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
LHVXM
Best for Low Fees
LHVXM
Best for Regulation
XMLHV
Best Overall
XMLHV
Quick Answer

XM is the better choice overall, scoring 3.9/5 vs 3.5/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, LHV offers lower spreads (0 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

XM vs LHV: Key Differences

Feature

XM

LHV

Our Rating
3.9 / 5
3.5 / 5
Min. Deposit
$5
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.6 pips
0 pips
Commission
None
None
Regulated By
CySECDFSAFSCFSCAFSA
FinantsinspektsioonFCA
Platforms
MT4, MT5, Proprietary Mobile
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, LHV Broker
Markets
Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
Stocks, Etf, Crypto, Indices
Founded
2009
1999
Headquarters
Limassol, Cyprus
Tallinn, Estonia
Score
2 / 4
2 / 4

Fees Comparison

Fee

XM

LHV

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

Regulation & Trust

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

Markets & Assets

Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Indices markets. XM additionally covers Forex, Cfd, Commodities. LHV adds Etf, Crypto.

Fees & Spreads

On spreads, LHV is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips, compared to 0.6 pips at XM.

Trading Platforms

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

Minimum Deposit

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

Overall Ratings

BrokerRank scores XM at 3.92/5 and LHV at 3.36/5, 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 LHV's 3.36/5. XM holds more tier-1 licences (ASIC, FCA), offering stronger regulatory protection. LHV has a fees advantage with 0.0 pip spreads. Traders with smaller budgets may find LHV's lower minimum deposit of $0 more accessible. LHV 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)
  • More market types (5)
LHV

LHV

3.5/5

Choose LHV if you want…

  • Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
  • No minimum deposit
  • More established (est. 1999)

Also consider

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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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Both XM & LHV are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is XM better than LHV?

XM scores higher overall on our independent rating system. XM holds a 3.9/5 rating vs LHV's 3.5/5. 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 LHV?

XM offers spreads from 0.6 pips, while LHV starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for XM vs LHV?

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

4

Which broker is safer, XM or LHV?

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

5

What trading platforms do XM and LHV support?

XM supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Mobile. LHV supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, LHV Broker.

6

Can I use both XM and LHV?

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

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