IG vs XTB: Which Broker Suits You?
IG scores 4.2 and XTB 3.6 out of 5 on our published methodology. IG leads on Platform & Tools, Regulation & Trust and Asset Range, and they tie on Costs & Fees and Account Access & Support. Both accept clients in the UK, the EU and other countries.
Score by score
Each category is scored 1–5 using our published methodology. The overall score is the plain average of the first five; ease of use is shown separately.
Key facts side by side
| IG | XTB | |
|---|---|---|
| What you own | Mixed | Mixed |
| Available assets | CFDs and spread betting, plus genuine UK share dealing and ISAs | Real stocks and ETFs alongside 5,400+ CFDs |
| Regulated by | FCA, ASIC and other regional regulators | FCA, KNF, CySEC, DFSA and others |
| Stands out for | Trading since 1974, LSE-listed, with very wide market access | Commission-free stocks and ETFs up to a high monthly threshold |
| Watch out for | Most of the range is leveraged rather than owned | The product range is CFD-weighted, and availability varies by country |
| Accepts clients in | The UK, the EU and other countries | The UK, the EU and other countries |
Is IG cheaper than XTB?
Both score 3/5 on Costs & Fees, so neither has a clear overall cost advantage on our measures; which is cheaper for you depends on what you trade, how often, and in which currency. Fees differ by country and account type and change often, so check both brokers’ current price lists before you choose.
Which is safer, IG or XTB?
IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC and other regional regulators; XTB by FCA, KNF, CySEC, DFSA and others. IG scores higher on our Regulation & Trust measure (5/5 against 4/5). Which company holds your account, and which investor compensation scheme covers it, depends on where you live. Compensation schemes cover a broker failing, never investment losses.
Which is better for beginners?
On ease of use for a beginner, which sits outside the overall score, IG scores 3/5 and XTB 4/5. XTB is the gentler place to start.
Who each one tends to suit
IG
- Tends to suit
- Established multi-market trading
- Stands out for
- Trading since 1974, LSE-listed, with very wide market access
- Watch out for
- Most of the range is leveraged rather than owned
XTB
- Tends to suit
- European CFD & stock trading
- Stands out for
- Commission-free stocks and ETFs up to a high monthly threshold
- Watch out for
- The product range is CFD-weighted, and availability varies by country
More head-to-heads
Scores and facts come from our own reviews as of September 2026 and follow one published methodology. Plain Investor has no commercial relationship with either broker. This is general education, not personal financial advice. Fees, features and regulation change, so confirm current terms with each broker before opening an account.