Plus500 vs XTB: Which Broker Suits You?
Plus500 scores 3.0 and XTB 3.6 out of 5 on our published methodology. XTB leads on Platform & Tools, Asset Range and Account Access & Support, and they tie on Costs & Fees and Regulation & Trust. 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
| Plus500 | XTB | |
|---|---|---|
| What you own | CFDs only | Mixed |
| Available assets | CFDs on shares, indices, forex, commodities and crypto | Real stocks and ETFs alongside 5,400+ CFDs |
| Regulated by | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, MAS and others | FCA, KNF, CySEC, DFSA and others |
| Stands out for | A simple proprietary platform backed by an LSE-listed parent | Commission-free stocks and ETFs up to a high monthly threshold |
| Watch out for | No real asset ownership at all, and no MT4 or MT5 | 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 Plus500 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, Plus500 or XTB?
Plus500 is regulated by FCA, ASIC, CySEC, MAS and others; XTB by FCA, KNF, CySEC, DFSA and others. Both score 4/5 on our Regulation & Trust measure. 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, Plus500 scores 3/5 and XTB 4/5. XTB is the gentler place to start. Beginners should know that CFDs are leveraged derivatives rather than ownership, and that most retail accounts trading them lose money.
Who each one tends to suit
Plus500
- Tends to suit
- Simple CFD trading
- Stands out for
- A simple proprietary platform backed by an LSE-listed parent
- Watch out for
- No real asset ownership at all, and no MT4 or MT5
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.