Head to head · data verified August 2026

AvaTrade vs XM

A close call — 0.1 points apart. The winner depends on what you trade.

AvaTrade
Traders wanting fixed spreads · FX options traders
8.3
XM
Bonus seekers · Small starting balances
8.2

Pillar scores

AvaTradeXM
FeesXM
7.98.1
PlatformsAvaTrade
8.68.0
Trust & regulationAvaTrade
8.88.0
Market rangeTie
8.18.0
SupportXM
8.28.9

Side by side

CriterionAvaTradeXM
Overall score8.38.2
Founded20062009
RegulationCBI (IE), ASIC (AU), FSA (JP), FSCA (ZA), CIRO (CA)CySEC (EU), ASIC (AU), DFSA (AE), FSC (BZ)
Min. deposit$100$5
FeesSpread-based pricing from 0.9 pips EUR/USD; inactivity fees after 3 monthsUltra Low account: spreads from 0.6 pips, no commission; Zero account: from 0.0 pips + commission
PlatformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, WebTraderMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, XM mobile app
Markets1,250+ instruments: forex, stocks, indices, commodities, crypto CFDs, options1,000+ instruments: forex, stock CFDs, indices, commodities, metals, energies
Demo accountYesYes
Best forTraders wanting fixed spreads, FX options tradersBonus seekers, Small starting balances, Emerging markets

Our verdict

Choose AvaTrade if you want traders wanting fixed spreads · fx options traders — its standout pillar in our scoring is trust & regulation.

Choose XM if you want bonus seekers · small starting balances · emerging markets.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. A majority of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, AvaTrade or XM?

It's close: AvaTrade scores 8.3/10 and XM 8.2/10 in our methodology. The right choice depends on your profile — AvaTrade is strongest for traders wanting fixed spreads, while XM leads for bonus seekers.

Is AvaTrade safe?

AvaTrade is overseen by CBI (IE), ASIC (AU), FSA (JP), FSCA (ZA), CIRO (CA). Our trust score for it is 8.8/10 — see the full AvaTrade review for the reasoning.

Is XM safe?

XM is overseen by CySEC (EU), ASIC (AU), DFSA (AE), FSC (BZ). Our trust score for it is 8.0/10 — see the full XM review for the reasoning.