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Admiral Markets vs XTB (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare Admiral Markets against XTB across spreads, regulations, platforms, and trading costs. Read our algorithmic breakdown and expert verdict to find out which broker suits your trading style in 2026.
Verdict: It's a Tie
Both Admiral Markets and XTB offer exceptional trading environments with distinct strengths. Admiral Markets is ideal for educational learners & metatrader power users, while XTB excels for active european traders & stock cfd investors. Your choice should depend entirely on whether you prioritize excellent educational content and webinars or award-winning xstation 5 proprietary platform is fast and intuitive.
Admiral Markets vs XTB: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 | 2002 |
| Overall Rating | 4.4/5.0 | 4.7/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $25 | $0 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Zero) | 0.5 pips (Trade) | 0.8 pips (Standard) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) | 1:500 (Pro) | 1:500 (Pro) | 1:30 (Retail) |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes (Legacy/Limited) |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | No |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Copy Trading | No | No |
| Forex Pairs | 50+ | 71 |
| Deposit Methods | Card, Bank, Skrill, Neteller | Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit, PayPal, Skrill |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | Usually same day (free for >$50) |
| Execution Type | STP / ECN | Market Maker / STP |
Admiral Markets vs XTB: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between Admiral Markets and XTB, it's essential to look beyond just the advertised spreads. We must factor in commissions, swap rates, and non-trading fees like deposit or inactivity charges. Admiral Markets offers pricing characterized by $3/lot (Zero) alongside 0.0 pips (Zero) | 0.5 pips (Trade) spreads. In contrast, XTB utilizes a model with $0 on Forex, Indices, Commodities and 0.8 pips (Standard) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, Admiral Markets provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | Admiral Markets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Zero) | 0.5 pips (Trade) | 0.8 pips (Standard) |
| Commission Defaults | $3/lot (Zero) | $0 on Forex, Indices, Commodities |
| Execution Model | STP / ECN | Market Maker / STP |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | Usually same day (free for >$50) |
Safety & Regulation: Is Admiral Markets or XTB Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both Admiral Markets and XTB are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. Admiral Markets is armed with 4 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2001. XTB, licensed since 2002, counters with 3 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. Admiral Markets holds a slight edge in absolute tier-1 licenses. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
Admiral Markets
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)CySEC (Cyprus)ASIC (Australia)EFSA (Estonia)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (FSCS) / €20,000 (ICF)
- Licensed Since: 2001
XTB
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)KNF (Poland)CySEC (Cyprus)FSC (Belize)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (UK) / €20,000 (EU)
- Licensed Since: 2002
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. Admiral Markets equips its clients with MT4, MT5, MetaTrader Supreme Edition. XTB, on the other hand, grants access to xStation 5, xStation Mobile. If you rely on third-party EA automation, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | Admiral Markets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes (Legacy/Limited) | |
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (xStation 5) | |
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: Admiral Markets vs XTB
Admiral Markets
Pros
- Excellent educational content and webinars
- FCA, ASIC and CySEC regulated
- MetaTrader Supreme Edition plugin
- Low $25 minimum deposit
- Invest accounts for real stocks
Cons
- Spreads on standard accounts are average
- No cTrader or TradingView
- Inactivity fee after 24 months
XTB
Pros
- Award-winning xStation 5 proprietary platform is fast and intuitive
- 0% commission on real stocks and ETFs up to €100k/month
- Publicly traded company with transparent financials
- No minimum deposit required
- Excellent video education academy
Cons
- Phased out MT4 in many regions
- No longer offers a raw/ECN zero-spread account format
- Not available to clients in the US, Canada, or Australia
Expert Verdict: Admiral Markets vs XTB
When we place Admiral Markets and XTB side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. Admiral Markets, licensed since 2001, has carved out a massive niche focusing on educational learners & metatrader power users. Their execution model heavily leans into STP / ECN, and their platform environment highlights MT4.
Conversely, XTB, operational out of Warsaw, Poland, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for active european traders & stock cfd investors. Their $0 on Forex, Indices, Commodities commission structure combined with 0.8 pips (Standard) spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is excellent educational content and webinars, and you intend to start with a minimum of $25, Admiral Markets is the logical path forward. If, however, you value award-winning xstation 5 proprietary platform is fast and intuitive and require xStation 5, XTB edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
Admiral Markets vs XTB: Frequently Asked Questions
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Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. 68–80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.|Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation from the brokers listed on this page. This does not influence our rankings or reviews, which are based on independent analysis.
Comparison data updated February 2026. Broker terms, spreads, and conditions vary by region and account type. See our methodology | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy