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XM vs AvaTrade (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare XM against AvaTrade 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: XM Wins
After exhaustive side-by-side testing, **XM** emerges as the overall winner in this matchup. While AvaTrade remains an excellent choice for beginners, copy traders & options enthusiasts, XM proves superior due to its outstanding daily webinars and educational courses and no deposit or withdrawal fees.
XM vs AvaTrade: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 2006 |
| Overall Rating | 4.7/5.0 | 4.5/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $100 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.6 pips (Ultra Low) | 1.6 pips (Standard) | 0.9 pips (Standard) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:1000 | 1:400 (Pro) | 1:30 (Retail) |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | Yes |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes (DupliTrade/AvaSocial) |
| Forex Pairs | 55+ | 55+ |
| Deposit Methods | Bank, Card, Skrill, Neteller | Card, Bank, Skrill, Neteller, Wire |
| Withdrawal Speed | 24 hours | 1-2 business days |
| Execution Type | Market Execution | Market Maker |
XM vs AvaTrade: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between XM and AvaTrade, 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. XM offers pricing characterized by $0 (Spread only on most accounts) alongside 0.6 pips (Ultra Low) | 1.6 pips (Standard) spreads. In contrast, AvaTrade utilizes a model with $0 (Spread only) and 0.9 pips (Standard) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, XM provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | XM | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.6 pips (Ultra Low) | 1.6 pips (Standard) | 0.9 pips (Standard) |
| Commission Defaults | $0 (Spread only on most accounts) | $0 (Spread only) |
| Execution Model | Market Execution | Market Maker |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 24 hours | 1-2 business days |
Safety & Regulation: Is XM or AvaTrade Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both XM and AvaTrade are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. XM is armed with 2 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2009. AvaTrade, licensed since 2006, counters with 3 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. AvaTrade holds a slight edge with more top-tier authorities. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
XM
Tier 1- Regulators:CySEC (Cyprus)ASIC (Australia)DFSA (Dubai)IFSC (Belize)
- Investor Protection: Up to €20,000 (EU ICF)
- Licensed Since: 2009
AvaTrade
Tier 1- Regulators:Central Bank of IrelandASIC (Australia)FSCA (South Africa)FSA (Japan)ADGM (Abu Dhabi)
- Investor Protection: Up to €20,000 (EU ICF)
- Licensed Since: 2006
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. XM equips its clients with MT4, MT5, XM App. AvaTrade, on the other hand, grants access to MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, WebTrader, AvaOptions, AvaSocial. If you rely on third-party EA automation, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | XM | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (AvaTradeGO) | |
| Copy Trading Network | Yes (DupliTrade/AvaSocial) |
Pros & Cons: XM vs AvaTrade
XM
Pros
- Outstanding daily webinars and educational courses
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Strict no re-quotes policy with 99.35% execution in <1s
- Generous loyalty program and promotions
- Micro accounts available for low-risk testing
Cons
- Spreads on Standard account are wider than competitors
- No crypto trading on weekends
- Inactivity fee of $15 applies after 90 days
AvaTrade
Pros
- Heavily regulated across 7+ jurisdictions
- Excellent mobile app (AvaTradeGO)
- DupliTrade and AvaSocial copy trading
- AvaOptions for vanilla options
- Strong educational resources
Cons
- Spreads slightly wider than ECN brokers
- Inactivity fee after 3 months
- Not available in the US
Expert Verdict: XM vs AvaTrade
When we place XM and AvaTrade side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. XM, licensed since 2009, has carved out a massive niche focusing on beginners, education-focused traders & low deposit users. Their execution model heavily leans into Market Execution, and their platform environment highlights MT4.
Conversely, AvaTrade, operational out of Dublin, Ireland, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for beginners, copy traders & options enthusiasts. Their $0 (Spread only) commission structure combined with 0.9 pips (Standard) spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is outstanding daily webinars and educational courses, and you intend to start with a minimum of $5, XM is the logical path forward. If, however, you value heavily regulated across 7+ jurisdictions and require MT4, AvaTrade edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
XM vs AvaTrade: 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