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Exness vs XM (2026): The Ultimate High-Leverage Showdown
We tested the two titans of high-leverage trading. See how Exness and XM compare on spreads, execution speed, withdrawals, and bonus offerings.
Verdict: Exness Wins
In a direct comparison, Exness wins on the core metrics that matter most to active traders: it offers significantly tighter spreads, an incredible absolute $0 minimum deposit, and instant weekend withdrawals. However, XM remains the undisputed king for new traders, offering an unmatched educational academy, incredible daily live webinars, and generous trading bonuses that Exness simply doesn't match.
Exness vs XM: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2008 | 2009 |
| Tier-1 Licenses | FCA, CySEC | ASIC, CySEC |
| EUR/USD Spread (Standard) | 1.0 pips | 1.6 pips |
| EUR/USD Spread (Raw/Zero) | 0.0 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 | $5 |
| Maximum Leverage | Unlimited | 1:1000 |
| MetaTrader 4 & 5 | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes (Exness Terminal) | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes (Social Trading) | Yes |
| Education Resources | Average | Industry Leading |
| Deposit Bonuses | No | Yes (up to $5,000) |
Exness vs XM: The Cost of Trading
Exness is mathematically the cheaper broker to trade with. While both brokers offer commission-free ('Standard') and commission-based ('Raw' or 'Zero') accounts, Exness consistently maintains tighter spreads across the board. For example, trading 1 standard lot of EUR/USD on a standard account costs roughly $10 with Exness, compared to $16 with XM. Over a month of active trading, this difference compounds significantly.
| Fee Type | Exness | XM |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD (Standard Account) | 1.0 pips | 1.6 pips |
| EUR/USD (Raw/Zero Account) | 0.0 pips + $3.50/lot | 0.6 pips + $3.50/lot |
| GBP/USD (Standard Account) | 1.2 pips | 2.1 pips |
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free (above $200) |
| Inactivity Fee | None | $15/month (after 90 days) |
Safety: Can You Trust Them?
Both Exness and XM are massive, well-capitalized brokerage firms handling billions in daily trading volume. They are both exceptionally safe. Exness slightly edges out XM in terms of regulatory prestige because it holds a license from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), widely considered the strictest regulator in the world. However, XM is heavily regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), making it equally safe for all practical purposes.
Exness
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)CySEC (Cyprus)FSCA (South Africa)FSA (Seychelles)CMA (Kenya)
- Investor Protection: Yes (e.g., FSCS in UK, ICF in Cyprus)
- Licensed Since: 2008
XM
Tier 1- Regulators:ASIC (Australia)CySEC (Cyprus)DFSA (Dubai)IFSC (Belize)
- Investor Protection: Yes (e.g., ICF in Cyprus)
- Licensed Since: 2009
Trading Platforms and Technology
If you want to trade on MetaTrader, both brokers offer robust, stable connections to MT4 and MT5. However, Exness offers a much better proprietary web alternative. The 'Exness Terminal' is a custom-built, TradingView-powered web platform that is incredibly fast and intuitive. XM relies entirely on the MetaQuotes ecosystem, meaning if you want to trade via a web browser, you must use the somewhat clunky MT4/MT5 WebTrader.
| Feature | Exness | XM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| Proprietary Web Platform | Yes (Exness Terminal) | |
| Full TradingView Integration | No (Charts only) | |
| Mobile Trading Environment | Excellent (Exness Trade App) | Good (MT4/MT5 Apps) |
| Copy Trading Network | Exness Social Trading | XM Copy Trading |
| Free VPS for EAs | Yes (Min $500 deposit) | Yes (Min $500 balance + volume) |
Pros & Cons: Exness vs XM
Exness
Pros
- Industry-leading low spreads from 0.0 pips
- Automated, instant withdrawal system (funds in seconds)
- Tier-1 FCA regulation (UK)
- Unlimited leverage offered for experienced traders
- Transparency (publishes audited financial reports monthly)
- No inactivity fees
Cons
- Educational resources are basic compared to competitors
- Does not offer deposit bonuses or loyalty programs
- No native TradingView or cTrader integration
XM
Pros
- The best trading education and daily live webinars in the industry
- Massive deposit bonuses (e.g., 50% up to $500, then 20% up to $4,500)
- Micro accounts allow trading with 1,000 unit lot sizes (low risk)
- No requotes and excellent execution policy
- Outstanding multilingual customer support
Cons
- Spreads on standard accounts are significantly higher than Exness
- Charges an aggressive $15/month inactivity fee after 90 days
- Relies entirely on aging MT4/MT5 WebTrader for browser trading
Expert Verdict: Exness vs XM
If you are a profitable, experienced trader, Exness is the obvious choice. The math simply favors Exness: their spreads are lower, they don't charge inactivity fees, and they process withdrawals instantly. Over thousands of trades, the savings gained from Exness's tighter spreads will massively outweigh any deposit bonus XM might offer you.
If you are a beginner, XM is the better broker. Forex trading is incredibly difficult to learn, and XM's dedication to client education is unmatched. Their daily live webinar rooms are essentially free trading schools. Furthermore, XM's 'Micro' account allows you to trade with pennies per pip, meaning you can experience real-money psychology without risking your rent money. Finally, their deposit bonuses provide excellent psychological padding for new traders making their first mistakes.
Exness vs XM: 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 March 2026. Broker terms, spreads, and conditions vary by region and account type. See our methodology | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy