10 minute read
Exness vs XM Comparison: Which is best Forex Broker in 2025
The world of forex and CFD trading is highly competitive, and choosing the right broker can make or break your trading experience. Two of the most prominent names in the industry, Exness vs XM, have earned reputations for reliability, competitive trading conditions, and robust platforms. But which one is the best for you? In this comprehensive Exness vs XM comparison, we’ll dive deep into their features, fees, platforms, regulation, and more to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in 2025.
✅ Join Exness now! Open An Account or Visit Brokers 👈
Whether you’re a beginner looking for educational resources or an experienced trader seeking low spreads and high leverage, this guide will break down the key differences between Exness vs XM to answer the question: Which is the best forex broker?
Overview of Exness vs XM
Before diving into the comparison, let’s take a quick look at the background of both brokers.
Exness
Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Cyprus, Exness is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its cutting-edge technology, fast execution speeds, and transparent operations. Exness serves traders in over 180 countries, offering access to more than 220 CFD markets, including forex, metals, cryptocurrencies, and indices. The broker is regulated by multiple authorities, including top-tier regulators like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).
Exness stands out for its proprietary trading platforms, low spreads, and high leverage options, making it a favorite among high-frequency traders and scalpers.
XM
Established in 2009, XM (part of the XM Group) is another leading forex and CFD broker with a strong global presence. Headquartered in Cyprus, XM caters to over 3.5 million clients worldwide and offers trading on more than 1,380 financial instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. XM is regulated by reputable bodies such as CySEC, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
XM is particularly known for its beginner-friendly approach, offering low minimum deposits, extensive educational resources, and daily trading webinars.
Key Factors in Choosing a Forex Broker
When comparing Exness vs XM, several critical factors influence a trader’s decision. These include:
· Regulation and Trustworthiness
· Trading Platforms
· Account Types
· Fees and Spreads
· Leverage and Margin
· Trading Instruments
· Customer Support
· Educational Resources
· Deposit and Withdrawal Processes
Let’s evaluate each broker based on these criteria to determine which one stands out.
1. Regulation and Trustworthiness
Regulation is a cornerstone of a broker’s credibility, ensuring client funds are protected and trading conditions are transparent.
Exness Regulation
Exness is regulated by multiple authorities, including:
· FCA (UK): A Tier-1 regulator ensuring high standards of transparency and client fund protection.
· CySEC (Cyprus): Another Tier-1 regulator, compliant with EU regulations.
· FSCA (South Africa) and CMA (Kenya): Tier-2 regulators for regional operations.
· FSA (Seychelles) and others: Tier-3 regulators for international clients.
Exness is rated as moderately trustworthy due to its 17-year history, multiple regulatory licenses, and membership in the Financial Commission, which provides dispute resolution and compensation for clients. However, its lack of Tier-1 licenses for some entities slightly lowers its trust score compared to XM.
XM Regulation
XM operates under four global entities, with regulation from:
· CySEC (Cyprus): Tier-1, ensuring compliance with EU standards.
· ASIC (Australia): Tier-1, known for strict oversight.
· DFSA (Dubai): Tier-2, catering to Middle Eastern traders.
· IFSC (Belize): Tier-3, for international clients.
XM’s regulation by two Tier-1 authorities and adherence to a “best execution policy” make it a highly trusted option. Its segregation of client funds and negative balance protection further enhance its safety profile.
Verdict: XM edges out Exness in terms of regulation due to its stronger Tier-1 oversight, making it a slightly safer choice for traders prioritizing security.
✅ Join Exness now! Open An Account or Visit Brokers 👈
2. Trading Platforms
The trading platform is the backbone of your trading experience, providing tools for analysis, execution, and strategy development.
Exness Platforms
Exness offers a variety of platforms, including:
· MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5): Industry-standard platforms with advanced charting, automation, and expert advisors (EAs).
· Exness Terminal: A proprietary web-based platform designed for ease of use and fast execution.
· Exness Trade App: A mobile app with full trading functionality, ideal for traders on the go.
Exness’s proprietary platforms are praised for their speed, with execution times under 0.1 seconds, making them ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders.
XM Platforms
XM supports:
· MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5): Available across PC, Mac, web, and mobile devices.
· XM App: A mobile trading app with access to all account types and instruments.
While XM does not offer a proprietary platform, its MT4 and MT5 platforms are enhanced with additional tools, such as trading signals and in-house market analysis, making them highly functional for all trader levels.
Verdict: Exness has an edge with its proprietary Exness Terminal and faster execution speeds, while XM’s platforms are more standardized but enriched with value-added tools.
3. Account Types
Account types determine the flexibility and suitability of a broker for different trading styles.
Exness Account Types
Exness offers five account types:
· Standard: Commission-free with a $10 minimum deposit, ideal for beginners.
· Standard Cent: Designed for micro-trading with low risk.
· Pro: Low spreads (from 0.1 pips) for professional traders.
· Zero: Zero spreads on select instruments, with a $200 minimum deposit.
· Raw Spread: Ultra-low spreads with a small commission, starting at $200.
Exness’s variety caters to both beginners and advanced traders, with low entry barriers for new users.
XM Account Types
XM provides four main account types:
· Micro: Low-volume trading with a $5 minimum deposit.
· Standard: Commission-free with a $5 minimum deposit, suitable for most traders.
· Ultra-Low: Tight spreads starting at 0.6 pips, with a $50 minimum deposit.
· Shares: For trading stocks, requiring a $10,000 minimum deposit.
XM’s low minimum deposits make it highly accessible, especially for beginners, while its Ultra-Low account appeals to cost-conscious traders.
Verdict: XM’s lower minimum deposits make it more beginner-friendly, but Exness offers more variety for professional traders with its Zero and Raw Spread accounts.
4. Fees and Spreads
Trading costs, including spreads and commissions, directly impact profitability.
Exness Fees
Exness is known for competitive spreads:
· Standard Account: Average EUR/USD spread of 1.0 pips, slightly below the industry average of 1.08 pips.
· Pro/Zero/Raw Spread Accounts: Spreads as low as 0.0 pips with commissions for Zero and Raw Spread accounts.
· Non-Trading Fees: No inactivity fees or deposit/withdrawal fees in most cases.
Exness’s commission-free Standard account and zero-spread options make it cost-effective for high-volume traders.
XM Fees
XM also offers competitive pricing:
· Standard/Micro Accounts: Spreads start at 0.6 pips, commission-free.
· Ultra-Low Account: Spreads from 0.6 pips, also commission-free.
· Non-Trading Fees: A $15 inactivity fee after 12 months and a $5 monthly fee thereafter.
XM’s commission-free accounts are cost-effective, but its inactivity fees are a drawback for infrequent traders.
Verdict: Exness generally offers lower spreads and no inactivity fees, making it more cost-effective for active traders. XM’s low spreads and commission-free accounts are ideal for beginners.
5. Leverage and Margin
Leverage can amplify both profits and risks, so it’s a critical factor for traders.
Exness Leverage
Exness offers some of the highest leverage in the industry:
· Up to 1:2000 or unlimited leverage through its Seychelles entity (FSA-regulated).
· EU/UK clients are limited to 1:30 due to regulatory restrictions.
High leverage makes Exness attractive for experienced traders, but it requires careful risk management.
XM Leverage
XM provides:
· Up to 1:1000 for Standard, Micro, and Ultra-Low accounts.
· No leverage for Shares accounts.
· EU clients are capped at 1:30 under CySEC regulations.
XM’s leverage is competitive but lower than Exness’s maximum offering.
Verdict: Exness is the clear winner for traders seeking high leverage, but XM’s leverage is sufficient for most retail traders.
6. Trading Instruments
The range of tradable assets determines a broker’s versatility.
Exness Instruments
Exness offers:
· Forex: Over 100 currency pairs, among the highest in the industry.
· Cryptocurrencies: 34 pairs.
· Commodities: 12, including metals and energies.
· Indices and Stocks: 81 CFDs.
Exness excels in forex but has a more limited selection of other assets.
XM Instruments
XM provides a broader range:
· Forex: 57 currency pairs.
· Cryptocurrencies: 60 pairs.
· Commodities: 15, including metals and energies.
· Stocks and Indices: Over 1,243 equity CFDs and 28 index CFDs.
XM’s extensive instrument range makes it ideal for diversified portfolios.
Verdict: XM is better for traders seeking a wide variety of instruments, while Exness is superior for forex-focused traders.
7. Customer Support
Reliable customer support is essential for resolving issues quickly.
Exness Support
Exness offers:
· 24/7 Support: Via live chat, email, and phone.
· Multilingual: Available in 15+ languages, including English, Chinese, and Arabic.
· Response Time: Fast and efficient, with a focus on accessibility.
Exness’s round-the-clock support is a significant advantage for global traders.
XM Support
XM provides:
· 24/5 Support: Available via live chat, email, and phone.
· Multilingual: Supports over 15 languages.
· Educational Support: Daily webinars and trading signals enhance the support experience.
XM’s support is robust but limited to five days a week, which may inconvenience weekend traders.
Verdict: Exness takes the lead with its 24/7 availability, while XM excels in educational support.
8. Educational Resources
Education is crucial for beginners and intermediate traders.
Exness Education
Exness offers:
· WebTV by Trading Central: Market updates and insights.
· Basic Tutorials: Limited resources for beginners.
· VPS Hosting: For automated trading, beneficial for advanced users.
Exness’s educational offerings are minimal compared to XM, focusing more on execution than learning.
XM Education
XM stands out with:
· Live Webinars: Daily sessions covering market analysis and trading strategies.
· Video Tutorials: Extensive library for all skill levels.
· Research Tools: In-house market analysis and trading signals.
XM’s focus on education makes it a top choice for new traders.
Verdict: XM is the clear winner for educational resources, while Exness is better suited for traders who prioritize execution over learning.
9. Deposit and Withdrawal Processes
Fast and cost-effective funding options are critical for traders.
Exness Deposits and Withdrawals
· Minimum Deposit: $10 for Standard accounts.
· Methods: Bank wire, credit/debit cards, Skrill, Neteller, and cryptocurrencies.
· Fees: No deposit or withdrawal fees in most cases.
· Processing Time: Instant deposits; withdrawals within 24 hours.
Exness’s low minimum deposit and fee-free transactions are highly appealing.
XM Deposits and Withdrawals
· Minimum Deposit: $5 for Micro and Standard accounts.
· Methods: Bank wire, credit/debit cards, Skrill, Neteller, and FasaPay.
· Fees: No deposit fees; withdrawals are free but may incur third-party charges.
· Processing Time: Withdrawals processed within 24 hours.
XM’s lower minimum deposit is ideal for beginners, but Exness’s broader payment options, including crypto, give it an edge.
Verdict: XM wins for accessibility with its $5 minimum deposit, but Exness offers more payment flexibility.
Exness vs XM: Which is Best for You?
Both Exness vs XM are reputable brokers with distinct strengths, making the choice dependent on your trading style and priorities.
Choose Exness If:
· You prioritize low spreads and fast execution (ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders).
· You want high leverage (up to 1:2000 or unlimited).
· You focus primarily on forex trading with over 100 currency pairs.
· You need 24/7 customer support and flexible payment options, including cryptocurrencies.
Choose XM If:
· You’re a beginner or intermediate trader seeking extensive educational resources and webinars.
· You want a wider range of instruments, including stocks and cryptocurrencies.
· You prefer low minimum deposits ($5) and commission-free accounts.
· You value strong regulatory oversight with two Tier-1 licenses.
Final Thoughts
In the Exness vs XM comparison, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Exness shines for its technological edge, low spreads, and high leverage, making it ideal for experienced traders and forex enthusiasts. XM, on the other hand, excels in accessibility, education, and a broader range of instruments, catering to beginners and diversified traders.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your trading goals. If you’re focused on forex and fast execution, Exness is likely the better option. If you’re new to trading or want a comprehensive learning ecosystem, XM is the way to go. Before committing, consider testing both brokers with demo accounts to evaluate their platforms firsthand.
✅ Join Exness now! Open An Account or Visit Brokers 👈
Read more:
