Choosing the right broker is crucial for any trader’s success. In this post, we will compare two well-known brokers, ActivTrades and XTB. Both have built strong reputations, but which one is better for your trading needs? Let’s explore the features of both brokers to help you decide.
This table highlights the key differences and similarities between ActivTrades and XTB, making it easier to compare both brokers at a glance.
| Feature | ActivTrades | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 | 2002 |
| Regulation | FCA (UK), SCB (Bahamas) | FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), KNF (Poland) |
| Minimum Deposit | $500 | $0 (depends on country) |
| Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ActivTrader | xStation 5, xStation Mobile |
| Leverage | Up to 1:400 (depending on jurisdiction) | Up to 1:500 (depending on jurisdiction) |
| Spreads | From 0.5 pips | From 0.1 pips |
| Instruments | Forex, CFDs on shares, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies | Forex, indices, commodities, ETFs, cryptocurrencies |
| Customer Support | 24/5 via phone, email, live chat | 24/5 via phone, email, live chat |
| Education & Tools | Webinars, technical analysis, articles | Comprehensive education section, market analysis, advanced charting tools |
| Account Types | Individual, Professional, Islamic | Standard, Islamic |
Overview of ActivTrades
ActivTrades is a UK-based broker established in 2001. It is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB). ActivTrades is known for offering a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and shares. The broker is particularly well-suited for professional traders who require advanced trading tools and low spreads.
Key Features of ActivTrades:
- Regulation: FCA (UK), SCB (Bahamas)
- Instruments: Forex, CFDs on shares, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies
- Trading Platforms: ActivTrader, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- Leverage: Up to 1:400 (depending on jurisdiction)
- Spreads: Tight spreads starting from 0.5 pips on major currency pairs
- Minimum Deposit: $500
- Account Types: Individual, Professional, and Islamic accounts
- Customer Support: 24/5 multilingual support via phone, email, and live chat
- Education and Tools: Webinars, educational articles, and technical analysis tools
Overview of XTB
XTB is a global CFD broker founded in 2002 and is regulated by several top-tier financial authorities, including the FCA (UK) and CySEC (Cyprus). It is one of the largest stock exchange-listed brokers in the world. XTB is well-regarded for its customer service, low fees, and fast execution speeds. Traders can access a broad range of markets through its easy-to-use xStation platform.
Key Features of XTB:
- Regulation: FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), KNF (Poland)
- Instruments: Forex, indices, commodities, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies
- Trading Platforms: xStation 5, xStation Mobile
- Leverage: Up to 1:500 (depending on jurisdiction)
- Spreads: Tight spreads starting from 0.1 pips
- Minimum Deposit: $0 (depends on the country)
- Account Types: Standard and Islamic accounts
- Customer Support: 24/5 support via phone, email, and live chat
- Education and Tools: Comprehensive education section, market analysis, and advanced charting tools
ActivTrades vs XTB: Key Comparisons
1. Regulation and Safety
Both ActivTrades and XTB are highly regulated, ensuring a safe trading environment. ActivTrades is regulated by the FCA in the UK and SCB in the Bahamas, while XTB holds multiple regulations, including the FCA, CySEC, and KNF in Poland. Both brokers offer high levels of protection for traders, making them reliable choices.
2. Trading Platforms
ActivTrades offers both MetaTrader 4 and 5, in addition to its own proprietary ActivTrader platform. MetaTrader is an industry standard known for its reliability and advanced charting capabilities, while ActivTrader provides an intuitive experience for beginners and advanced traders alike.
XTB, on the other hand, uses its proprietary xStation platform, which is highly rated for its speed and ease of use. xStation is available on both desktop and mobile devices, making it ideal for traders who need flexibility and quick execution.
Winner: This is a tie. Both brokers offer excellent platforms depending on user preferences. If you prefer MetaTrader, ActivTrades is your choice. If you want a more unique, user-friendly platform, XTB’s xStation is excellent.
3. Trading Instruments
Both brokers provide access to a wide range of instruments. ActivTrades covers forex, CFDs on shares, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. XTB also offers similar assets but includes ETFs, making it attractive for traders who want to diversify their portfolios.
Winner: XTB slightly edges out ActivTrades due to its ETF offerings, allowing traders to invest in multiple asset classes.
4. Spreads and Fees
When it comes to spreads, XTB generally offers tighter spreads starting from 0.1 pips, while ActivTrades spreads begin at 0.5 pips. Both brokers are competitive, but XTB has an advantage for those looking for low-cost trading. Additionally, XTB does not charge a minimum deposit for most countries, making it accessible to a wider audience, whereas ActivTrades has a minimum deposit requirement of $500.
Winner: XTB wins for offering lower spreads and no minimum deposit in most regions.
5. Leverage
ActivTrades provides leverage up to 1:400 for professional accounts, depending on the jurisdiction. XTB offers higher leverage of up to 1:500 for its professional clients, which can be beneficial for high-volume traders. However, higher leverage also increases the risk.
Winner: XTB takes the lead for offering higher leverage, though traders should exercise caution when using high leverage.
6. Customer Support
Both ActivTrades and XTB offer 24/5 customer support via phone, email, and live chat. XTB is known for its quick and helpful responses, while ActivTrades also provides excellent customer service, particularly in multiple languages.
Winner: Both brokers are equally strong in customer support, so this is a tie.
7. Education and Tools
ActivTrades offers various educational resources like webinars and market analysis tools, suitable for traders of all levels. XTB excels in this area, offering a well-structured education section, with in-depth market analysis, video tutorials, and webinars.
Winner: XTB wins with a more comprehensive educational offering.
Conclusion: Which Broker Should You Choose?
Both ActivTrades and XTB are outstanding brokers that cater to different types of traders. If you’re a trader looking for low spreads, no minimum deposit, and a user-friendly platform, XTB might be the better choice for you. It offers broader market access and a highly-rated trading platform in xStation.
On the other hand, if you prefer using MetaTrader and are looking for a broker with strong tools for professional traders, ActivTrades could be the right option. Its comprehensive tools and reliable trading platforms make it an excellent broker for advanced traders.
Ultimately, your decision should depend on your trading preferences and what features matter most to you. Both brokers are trustworthy, regulated, and offer high-quality services, so either choice would be a solid one.
Editorial Staff at Chweya is a team of financial experts led by Vincent Nyagaka, with over 9 years of experience in finance, commerce, forex, crypto, and marketing. Started in 2014, Chweya is now among the largest free financial resource sites in the industry and is often referred to as Wikipedia for business.