AvaTrade vs XM 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
AvaTrade suits traders who value copy trading. XM suits traders who prioritise tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($5 vs $100), more instruments (1,400 vs 1,260).
Head to head
| AvaTrade | XM | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI C53877 | CySEC 120/10 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $5 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.9 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Instruments | 1,260+ | 1,400+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | Yes | No |
| Real stocks | No — CFDs only | No — CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | $50/mo after 3mo | $15/mo after 3mo |
| Founded | 2006 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland | Limassol, Cyprus |
Regulation: AvaTrade vs XM
AvaTrade is regulated by CBI under licence C53877 (AvaTrade EU Ltd). The CBI is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
XM is regulated by CySEC under licence 120/10 (Trading Point of Financial Instruments Ltd). The CySEC is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Spreads and fees
AvaTrade's EUR/USD spread is 0.9 pips. XM's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. XM offers tighter spreads on this pair.
AvaTrade charges an inactivity fee of $50/month after 3 months without trading. XM charges an inactivity fee of $15/month after 3 months.
Platforms and tools
Both AvaTrade and XM support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
AvaTrade offers copy trading, XM does not.
Minimum deposit
AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of $100. XM requires $5. XM has the lower barrier to entry.
Note that minimum deposits can vary by account type and by which regulatory entity serves your country. Some offshore entities allow lower deposits than the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
AvaTrade is generally better for beginners because it offers copy trading, allowing new traders to replicate experienced traders automatically while learning. XM also has the lower minimum deposit of $5. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both AvaTrade and XM support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. XM's tighter spreads (0.6 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. XM offers more instruments (1,400) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: AvaTrade vs XM
Choose AvaTrade if you want copy trading. The CBI licence (C53877) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose XM if you want tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($5 vs $100), more instruments (1,400 vs 1,260). The CySEC licence (120/10) means strong tier-1 regulatory protection.
Both brokers are legitimate and regulated. The choice comes down to your specific trading requirements.
Frequently asked questions
AvaTrade vs XM: which is better?
AvaTrade is better for copy trading. XM is better for tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($5 vs $100), more instruments (1,400 vs 1,260). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is AvaTrade or XM safer?
Both AvaTrade (CBI C53877) and XM (CySEC 120/10) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for AvaTrade and XM?
AvaTrade minimum deposit: $100. XM minimum deposit: $5. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do AvaTrade and XM have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.