What is the main difference between AvaTrade and XM?

The main differences are regulation breadth and leverage. AvaTrade holds 4 licences (ASIC/CBI/FSA/FSCA) and offers 1250+ instruments with its proprietary AvaTradeGo app. XM offers higher leverage (1:888 vs 1:400) and slightly tighter spreads (from 0.6 vs 0.9 pip), but with fewer regulatory licences (CySEC/ASIC/DFSA).

Which broker has better regulation: AvaTrade or XM?

AvaTrade has broader regulatory coverage with 4 licences: ASIC (Australia), CBI (Ireland), FSA (Japan), and FSCA (South Africa). XM holds 3 licences: CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), and DFSA (Dubai). AvaTrade's CBI licence is particularly strong as it provides EU regulatory protection.

Which broker has more instruments: AvaTrade or XM?

AvaTrade offers more instruments: 1250+ compared to XM's 1000+. AvaTrade particularly excels in options, ETFs, and bonds CFDs. XM has a strong offering in forex pairs and stock CFDs. Both provide comprehensive coverage of major asset classes.

Does XM offer higher leverage than AvaTrade?

Yes. XM offers leverage up to 1:888, significantly higher than AvaTrade's maximum of 1:400. For experienced traders who want maximum capital efficiency and can manage risk effectively, XM provides a clear leverage advantage.

AvaTrade vs XM 2026: complete comparison, which broker to choose?

Q: AvaTrade or XM: which is the best forex broker?

AvaTrade is the best forex broker overall in 2026 when compared to XM. It offers stronger multi-jurisdiction regulation (ASIC/CBI/FSA/FSCA), 1250+ instruments, a proprietary mobile app (AvaTradeGo), and no commission. XM offers higher leverage (1:888) and lower entry spreads (from 0.6 pip), making it better for traders who prioritize leverage and cost.

By Alexandre Renaud

Updated May 26, 2026

Independent comparison

Quick answer

As of May 2026, AvaTrade wins this comparison for most traders seeking a well-regulated, feature-rich broker. It offers 4-jurisdiction regulation (ASIC/CBI/FSA/FSCA), 1250+ instruments, a proprietary mobile app (AvaTradeGo), and no commission on all trades. XM is better for traders who prioritize high leverage (1:888) and slightly tighter spreads (from 0.6 pip), but offers fewer instruments and less regulatory breadth.

AvaTrade

ASIC/CBI/FSA/FSCA · 1250+ instruments

4.5

Our rating

Our pick

CySEC/ASIC/DFSA · 1:888 leverage

4.3

Our rating

Full comparison table

Criteria	AvaTrade	XM
Regulation	ASIC / CBI / FSA / FSCA	CySEC / ASIC / DFSA
Spreads	From 0.9 pip	From 0.6 pip
Commission	$0	$0
Leverage	Up to 1:400	Up to 1:888
Instruments	1250+	1000+
Platforms	MT4 / MT5 / AvaTradeGo	MT4 / MT5
Mobile app	AvaTradeGo (proprietary)	MT4/MT5 mobile
Copy trading	AvaSocial	Copy trading available
Options trading	AvaOptions	Not available
Scalping	Allowed	Allowed
EAs / Robots	Allowed	Allowed
Minimum deposit	$100	$5
Headquarters	Dublin, Ireland	Limassol, Cyprus

Criterion-by-criterion analysis

Criterion 01

Regulation

AvaTrade holds 4 regulatory licences (ASIC, CBI, FSA, FSCA) covering Australia, EU, Japan, and South Africa. XM holds 3 (CySEC, ASIC, DFSA). AvaTrade's CBI licence provides strong EU-level protection.

✓ Advantage AvaTrade

Criterion 02

Spreads

XM offers spreads from 0.6 pip on its Ultra Low account, while AvaTrade starts from 0.9 pip. Neither charges commission. XM is consistently cheaper by approximately $3 per lot on major pairs.

→ Advantage XM

Criterion 03

Instruments

AvaTrade offers 1250+ instruments including options (AvaOptions), bonds, and ETF CFDs. XM offers 1000+ instruments with a strong forex and stock CFD selection. AvaTrade's range is more diverse.

✓ Advantage AvaTrade

Criterion 04

Leverage

XM offers leverage up to 1:888, more than double AvaTrade's 1:400 maximum. For experienced traders who manage risk well, XM's higher leverage provides better capital efficiency.

→ Advantage XM

Criterion 05

Platform & tools

AvaTrade offers MT4, MT5, and its proprietary AvaTradeGo app with built-in social trading (AvaSocial) and options trading (AvaOptions). XM only offers MT4 and MT5. AvaTrade provides a richer ecosystem.

✓ Advantage AvaTrade

Criterion 06

Accessibility

XM has a $5 minimum deposit, making it accessible to beginners with small capital. AvaTrade requires $100. XM also offers generous bonuses and loyalty programs for new traders.

→ Advantage XM

Who should choose AvaTrade vs XM?

Final verdict

Our verdict

AvaTrade wins for most traders on regulation, instruments, and platform quality

AvaTrade wins this comparison on 3 out of 6 criteria analyzed: regulation, instruments, and platform/tools. Its 4-jurisdiction regulatory coverage, 1250+ instruments, proprietary AvaTradeGo app, and unique features like AvaOptions and AvaSocial make it the more complete broker for most traders in 2026.

XM is the better choice for traders who prioritize high leverage (1:888), tighter spreads, and low minimum deposit. For beginners with small capital or traders who want maximum leverage, XM is a solid alternative. But for overall quality and trader protection, AvaTrade is our recommendation.

Visit AvaTrade →

Frequently asked questions

AvaTrade is the best forex broker overall in 2026 compared to XM. It offers stronger multi-jurisdiction regulation, 1250+ instruments, a proprietary mobile app, and no commission. XM is better for traders who prioritize leverage (1:888) and tighter spreads.

The main differences are regulation breadth and leverage. AvaTrade holds 4 licences and offers a proprietary app with 1250+ instruments. XM offers higher leverage (1:888 vs 1:400) and tighter spreads (from 0.6 vs 0.9 pip), but with fewer regulatory licences.

AvaTrade has broader regulatory coverage with 4 licences: ASIC, CBI, FSA, and FSCA. XM holds 3 licences: CySEC, ASIC, and DFSA. AvaTrade's CBI licence provides strong EU-level regulatory protection.

AvaTrade offers more instruments: 1250+ compared to XM's 1000+. AvaTrade particularly excels with options, ETFs, and bonds CFDs. Both provide comprehensive coverage of major asset classes.

Yes. XM offers leverage up to 1:888, significantly higher than AvaTrade's maximum of 1:400. For experienced traders who manage risk effectively, XM provides a clear leverage advantage.