Tickmill
XM
Tickmill vs XM
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Tickmill and XM are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Tickmill, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSA and offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $100. XM, established in 2009 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC, ASIC, IFSC with spreads from 0.6 pips and a $5 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, XM scored 8.5/10 overall compared to Tickmill's 8.2/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Tickmill holds its own with lower trading costs, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
XM scores 8.5/10 overall vs 8.2/10 for Tickmill — a 0.3-point difference.
- 💵
XM requires just $5 to start, while Tickmill needs $100 — XM is 20x more accessible.
- 📈
XM offers 1,000+ instruments vs 500+ at Tickmill — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Tickmill runs on MT4, MT5, while XM uses MT4, MT5, XM App — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Education: XM scores 9.5 vs 7.0 for Tickmill — a 2.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
Tickmill
Score: 8.2/10 · Wins 1 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You prefer Tickmill's trading environment overall
XM
Score: 8.5/10 · Wins 6 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
XM takes the lead with an overall score of 8.5/10 compared to 8.2/10, winning in 6 out of 8 scoring categories. XM stands out for better trading platforms and superior education resources, while Tickmill fights back with lower trading costs.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, XM comes out ahead with a 8.5/10 overall rating, winning 6 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Education where it scores 9.5/10. XM holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Tickmill is not without merit — it scores 8.2/10 overall and excels in Trading Costs (9.0/10), winning 1 category. Traders who value lower trading costs may find Tickmill the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full XM review and Tickmill review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Tickmill wins by 1.0 points
XM wins by 1.0 points
XM wins by 2.5 points
XM wins by 0.5 points
XM wins by 0.5 points
XM wins by 0.5 points
XM wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Tickmill has the edge with a score of 9/10 versus 8/10 for XM. Tickmill offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while XM starts from 0.6 pips. The minimum deposit at Tickmill is $100, compared to $5 at XM. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
XM scores 8.5/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for Tickmill. Tickmill provides MT4, MT5, while XM offers MT4, MT5, XM App. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Tickmill is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSA (Tier 1), while XM holds licenses from CySEC, ASIC, IFSC (Tier 1). Tickmill scores 9/10 and XM scores 9/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, XM leads with 9.5/10 compared to 7/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Tickmill and XM both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
Tickmill offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, while XM provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Tickmill scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while XM scores 8.5/10. Tickmill accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, and XM supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Tickmill requires a minimum deposit of $100 versus $5 for XM. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Tickmill if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You prefer Tickmill's trading environment overall
Choose XM if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tickmill better than XM?
XM scores higher overall (8.5/10 vs 8.2/10), winning 6 of 8 categories. However, Tickmill is stronger in lower trading costs. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Tickmill or XM?
Tickmill scores higher for trading costs. Tickmill offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $100 minimum deposit, while XM starts from 0.6 pips with $5 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Tickmill safe to trade with?
Tickmill is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSA and scores 9/10 for regulation. XM is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, IFSC with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Tickmill or XM?
XM scores 8.5/10 for platforms. Tickmill offers MT4, MT5, while XM provides MT4, MT5, XM App. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Tickmill vs XM?
Tickmill requires a minimum deposit of $100, while XM requires $5. XM has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.