Tickmill

Tickmill

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.2
/ 10
vs
XTB

XTB

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.6
/ 10

Tickmill vs XTB

A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.

Tickmill and XTB 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. XTB, established in 2002 in Warsaw, Poland, holds licenses from FCA, CySEC, KNF with spreads from 0.5 pips and a $0 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, XTB scored 8.6/10 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

  • 📊

    XTB scores 8.6/10 overall vs 8.2/10 for Tickmill — a 0.4-point difference.

  • 💵

    XTB requires just $0 to start, while Tickmill needs $100 — XTB is 100x more accessible.

  • 📈

    XTB offers 5,800+ instruments vs 500+ at Tickmill — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    Tickmill runs on MT4, MT5, while XTB uses xStation 5, xStation Mobile — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Education: XTB scores 9.5 vs 7.0 for Tickmill — a 2.5-point difference.

Our Verdict

Tickmill

Tickmill

Score: 8.2/10 · Wins 1 categories
  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You prefer Tickmill's trading environment overall
🏆 WINNER
XTB

XTB

Score: 8.6/10 · Wins 5 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

XTB takes the lead with an overall score of 8.6/10 compared to 8.2/10, winning in 5 out of 8 scoring categories. XTB 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, XTB comes out ahead with a 8.6/10 overall rating, winning 5 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Education where it scores 9.5/10. XTB 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 XTB review and Tickmill review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

Tickmill
XTB
Trading Costs
9.0 8.5

Tickmill wins by 0.5 points

Platforms & Tools
7.5 9.0

XTB wins by 1.5 points

Regulation & Trust
9.0 9.0
Education
7.0 9.5

XTB wins by 2.5 points

Customer Service
7.5 8.5

XTB wins by 1.0 points

Research & Analysis
7.0 8.5

XTB wins by 1.5 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
8.0 8.0
Product Range
7.5 8.5

XTB wins by 1.0 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
8.2/10
8.6/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$100
$0
Max Leverage
1:500
1:500
Spreads From
0.0 pips
0.5 pips
Platforms
MT4, MT5
xStation 5, xStation Mobile
Regulation
CySEC, FCA, FSA
FCA, CySEC, KNF
Founded
Older track record highlighted
2014
2002
Markets
500+
5,800+
Tickmill: 1 XTB: 0
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: Tickmill (9.0 vs 8.5)

When it comes to trading costs, Tickmill has the edge with a score of 9/10 versus 8.5/10 for XTB. Tickmill offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while XTB starts from 0.5 pips. The minimum deposit at Tickmill is $100, compared to $0 at XTB. 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.

Tickmill
9.0
XTB
8.5
Tickmill: 1 XTB: 1
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: XTB (7.5 vs 9.0)

XTB scores 9/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for Tickmill. Tickmill provides MT4, MT5, while XTB offers xStation 5, xStation Mobile. 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.

Tickmill
7.5
XTB
9.0
Tickmill: 1 XTB: 1
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Tickmill is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSA (Tier 1), while XTB holds licenses from FCA, CySEC, KNF (Tier 1). Tickmill scores 9/10 and XTB 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.

Tickmill
9.0
XTB
9.0
Tickmill: 1 XTB: 2
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: XTB (7.0 vs 9.5)

For learning resources, XTB 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 XTB 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.

Tickmill
7.0
XTB
9.5
Tickmill: 1 XTB: 3
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: XTB (7.5 vs 8.5)

Tickmill offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, while XTB provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8.5/10. 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.

Tickmill
7.5
XTB
8.5
Tickmill: 1 XTB: 3
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

Tickmill scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while XTB scores 8/10. Tickmill accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, and XTB supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Tickmill requires a minimum deposit of $100 versus $0 for XTB. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

Tickmill
8.0
XTB
8.0

Which Broker Is Right for You?

Tickmill

Choose Tickmill if you...

  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You prefer Tickmill's trading environment overall
Visit Tickmill
XTB

Choose XTB 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
Visit XTB

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tickmill better than XTB?

XTB scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 8.2/10), winning 5 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 XTB?

Tickmill scores higher for trading costs. Tickmill offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $100 minimum deposit, while XTB starts from 0.5 pips with $0 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. XTB is regulated by FCA, CySEC, KNF 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 XTB?

XTB scores 9/10 for platforms. Tickmill offers MT4, MT5, while XTB provides xStation 5, xStation Mobile. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.

What's the minimum deposit for Tickmill vs XTB?

Tickmill requires a minimum deposit of $100, while XTB requires $0. XTB 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.

← Back to Compare Tool