XTB
Admirals
XTB vs Admirals
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
XTB and Admirals are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. XTB, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, is regulated by FCA, CySEC, KNF and offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips with a minimum deposit of $0. Admirals, established in 2001 in Tallinn, Estonia, holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, ASIC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, XTB scored 8.6/10 overall compared to Admirals's 8.4/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Admirals holds its own with overall value, 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 8.4/10 for Admirals — a 0.2-point difference.
- 💵
XTB requires just $0 to start, while Admirals needs $100 — XTB is 100x more accessible.
- 📈
XTB offers 5,800+ instruments vs 4,000+ at Admirals — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
XTB runs on xStation 5, xStation Mobile, while Admirals uses MT4, MT5, MetaTrader Supreme Edition — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Education: XTB scores 9.5 vs 8.5 for Admirals — a 1.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
XTB
Score: 8.6/10 · Wins 4 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
Admirals
Score: 8.4/10 · Wins 0 categories- You prefer Admirals's trading environment overall
XTB takes the lead with an overall score of 8.6/10 compared to 8.4/10, winning in 4 out of 8 scoring categories. XTB stands out for lower trading costs and superior education resources, while Admirals remains a solid alternative.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, XTB comes out ahead with a 8.6/10 overall rating, winning 4 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. Admirals is not without merit — it scores 8.4/10 overall and excels in Platforms & Tools (9.0/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full XTB review and Admirals review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
XTB wins by 0.5 points
XTB wins by 1.0 points
XTB wins by 0.5 points
XTB wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.6/10 ✓ | 8.4/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $0 ✓ | $100 |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | xStation 5, xStation Mobile | MT4, MT5, MetaTrader Supreme Edition |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, KNF | CySEC, FCA, ASIC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2002 | 2001 ✓ |
| Markets | 5,800+ ✓ | 4,000+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, XTB has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 8/10 for Admirals. XTB offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips, while Admirals starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at XTB is $0, compared to $100 at Admirals. 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
XTB scores 9/10 for platforms compared to 9/10 for Admirals. XTB provides xStation 5, xStation Mobile, while Admirals offers MT4, MT5, MetaTrader Supreme Edition. 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. XTB is regulated by FCA, CySEC, KNF (Tier 1), while Admirals holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, ASIC (Tier 1). XTB scores 9/10 and Admirals 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, XTB leads with 9.5/10 compared to 8.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. XTB and Admirals 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
XTB offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8.5/10, while Admirals 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
XTB scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Admirals scores 8/10. XTB accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, and Admirals supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. XTB requires a minimum deposit of $0 versus $100 for Admirals. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose XTB if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is XTB better than Admirals?
XTB scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 8.4/10), winning 4 of 8 categories. However, Admirals remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, XTB or Admirals?
XTB scores higher for trading costs. XTB offers spreads from 0.5 pips with a $0 minimum deposit, while Admirals starts from 0.0 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is XTB safe to trade with?
XTB is regulated by FCA, CySEC, KNF and scores 9/10 for regulation. Admirals is regulated by CySEC, FCA, ASIC with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, XTB or Admirals?
XTB scores 9/10 for platforms. XTB offers xStation 5, xStation Mobile, while Admirals provides MT4, MT5, MetaTrader Supreme Edition. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for XTB vs Admirals?
XTB requires a minimum deposit of $0, while Admirals requires $100. 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.