XTB

XTB

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.6
/ 10
vs
Tickmill

Tickmill

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.2
/ 10

XTB vs Tickmill

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

XTB and Tickmill 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. Tickmill, established in 2014 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSA 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 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.

  • 🖥️

    XTB runs on xStation 5, xStation Mobile, while Tickmill uses MT4, MT5 — 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

🏆 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
Tickmill

Tickmill

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

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

XTB
Tickmill
Trading Costs
8.5 9.0

Tickmill wins by 0.5 points

Platforms & Tools
9.0 7.5

XTB wins by 1.5 points

Regulation & Trust
9.0 9.0
Education
9.5 7.0

XTB wins by 2.5 points

Customer Service
8.5 7.5

XTB wins by 1.0 points

Research & Analysis
8.5 7.0

XTB wins by 1.5 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
8.0 8.0
Product Range
8.5 7.5

XTB wins by 1.0 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
8.6/10
8.2/10
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
Regulation
FCA, CySEC, KNF
CySEC, FCA, FSA
Founded
Older track record highlighted
2002
2014
Markets
5,800+
500+
XTB: 0 Tickmill: 1
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: Tickmill (8.5 vs 9.0)

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

XTB
8.5
Tickmill
9.0
XTB: 1 Tickmill: 1
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: XTB (9.0 vs 7.5)

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

XTB
9.0
Tickmill
7.5
XTB: 1 Tickmill: 1
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

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

XTB
9.0
Tickmill
9.0
XTB: 2 Tickmill: 1
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: XTB (9.5 vs 7.0)

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. XTB and Tickmill 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.

XTB
9.5
Tickmill
7.0
XTB: 3 Tickmill: 1
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: XTB (8.5 vs 7.5)

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

XTB
8.5
Tickmill
7.5
XTB: 3 Tickmill: 1
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

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

XTB
8.0
Tickmill
8.0

Which Broker Is Right for You?

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
Tickmill

Choose Tickmill if you...

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

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is XTB better than Tickmill?

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, XTB or Tickmill?

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

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

What's the minimum deposit for XTB vs Tickmill?

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

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