Which broker is better for Austria traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Choosing between EasyMarkets and XM Group is a key decision for Austrian retail traders in 2026. Both brokers accept clients from Austria and are regulated by the local financial regulator, the FMA (Finanzmarktaufsicht), as well as CySEC. EasyMarkets scores 3.4/5, offering fixed spreads and a simplified trading experience ideal for beginners. XM Group scores 4.7/5, providing variable spreads, extensive trading tools, and a broader range of assets. For Austrian traders who value low costs and advanced features, XM is often the preferred choice. Local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 are supported by both brokers, ensuring convenient deposits and withdrawals in USD. This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide based on your trading style and priorities.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | XM Group |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | XM Group |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | XM Group |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | XM Group |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $5 | EasyMarkets |
For Austria traders, trading costs are a major factor. XM Group offers variable spreads starting from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD, with no commissions on standard accounts. This is highly competitive for active traders. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, typically from 1.5 pips on major pairs, which protects against volatility but is more expensive overall. XM also provides better cost efficiency for higher trading volumes, making it suitable for Austrian day traders and scalpers. EasyMarkets may appeal to those who prefer cost predictability.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $5 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Austria (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:1000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | EasyMarkets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | XM Group |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
XM Group provides MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, both popular among Austrian traders for their advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web-based platform and MetaTrader 4. For Austrian traders who rely on automated strategies or complex analysis, XM’s dual MT4/MT5 support is a clear advantage. EasyMarkets’ platform is simpler and more intuitive, suiting beginners who prioritize ease of use over advanced features.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | XM Group |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
XM Group uses straight-through processing (STP) with an average execution speed of under 1 second, ensuring minimal slippage for Austrian traders. EasyMarkets employs a no-dealing-desk model with fixed spreads, but its execution speed is slightly slower during high volatility. For Austrian scalpers and algorithmic traders, XM’s faster execution is beneficial. EasyMarkets’ execution is more stable for standard trades.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and XM Group are regulated by the FMA (Finanzmarktaufsicht) and CySEC, ensuring high levels of client protection for Austrian traders. XM Group also holds regulatory status in Australia and the UK, adding an extra layer of security. Austrian traders benefit from negative balance protection, segregated accounts, and access to the FMA’s dispute resolution mechanisms. This makes both brokers safe choices, though XM’s additional oversight gives it a slight edge in regulatory trust.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days |
Austrian traders can deposit and withdraw using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both EasyMarkets and XM Group. XM supports additional methods like credit/debit cards and PayPal (regional availability), while EasyMarkets focuses on the core options. Deposits via e-wallets and USDT are instant, while Bank Transfers take 1-3 business days. XM processes withdrawals quickly (typically within 24 hours for e-wallets), whereas EasyMarkets may take slightly longer. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but Austrian banks may impose transfer fees for Bank Transfers. USD is the base currency for this comparison, and both brokers handle currency conversions transparently.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both EasyMarkets and XM Group offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Austrian Muslim traders who require compliance with Sharia law. XM provides swap-free accounts across all account types without additional fees. EasyMarkets offers Islamic accounts upon request, but may apply an administrative fee for positions held overnight beyond the swap-free period. Austrian traders should confirm the specific terms with each broker to ensure they meet their faith-based trading requirements.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
XM Group offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, including German-language support for Austrian clients. EasyMarkets similarly provides 24/5 support in German and English. XM’s response time is generally faster, and they also have a comprehensive FAQ section. Austrian traders needing prompt assistance may prefer XM for its reliability.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose XM Group if you...
For the majority of Austrian retail traders in 2026, XM Group is the superior choice with its 4.7/5 rating, lower spreads, extensive platform support, and strong FMA regulation. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) remains a viable option for beginners who value fixed spreads and simplicity. Both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits easy for Austrian traders. However, XM’s overall value, execution quality, and regulatory trust make it the recommended broker for traders aiming to grow their accounts efficiently.