XM Group vs Plus500: Malta Broker Comparison 2026
Which broker is better for Malta traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Malta Traders
Malta traders looking for a reliable forex broker often compare XM Group and Plus500, two well-known names regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). Both brokers offer access to global markets, but they differ significantly in trading costs, platform features, and payment options. XM Group, with a Comparebroker score of 4.7/5, is a top-tier broker known for low spreads, diverse account types, and strong local support. Plus500, scoring 3.7/5, is a CFD-focused platform that appeals to traders seeking simplicity and a user-friendly interface. For Malta residents, choosing between the two depends on trading style, volume, and preferred deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20. This comparison breaks down every key factor to help you decide which broker suits your needs best in 2026.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | XM Group | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Plus500 |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Plus500 |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Plus500 |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Plus500 |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $100 | Plus500 |
When comparing trading costs, XM Group is the clear winner for Malta traders. On standard accounts, EUR/USD spreads start from 0.6 pips, while Plus500 averages 0.8-1.0 pips. For a Malta trader executing 10 lots per month, XM Group saves approximately $200 annually in spread costs. XM Group also offers commission-free trading on most instruments, whereas Plus500’s wider spreads and occasional overnight fees can add up. For high-volume traders, XM Group’s lower costs directly improve profitability.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | XM Group | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $100 |
Leverage Comparison - Malta Traders
| Entity / Asset | XM Group | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Malta (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:300 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 1:300 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | XM Group | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | XM Group |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | XM Group |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | XM Group |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Plus500 |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | XM Group | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✗ |
Plus500 provides a proprietary web and mobile platform that is intuitive and beginner-friendly, perfect for Malta traders who value simplicity. However, it lacks advanced charting tools and custom indicators. XM Group offers MetaTrader 4 and 5, which are industry standards with powerful analysis tools, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and full mobile compatibility. For Malta traders who want flexibility and depth, XM Group’s platform suite is far superior.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | XM Group | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Plus500 |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | XM Group |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
XM Group uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with an average speed of 50ms, ensuring minimal slippage even during volatile markets. Plus500 operates a market maker model, which can lead to requotes and slower execution. For Malta traders who scalp or trade news events, XM Group’s faster execution is critical.
Regulation & Safety for Malta Traders
| Safety Factor | XM Group | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both XM Group and Plus500 are regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), ensuring strict oversight and client fund protection. XM Group additionally holds licenses from the FCA, CySEC, and ASIC, providing extra layers of security. For Malta traders, this means both brokers adhere to local regulations, including negative balance protection and segregated accounts. However, XM Group’s multi-regulator status offers broader trust and dispute resolution options.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Malta
| Payment Method | XM Group | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days | 1 to 3 business day |
Malta traders can deposit and withdraw using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both XM Group and Plus500. XM Group processes deposits instantly with zero fees, while Plus500 may charge a small fee for Skrill or Neteller. USDT TRC20 is particularly attractive for crypto-friendly Malta traders, offering near-instant transfers with minimal costs. Withdrawals at XM Group are typically processed within 24 hours, whereas Plus500 can take 1-3 business days. XM Group’s faster, fee-free processing gives it a clear edge for local traders.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Malta Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | XM Group | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✗ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Malta’s Muslim traders, both brokers offer swap-free Islamic accounts. XM Group provides them on all account types without restrictions on trading instruments or holding periods. Plus500 offers Islamic accounts only upon request and may limit certain assets like commodities or indices. XM Group’s more inclusive policy makes it the better choice for Malta traders observing Sharia law.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | XM Group | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | XM Group |
XM Group offers 24/5 multilingual customer support with a dedicated Maltese language option, plus local phone numbers. Plus500 provides 24/7 live chat and email support but lacks a Maltese-specific team. For Malta traders, XM Group’s localized support is a significant advantage.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | XM Group | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | XM Group |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | XM Group |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | XM Group | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | XM Group |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | XM Group |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | XM Group |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
XM Group
Plus500
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Malta Guide
Choose XM Group if you...
- Want lower spreads and lower overall trading costs.
- Prefer MetaTrader 4/5 with advanced charting and automated trading.
- Need fast, fee-free deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20.
- Value dedicated Maltese customer support and multi-regulator security.
Choose Plus500 if you...
- Are a beginner looking for a simple, easy-to-use platform.
- Trade CFDs on stocks, indices, or cryptocurrencies with fixed spreads.
- Prefer a broker with a strong mobile app and no download required.
- Don’t require advanced tools or local language support.
FAQ - XM Group vs Plus500 in Malta
Final Verdict - Malta 2026
For Malta traders in 2026, XM Group is the superior choice across nearly every metric. It offers lower spreads, faster execution, more deposit options (including USDT TRC20 and Skrill), and better local support. Its MFSA regulation combined with top-tier licenses ensures strong client protection. Plus500 is suitable for beginners who want simplicity, but its higher costs and limited features make it less competitive for serious traders. If you trade actively or value flexibility, XM Group is the clear winner for Malta.