Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of XTB vs Saxo, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
Your capital is at risk.
Alongside the cost per trade, most UK online brokers also charge a monthly, quarterly, or annual management fee, which varies based on the account type and balance. Based on our thorough review, XTB offers better pricing than Saxo for share dealing.
What type of trader are you?
New to the world of investing? See our picks for the Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners. More experienced traders should read our guide to the Best UK Trading Platforms for Active Traders.
For UK investors navigating the diverse world of online trading platforms, XTB and Saxo Bank stand out with their distinct offerings. Both brokers provide avenues for share trading, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and contracts for difference (CFDs). However, neither platform currently supports cryptocurrency trading or offers advisor services, catering specifically to DIY investors seeking broad investment products. Where they differ is in their range of investment choices; SAXO offers a comprehensive portfolio that includes funds trading, corporate and government bonds, as well as investment trusts, making it a top choice among UK investors.
When it comes to ratings, Saxo Bank shines with a perfect 5-star rating from UK.StockBrokers.com for investment choices, securing the number one spot among 21 brokers. In comparison, XTB earns a respectable 4.5 stars for its offerings but stands at 13th in the same ranking. For investors prioritizing a wide array of options, Saxo Bank's extensive lineup may provide the edge, while XTB remains a competitive choice for those focusing on shares, ETFs, and CFDs.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Saxo
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|---|---|---|
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes |
| CFD Trading | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Mutual Funds | No | Yes |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | Yes |
| Investment Trusts | No | Yes |
| Spread Betting | No | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | No |
| Advisor Services | No | No |
| Investment Choices |
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Low-cost US and UK shares.
Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.
Comparing XTB vs Saxo for trading tools, XTB lets you display corporate events (earnings, splits, dividends) on charts, which Saxo does not. Saxo counters with greater chart customisation, offering about 20 drawing tools and 64 technical indicators versus XTB’s 4 drawing tools and 13 indicators. Both brokers let you add notes and apply index and stock overlays for quick comparisons.
Each broker provides a browser-based platform with real-time market data. If you need price alerts for stock updates, Saxo includes them while XTB does not. UK traders who value event markers on charts may prefer XTB, while those who want more indicators, drawing tools, and alerts may lean towards Saxo.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Saxo
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Alerts | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 13 | 64 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 4 | 20 |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | Yes | No |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Index Overlays | Yes | Yes |
When comparing online brokers XTB and Saxo for retirement account options in the UK, it is important to note that both offer Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). However, if you're looking to open a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP), Saxo stands out as the better choice since XTB does not provide this option. Therefore, while both platforms cater to ISA investors, SAXO might be more suitable for those seeking a comprehensive retirement savings solution that includes SIPPs.
Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.
XTB and Saxo both provide iPhone and Android apps for their users in the UK, ensuring convenient access to trading on the go. When rated by UK.StockBrokers.com, XTB's mobile app receives a commendable rating of 4.5 stars, placing it at a respectable 6th position out of 21 brokers for mobile app offerings. Conversely, Saxo's mobile app earns a top-notch 5-star rating, securing the coveted 1st position in the same ranking. This indicates a slightly superior mobile app experience with Saxo compared to XTB, according to these reviews.
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.
When comparing the educational resources for beginners at online brokers XTB and Saxo, Saxo comes out ahead with a focus on accessibility and variety. Saxo excels by offering live educational webinars and the convenience of watching them on demand, ensuring that new investors can learn at their own pace. In contrast, XTB doesn't offer webinars but provides helpful education on share trading, which is not covered by Saxo. While both brokers lack educational content on topics like funds and retirement, Saxo's comprehensive approach to beginner education earns it a 5-star rating and a #3 ranking from UK.StockBrokers.com. Meanwhile, XTB is rated 4.5 stars and ranks #9, reflecting solid educational offerings but less versatility than Saxo.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Saxo
|
|---|---|---|
| Client Webinars | No | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | Yes |
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | No |
| Education (Funds) | No | No |
| Education (Retirement) | No | No |
| Education |
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Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.
For UK investors comparing XTB vs Saxo on market research: both offer shares and ETF research, but Saxo adds funds and bonds research, research reports for funds, and the ability to view portfolio allocation by asset class—none of which XTB provides. Choose Saxo if you want fuller coverage of funds, bonds, and allocation tools; XTB suits those focused mainly on straightforward shares and ETF research.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Saxo
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Bonds | No | Yes |
| Research - Funds | No | Yes |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | No | Yes |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | No | Yes |
Which broker is better overall, XTB or Saxo? After collecting more than 900 data points over a 10-week period, we found XTB to be a better trading platform overall.
XTB has set itself up as a strong competitor in commission-free share trading. Its low fees and solid educational content will make XTB particularly attractive to newer investors. It does not, however, offer an ISA or SIPP.
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Saxo
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Both XTB and Saxo do not offer crypto trading, making them comparable options for investors who do not prioritize cryptocurrency assets in their trading strategies.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | XTB | Saxo | |
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| Review | XTB Review | Saxo Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
| Investments | XTB | Saxo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISA | Yes | Yes | |
| SIPP | No | Yes | |
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| CFD Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds | No | Yes | |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Bonds - Corporate | No | Yes | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | Yes | |
| Investment Trusts | No | Yes | |
| Spread Betting | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading | |||
| Advisor Services | No | No |
| Trading Fees | XTB | Saxo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £1 | £0 | |
| Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month | £0 | From £3 or 0.08% | |
| Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month | £0 | From £3 or 0.08% | |
| Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month | £0 | From £3 or 0.08% | |
| 5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £0 - £250,000 | N/A | Up to £800 | |
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £250K-£500K | N/A | £500 to £1,000 | |
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £500,000 - £1m | N/A | Up to £1,998 | |
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £1m and over | N/A | £1,000 | |
| Bonds - Corporate - Fee | N/A | €20 minimum | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee | N/A | €20 minimum | |
| ETFs - Fee | £0 | From $1 | |
| Investment Trusts - Fee | N/A | From $1 / £3 / €10 | |
| Telephone Dealing Fee | N/A | £50 |
| Broker Screenshots | XTB | Saxo | |
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| Platforms & Tools | XTB | Saxo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Alerts | No | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 13 | 64 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 4 | 20 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Index Overlays | Yes | Yes |
| Research | XTB | Saxo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - CFDs | |||
| Research - Funds | No | Yes | |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | No | Yes | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Bonds | No | Yes | |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | No | Yes |
| Education | XTB | Saxo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | No | |
| Education (Funds) | No | No | |
| Education (Retirement) | No | No | |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | Yes |
| Overall Summary | XTB | Saxo | |
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| Review | XTB Review | Saxo Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
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