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.
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.
Assuming a £30,000 portfolio size, here are the total annual costs for share dealing with both brokers, given different monthly activity scenarios.
5 trades per year - XTB would cost £0 per year, while Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £51 per year.
12 trades per year - XTB would cost £0 per year, while Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £72 per year.
36 trades per year - XTB would cost £0 per year, while Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £144 per year.
120 trades per year - XTB would cost £0 per year, while Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £396 per year.
3 fund trades per year - XTB would cost £0 per year, while Saxo would cost £0 per year.
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.
When comparing online brokers XTB and Saxo, both platforms offer investors in the UK the ability to trade shares, ETFs, and CFDs. However, there are notable differences in their investment choices. XTB does not support crypto trading, spread betting, funds trading, corporate bonds, government bonds (gilts), or investment trusts, which limits its versatility. In contrast, Saxo provides a broader spectrum of trading instruments, including funds trading, corporate bonds, government bonds, and investment trusts, catering to a wider range of investment strategies.
In terms of performance ratings by UK.StockBrokers.com, XTB received a commendable 4.5 stars for investment choices, securing the 13th spot among 18 brokers. Meanwhile, Saxo stands out with a 5-star rating, proudly claiming the top position. While both brokers refrain from offering advisor services, Saxo's more extensive selection of investment options and its rating suggest an edge for investors seeking varied instruments.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Saxo
|
|---|---|---|
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes |
| CFD Trading | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Funds | No | Yes |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | Yes |
| Investment Trusts | No | Yes |
| Spread Betting | Yes | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | No |
| Advisor Services | No | No |
| Investment Choices |
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Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.
Low-cost US and UK shares.
For UK traders comparing XTB and Saxo's trading platforms, both brokers offer comprehensive tools with unique strengths. XTB allows users to display corporate events like earnings, splits, and dividends directly on charts, a feature not available with Saxo. Each offers 20 drawing tools, but Saxo edges ahead with 64 technical indicators compared to XTB's 39. Both platforms enable trading notes on charts and provide browser-based platforms with real-time market data and the ability to set alerts for stock price updates.
However, when it comes to chart overlays, there are notable differences. Saxo supports both index and stock overlays on charts, giving it an edge for those who need layered analytical views. XTB does not offer overlays, which could be a drawback for visually oriented traders looking to compare stock and market data directly on their charts. Despite these differences, both platforms offer strong tools for UK investors seeking flexibility and detailed market insight.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Saxo
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 39 | 64 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 20 | 20 |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | Yes | No |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | No | Yes |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | 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.
In the competitive world of online trading, both XTB and Saxo offer mobile apps accessible on iPhone and Android platforms, making them convenient for traders on the go. According to UK.StockBrokers.com, Saxo's mobile app is top-rated with a perfect 5-star rating, securing the number one spot among 18 brokers. Meanwhile, XTB provides a reliable experience with a commendable 4.5-star rating, placing it sixth in the same ranking. These ratings highlight Saxo's slight edge in user experience, though both apps are solid choices for UK traders seeking mobility in their trading activities.
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.
When comparing beginner investor educational resources, XTB and Saxo each offer unique strengths. Saxo provides comprehensive educational webinars that are accessible both live and on-demand, giving new investors flexibility in learning. In contrast, XTB does not offer webinars but provides in-depth education specifically on share trading, which Saxo lacks. For topics like funds and retirement, neither broker offers specific educational resources. According to UK.StockBrokers.com, Saxo edges out XTB with a 5-star rating and a rank of 3rd out of 18 brokers for beginner education, compared to XTB's 4.5-star rating and 9th place ranking. UK readers can weigh these aspects to choose the platform that best suits their educational needs.
| 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.
When comparing the market research features of XTB and Saxo, UK investors will find differences that cater to various needs. Saxo stands out by offering comprehensive research reports for funds and bonds, whereas XTB lacks these features. Both brokers excel in delivering research for shares, ETFs, and CFDs, providing valuable insights for those trading in these areas. Additionally, both XTB and Saxo enable investors to view portfolio allocation by asset class, an essential tool for managing investments effectively. While XTB provides solid support with shares, ETFs, and CFDs research, Saxo's inclusion of funds and bonds research offers a broader scope for investors seeking diverse market insights.
| Feature |
XTB
|
Saxo
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes |
| Research - CFDs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Bonds | No | Yes |
| Research - Funds | No | Yes |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | No | Yes |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | 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.
| Feature |
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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 | |
| Funds | No | Yes | |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Bonds - Corporate | No | Yes | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | Yes | |
| Investment Trusts | No | Yes | |
| Spread Betting | Yes | No | |
| Crypto Trading | No | No | |
| Advisor Services | No | No |
| Trading Fees | XTB | Saxo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £0 | £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) | £0 | 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £51 | |
| 12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 | 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £72 | |
| 36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 | 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £144 | |
| 120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 | 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £396 | |
| 3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) | N/A | 0.4% + 0% commission: £120 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £0 - £250,000 | 0 | Up to £800 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £250K-£500K | 0 | £500 to £1,000 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £500,000 - £1m | 0 | Up to £1,998 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £1m and over | 0 | £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 | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 39 | 64 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 20 | 20 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | No | Yes | |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | Yes |
| Research | XTB | Saxo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - CFDs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Funds | No | Yes | |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | No | Yes | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Bonds | No | Yes | |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | 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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