A practical comparison for European investors choosing between a modern trading platform and a more traditional stock and ETF broker workflow.
Use the fee snapshot and key differences before opening an account.
Check entity, product type and investor protection before funding.
Use winner by category and choose-if sections to avoid brand-only decisions.
XTB is usually stronger when platform quality, research, charting and a cleaner multi-product interface matter. DEGIRO is often the clearer fit for European investors who mainly want a traditional stock and UCITS ETF account and are willing to read fee and exchange-connectivity details carefully.
Entity-scoped XTB profile covering real shares and ETFs, leveraged CFDs, fees and protection in the UK, EEA and international markets.
Read full reviewBest for self-directed European stock and ETF investors who want broad exchange access and will verify country-specific costs.
Read full reviewThis is StockTrade editorial comparison data, not live market data. Use it to narrow the broker fit, then verify current fees, products and account terms with the broker before opening an account.
Investors who want stronger platform tools, research, charting and a more modern broker workflow.
European stock and ETF investors who want a traditional exchange-based investing account.
DEGIRO can work well for investors who read fee schedules carefully before trading.
Both require checking whether the instrument is a real asset, CFD or other product.
DEGIRO can be clearer for European stock and UCITS ETF investors.
XTB is stronger for charting, platform usability and research workflow.
XTB is stronger for charting, platform usability and research workflow.
DEGIRO can be clearer for European stock and UCITS ETF investors.
Both require checking whether the instrument is a real asset, CFD or other product.
XTB can feel more guided for users who value platform structure and education.
DEGIRO can work well for investors who read fee schedules carefully before trading.
Investors who want stronger platform tools, research, charting and a more modern broker workflow.
European stock and ETF investors who want a traditional exchange-based investing account.
8.5/10
8.3/10
Stocks / ETFs / Options / CFDs available / FX available
Stocks / ETFs / Options / Futures
Web / iOS / Android / Desktop
Web / iOS / Android
Reviewed schedule: 0% to EUR 100,000 combined monthly turnover then 0.2% with EUR 10 minimum; local terms apply
UK schedule: US shares EUR 1 + EUR 1 handling; LSE shares GBP 1.75 + GBP 1 handling; taxes and external costs may apply
No universal minimum; local entity, deposit method and product conditions apply
Usually no stated general minimum; country and product rules apply
XTB Limited under FCA 522157 or CySEC 169/12 and XTB International Limited under Belize FSC 6442514; serving entity depends on residence
flatexDEGIRO Bank Dutch Branch is the Dutch branch of flatexDEGIRO Bank SE; BaFin is the primary bank supervisor, and the branch is registered with DNB and supervised by AFM and DNB
Entity-specific: eligible UK FSCS claims or Cyprus ICF claims where applicable; no such limit is extended to the Belize entity
Separate SPV custody; eligible Cash Account money under the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme up to EUR 100,000; eligible non-returned assets under the German Investor Compensation Scheme at 90% up to EUR 20,000; UK FSCS does not apply
Price the trades you will actually place. Include FX conversion, spreads, custody or platform charges, transfer-out fees and any margin or overnight funding costs before calling either broker cheaper.
Confirm whether the account gives you real stocks and ETFs, CFDs, options, cash products or another instrument. The safer-looking brand can still be the wrong choice if the product type does not match your plan.
Choose the platform that makes your intended behavior easier. If extra charts, leverage, social feeds or options prompts would push you into unnecessary trading, a simpler broker may be the better fit.
The better beginner choice depends on what would help you invest consistently without taking products you do not understand. Compare account type, real stocks and ETFs, fees, FX conversion, investor protection and platform complexity before choosing between XTB and DEGIRO.
There is no universal cheapest broker. The real cost depends on your country, trade size, asset currency, ETF availability, inactivity rules, transfer fees and whether the instrument is a real asset or a CFD. Always compare the fee schedule for the trades you actually plan to make.
No. This comparison is editorial research to help you ask better questions. It is not personal financial advice, and broker terms can change. Check official broker documents before opening or funding an account.
Last checked: May 2026. Ratings weigh fees, regulation, investor protection, platform quality, asset access, usability and reliability. Affiliate relationships do not affect ratings.