XM Alternative: Why Traders Switch to LHFX

XM is one of the largest retail brokers in the world with a huge range of instruments and account types. But size is not everything. Here is how LHFX compares on pricing, execution, and withdrawal speed.

Raw spreads on every account, $3 per side commission, and crypto withdrawals in under 20 minutes. See the full breakdown below.

Quick Comparison

LHFX vs XM at a glance.

Feature
LHFX
XM
Commission
$3 per side
$3.50 per side (Zero only)
Minimum Deposit
$10
$5
Spreads
From 0.0 pips
From 0.0 pips (Zero), from 0.8 pips (Ultra Low)
Leverage
Up to 1:500
Up to 1:1000
Platforms
MT5, LHFX Trade
MT4, MT5, XM App
Instruments
138
1,400+
Execution
STP/ECN
Market Maker
Regulation
FSC Mauritius, FSCA South Africa
CySEC, ASIC, FSC Belize, DFSA, FSCA
Crypto Withdrawals
Under 20 minutes
24 hours
Islamic Account
Yes
Yes

Where LHFX Wins

The areas where LHFX offers a clear advantage over XM.

Lower Commission on Raw Spreads

$3 per side at LHFX vs $3.50 on XM's Zero account. That is a $1 saving per round turn. On 100 lots per month, you keep an extra $100.

Raw Spreads on Every Account

At LHFX, every trader gets raw spreads from 0.0 pips. At XM, only the Zero account offers raw pricing. Standard and Ultra Low accounts start at 0.8 to 1.6 pips. No tier confusion at LHFX.

Faster Crypto Withdrawals

Crypto payouts processed in under 20 minutes at LHFX. XM processes most withdrawals within 24 hours, which is reasonable but not as fast for crypto-native traders.

Proprietary Web Platform

LHFX Trade is a custom-built web platform for fast, browser-based trading. No downloads, no app stores. Trade from any device alongside MT5 for charting and automation.

STP/ECN Execution

LHFX routes orders through STP/ECN execution with no dealing desk intervention. XM operates as a market maker, which means XM can be the counterparty to your trades. Different traders have different preferences here.

Where XM Wins

XM has genuine strengths. Here is where they come out ahead.

More Instruments

1,400+ instruments vs 138 at LHFX. If you trade a wide range of stocks, commodities, or exotic pairs, XM has a much larger selection to choose from.

Higher Leverage

Up to 1:1000 vs 1:500 at LHFX. For traders who want maximum leverage on smaller accounts, XM goes higher. Keep in mind that higher leverage also means higher risk.

More Account Types

Micro, Standard, Ultra Low, Zero, and Shares accounts. Traders who want $0 commission with wider spreads can use Standard or Ultra Low. LHFX offers one account type with raw spreads and $3 commission.

Lower Minimum Deposit

$5 at XM vs $10 at LHFX. A small difference, but XM has a slight edge for traders who want the absolute lowest entry point. Both brokers are accessible for beginners.

Who Should Choose LHFX

  • Traders who want raw spreads on every account without choosing between tiers
  • Active traders who want the lowest commission on raw-spread pricing ($3 vs $3.50)
  • Traders who prefer STP/ECN execution over market maker models
  • Traders who need fast crypto withdrawals (under 20 minutes)
  • Traders who value a simple, single account structure with no hidden tiers
Open an LHFX Account

Who Should Stick with XM

  • Traders who need access to 1,400+ instruments
  • Traders who want 1:1000 leverage
  • Casual traders who prefer $0 commission accounts with wider spreads
  • Traders who want the lowest possible minimum deposit ($5)
  • Traders who prefer MT4 or the XM mobile app

Making the Switch

Moving from XM to LHFX takes minutes, not days.

1

Open an LHFX Account

$10 minimum deposit. Registration takes about 2 minutes.

2

Verify Your Identity

Upload a government-issued ID. Most verifications complete within a few hours.

3

Fund and Start Trading

Deposit via crypto, Skrill, or Neteller and place your first trade on MT5 or LHFX Trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Try LHFX?

$10 minimum deposit. $3 per side commission. Raw spreads from 0.0 pips. Crypto withdrawals in under 20 minutes.