| Compass | eXp Realty | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | New York, NY | Cloud-based (no physical offices) |
| Footprint | National — concentrated in major U.S. metros | National and international, fully remote |
| Business model | Tech-forward traditional brokerage (agents, offices, W-2 support staff) | Cloud brokerage — virtual offices, no brick-and-mortar |
| Commission structure | Negotiated agent splits (commonly ~70/30 to 85/15); no franchise fee | 80/20 split to a $16,000 annual cap, then 100%; revenue share + stock awards |
| Technology | Industry-leading proprietary platform — Compass CRM, Insights, marketing tools | Cloud platform (virtual campus, kvCORE-style tools) |
| Luxury focus | Strong luxury footprint in most top metros | eXp Luxury division |
| Best for | Agents who want best-in-class technology and a premium brand in major markets | Agents who want a low cap, revenue share, equity, and a remote model |
Brokerage comparison
Compass vs eXp Realty
An honest side-by-side for agents deciding where to hang their license — model, commission, technology and luxury focus. Terms are negotiated and vary by market; use this as a starting point.
Option 1
Compass
Agents who want best-in-class technology and a premium brand in major markets.
Founded2012
ModelTech-forward tradition
Option 2
eXp Realty
Agents who want a low cap, revenue share, equity, and a remote model.
Founded2009
ModelCloud brokerage
Side by side
Choose Compass if you want agents who want best-in-class technology and a premium brand in major markets. Its model — tech-forward traditional brokerage — and industry-leading proprietary platform — compass crm, insights, marketing tools tend to suit that agent.
Choose eXp Realty if you want agents who want a low cap, revenue share, equity, and a remote model. The right answer usually comes down to the specific local office: the manager, the split you can negotiate, the team you'd join, and the brand's strength in your market.
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Compass vs eXp Realty FAQs
Is Compass or eXp Realty better for a new agent?
It depends on what you need. Compass is best for agents who want agents who want best-in-class technology and a premium brand in major markets, while eXp Realty suits those who want agents who want a low cap, revenue share, equity, and a remote model. New agents should weigh training, split and mentorship at the specific local office, since terms are set locally.
How do commission splits compare at Compass vs eXp Realty?
Compass: Negotiated agent splits (commonly ~70/30 to 85/15); no franchise fee. eXp Realty: 80/20 split to a $16,000 annual cap, then 100%; revenue share + stock awards. Actual splits are negotiated and vary by market, production and team, so confirm current terms with each brokerage.
Which is stronger for luxury real estate, Compass or eXp Realty?
Compass — strong luxury footprint in most top metros. eXp Realty — exp luxury division. For high-end listings, the brand's local luxury footprint and referral network in your specific market matter most.
Brokerage attributes are compiled from public information and kept general; commission splits and support vary by market, office and agent and are negotiated individually. Verify current terms directly with each brokerage.