Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Plus500 vs ActivTrades, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Founded in 2008, Plus500 is a well-established online broker recognized for its high trustworthiness. With a Trust Score of 99 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, Plus500 stands out in the industry. The company holds six Tier-1 licenses and three Tier-2 licenses, signaling compliance with stringent regulatory standards. Notably, Plus500 is publicly traded, adding an extra layer of transparency to its operations.
In comparison, ActivTrades has been in the market since 2001 and holds a respectable Trust Score of 81, placing it in the trusted category. Although it is not publicly traded, ActivTrades manages to maintain credibility with two Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license. Like Plus500, ActivTrades operates without banking status, focusing purely on brokerage services. Both brokers offer investors different strengths, with Plus500 offering higher trust ratings and broader regulatory approvals.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2008 | 2001 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
When comparing online brokers Plus500 and ActivTrades, a key distinction is their approach to commissions and fees. Plus500’s pricing tends to be slightly above the industry average, with spreads on popular currency pairs like the EUR/USD averaging 1.5 pips as of April 2024. Though there are no special discounts for retail clients, Plus500 does offer cash rebates similar to an active trader program for those qualifying as Professional clients. On the commissions and fees front, Plus500 garners a 4.0-star rating and is ranked 25th out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
ActivTrades, on the other hand, provides spreads that are marginally better than the industry average but are not the most competitive compared to top low-cost forex brokers. Spreads for the EUR/USD average 0.98 pips as of May 2024, slightly undercutting Plus500. While ActivTrades offers various account types, such as its Individual and Islamic Accounts, it lacks an account specifically for high-volume traders and does not offer active trader pricing. This can impact the leverage available to traders, depending on the account type. ActivTrades is rated 4 stars for its commissions and fees and is positioned at 28th place out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com.
In summary, both brokers offer a range of account options but differ slightly in their fees and pricing. Plus500 may suit traders who can benefit from cash rebates with Professional client status, whereas ActivTrades appeals to those seeking slightly better spread values, especially if EUR/USD trading is a focus. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, so individual trader needs and preferences will ultimately guide the best choice.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €100 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.5 | 0.98 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.5 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When it comes to the variety of investment options, Plus500 has the upper hand with an extensive offering of 5,500 tradeable symbols, surpassing ActivTrades, which provides 1,267 symbols. Plus500 supports forex trading as a CFD with 65 tradable forex pairs, which is more than ActivTrades' 49 pairs. Both brokers allow trading of cryptocurrency derivatives, though neither offers actual cryptocurrency purchases. Plus500 stands out by giving access to exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international markets, allowing investors to buy shares like Apple and Vodafone directly. In contrast, ActivTrades provides direct access only to international exchanges, meaning U.S. stocks are not available for direct purchase.
For investors interested in innovation, ActivTrades offers a unique advantage with its copy trading feature, which Plus500 does not. However, for range of investments, Plus500 shines with a 4.5-star rating and is ranked #24 by ForexBrokers.com among 63 brokers, indicating its broad selection. ActivTrades is not far behind, with a 4-star rating and ranked #31 in the same category, showcasing a respectable variety in their investment options, albeit slightly narrower than Plus500. Overall, for those prioritizing a wide range of investment opportunities, Plus500 might be the more appealing choice. However, if access to copy trading is important, ActivTrades might be worth considering.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 1267 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 65 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). Non-CFD share trading at Plus500 is only available through the Plus500 Invest account. | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools offered by Plus500 and ActivTrades, several key differences become apparent. Both brokers provide free virtual demo accounts and have developed proprietary platforms in-house. However, Plus500 does not offer a Windows-based desktop download trading platform, unlike ActivTrades, which does. On the other hand, both brokers provide web-based trading platforms, making them accessible through browsers. When it comes to popular third-party platforms, Plus500 does not support MetaTrader 4 (MT4) or MetaTrader 5 (MT5), while ActivTrades offers both, catering to traders who prefer these renowned platforms. Additionally, while Plus500 does not support copy trading, ActivTrades offers this feature, allowing traders to follow the strategies of other experts.
For those interested in charting tools, Plus500 stands out with 36 drawing tools compared to ActivTrades' 15, though both brokers appear to lack specific details on the number of technical indicators available. ActivTrades does have the capability to trade directly from stock charts, a feature that Plus500 does not offer. When it comes to watchlist configurations, Plus500 provides 10 columns while ActivTrades offers 11. In terms of ratings, Plus500 receives 4.5 stars for its trading platforms and tools, slightly higher than ActivTrades' 4 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, Plus500 is ranked 14th out of 63 brokers for Trading Platforms and Tools, considerably higher than ActivTrades, which holds the 30th position. This indicates that Plus500's offering may be more appealing to users seeking a more streamlined and user-friendly experience.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 36 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 10 | 11 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both Plus500 and ActivTrades offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android users, providing essential features for trading stocks and forex. Price alerts and watchlist creation with real-time quotes are available on both platforms. However, Plus500 stands out by offering watchlist symbol syncing, allowing users to maintain consistent watchlists across devices. While both apps enable drawing trendlines and viewing multiple time frames, Plus500 offers a notable 115 technical studies for charting, compared to ActivTrades' 30. This can be a significant advantage for traders who rely heavily on in-depth chart analysis.
For those who value easy drawing management, ActivTrades' app autosaves chart drawings, unlike Plus500. In terms of user ratings, Plus500 edges out with a 4.5-star rating for its mobile app compared to ActivTrades' 4-star rating. Reputable ranking by ForexBrokers.com places Plus500 at #14 in the Mobile Trading Apps category, ahead of ActivTrades, which is ranked at #19. This suggests Plus500 provides a slightly superior overall mobile trading experience, particularly for users who prioritize extensive charting tools and synchronized watchlists.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 115 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Both Plus500 and ActivTrades provide daily market commentary, helping traders stay informed of ongoing trends. However, when it comes to delivering forex news from prestigious sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ActivTrades takes the lead, offering insights that traders who rely on world-class news will appreciate, while Plus500 does not. When it comes to tools from Autochartist, neither broker offers options, making it clear that this isn't part of their current offerings to traders.
Plus500 sets itself apart with Technical Analytics from Trading Central and a sentiment-based trading tool that gives traders a visual on long or short positions in currency pairs. Although ActivTrades matches the sentiment tool offering, it lacks support from Trading Central. Both brokers offer access to an economic calendar, keeping clients aware of essential global news events. Between the two, Plus500 holds a slightly better research rating at 4.0 stars compared to ActivTrades' rating, and it is ranked higher on ForexBrokers.com, standing at 19th compared to ActivTrades' 30th position out of 63 brokers.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both Plus500 and ActivTrades have taken noticeable steps to equip their users with the essentials of forex and CFDs trading. Each platform offers a comprehensive range of educational materials, ensuring more than 10 pieces in various formats like articles, videos, and webinars. Beginners will also find comfort in consistent learning opportunities, as both brokers provide at least one client webinar each month, which are further accessible through their searchable archives. Starting off can be daunting, but these platforms accommodate newcomers with a library of beginner-focused educational videos that cover fundamental trading topics. Both platforms extend their support to experienced traders with advanced educational videos, making sure to cater to all learning levels.
Although both Plus500 and ActivTrades are relatively neck-and-neck in terms of educational offerings, Plus500 slightly edges out with a higher rating by ForexBrokers.com. Plus500 holds a 4.0-star rating and ranks 31st among 63 brokers, while ActivTrades, also rated 4 stars, is placed 38th. However, neither platform offers an investor dictionary, which could be a drawback for users who prefer quick access to investing term definitions. For beginners aiming to dive into trading, the resources provided by both brokers serve as a reliable foundation.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Plus500 is better than ActivTrades. Plus500 finished with an overall rank of #14, while ActivTrades finished with an overall rank of #33.
Plus500 is a trusted global brand that offers an easy-to-use trading platform for online traders, alongside access to a thorough selection of CFDs. Share trading is available, but only via its Plus500 Invest product offering.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 81 |
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Both Plus500 and ActivTrades allow users to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither platform offers the ability to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies.
When comparing Plus500 and ActivTrades for online trading, Plus500 distinguishes itself by supporting PayPal for deposits and withdrawals, whereas ActivTrades does not, but both brokers offer Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire options while neither provides ACH or SEPA transfers.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Plus500 Review | ActivTrades Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
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| Regulation | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 81 | |
| Year Founded | 2008 | 2001 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 1267 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 65 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). Non-CFD share trading at Plus500 is only available through the Plus500 Invest account. | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.5 | 0.98 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.5 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €100 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 10 | 11 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 36 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 115 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | Plus500 Review | ActivTrades Review |
| Overall | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Plus500 Review | ActivTrades Review |
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