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 |
Comparing commissions and fees, ActivTrades generally comes out cheaper on spreads, while Plus500 tends to be a bit pricier. Plus500 is rated 4.0 out of 5 stars and ranks 24th out of 63 brokers for Commissions and Fees, whereas ActivTrades is rated 4 out of 5 stars and ranks 29th out of 63. If keeping your spread costs low is your priority, ActivTrades usually has the edge; if you’re considering Professional client status with cash rebates, Plus500 may appeal.
Plus500’s pricing sits slightly above the industry average and trails the best rates available for active traders. There are no retail discounts, but Professional clients can qualify for cash rebates (similar to an active trader program). For context, the average EUR/USD spread at Plus500 was 1.5 pips in April 2024, which is higher than the industry average.
ActivTrades’ spreads are slightly better than the industry average, though not the lowest in the market. The broker’s average EUR/USD spread was 0.98 pips in May 2024. ActivTrades has one main Individual Account (plus Professional and Islamic options), but there’s no pricing tier designed for high-volume traders and no active trader discounts; spreads are the same across account types. Actual costs vary by asset and platform, and spreads can widen during quieter periods such as rollover.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €50 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.3 | 0.98 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.3 | 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.
Comparing Plus500 vs ActivTrades on range of investments, Plus500 offers a wider selection overall, with 5,500 tradeable symbols versus 1,267 at ActivTrades. Both brokers let you trade forex via CFDs (contracts for difference) or spot, but Plus500 provides 65 forex pairs compared to 49 at ActivTrades. For crypto, neither broker lets you buy actual coins, but both support cryptocurrency derivatives.
When it comes to real, exchange-traded shares, Plus500 lets you buy stocks on both U.S. and international exchanges, while ActivTrades supports international exchanges but not U.S. stocks. ActivTrades does offer copy trading, which Plus500 does not. For Range of Investments, Plus500 earns 4.5/5 stars and ranks #22 of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, while ActivTrades scores 4/5 stars and ranks #32. Choose Plus500 if you want the biggest market selection and access to U.S. shares; pick ActivTrades if copy trading is a priority with a strong mix of markets.
| 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.
Comparing Plus500 vs ActivTrades for trading platforms and tools: both brokers provide free demo (paper) accounts and offer their own in-house platforms. Plus500 concentrates on its web platform and does not have a Windows desktop download, while ActivTrades adds a Windows desktop platform alongside web access. Platform compatibility is a key divider: ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and offers copy trading; Plus500 does not support MT4/MT5 and does not offer copy trading. Neither broker connects to DupliTrade or ZuluTrade.
For charting and workflow, Plus500 includes 36 drawing tools compared with 15 at ActivTrades. ActivTrades lets you place trades directly from charts, which Plus500 does not. Watch lists are customizable on both, with 10 columns on Plus500 and 11 on ActivTrades. According to ForexBrokers.com, Plus500 earns 4.5 stars for Trading Platforms and Tools and ranks 14th out of 63 brokers, while ActivTrades scores 4 stars and ranks 32nd.
| 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.
For market research, both Plus500 and ActivTrades deliver daily market commentary, an economic calendar of key events, and a sentiment tool that shows the long vs. short split across instruments. The biggest differences are in news and analytics: ActivTrades streams forex headlines from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones, while Plus500 does not. In turn, Plus500 includes Trading Central’s technical analysis tools, which ActivTrades does not offer. Neither broker provides research from Autochartist, TipRanks, or Acuity Trading.
Overall standings reflect these trade-offs: Plus500 is rated 4.0 out of 5 for research and ranks 19th out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while ActivTrades is rated 4 out of 5 and ranks 31st. Choose ActivTrades if you prioritize premium real-time news; pick Plus500 if you value built-in Trading Central analysis alongside sentiment data and daily commentary.
| 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 |
|
|
| Trust Score | 99 | 81 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
| Commissions & Fees |
|
|
| Platforms & Tools |
|
|
| Research |
|
|
| Mobile Trading |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
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.
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 99 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Plus500 Review | ActivTrades Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
|
|
| 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 | ||
| 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 | ||
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | ||
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | ||
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | |||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | ||
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Plus500 | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | ||
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | ||
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| 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 | 1.3 | 0.98 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.3 | 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 | €50 | $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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 99 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Plus500 Review | ActivTrades Review |
IG
CMC Markets
FOREX.com
XTB
eToro
AvaTrade
Plus500
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill