Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Vantage 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.
Vantage and ActivTrades are both well-established online brokers, with Vantage having been founded in 2009 and ActivTrades in 2001. Neither company is publicly traded nor operates as a bank. When it comes to regulatory credentials, both Vantage and ActivTrades hold two Tier-1 licenses, marking them as highly trusted according to ForexBrokers.com. They also each hold a Tier-2 license, which further supports their reliability.
In terms of Trust Score ratings from ForexBrokers.com, Vantage stands out with a score of 90, placing it in the highly trusted category. Meanwhile, ActivTrades holds a score of 81, ranking it as a trusted broker. These scores reflect the companies' compliance with regulatory standards and their history in the financial industry, making them both solid choices for investors seeking reliability and security in online trading.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2001 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 2 |
When comparing Vantage and ActivTrades based on their commissions and fees, both brokers offer different structures tailored to various trading needs. Vantage provides three account options: the Standard STP account with spreads starting at 1.30 pips for EUR/USD, and the Raw and PRO ECN accounts, which are commission-based. The Raw account offers a competitive rate of 0.15 pips plus a $6 round-turn commission, summing up to 0.75 pips. The PRO account reduces this further with a $4 round-turn commission, though it requires a significant initial deposit or specific client qualifications. Vantage is favored for its flexible pricing options, boasting a 4.5-star rating and a #19 ranking out of 63 brokers for commissions and fees.
On the other hand, ActivTrades operates with a single primary account type and alternatives like a Professional and Islamic Account. They offer average spreads of 0.98 pips on the EUR/USD as of May 2024, which are slightly better than the industry average but not as competitive as the leading brokers. While lacking an account earmarked for high-volume traders, ActivTrades accommodates diversity with its account types, including a demo account for practice and an Islamic account for compliance with Sharia law. The broker holds a 4-star rating and is ranked #28 amongst 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com for commissions and fees.
In conclusion, Vantage and ActivTrades both adequately meet the needs of different types of traders but vary in specialization and pricing schemes. Vantage is well-suited for those seeking different account options and competitive pricing, including active trader rebates. ActivTrades caters to more traditional trading accounts with consistent spreads and unique offerings like an Islamic account, although it lacks active trader pricing options. Both brokers perform well within their ranks, but Vantage outshines ActivTrades in the specific domain of commissions and fees, holding a higher ranking position and star rating.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.30 | 0.98 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.75 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | 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.
Vantage and ActivTrades both cater to online trading with their diverse range of investment options. When it comes to trading in foreign exchange, both platforms offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts. Vantage provides access to 61 tradeable forex pairs, slightly surpassing ActivTrades' offering of 49 pairs. However, when considering the total number of tradeable symbols, ActivTrades comes out ahead with 1,267 options, compared to Vantage's selection of 1,000. Both platforms support copy trading and offer cryptocurrency derivatives, although they do not provide the option to buy actual cryptocurrencies.
The two brokers differ in their offerings of exchange-traded securities. Vantage does not allow clients to buy exchange-traded securities on either U.S. or international exchanges. ActivTrades also does not support U.S. exchange-traded securities but provides access to international exchanges, such as the option to purchase shares like Vodafone. Based on investment range, ActivTrades earns a slightly higher 4-star rating compared to Vantage's 3.5 stars, with rankings of 31 and 50 out of 63 brokers, respectively, according to ForexBrokers.com. This comparison highlights ActivTrades' marginal advantage in investment diversity.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1000 | 1267 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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). | 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 Vantage and ActivTrades, both brokers provide a comprehensive suite for online trading that includes essential features like simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts. Each offers proprietary platforms developed in-house alongside the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms for traders who prefer these well-known tools. They also provide a Windows-based desktop download platform, a user-friendly web-based platform for trading via a browser, and support copy trading. However, while Vantage supports DupliTrade, ActivTrades does not, which might be a consideration for traders interested in this feature. Neither broker currently offers ZuluTrade.
When it comes to charting, both brokers equip traders with 15 different drawing tools and allow trading directly from stock charts, though they don't specify the number of technical indicators available. In terms of watch list customization, ActivTrades offers a more extensive setup with 11 columns compared to Vantage's 7, providing more fields for data tracking. Both brokers have received a respectable rating of 4 stars out of 5 for their trading platforms and tools; however, Vantage holds a higher position, ranked 21st, while ActivTrades comes in at 30th out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | Yes | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 11 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of Vantage and ActivTrades, both platforms provide iPhone and Android apps that cater to traders on the go. They both also offer crucial features like stock and forex price alerts, which help keep users informed of key market movements. However, neither app supports watchlist symbol syncing, which means any changes made to a watchlist in the mobile app won't reflect in the online account and vice versa. Both apps come equipped with 30 technical studies to assist with chart analysis, and users can easily draw trendlines and view multiple time frames, from daily to intraday, on their charts. These drawings are automatically saved, and real-time quotes can be viewed via customizable watchlists.
Despite these similarities, there are some distinctions in performance ratings that might influence user choice. Both Vantage and ActivTrades earn an impressive 4-star rating for their mobile trading apps. However, when it comes to rankings among 63 brokers reviewed by ForexBrokers.com, ActivTrades edges out with a rank of #19, compared to Vantage's position at #28. For traders looking for a mobile-specific solution, these nuances could tip the balance in favor of one broker over the other based on personal needs and preferences.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research offerings of Vantage and ActivTrades, both brokers provide daily market commentary and forex news from esteemed outlets like Bloomberg and Reuters. This ensures users stay updated with key financial developments. Vantage sets itself apart by offering tools from Autochartist and Trading Central, enhancing traders' ability to perform technical and fundamental analysis. ActivTrades, on the other hand, does not incorporate these specific tools into its research offerings. However, both brokers provide sentiment-based trading tools to help traders gauge market trends. Additionally, both Vantage and ActivTrades feature comprehensive economic calendars to keep investors informed about global news events.
As for how these platforms are rated for research, both brokers receive a commendable 4-star rating. However, Vantage holds a higher rank for research at #21 out of 63 brokers, according to ForexBrokers.com, while ActivTrades sits at #30. This ranking difference underscores Vantage's edge in market research tools, offering traders a slight advantage in accessing diverse analytical resources.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | 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 beginner traders, both Vantage and ActivTrades provide a range of materials focusing on forex and CFDs. Each broker offers more than 10 educational pieces such as articles, videos, and archived webinars. Furthermore, they both host monthly online webinars and maintain a searchable archive of past sessions. Notably, Vantage and ActivTrades cater to beginners through a selection of over 10 videos designed specifically for novice traders, ensuring accessible learning paths. Advanced learners aren't left out either, as both brokers deliver more than 10 videos targeted at experienced traders.
However, there is a slight difference in the comprehensive nature of the educational offerings between the two brokers. Vantage stands out with its inclusion of an investor dictionary that explains over 50 key investment terms, an added resource that ActivTrades does not offer. Despite these differences, both brokers receive a four-star rating for their educational provisions. According to ForexBrokers.com, Vantage ranks 24th in the education category compared to ActivTrades in 38th, suggesting a slightly higher appreciation for Vantage's educational resources.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
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) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Vantage is better than ActivTrades. Vantage finished with an overall rank of #26, while ActivTrades finished with an overall rank of #33.
Vantage rounds out its MetaTrader platform suite offering with support for multiple social trading platforms, content powered by Trading Central and a proprietary mobile app. However, Vantage trails industry leaders in key areas such as research and education.
| Feature |
Vantage
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ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 90 | 81 |
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Both Vantage and ActivTrades do not offer the ability to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing the funding options for online brokers Vantage and ActivTrades, Vantage supports PayPal, Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires but not ACH or SEPA transfers, while ActivTrades offers Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, excluding PayPal, ACH, and 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 | Vantage | ActivTrades | |
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| Trust Score | 90 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Vantage Review | ActivTrades Review |
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| Regulation | Vantage | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 90 | 81 | |
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2001 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Vantage | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Vantage | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Vantage | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1000 | 1267 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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). | 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 | Vantage | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.30 | 0.98 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.75 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Vantage | 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 | Vantage | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | Yes | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Vantage | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 11 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Vantage | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Vantage | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Vantage | 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) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | Vantage | 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 | Vantage Review | ActivTrades Review |
| Overall | Vantage | ActivTrades | |
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| Trust Score | 90 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Vantage Review | ActivTrades Review |
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