Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Plus500 vs Axi, 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.
When comparing online brokers Plus500 and Axi, regulatory oversight and trustworthiness are key factors for prospective traders. Established in 2008, Plus500 is a publicly traded company, which adds a level of transparency and accountability. In contrast, Axi, founded a year earlier in 2007, remains privately owned. Neither of these brokers are banks, but they are both recognized by reputable regulatory agencies. Plus500 boasts six Tier-1 licenses and three Tier-2 licenses, reflecting its strong position as a highly trusted broker with a stellar Trust Score of 99, according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, Axi has obtained two Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license, earning a solid Trust Score of 82, which indicates it is a trusted broker, though not as highly rated as Plus500. For those prioritizing top-notch regulatory compliance and rigorous oversight, Plus500 might be the preferred choice. Meanwhile, Axi still remains a reliable option for those seeking a trusted trading partner, though with slightly less regulatory coverage and trust ratings than its counterpart.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2008 | 2007 |
| 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 | 1 |
When comparing Plus500 and Axi for their commissions and fees, it's clear that both brokers have their own strengths and weaknesses. Plus500's pricing is somewhat higher than the industry average, especially regarding active trader pricing. While they don't offer retail clients special discounts, they do provide cash rebates for those who qualify as Professional clients. For instance, the EUR/USD spreads at Plus500 averaged 1.5 pips in April 2024, which is above the industry norm. Plus500 is rated 4.0 stars out of five for its commissions and fees, ranking at #25 out of 63 brokers as per ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, Axi lacks available average spread data, making a direct comparison more challenging. However, it holds a similar rating of 4 stars out of five for commissions and fees, indicating competitive pricing. Despite this, Axi ranked slightly lower at #43 out of 63 brokers in the same category on ForexBrokers.com. This might suggest areas where Axi could improve or provide more transparency regarding their fees and spreads.
In summary, Plus500 and Axi both offer respectable options for trading, but Plus500 may have an edge with its cash rebate program for Professional clients. However, Axi offers a comparable star rating, suggesting they provide good service in terms of commissions and fees, albeit at a lower ranking. For traders prioritizing lower costs, exploring other options like IG or Saxo might be worthwhile.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €100 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.5 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.5 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| 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 available investments, Plus500 significantly outshines Axi. Plus500 offers an impressive array of 5,500 tradeable symbols, compared to Axi's far more modest 175. Both platforms provide access to 65 forex pairs, ensuring equal opportunities for those interested in forex trading. However, Plus500 provides the added advantage of trading actual exchange-traded securities, such as buying shares of major companies like Apple and Vodafone, which is not available through Axi. Furthermore, both brokers allow trading in cryptocurrency derivatives, although neither provides the option to purchase actual cryptocurrencies.
Another key difference between Plus500 and Axi is in the area of copy trading, which Axi supports while Plus500 does not. This feature might appeal to investors who prefer following seasoned traders rather than making independent investment decisions. Despite this, Plus500 still scores higher in overall range of investments, earning a 4.5-star rating versus Axi's 3.5 stars. This distinction is also echoed in their rankings by ForexBrokers.com, where Plus500 holds a stronger position at 24th out of 63 brokers, while Axi is ranked 56th. These ratings reflect Plus500's broader offering, making it a more appealing choice for those seeking diverse investment opportunities.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 175 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 65 | 65 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| 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.
Plus500 and Axi are popular online brokers that offer traders diverse tools and platforms for trading. Plus500 provides a proprietary trading platform developed in-house, suitable for those who prefer a unique interface. It is accessible via a web-based platform, although it lacks a Windows desktop application. Meanwhile, Axi does not have a proprietary platform but offers the well-known MetaTrader 4 (MT4) for Windows desktop, appealing to users who prefer downloadable software. Both brokers support simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts, helping beginners learn without financial risk. However, Plus500 does not support copy trading or ZuluTrade, features that Axi does offer, thus providing more social trading opportunities for its users.
When it comes to charting, Plus500 outshines Axi by offering 36 drawing tools compared to Axi's 15, though Axi allows trades to be executed directly from a stock chart, which Plus500 does not. For watch lists, Plus500 provides 10 fields for customization, which is slightly more than Axi's 7 fields. According to ForexBrokers.com, Plus500 ranks higher in the Trading Platforms and Tools category, securing the 14th spot out of 63 brokers, and receives an impressive 4.5-star rating. In contrast, Axi is rated 3.5 stars and ranks last, indicating Plus500's superior offering in platform and tool quality.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 36 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 10 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both Plus500 and Axi offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, ensuring users can trade on-the-go with ease. While both platforms provide features like stock and forex price alerts, and the ability to draw trendlines on charts, Plus500 edges out Axi with some additional features. Plus500 allows users to sync watchlist symbols between the mobile app and their online account, whereas Axi does not offer this syncing capability. Plus500 also offers a significantly higher number of technical studies, boasting 115 compared to Axi's 30, which could appeal to more technical traders.
In terms of user ratings, Plus500 leads with a 4.5-star rating for its mobile app, while Axi trails with 3.5 stars. This higher rating for Plus500 might reflect its advanced features and greater flexibility, such as the ability to view charts in multiple time frames and creating watchlists with real-time quotes, both of which are available on both platforms. Additionally, Plus500 ranks #14 out of 63 brokers for mobile trading apps according to ForexBrokers.com, whereas Axi sits at #59, highlighting a stronger user preference for Plus500's mobile experience.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research, Plus500 and Axi shine in different areas. Plus500 provides daily market commentary and incorporates Trading Central tools, which offer technical analytics useful for traders. It also includes a sentiment-based trading tool that helps gauge market mood and an economic calendar displaying significant global events. However, it falls short in offering forex news from renowned sources and lacks tools from Autochartist or Acuity Trading. With a 4-star research rating, Plus500 ranks 19th out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, Axi offers a robust suite highlighted by providing forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones, along with tools from Autochartist to support technical analysis. It also includes a sentiment-based trading tool and an economic calendar. Axi, however, does not provide daily market commentary or integrate Trading Central tools like Plus500 does. Its research capabilities have earned it a 3-star rating and a 55th place ranking among 63 brokers.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| 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 comparing the educational resources available to beginners at Plus500 and Axi, both brokers offer commendable content, ensuring they provide a minimum of 10 educational pieces focused on forex or CFDs. Plus500 distinguishes itself by hosting online educational webinars each month and maintaining an easily searchable archive of these sessions for future reference, a feature Axi currently lacks. Additionally, Plus500 offers over ten beginner-friendly videos tailored specifically for newcomers to trading, aligning with Axi in this regard.
However, Plus500 expands its educational outreach further by providing advanced trading videos, while Axi does not. Conversely, Axi compensates for this gap with an investor dictionary, which defines over 50 investment terms—a resource Plus500 does not offer. When rated for education, Plus500 achieves 4 stars out of 5, slightly edging out Axi’s 3-star rating. Nonetheless, Axi holds a marginally higher rank at #27, compared to Plus500’s #31 position, according to ForexBrokers.com. Ultimately, both brokers offer valuable educational tools, with unique strengths that may appeal to different learners.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | Yes |
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 Axi. Plus500 finished with an overall rank of #14, while Axi finished with an overall rank of #49.
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
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 82 |
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Both Plus500 and Axi provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither platform offers the ability to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies.
In comparing the online brokers, Plus500 distinguishes itself by offering PayPal alongside Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire options for deposits and withdrawals, while Axi supports Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire payments but not PayPal, with both platforms not providing ACH or SEPA transfer options.
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 | Axi | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 82 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Plus500 Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Plus500 | Axi | |
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| Regulation | Plus500 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 82 | |
| Year Founded | 2008 | 2007 | |
| 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 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Plus500 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Plus500 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 175 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 65 | 65 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.5 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.5 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Plus500 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | Plus500 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 10 | 7 | |
| 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 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | Plus500 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Plus500 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Plus500 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Overall | Plus500 | Axi | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 82 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Plus500 Review |
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