Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of OANDA vs ThinkMarkets, 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.
OANDA, established in 1996, and ThinkMarkets, launched in 2010, are both reputable online brokers in the trading industry. Neither firm is publicly traded nor operates as a bank. OANDA holds a higher number of Tier-1 licenses, with seven, compared to ThinkMarkets' five, indicating a strong commitment to regulatory standards. Furthermore, OANDA has a Trust Score of 93 according to ForexBrokers.com, slightly outperforming ThinkMarkets' score of 92, making both brokers highly trustworthy choices for online trading.
ThinkMarkets possesses two Tier-2 licenses, reflecting an additional level of compliance and trust, whereas OANDA holds none. These regulatory credentials highlight the ongoing dedication both brokers have to meeting industry standards and maintaining trader confidence. Despite these differences, both remain reliable and secure trading platforms for clients seeking a stable and regulated environment.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 5 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
When it comes to comparing the commissions and fees between OANDA and ThinkMarkets, each online broker has its distinctive features. OANDA, although not a discount broker, differentiates itself with an automated execution system and offers both default and core pricing options. The default pricing comes with higher effective spreads, with the EUR/USD pair averaging 1.61 pips in July 2024, while core pricing offers reduced spreads but necessitates a commission. OANDA's core pricing, which requires a $10,000 deposit, includes a $5 commission per $100,000 traded, making the overall cost slightly lower than their default structure when accounting for the commission. Moreover, OANDA allows trading at a micro-lot level as small as one unit and offers a lucrative Elite Trader program with rebates and additional benefits.
ThinkMarkets, meanwhile, does not provide average spread data, which makes a direct comparison slightly challenging on this front. However, both OANDA and ThinkMarkets receive a solid rating of four stars out of five for their commissions and fees. This suggests that while they may have different pricing models and structures, both brokers are recognized for competitive pricing in the broader scope of FX trading.
Despite having identical star ratings, OANDA and ThinkMarkets hold different positions in ForexBrokers.com's ranking for commissions and fees. OANDA is ranked #34, marginally outshining ThinkMarkets, which holds position #48 out of 63 brokers. Both firms have their merits, and the choice between them will largely depend on an individual's trading volume, required features, and pricing preferences.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.61 | 1.1 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.61 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | 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.
OANDA and ThinkMarkets both excel in offering a wide range of investment options for traders. OANDA provides access to 3,928 tradeable symbols, including an impressive 68 forex pairs, allowing a broad choice for currency traders. On the other hand, ThinkMarkets offers a slightly larger selection with 4,000 tradeable symbols, although it features fewer forex pairs at 46. Both brokers excel in the world of forex trading, offering both CFDs and spot contracts to their clients. Additionally, they offer cryptocurrency trading, with OANDA supporting both actual cryptocurrency purchases and derivatives, while ThinkMarkets limits clients to cryptocurrency derivatives only.
When looking at securities trading, OANDA does not offer exchange traded securities on either U.S. or international exchanges. ThinkMarkets, meanwhile, does provide access to exchange traded securities on international exchanges, giving investors who desire this feature an added advantage. Both platforms support copy trading, offering traders the opportunity to mirror successful trading strategies. Based on overall investment range evaluations, OANDA is rated 4 out of 5 stars, whereas ThinkMarkets scores slightly higher at 4.5 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, OANDA is ranked 27th out of 63 brokers for its range of investments, while ThinkMarkets is positioned notably higher at 22nd, highlighting its broader asset offerings.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3928 | 4000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 68 | 46 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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.
Both OANDA and ThinkMarkets provide comprehensive trading platforms and tools that cater to a wide range of trader needs. Each broker offers simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, enabling users to practice trading without financial risk. Both OANDA and ThinkMarkets have developed proprietary platforms and support Windows-based desktop downloads alongside web-based platforms. They also offer well-known platforms MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, and provide copy trading options, though neither supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade. Chart enthusiasts at OANDA have 431 drawing tools at their disposal, compared to ThinkMarkets' 15, while both brokers allow trading directly from stock charts.
When it comes to tailoring watch lists, ThinkMarkets allows up to 15 fields, providing more flexibility compared to OANDA's 6. Despite these differences in tools, both brokers have received similar ratings of 4 out of 5 stars for their trading platforms and tools. However, in terms of ranking by ForexBrokers.com, OANDA holds the 15th spot, which is notably higher than ThinkMarkets at 28th. This makes OANDA a potentially more attractive option for those focused on platform rankings, while ThinkMarkets might appeal to users who prioritize customizable watch lists. Both brokers effectively cater to diverse trading needs, with slight distinctions that could influence a trader's choice based on specific tool preferences.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 81 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 431 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 6 | 15 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing mobile trading apps, both OANDA and ThinkMarkets provide iPhone and Android support, ensuring that users can trade on the go with ease. Both brokers deliver stock and forex price alerts, along with the ability to create watchlists featuring real-time quotes. They also offer trendline drawing capabilities and multiple time frame views on charts, vital tools for traders seeking detailed market analysis. A downside for both is the lack of watchlist symbol syncing with their online accounts, meaning changes made in one must be manually updated in the other.
Despite these similarities, OANDA and ThinkMarkets have notable differences. OANDA provides 30 technical studies for charting in its mobile app, while ThinkMarkets offers a more extensive selection with 94 technical studies. Also, while both apps auto-save chart drawings, OANDA enjoys higher user ratings, scoring 5 stars compared to ThinkMarkets' 4 stars. This user approval is reflected in their rankings by ForexBrokers.com, where OANDA is ranked 7th out of 63 brokers for mobile trading apps, while ThinkMarkets sits at 20th.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 94 |
| 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 online brokers OANDA and ThinkMarkets, both platforms provide daily market commentary, making it easy for traders to stay updated on financial trends. Additionally, they both supply forex news from reliable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. OANDA stands out with technical analysis tools provided by Autochartist, which ThinkMarkets lacks. In contrast, ThinkMarkets offers research tools from Acuity Trading, such as Signal Centre, which are not available with OANDA. Sentiment-based trading tools and economic calendars are features both brokers provide, ensuring traders are well-equipped for global markets.
In terms of overall research quality, OANDA receives a higher rating of 5 stars compared to ThinkMarkets' 3.5 stars. This is reflected in their rankings at ForexBrokers.com, where OANDA is placed 5th out of 63 brokers, while ThinkMarkets is ranked 50th. These rankings indicate that although both brokers supply essential market research functions, OANDA's offerings are considered superior in the industry, providing traders with more comprehensive tools and insights.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | Yes |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both OANDA and ThinkMarkets cater to traders looking to expand their knowledge in forex and CFDs. Both platforms provide a suite of over 10 educational materials, including articles, videos, and archived webinars, to help users delve into trading intricacies. They offer regular monthly webinars and maintain a searchable archive of past sessions, making it easy for beginners to learn at their own pace. Additionally, they both feature a collection of over 10 beginner-focused educational videos and have comprehensive investor dictionaries with definitions for at least 50 trading terms. For those looking to advance beyond the basics, each platform also offers over 10 advanced videos aimed at seasoned traders.
Despite these similarities, OANDA stands out with a higher educational rating of 5 stars, compared to ThinkMarkets’ 3.5 stars, reflecting a broader industry appreciation of its educational offerings. According to ForexBrokers.com, OANDA is rated higher, coming in at #22 out of 63 brokers in the education category, while ThinkMarkets ranks at #52. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, both brokers provide solid educational foundations, but OANDA's offerings are perceived as more highly rated by experts in the field.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that OANDA is better than ThinkMarkets. OANDA finished with an overall rank of #12, while ThinkMarkets finished with an overall rank of #27.
A trusted global brand, OANDA stands out for its reputation and quality market research. Its regulatory track record is strong, and its support for third-party features bolsters its overall offering.
| Feature |
OANDA
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ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
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| Trust Score | 93 | 92 |
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OANDA offers the ability to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency as well as cryptocurrency derivatives, whereas ThinkMarkets provides only cryptocurrency derivatives without the option for actual delivered cryptocurrency.
OANDA stands out as an online broker by providing a wider array of options for depositing and withdrawing funds, including ACH, SEPA, PayPal, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, whereas ThinkMarkets offers Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, but lacks ACH, SEPA, and PayPal 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 | OANDA | ThinkMarkets | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 92 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | OANDA Review |
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| Regulation | OANDA | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 93 | 92 | |
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 5 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | OANDA | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | OANDA | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | OANDA | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3928 | 4000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 68 | 46 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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 | OANDA | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.61 | 1.1 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.61 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | OANDA | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 | |
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | OANDA | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | OANDA | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 6 | 15 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 81 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 431 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | OANDA | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 94 | |
| 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 | OANDA | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | OANDA | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | OANDA | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | OANDA Review |
| Overall | OANDA | ThinkMarkets | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 92 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | OANDA Review |
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