Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Plus500 vs Pepperstone, 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 known for its high trustworthiness in the trading community. It boasts a perfect Trust Score rating of 99 by ForexBrokers.com, making it highly trusted. Plus500 is publicly traded and holds an impressive six Tier-1 licenses, enhancing its credibility. It also has three Tier-2 licenses, further supporting its trusted status. Despite not being a bank, Plus500's regulatory standing makes it a go-to choice for many investors.
Pepperstone, founded in 2010, is another reputable online broker with a solid Trust Score of 95, indicating a high level of trust. Unlike Plus500, it is not publicly traded but still carries significant weight with three Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses under its belt. While Pepperstone is not a bank, it remains a favored option for traders due to its commendable regulatory approval and trusted reputation in the industry.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Pepperstone
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2008 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 3 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
When it comes to commissions and fees, Plus500 tends to be slightly more expensive than the industry average and does not offer discounts for retail clients. However, Professional clients who qualify can benefit from cash rebates similar to an active trader program. For example, during April 2024, the average spread for the EUR/USD at Plus500 was 1.5 pips, which is higher than the industry average. Plus500 is ranked #25 out of 63 brokers in this category and holds a commendable rating of 4.0 stars for its commissions and fees structure.
Pepperstone, on the other hand, appeals more to active traders, especially with its Razor account, which is known for offering great pricing when combined with its Active Trader program. The Razor account is commission-based and, as of July 2024, had an average spread of 0.10 pips for the EUR/USD. When factoring in additional commission costs equivalent to 0.70 pips, the total cost reaches 0.80 pips, aligning closely with the industry average. Even though the Standard account is commission-free with an average spread of 1.1 pips on the EUR/USD, it is the pricier choice compared to the Razor account. Pepperstone is rated 4.5 stars for its commissions and fees and ranks #10 out of 63 brokers.
Active traders can further benefit from Pepperstone’s Active Trader program, which offers rebates based on trading volume. In regions like the UK and EU, Professional clients trading large volumes can earn rebates on spreads, with discounts reaching up to 25%. In Australia, similar benefits apply, with tiered spread reductions increasing to 30% for those trading over 3001 lots monthly. Overall, Pepperstone presents a more cost-effective solution for high-volume traders compared to Plus500, especially for those eligible for its active trading incentives.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Pepperstone
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €100 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.5 | 1.00 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.5 | 0.70 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 looking at Plus500 and Pepperstone in terms of their range of investments, both platforms offer distinct features catering to different trading needs. Plus500 provides a wide selection with over 5,500 tradeable symbols, including 65 forex pairs, enabling traders to diversify with both domestic and international exchange-traded securities. Notably, Plus500 allows clients to purchase shares from major U.S. and international companies, which gives it a substantial edge for those interested in traditional stock investments. Additionally, Plus500 supports trading in cryptocurrency derivatives, expanding investment opportunities without the option of buying actual cryptocurrencies. Although it does not offer copy trading, Plus500's comprehensive range of investment options has earned it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, ranking it #24 for Range of Investments by ForexBrokers.com out of 63 brokers.
Pepperstone, on the other hand, specializes primarily in forex and derivatives trading. It offers a total of 1,726 tradeable symbols and, like Plus500, provides access to 65 forex pairs. While Pepperstone does not support the purchase of exchange-traded securities such as Apple shares or exposure to international company stocks, it distinguishes itself by offering a copy trading feature, appealing to traders who prefer following and replicating experienced investors' strategies. Pepperstone also provides the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, although it does not facilitate the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies. Its comprehensive offerings have garnered it a solid 4-star rating and a position of #26 for Range of Investments according to ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Pepperstone
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 1726 |
| 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.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools of Plus500 and Pepperstone, both brokers provide traders with access to free virtual demo accounts, enabling new and experienced traders alike to practice trading strategies without financial risk. Plus500 stands out with its in-house developed proprietary platform, accessible via web browsers, though it lacks a dedicated Windows desktop version and does not offer MetaTrader 4 or 5, popular among many traders. Pepperstone not only offers a proprietary platform but also includes a Windows desktop version and supports both MetaTrader 4 and 5, which can cater to traders who prefer these widely recognized platforms.
Another difference is in the additional features: Plus500 does not support copy trading or tools like DupliTrade, which Pepperstone does, making Pepperstone appealing for those interested in mirroring other successful trades. Plus500, however, shines with a higher rating for its trading platforms and tools, scoring 4.5 stars and ranking #14 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, compared to Pepperstone's 4 stars and #22 ranking. Additionally, Plus500 offers more drawing tools for charting, with 36 options, and provides more columns in watch lists compared to Pepperstone. However, Pepperstone allows trading directly from a stock chart, an advantage for traders who prioritize efficiency.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Pepperstone
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 15 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 36 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 10 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When considering mobile trading apps, both Plus500 and Pepperstone deliver a user-friendly experience for iPhone and Android users. Each platform supports essential features like price alerts and watchlist syncing, allowing traders to stay updated on the go. Both apps provide the ability to draw trendlines and view different time frames to help with chart analysis. However, a key difference lies in the number of technical studies available; Plus500 offers an impressive 115 technical studies compared to Pepperstone’s 30, giving it an edge for those who rely heavily on chart analysis.
In terms of additional features, Pepperstone offers auto-saving for chart drawings, which Plus500 lacks. Both apps support creating watchlists with real-time quotes to keep traders informed. User ratings show that Plus500 slightly outperforms Pepperstone, with a rating of 4.5 stars against 4 stars. This is reflected in the ForexBrokers.com ranking, where Plus500 sits higher at #14 out of 63 brokers, compared to Pepperstone's position at #21. Whether you prioritize technical studies or charting features, both apps are solid choices for mobile trading.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Pepperstone
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| 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.
When it comes to market research tools, both Plus500 and Pepperstone provide an engaging selection for traders, but their offerings have distinct differences. Plus500 offers daily market commentary and a sentiment-based trading tool, complete with an economic calendar to help traders stay informed. Additionally, Plus500 integrates Trading Central for those interested in technical analytics. However, it lacks forex news from major sources like Bloomberg or Reuters and does not provide tools from Autochartist.
Pepperstone, on the other hand, matches Plus500 with daily market commentary and a sentiment analysis tool, but has a slight edge with top-tier forex news from sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters. It also offers tools from Autochartist, catering to traders seeking advanced technical and fundamental research options. Despite both brokers being well-regarded, Pepperstone's market research features have earned it a higher rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, compared to Plus500's 4.0, as well as a better ranking in the research category by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Pepperstone
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| 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.
Both Plus500 and Pepperstone offer a comprehensive suite of educational resources for those new to trading. They both provide over 10 educational pieces, including articles and videos focused on forex and CFDs. Monthly educational webinars are available from both brokers, and they maintain searchable archives of these sessions. This makes it easy for beginners to access a wealth of knowledge at their convenience. Additionally, both Plus500 and Pepperstone boast over 10 beginner-friendly videos, ensuring step-by-step guidance as you delve into the world of trading. For those seeking advanced trading knowledge, both brokers also provide extensive video content tailored for more experienced traders.
While Plus500 and Pepperstone are quite comparable in terms of educational materials, Pepperstone takes a slight lead with its comprehensive investor dictionary, which defines over 50 investing terms. This additional resource can be particularly advantageous for those seeking to expand their trading vocabulary. It's perhaps this feature that contributes to Pepperstone's higher education rating of 4.5 stars, compared to Plus500's 4.0 stars. When it comes to their educational rankings, Pepperstone stands out at 17th place among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, while Plus500 is ranked 31st. This subtle edge could make Pepperstone the preferred choice for beginners aiming to build a strong foundation in trading education.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Pepperstone
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 Pepperstone. Plus500 finished with an overall rank of #14, while Pepperstone finished with an overall rank of #16.
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
|
Pepperstone
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 95 |
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Both Plus500 and Pepperstone do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they each provide options to invest in cryptocurrency derivatives.
In a comparison of online brokers, Plus500 does not support ACH or SEPA transfers for account funding, unlike Pepperstone, yet both brokers allow deposits and withdrawals through PayPal, Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires.
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 | Pepperstone | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 95 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Plus500 Review | Pepperstone Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Plus500 | Pepperstone | |
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| Regulation | Plus500 | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 95 | |
| Year Founded | 2008 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 3 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Plus500 | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Plus500 | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| 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 | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 1726 | |
| 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 | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.5 | 1.00 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.5 | 0.70 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Plus500 | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €100 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | Plus500 | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | No | Yes | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Plus500 | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 10 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 15 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 36 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Plus500 | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Plus500 | Pepperstone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pepperstone Review |
| Overall | Plus500 | Pepperstone | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 95 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Plus500 Review | Pepperstone Review |
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