Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of OANDA vs Plus500, 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 trading platforms OANDA and Plus500, it's clear that both companies offer strong regulatory frameworks, but with some distinctions. Founded in 1996, OANDA is a well-established entity but is not publicly traded. It holds seven Tier-1 licenses and has a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 93, signifying a high level of trust. On the other hand, Plus500 entered the market in 2008, is publicly traded, and possesses six Tier-1 licenses alongside three Tier-2 licenses, earning it an impressive Trust Score of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, indicating one of the highest levels of trust according to their standards.
Neither OANDA nor Plus500 operates as a bank, but both have built reputations as reliable brokers. OANDA's regulatory structure is limited to Tier-1 licenses, while Plus500 extends beyond Tier-1, incorporating a handful of Tier-2 licenses as well. This expanded regulatory coverage contributes to Plus500's slightly higher trust rating. While both brokers are generally viewed as safe and reputable options for trading, Plus500's status as a publicly listed company might give it added credibility in the eyes of some investors.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2008 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | Yes |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 6 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
OANDA and Plus500 both earn 4.0 stars for commissions and fees, yet Plus500 ranks higher (#24 of 63) than OANDA (#35 of 63) in ForexBrokers.com’s Commissions and Fees category. Both sit above the cheapest forex brokers on pricing, so the better value depends on your account type and trading volume.
OANDA’s average non-core spread on EUR/USD was 1.61 pips in July 2024. Its core pricing lowers the spread (for example, to about 0.4 pips) but adds a $5 per side commission per $100,000 traded (about 1 pip round trip), requiring a $10,000 minimum deposit; in the example, the all-in cost comes to roughly 1.4 pips—slightly below OANDA’s default pricing. OANDA also lets you trade in very small sizes (down to 1 unit), offers Elite Trader rebates in select regions ($5–$17 per million), and publishes trailing average spreads for transparency.
Plus500’s pricing is slightly above the industry average, with EUR/USD spreads averaging 1.5 pips in April 2024. It does not discount fees for retail clients, though Professional clients may qualify for cash rebates. In a straight comparison on EUR/USD, Plus500’s 1.5-pip average edges OANDA’s default 1.61 pips, but OANDA’s core pricing can be cheaper at about 1.4 pips if you qualify and meet the $10,000 deposit. For frequent traders seeking rebates, OANDA’s tiers (where available) compete with the Professional-only rebates at Plus500.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | €50 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.69 | 1.3 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.69 | 1.3 |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
OANDA vs Plus500: Both brokers let you trade forex (as CFDs or spot, depending on your region). Plus500 lists more markets overall, with about 5,500 tradeable symbols, compared with OANDA’s 4,172. When it comes to currencies, OANDA offers 69 forex pairs while Plus500 has 65. Each broker also lets you buy exchange-traded shares directly on U.S. and international stock exchanges (not just CFDs).
For crypto and social features, OANDA supports copy trading and lets you buy actual cryptocurrency, while both brokers offer crypto CFDs. In independent ratings for range of investments, Plus500 scores higher (4.5 stars; ranked 22nd of 63) than OANDA (4 stars; ranked 28th). Choose Plus500 if you want the widest list of markets, and pick OANDA if copy trading and the option to own real crypto matter to you.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 4172 | 5500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 69 | 65 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | Yes |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | Yes | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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). Non-CFD share trading at Plus500 is only available through the Plus500 Invest account. |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
OANDA and Plus500 both make it easy to test strategies with a free demo (paper) trading account and each offers its own in-house trading platform. OANDA provides both a Windows desktop download and a web-based platform, while Plus500 is web-only. If you prefer downloadable software on a PC, OANDA has the edge; if you trade in the browser, both brokers fit the bill.
For tools, OANDA supports copy trading and connects to MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), plus it lets you place trades directly from charts. Plus500 doesn’t offer copy trading, MT4, or MT5, and it doesn’t support chart trading. That said, Plus500 earns a higher Platforms & Tools rating (4.5/5) and ranks #14 out of 63 brokers with ForexBrokers.com, compared with OANDA’s 4/5 rating and #15 rank. Specific counts for chart indicators and watchlist columns weren’t provided for either broker.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 89 | 115 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both OANDA and Plus500 offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, and each supports price alerts to help you track markets on the go. A key difference is watchlist syncing: Plus500 syncs your watchlist between the mobile app and your online account, while OANDA does not.
For charting, Plus500 includes 115 technical studies compared with 30 on OANDA. Both apps let you draw trendlines, but only OANDA auto-saves your drawings. In independent ratings from ForexBrokers.com, OANDA’s mobile app earns 5 stars and ranks 7th out of 63 brokers, while Plus500’s app scores 4.5 stars and ranks 14th.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 115 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Comparing market research at OANDA and Plus500 shows clear differences. Both brokers publish daily market commentary, provide an economic calendar, and include a sentiment tool that shows the ratio of long vs. short positions. Where they diverge is in third‑party research: OANDA streams forex news from top-tier sources and offers Autochartist for chart pattern and signal scanning, while Plus500 does not carry premium news or Autochartist but does include Trading Central analysis. Neither broker integrates TipRanks or Acuity Trading.
For research quality and depth, OANDA takes the lead with a 5-star rating and a #4 ranking out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, thanks largely to its premium news coverage and toolset. Plus500 earns 4.0 stars and ranks #19, making it a solid choice for traders who value Trading Central, while OANDA is better suited to those who want top-tier news and Autochartist alongside everyday market insights.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central | No | Yes |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Acuity Trading | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
OANDA and Plus500 both make it easy for new traders to learn about forex and CFDs. Each broker offers a steady schedule of monthly educational webinars, plus large video libraries that include at least 10 beginner videos and at least 10 advanced videos. You’ll find a mix of articles, videos, and archived webinars you can revisit anytime. For someone starting out, OANDA’s materials tend to feel more comprehensive and skill-building, while Plus500’s Academy favors shorter, straightforward lessons that are quick to digest.
In independent evaluations, OANDA earns 5 stars for Education and ranks 19th out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, compared to Plus500’s 4.0 stars and 31st-place ranking. If you want the widest overall learning experience, OANDA has the edge; if you prefer concise guidance focused on platform basics and core trading concepts, Plus500 is a solid, beginner-friendly choice.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | 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 Plus500. OANDA finished with an overall rank of #12, while Plus500 finished with an overall rank of #14.
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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Plus500
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| Trust Score | 93 | 99 |
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In the OANDA vs Plus500 comparison, OANDA lets you buy real, delivered cryptocurrencies and trade cryptocurrency CFDs, while Plus500 supports only cryptocurrency CFDs and does not offer the ability to purchase actual crypto.
OANDA vs Plus500: OANDA supports ACH/SEPA deposits and withdrawals while Plus500 does not; both brokers offer PayPal, Skrill, and bank wire options, and Visa/Mastercard availability is not specified for either.
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 | Plus500 | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 99 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | OANDA Review | Plus500 Review |
| Broker Screenshots | OANDA | Plus500 | |
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| Regulation | OANDA | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 93 | 99 | |
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2008 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | Yes | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 6 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 3 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | OANDA | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | |||
| 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 | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | OANDA | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 4172 | 5500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 69 | 65 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | Yes | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | Yes | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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). Non-CFD share trading at Plus500 is only available through the Plus500 Invest account. |
| Cost | OANDA | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.69 | 1.3 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.69 | 1.3 | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Agency | No | No | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | OANDA | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | €50 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | OANDA | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | OANDA | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 89 | 115 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | OANDA | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 115 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | OANDA | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | OANDA | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | OANDA | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | OANDA Review | Plus500 Review |
| Overall | OANDA | Plus500 | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 99 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | OANDA Review | Plus500 Review |
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