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 the commission and fee structures of Vantage and ActivTrades, potential traders will find unique offerings and considerations with each broker. Vantage provides three distinct account options: the Standard STP account with typical spreads of 1.30 pips on EUR/USD, and two commission-based accounts, RAW ECN and PRO ECN. While the RAW ECN account displays a competitive average spread of 0.15 pips with a $6 commission per round turn—totaling 0.75 pips—the PRO ECN offers even more competitive pricing with a $4 commission per round turn, but with more stringent account requirements. Vantage also features an active trader program offering rebates up to $8 per standard lot, although it is restricted to the Standard account. For its commission and fees, Vantage earns a commendable rating of 4.5 stars, ranking #19 among 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, ActivTrades delivers access to various account options, including its primary Individual Account, Professional Account, and Islamic Account, with no specific account tailored for high-volume traders or offering active trader pricing. The Individual Account records an average spread of 0.98 pips for EUR/USD as of May 2024. While spreads remain uniform across account types, the primary distinction of Professional Accounts lies in lower margin requirements, potentially affecting obtainable leverage. Commissions and fees at ActivTrades are largely asset-dependent, with specific spread variability during trading sessions and rollover periods. Ultimately, ActivTrades earns a respectable 4-star rating for its commission and fee structure, sitting at #27 out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com.
While both Vantage and ActivTrades hold up well in terms of commission and fees, Vantage edges out its competitor with slightly more inexpensive options and a comprehensive active trader program. ActivTrades, however, offers consistent spreads across its account offerings and caters to a broad range of trading needs, including Sharia-compliant options. This diversity makes ActivTrades an appealing choice for a broad clientele, even if it doesn’t lead the pack in cost-effectiveness.
| 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.
When comparing the range of investments offered by Vantage and ActivTrades, both platforms provide opportunities for forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts. However, Vantage delivers a wider selection for forex enthusiasts with 61 tradeable pairs compared to ActivTrades' 49. Despite this, ActivTrades takes the lead in the overall tradeable symbols, offering 1267 compared to Vantage's 1000. It's worth noting that neither broker provides access to exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges. However, if international equities such as Vodafone on the London Stock Exchange are of interest, ActivTrades stands out as it does offer this option while Vantage does not.
Both Vantage and ActivTrades support copy trading, making them appealing choices for investors looking to emulate the strategies of successful traders. Those interested in cryptocurrency derivatives can also find offerings from both brokers, though neither provides the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies. Based on the assessment by ForexBrokers.com, Vantage earns a 3.5-star rating and ranks as #50 out of 62 brokers for range of investments, while ActivTrades receives a higher 4-star rating and a #31 rank, indicating a broader selection and potentially more beneficial options for diverse investment strategies.
| 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.
Vantage and ActivTrades both provide a range of trading platforms and tools suitable for various types of traders. Each broker offers simulated trading via a free demo account, allowing users to practice and hone their skills without financial risk. Both brokers also provide proprietary platforms, alongside popular platforms such as MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, making them versatile options for traders seeking tailored or established trading environments. For those interested in desktop and web-based trading, both Vantage and ActivTrades offer these conveniences. While Vantage supports copy trading features like DupliTrade, ActivTrades does not, although neither broker provides access to ZuluTrade.
When it comes to charting, both Vantage and ActivTrades deliver essential tools, offering 15 drawing tools for chart analysis and allowing traders to execute trades directly from stock charts. Despite sharing a lot of similarities in service offerings, a key difference is found in their watch lists, where Vantage provides 7 columns for fields, while ActivTrades excels with 11. In terms of ratings, both platforms are rated at 4 stars out of 5 for their trading platforms and tools, with Vantage slightly outperforming ActivTrades in ranking, positioned at 21st out of 62 brokers compared to ActivTrades' 29th position 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.
Both Vantage and ActivTrades offer versatile mobile trading apps compatible with iPhone and Android devices. These apps equip users with essential features like price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on stock or forex charts. Both platforms provide access to 30 technical studies for chart analysis and allow users to view multiple time frames, such as daily or weekly, directly from the app. Additionally, each app automatically saves any drawings made on charts, ensuring traders maintain continuity across trades.
Despite their similarities, a key difference is their ranking by ForexBrokers.com. ActivTrades holds a #19 spot out of 62 brokers, compared to Vantage at #27, albeit both share a 4-star rating in mobile trading app satisfaction. While both apps let users create watchlists with real-time quotes, they lack syncing of watchlist symbols between devices and accounts. Whether prioritizing app rankings or personal preference, traders will find competent tools for mobile trading with either broker.
| 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.
Both Vantage and ActivTrades provide comprehensive market research services to their clients, offering essential tools for successful trading. Customers can access daily market commentary and forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters with either broker. A glance into technical analysis tools reveals that Vantage users enjoy a richer selection, having access to Autochartist and Trading Central, while ActivTrades does not offer these specific resources. However, both brokerages provide a sentiment-based trading tool that presents the ratio of long or short positions across currency pairs, along with an economic calendar featuring pivotal global news events. Importantly, neither Vantage nor ActivTrades includes research tools from TipRanks or Acuity Trading in their offerings.
When comparing the overall research capabilities, Vantage seems to hold a slight edge, reflected by its higher ranking at #21 among 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. ActivTrades isn’t far behind, securing the #30 spot. Despite this difference in ranking, both brokers share an equal research rating of 4 out of 5 stars, indicating their solid performance in delivering valuable research options to the trading community. Both platforms are importantly equipped to help traders make informed decisions, but Vantage's additional tools could offer a more versatile research experience.
| 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 comparing the educational resources available to beginners, Vantage and ActivTrades both present strong offerings for those eager to learn about forex and CFDs. Each provides a wealth of educational materials, including more than 10 pieces of content such as articles, videos, and archived webinars focused on these financial instruments. Additionally, both platforms hold online educational webinars every month and offer extensive archives of these sessions for clients to review at their convenience, enhancing the learning process for new traders.
Furthermore, both Vantage and ActivTrades cater specifically to newcomers by providing at least 10 educational videos aimed at beginners. They also include more advanced materials, ensuring that as traders grow more experienced, their knowledge can expand with at least 10 specialized videos each. While Vantage edges out ActivTrades with an investor dictionary containing definitions for over 50 investing terms, both receive commendable education ratings of 4 out of 5 stars. However, Vantage is slightly ahead in the rankings for the Education category, placed 24th versus ActivTrades' rank of 38th according to ForexBrokers.com. This distinction underscores Vantage's slightly more comprehensive educational offerings.
| 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 62 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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