Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Plus500 vs Vantage, 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.
Plus500 and Vantage are both prominent online brokers, yet they differ in some critical aspects. Founded in 2008, Plus500 has established itself as a highly trusted broker, with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 99 out of 99. It is publicly traded, reflecting transparency and market confidence. Plus500 does not operate as a bank but maintains solid regulatory standings with six Tier-1 and three Tier-2 licenses, signifying its strong compliance with top financial authorities worldwide.
In comparison, Vantage, established in 2009, also enjoys a solid reputation in the industry with a Trust Score of 90. However, it is not publicly traded and holds fewer Tier-1 licenses, numbering two, and one Tier-2 license. While it does not function as a bank either, Vantage's regulatory coverage shows it is trusted by key financial entities, making it a reliable choice for online trading. Both brokers offer secure and regulated platforms, each with distinct characteristics catering to various trading preferences.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2008 | 2009 |
| 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 | 1 | 3 |
When comparing Plus500 and Vantage for commissions and fees, Plus500's pricing is slightly above the industry average, offering less competitive rates for active traders compared to top brokers like IG and Saxo. Spreads at Plus500 for the EUR/USD pair averaged 1.5 pips as of April 2024, which is higher than the market norm. Plus500 does not offer commissions discounts to retail clients but provides cash rebates for those who qualify as Professional clients. Rated 4.0 stars, Plus500 holds the 25th position out of 62 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category according to ForexBrokers.com.
Vantage, on the other hand, offers varied pricing options depending on the account type you choose and the specific Vantage entity managing your account. Their Standard STP account has spreads averaging 1.30 pips on the EUR/USD, while the commission-based RAW ECN account presents lower spreads of 0.15 pips, with an added commission of $3 per side. The PRO ECN account offers competitive pricing with a per-side commission of just $2. This account is accessible based on different criteria depending on the regulating entity, requiring either wholesale client classification or a minimum funding of $10,000. Vantage receives a higher rating of 4.5 stars and is ranked 19th in the Commissions and Fees category by ForexBrokers.com.
For active traders, Vantage provides a rebate program offering between $2 and $8 per standard lot for its Standard account, depending on your account balance and trading volume. The entry level for the rebate program starts at a $10,000 balance, reaching up to a $300,000 requirement for the highest tier eligibility. Despite having slightly better average spreads and additional account features, both Vantage and Plus500 have room for improvement when compared to industry front-runners, making them solid yet not standout options for traders focused on fees.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €100 | $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.5 | 1.30 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.5 | 0.75 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| 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 comparing Plus500 and Vantage for investment options, Plus500 emerges as a versatile choice for investors seeking diverse opportunities. It boasts 5,500 tradeable symbols, significantly surpassing Vantage's offering of 1,000. Both brokers enable forex trading through CFDs, but Plus500 provides access to 65 forex pairs compared to Vantage’s 61. Plus500 stands out for its access to exchange-traded securities on U.S. and international exchanges, allowing clients to directly invest in major companies like Apple and Vodafone, which Vantage does not offer.
Both platforms accommodate trading in cryptocurrency derivatives, although neither allows the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies. Additionally, Vantage provides copy trading services, an area where Plus500 lacks. Overall, Plus500 is highly rated with 4.5 stars for its range of investments, significantly outperforming Vantage's 3.5-star rating. Furthermore, Plus500 is ranked 24th out of 62 brokers in the Range of Investments category by ForexBrokers.com, while Vantage is positioned lower at 50th, highlighting Plus500’s more comprehensive investment offerings.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 1000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 65 | 61 |
| 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 Vantage, both offer a range of features catering to various trader needs. Plus500 provides a proprietary platform and focuses on a web-based trading experience, offering a virtual demo account for simulated trading. Although it lacks a desktop download option and popular tools like MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), it stands out with 10 customizable fields for watch lists and a variety of drawing tools for charting. However, Plus500 doesn't support copy trading, limiting some investors' strategies.
On the other hand, Vantage shines with its availability of Windows-based desktop downloads and inclusion of MT4 and MT5, appealing to those who favor these established trading platforms. Vantage also supports copy trading, offering more avenues for diversified trading strategies, as well as tools like DupliTrade. However, its web-based platform provides only 7 fields for watch lists and fewer drawing tools compared to Plus500. Despite this, Vantage enables direct trading from stock charts, adding to its appeal for active traders. Both brokers deliver effective trading experiences, yet Plus500 edges Vantage with a 4.5-star rating and a higher rank from ForexBrokers.com, highlighting its strong trading platforms and tools.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 114 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 22 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 10 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of Plus500 and Vantage, both offer solid features for iPhone and Android users. These apps provide stock and forex price alerts and allow users to draw trendlines on charts. However, Plus500 offers a significant advantage with its 110 technical studies for charting, compared to Vantage's 30, giving traders more tools for analysis. Plus500 also provides watchlist symbol syncing, which means your watchlist updates across both the mobile app and online account, a feature Vantage does not offer. On the flip side, Vantage's mobile app automatically saves drawings on charts, which Plus500 lacks.
Both apps support viewing multiple time frames and allow the creation of a watchlist with real-time quotes. In terms of user ratings, Plus500 leads with 4.5 stars out of five, slightly edging out Vantage's 4-star rating. According to ForexBrokers.com, Plus500 ranks 14th out of 62 brokers for mobile trading apps, while Vantage positions at 27th, indicating a more favorable review for Plus500 in the mobile trading experience.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 110 | 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 comparing Plus500 and Vantage in terms of market research offerings, both brokers provide daily market commentary and feature sentiment-based trading tools that help traders gauge market mood by showing proportions of long and short positions. Additionally, Plus500 and Vantage include access to tools from Trading Central, known for its technical analytics, supporting traders in their analysis. However, Vantage has an edge in delivering forex news from reputable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, which Plus500 does not offer. Furthermore, Vantage also boasts tools from Autochartist, enhancing its technical and fundamental analysis capabilities, while Plus500 does not.
Both brokers include an economic calendar that highlights global news events, supporting traders in making informed decisions. However, neither offers market research from TipRanks or research tools from Acuity Trading. With an overall research rating of 4 stars for both platforms, Plus500 is ranked slightly higher at #19 compared to Vantage's #21 position among 62 brokers as per ForexBrokers.com. This suggests comparable service levels in research, though Vantage provides additional resources that could appeal to traders who prioritize comprehensive market news and analytical tools.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 it comes to educational resources for beginners, both Plus500 and Vantage offer a substantial suite of learning materials for those new to forex and CFD trading. Each broker provides at least ten educational pieces, including articles and videos, making it easier for beginners to get started. Both also host online webinars every month, and maintain a searchable archive of these sessions, allowing users to revisit and reinforce their learning over time. Furthermore, each platform presents a variety of beginner and advanced trading videos, catering to both novice and seasoned traders looking to hone their skills.
Despite the comprehensive offerings from both brokers, there are a couple of points where they diverge. Vantage stands out by offering an investor dictionary with definitions of over 50 investing terms, a feature that Plus500 does not provide, which can be particularly beneficial for those new to the financial jargon. Ratings from ForexBrokers.com reflect these differences, with Vantage being ranked higher at #24 compared to Plus500's #31 in the education category, even though both have a similar overall educational rating of 4 out of 5 stars. This suggests that while both brokers are strong contenders, Vantage provides a slightly more encompassing educational support system for beginners.
| Feature |
Plus500
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Plus500 is better than Vantage. Plus500 finished with an overall rank of #14, while Vantage finished with an overall rank of #26.
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
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 90 |
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Both Plus500 and Vantage provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither offers the ability to purchase actual (delivered) cryptocurrency.
Both Plus500 and Vantage provide various methods for depositing and withdrawing funds, such as PayPal, Skrill, Visa, and Mastercard, as well as bank wire transfers, but neither offers ACH or SEPA transfers as 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 | Vantage | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 90 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Plus500 Review | Vantage Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Plus500 | Vantage | |
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| Regulation | Plus500 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 90 | |
| Year Founded | 2008 | 2009 | |
| 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 | 1 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Plus500 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Plus500 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 1000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 65 | 61 | |
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.5 | 1.30 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.5 | 0.75 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Plus500 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €100 | $50 | |
| 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 | No |
| Trading Platforms | Plus500 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | Yes | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Plus500 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 10 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 114 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 22 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Plus500 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 110 | 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Plus500 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Vantage Review |
| Overall | Plus500 | Vantage | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 90 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Plus500 Review | Vantage Review |
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