Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Vantage 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.
When comparing Vantage and ThinkMarkets, both brokers share some common traits but also exhibit distinct regulatory profiles. Founded in 2009, Vantage has been in the market slightly longer than ThinkMarkets, which was established in 2010. Neither company is publicly traded or operates as a bank. However, what sets them apart is their level of regulatory oversight, which is vital for ensuring a secure trading environment.
Looking at their Trust Scores from ForexBrokers.com, ThinkMarkets scores 92 out of 99, indicating a higher level of trust compared to Vantage, which scores 90. ThinkMarkets holds an impressive five Tier-1 licenses, reflecting its strong regulatory backing, while Vantage holds two Tier-1 and one Tier-2 license. ThinkMarkets also possesses two Tier-2 licenses, giving it a slight edge in regulatory support. This comparative analysis reveals that both brokers are highly trusted, but ThinkMarkets offers a more extensive regulatory framework, potentially appealing more to those prioritizing stringent oversight.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 5 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 3 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of Vantage and ThinkMarkets, both brokers offer distinct options for traders. Vantage provides a range of account types, including the spread-only Standard STP account and the commission-based RAW ECN and PRO ECN accounts. The Standard account features spreads of 1.30 pips on EUR/USD, while the RAW ECN account offers a more competitive spread of 0.15 pips coupled with a $6 round-turn commission. Even though Vantage's overall pricing aligns with the average industry rates, its PRO ECN account stands out with a lower commission of $4 per round turn when certain conditions are met.
In contrast, ThinkMarkets does not provide average spread data, which may leave traders seeking more transparent pricing information. Despite this, both ThinkMarkets and Vantage have earned commendable star ratings for their commissions and fees. Vantage holds a 4.5-star rating, placing it at #19 in the ForexBrokers.com ranking of 62 brokers. ThinkMarkets, with its 4-star rating, ranks #48. The rankings highlight Vantage's slightly better standing due to its competitive account options and active trader program, though it's important to note that both brokers offer valuable services tailored to different trading needs.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.30 | 1.1 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.75 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| 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.
Vantage and ThinkMarkets both cater to forex traders by offering forex trading as a Contract for Difference (CFD) or spot contract. However, ThinkMarkets boasts a broader selection of tradeable symbols, providing access to 4,000 options compared to Vantage’s 1,000. When it comes to forex pairs, Vantage takes the lead with 61 pairs available, surpassing ThinkMarkets' offering of 46 pairs. For those interested in accessing international markets, ThinkMarkets stands out as it allows clients to purchase exchange-traded securities on international exchanges, unlike Vantage.
Both brokers support copy trading, making it easier for beginners to follow the strategies of experienced traders. Additionally, neither Vantage nor ThinkMarkets permits the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies, but they do offer cryptocurrency derivatives for those interested in this asset class. In terms of recognition, ThinkMarkets receives higher praise with a 4.5-star rating and ranks #21 out of 62 brokers for its range of investments on ForexBrokers.com, while Vantage holds a 3.5-star rating and ranks #50.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1000 | 4000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 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) | 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.
Choosing between Vantage and ThinkMarkets for trading needs can be an intriguing decision, especially when considering their trading platforms and tools. Both brokers offer a free virtual demo account, allowing new traders to get their feet wet without financial risk. Each provides a proprietary platform developed in-house, alongside popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). Traders can enjoy the convenience of Windows-based desktop and web-based browser platforms with either broker. For those interested in copy trading, both Vantage and ThinkMarkets provide this feature, but if you're eyeing DupliTrade, only Vantage supports this tool.
When diving into charting features, Vantage and ThinkMarkets are neck and neck, offering 15 drawing tools apiece and enabling direct trading from stock charts. However, ThinkMarkets takes a lead in watch list customization, offering 15 columns compared to Vantage's 7. In terms of recognition, Vantage slightly edges out ThinkMarkets, ranking 21st compared to 27th by ForexBrokers.com among 62 brokers, although both enjoy a solid 4-star rating for their trading platforms and tools. Whether you choose Vantage or ThinkMarkets, you're sure to find comprehensive, user-friendly platforms and tools for your trading journey.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
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 | 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 | 15 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both Vantage and ThinkMarkets offer solid options for iPhone and Android users. If price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on charts are important to you, both platforms have these features covered. However, when diving into technical analysis, ThinkMarkets stands out with 94 technical studies, compared to Vantage's 30, offering a more comprehensive toolset for tech-savvy traders. For users who enjoy monitoring their portfolios on the go, both brokers allow the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes, but do not offer syncing for watchlist symbols across devices.
Both Vantage and ThinkMarkets ensure that your chart drawings are auto-saved, and allow for viewing multiple time frames on charts. Their mobile trading apps are equally rated at 4 out of 5 stars by users. However, when considering rankings by ForexBrokers.com out of 62 brokers, ThinkMarkets holds a higher position at #20, compared to Vantage's ranking at #27. This could make ThinkMarkets a slightly more favorable choice for those who value industry rankings in your decision-making process.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
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 Vantage and ThinkMarkets for their market research offerings, both online brokers provide daily market commentary and access to forex news from renowned sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. However, Vantage sets itself apart by offering technical analysis and research tools from Autochartist and Trading Central, which ThinkMarkets does not. On the flip side, ThinkMarkets offers analytical resources from Acuity Trading, including Signal Centre, which Vantage lacks. Both brokers feature a sentiment-based trading tool and an economic calendar, ensuring traders have a comprehensive view of market conditions.
Regarding research ratings, Vantage receives a slightly higher score with 4 out of 5 stars compared to ThinkMarkets' 3.5 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, Vantage ranks 21st out of 62 brokers in the Research category, whereas ThinkMarkets ranks 50th. This difference highlights Vantage's broader range of research tools, which may appeal to traders seeking more in-depth market analysis capabilities.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both Vantage and ThinkMarkets are strong contenders in the online brokerage space. Vantage provides a wide range of educational materials focused on forex and CFDs, including more than 10 pieces of content such as articles and videos. Similarly, ThinkMarkets matches this offering with its own comprehensive selection of educational materials. Both brokers excel in providing online client webinars, holding at least one each month, and they each maintain a searchable archive of past webinars, allowing beginners to learn at their own pace. Additionally, both Vantage and ThinkMarkets cater to new traders with at least 10 beginner-focused educational videos and extended offerings for more experienced traders seeking advanced knowledge.
Vantage and ThinkMarkets both offer an investor dictionary with definitions for over 50 investing terms, aiding beginners as they familiarize themselves with key trading concepts. Despite these similarities, Vantage outshines ThinkMarkets in terms of overall educational effectiveness, receiving a 4-star rating compared to ThinkMarkets' 3.5-star rating. Moreover, Vantage ranks higher for education on ForexBrokers.com, securing the 24th spot out of 62 brokers, whereas ThinkMarkets stands at 52nd. This higher ranking may reflect the breadth and accessibility of Vantage's educational resources, making it a slightly more appealing choice for beginners looking to deepen their trading knowledge.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
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 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Vantage is better than ThinkMarkets. Vantage finished with an overall rank of #26, while ThinkMarkets finished with an overall rank of #27.
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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ThinkMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 90 | 92 |
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Both Vantage and ThinkMarkets do not provide the option to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies, but they do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers Vantage and ThinkMarkets, neither offers ACH or SEPA transfers, but Vantage supports PayPal while ThinkMarkets does not; both brokers allow Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transactions for depositing or withdrawing funds.
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 | ThinkMarkets | |
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| Trust Score | 90 | 92 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Vantage Review |
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| Regulation | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 90 | 92 | |
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 5 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| 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 | Yes | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1000 | 4000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 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) | 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 | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.30 | 1.1 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.75 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $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 | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | Vantage | 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 | Yes | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 15 | |
| 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 | 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 | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Vantage | 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 | Vantage Review |
| Overall | Vantage | ThinkMarkets | |
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| Trust Score | 90 | 92 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Vantage Review |
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