Plus500 and ActivTrades both offer commission-free CFD trading, but they differ sharply in regulation, platform choice, and cost structure. Plus500 takes the overall win with stronger multi-jurisdiction regulation, while ActivTrades counters with tighter spreads and zero minimum deposit.
Plus500 combines top-tier multi-jurisdiction regulation with a slick, beginner-friendly proprietary platform for effortless CFD trading.
ActivTrades delivers razor-tight spreads and zero minimum deposit, making professional-grade MT4/MT5 trading accessible to everyone.
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | P Plus500 | A ActivTrades |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 4.0 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 |
| Founded | 2008 | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Haifa, Israel | London, UK |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS | FCA, CySEC |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | 0.5 pips |
| Commission | None | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:300 | 1:400 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web |
| Markets Offered | Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Plus500
$100
ActivTrades
$0
Plus500
0.6 pips
ActivTrades
0.5 pips
Plus500
None
ActivTrades
None
Plus500
None
ActivTrades
None
Plus500
None
ActivTrades
None
Plus500 is the better all-around broker, earning our rating of 4.0/5 versus ActivTrades's 3.6/5, primarily on the strength of its four-jurisdiction regulatory coverage (FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS). ActivTrades fights back with lower spreads from 0.5 pips, a $0 minimum deposit, and support for MT4/MT5 — making it the sharper pick for cost-conscious beginners. Ultimately, traders prioritizing regulatory safety and platform simplicity should choose Plus500, while those focused on tight spreads and low entry costs will prefer ActivTrades.
Regulatory strength is where Plus500 clearly separates itself from ActivTrades. Plus500 is licensed by four regulators — the FCA, CySEC, ASIC, and MAS — spanning the UK, Europe, Australia, and Singapore. This multi-jurisdiction coverage gives traders added peace of mind, particularly those operating internationally or seeking exposure to tier-1 oversight beyond Europe.
ActivTrades, while still a respected and well-regulated broker, holds licences only from the FCA and CySEC. This is a solid regulatory foundation, but it lacks the global breadth that Plus500 offers. For traders whose top priority is maximum regulatory protection, Plus500 is the stronger choice.
ActivTrades holds a clear edge on raw trading costs, with spreads starting from 0.5 pips compared to Plus500's 0.6 pips. Over high volumes of trading, that 0.1 pip difference can meaningfully reduce overall transaction costs, especially for active day traders and scalpers.
Both brokers operate on a commission-free model and charge no deposit or withdrawal fees, which keeps the overall cost comparison relatively close. However, ActivTrades's minimum deposit of $0 versus Plus500's $100 requirement makes it noticeably more accessible for traders working with smaller starting capital.
Plus500 relies entirely on its own proprietary web and mobile platforms, prioritizing simplicity and a streamlined user experience over deep customization. This approach suits beginners and casual traders who want to get started quickly without a steep learning curve.
ActivTrades takes a different route, offering the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms alongside its own proprietary web interface. This gives traders access to advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and a vast ecosystem of third-party tools that Plus500 simply doesn't offer.
ActivTrades offers higher maximum leverage at 1:400, compared to Plus500's cap of 1:300. Experienced traders comfortable with higher risk exposure may find ActivTrades's leverage ceiling more appealing for maximizing capital efficiency.
Both brokers offer comparably broad market access, covering CFDs, forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Neither broker has a significant advantage in terms of instrument variety, so this category largely comes down to a tie between the two platforms.
ActivTrades has the longer operating history, having been founded in 2001 and headquartered in London, UK. This gives it over two decades of market presence and an established reputation within the retail trading community.
Plus500, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Haifa, Israel, is comparatively younger but has built a strong global brand, particularly known for its accessible CFD trading model and broad regulatory footprint.
Plus500 is our recommended pick overall, scoring 3.98/5 versus ActivTrades's 3.56/5, driven primarily by its superior regulatory coverage across four major jurisdictions. Traders who value safety, simplicity, and a clean proprietary interface will find Plus500 the more reassuring option.
That said, ActivTrades remains an excellent alternative, particularly for beginners with limited starting capital or cost-conscious traders who want tighter spreads and MT4/MT5 compatibility. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize regulatory breadth (Plus500) or lower-cost, platform-flexible trading (ActivTrades).
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Plus500 edges out ActivTrades overall based on our expert rating score.
Highest Rated
Plus500
4.0 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (4/5).
Better for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
Lower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Stronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
