VM
Vantage Markets
3.9 / 5Score: 2 / 4
A globally regulated multi-asset broker built for traders who demand flexibility, leverage, and serious platform choice.
- Min deposit
- $50
- Max leverage
- 1:30
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- ASIC, FCA, CIMA
Reviewed by Experts Updated 9/17/2026
Vantage Markets vs EasyEquities: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
Vantage Markets and EasyEquities serve very different types of investors, but only one delivers the complete package for active traders. Our research puts Vantage Markets ahead with a 3.9/5 rating against EasyEquities's 3.2/5, driven by stronger regulation, deeper market access, and more trading platforms.
E
EasyEquities
3.2 / 5Score: 2 / 4
A zero-minimum-deposit investing platform designed to make stock and ETF ownership accessible to first-time investors.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:1
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- FSCA
Overall Winner
Vantage Markets
Best for Beginners
EasyEquities
Lowest Fees
Vantage Markets
Top Regulation
Vantage Markets
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | VM Vantage Markets | E EasyEquities |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.9 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 2009 | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Regulation | ASIC, FCA, CIMA | FSCA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $50 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | $3/lot | $0.25/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:1 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, ProTrader, Vantage App | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Etf, Crypto | Stocks, Etf, Crypto |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
Vantage Markets
$50
EasyEquities
$0
Spreads From
Vantage Markets
0 pips
EasyEquities
0 pips
Commission
Vantage Markets
$3/lot
EasyEquities
$0.25/lot
Deposit Fees
Vantage Markets
None
EasyEquities
None
Withdrawal Fees
Vantage Markets
None
EasyEquities
None
Pros & cons
VM
Vantage Markets
Pros
- Backed by three respected regulators, including the FCA and ASIC
- Higher overall satisfaction rating of 3.9/5 in our research
- Supports significantly more market types than typical single-asset platforms
- Offers meaningfully higher leverage for traders who need it
- Wide platform selection including both MetaTrader and proprietary tools
- Established track record dating back to 2009
- Zero fees on deposits and withdrawals
Cons
- Minimum deposit of $50 is higher than fully no-minimum competitors
- Commission of $3/lot is notably higher than EasyEquities's rate
- Higher leverage introduces greater risk for inexperienced traders
- Platform variety may feel overwhelming for absolute beginners
E
EasyEquities
Pros
- Zero minimum deposit makes investing accessible to everyone
- Lower per-trade commission compared to Vantage Markets
- Simple, beginner-friendly proprietary platforms
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Straightforward asset selection reduces decision complexity for new investors
Cons
- Regulated only by FSCA, lacking tier-1 global oversight
- Leverage capped at 1:1, unsuitable for forex or CFD traders
- No MT4 or MT5 support for traders wanting advanced charting tools
- Limited to three asset classes versus Vantage Markets's six
- Lower overall rating of 3.2/5 in our research
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner Vantage Markets
Lowest fees Vantage Markets
Best regulation Vantage Markets
Better for beginners EasyEquities
Vantage Markets is our recommended pick overall, scoring 3.9/5 on our independent rating versus EasyEquities's 3.2/5. Vantage Markets wins on regulatory strength (ASIC, FCA, CIMA), platform variety (MT4, MT5, ProTrader, Vantage App), and market breadth (six asset classes including forex and commodities). EasyEquities remains the more accessible entry point thanks to its $0 minimum deposit, making it a reasonable pick for absolute beginners investing small amounts in stocks and ETFs, but Vantage Markets is the stronger all-around choice for most traders.
Regulation & Safety
Regulatory strength is one of the sharpest points of separation between these two brokers. Vantage Markets is regulated by three respected authorities — ASIC, FCA, and CIMA — giving traders access to tier-1 oversight in both Australia and the United Kingdom, plus an additional offshore licence through the Cayman Islands.
EasyEquities, by contrast, holds a single licence from South Africa's FSCA. While the FSCA is a legitimate regulator, it doesn't carry the same tier-1 global reputation as the FCA or ASIC, meaning traders may have fewer avenues for dispute resolution or compensation schemes.
For traders who prioritize fund safety and regulatory redundancy, Vantage Markets is the clear winner. EasyEquities may still suit South African-based investors comfortable operating primarily under local oversight.
Account Costs & Minimum Deposit
EasyEquities has a distinct advantage for cost-conscious beginners: a $0 minimum deposit means anyone can open an account without committing capital upfront. Vantage Markets requires a $50 minimum deposit, which is still low by industry standards but not as accessible.
On commissions, EasyEquities charges $0.25/lot compared to Vantage Markets's $3/lot, making it cheaper on a per-trade commission basis. However, both brokers waive deposit and withdrawal fees entirely, which is a welcome parity for traders on both sides.
The commission gap matters less than it first appears once you factor in what each broker actually offers for that price — Vantage Markets bundles in leveraged forex and commodities trading, while EasyEquities's lower commission applies mainly to straightforward stock and ETF purchases.
Spreads, Leverage & Trading Costs
Both brokers advertise spreads from 0 pips, so neither has a clear structural advantage on raw spread pricing. Where they diverge sharply is leverage: Vantage Markets offers up to 1:30, while EasyEquities caps leverage at 1:1.
This distinction matters enormously depending on your trading style. Forex and CFD traders who rely on leverage to size positions efficiently will find Vantage Markets far more suitable, while EasyEquities's 1:1 cap is more in line with straightforward, unleveraged share investing.
Traders should weigh the fact that higher leverage amplifies both gains and losses. Vantage Markets's flexibility is a genuine benefit for experienced traders but requires disciplined risk management.
Platforms & Market Access
Vantage Markets supports a robust suite of platforms: MT4, MT5, ProTrader, and its own Vantage App, giving traders a choice between industry-standard terminals and proprietary tools. EasyEquities relies solely on its Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile platforms.
In terms of market breadth, Vantage Markets again pulls ahead with six asset classes — Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, and Crypto — versus EasyEquities's three: Stocks, ETFs, and Crypto.
Traders who want to diversify across multiple asset types from a single account will find Vantage Markets significantly more versatile. EasyEquities's simplified platform may appeal to those who only want exposure to shares and ETFs without the complexity of forex or derivatives trading.
Company Background & Track Record
Vantage Markets was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, giving it over a decade and a half of operating history in the competitive forex and CFD space. EasyEquities is a newer entrant, founded in 2014 and based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Longevity isn't everything, but a longer track record combined with tier-1 regulation typically signals greater institutional stability. Vantage Markets's history in a heavily regulated jurisdiction like Australia adds a layer of confidence for traders evaluating long-term reliability.
Our Verdict
Taking everything into account, Vantage Markets earns our recommendation as the stronger overall broker, scoring 3.9/5 against EasyEquities's 3.2/5. It wins decisively on regulation, leverage, platform variety, and market access — all critical factors for active traders.
EasyEquities still has a place in the market, particularly for absolute beginners in South Africa who want to start investing in stocks and ETFs with zero upfront capital. But for traders seeking a full-service, well-regulated, multi-asset trading experience, Vantage Markets is the more complete package.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
Vantage Markets wins overall
Vantage Markets edges out EasyEquities overall based on our expert rating score.
VM
Highest Rated
Vantage Markets
3.9 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.9/5).
Vantage MarketsBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
EasyEquitiesLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Vantage MarketsStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Vantage Markets
Frequently asked questions
Based on our independent rating system, Vantage Markets comes out ahead with a 3.9/5 score compared to EasyEquities's 3.2/5. Vantage Markets's edge comes from stronger regulation, broader market access, and more trading platforms. That said, EasyEquities can still be the right fit for beginners who want to start investing without any upfront deposit.
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, so pricing is comparable on that front. On commissions, EasyEquities is cheaper at $0.25/lot versus Vantage Markets's $3/lot, though Vantage Markets offers considerably more market access and leverage for that additional cost.
EasyEquities requires no minimum deposit at all, making it one of the most accessible platforms for new investors. Vantage Markets requires a $50 minimum deposit, which is still low relative to many industry competitors but not as flexible as EasyEquities's zero-deposit model.
Vantage Markets is the more heavily regulated broker, holding licences from ASIC, FCA, and CIMA — three respected regulatory bodies spanning multiple jurisdictions. EasyEquities is regulated solely by South Africa's FSCA, which is legitimate but doesn't carry the same tier-1 global standing as the FCA or ASIC.
Vantage Markets offers a wide platform selection including MT4, MT5, ProTrader, and its own Vantage App, giving traders flexibility in how they execute trades. EasyEquities relies on its own Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile apps, which are simpler but lack the advanced charting tools found in MetaTrader platforms.
Yes, there's nothing stopping you from holding accounts at both brokers simultaneously. Many traders actually do this to access forex and leveraged products through Vantage Markets while using EasyEquities for simple, no-minimum-deposit stock and ETF investing.
Vantage Markets offers leverage up to 1:30, making it far more suitable for forex and CFD traders who rely on leverage for capital efficiency. EasyEquities caps leverage at 1:1, reflecting its focus on straightforward, unleveraged stock and ETF investing rather than derivatives trading.
Vantage Markets supports six asset classes — Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, and Crypto — giving traders significant diversification opportunities from a single account. EasyEquities is more limited, covering only Stocks, ETFs, and Crypto, which suits investors focused purely on equity-style investing.
EasyEquities is generally the better starting point for absolute beginners, thanks to its $0 minimum deposit and simplified proprietary platforms that avoid the complexity of forex and leverage. Vantage Markets, while still approachable with a $50 minimum, is better suited to traders ready to explore leveraged multi-asset trading.
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.