Our comprehensive comparison of easyMarkets vs Plus500 dissects key areas like trading costs, Forex trading platforms, and regulations to help you choose the right Forex broker.
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Our full comparison covers the 10 most important trading factors between easyMarkets and Plus500.
| Spreads | EUR/USD | USD/JPY | AUD/USD | GBP/USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plus500 platform | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.90 |
| easyMarkets platform VIP account | 1.2 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.7 |
| easyMarkets MT4 platform - VIP account | 0.9 | 1 | 1.2 | 1,3 |
Looking at the spreads, you will notice the spreads Plus500 offer are more narrow than easyMarkets. The difference in the spreads reflects what each broker offers as part of their service. easyMarkets offer free inclusions for their client, such as risk management tools, and this is paid for through the wider spread. Plus500 charges a premium for some of its features.
You will also notice that spreads for easyMarkets MT4 account are more narrow than their custom forex trading platform. This is because the MT4 platform does not have many of the exclusive risk management tools easyMarkets offer, such as free guaranteed stop loss, no slippage guarantee, dealCancellation, Inside Viewer, and Freeze Rate.
Fixed vs Dynamic Spreads
easyMarkets spreads are fixed, while Plus500 offer either fixed or dynamic spreads depending on the currency pair.
easyMarkets don’t or rarely change their fixed spreads, no matter how volatile the condition might be. This feature allows traders to plan their trading strategies around a spread before executing a trade.
easyMarkets held their fixed prices through one of the more dramatic economic events in recent memory. In 2015, the Swiss National Bank surprised the market by announcing they would stop pegging the Swiss Franc against the Euro, which resulted in a drop of 2000 pips for the CHF/EUR currency pair. Despite this, easyMarkets did not change their spreads.
Volatile spreads, on the other hand, are subject to market liquidity and conditions of the market. So, while variable spreads may generally be narrower than fixed spreads, the fluctuating nature means spreads may be wider than our table shows.
Risk Management Inclusions
| Risk Management Tools included | easyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Stop Loss | Complementary | Optional (spread will be wider) |
| Guaranteed Take Profit | Complementary | Optional (spread will be wider) |
| Guaranteed Negative Balance Protection | Complementary | Complementary |
| Price Freeze | Complementary | No |
| Deal Cancellation | Yes - with fee | No |
| Slippage | No | Yes |
| Hedging | Yes | No |
| Trailing Stops | See guaranteed take profit/loss | Optional |
| Close at Profit/Loss | See guaranteed take profit/loss | Optional |
easyMarkets comes with a large range of complementary risk management tools. These tools are part of all your forex trades and explain why spreads are wider than those of Plus500. Plus500 does offer some risk management features, but these are optional and will result in a wider spread.
Additional Costs
| Costs | easyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling/Overnight Fees | None (included in spread) | Yes |
| Inactivity Fees | No | Yes |
| Guaranteed Stop Order | No (Included in spreads) | Yes |
| dealCancellation | Yes | Not offered |
| Maximum monthly withdrawals penalty | No | Yes |
| Deposit and withdrawal fees | No | Limited (ie. Incoming and outgoing bank transfers from your bank account to Plus500 account. ) |
It is important to note that neither broker charges commissions; however, easyMarkets include most of their “hidden” costs in their spread, which are fixed. Plus500 has a few changes that will be applied after you make your purchase.
Verdict: If you are after the narrowest spreads, then choose Plus500; however, the complementary features easyMarkets offers mean this broker is well worth considering. easyMarkets features are very good if you are a risk-averse trader or are trading in a volatile market.
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easyMarkets Trading Platforms
This broker offers a choice of 2 platforms. This is their custom platform and MetaTrader 4.
easyMarkets proprietary offers all the standard tools one expects when trading. This platform, which is available via web and mobile, includes excellent features for new and intermediate traders. The platform offers the following key benefits:
MetaTrader 4 by Metaquotes is the world’s most popular trading platform and the platform we like to recommend. Mt4 is built for both beginner and advanced traders and has a few features easyMarkets proprietary platform does not offer but also is missing a few features. MT4.
Features MT4 offers that easyMarkets own platform does not:
Features easyMarkets proprietary platform offers that MT4 does not
Plus500 Trading Platforms
Plus500 only offer their custom platform. They do not offer platforms like MetaTrader or cTrader, which many brokers offer. The Plus500 platform does have one unique feature, in addition to being able to use the platform via web browsers. Mobile and tablet users can also access their platform via their Apple Watch. The platform is specifically designed to operate seamlessly across different operating systems and interfaces (i.e. mobiles, tablets), which will appeal to you if you wish to be mobile.
The platform’s interface makes it easy for users to see all the information they need for different trading derivatives. It is also designed so you can easily use their risk management tools when you need them.
If you like to test your trading strategies before putting them into practice, the Plus500 platform has a great feature that allows for an easy switch between live and demo accounts.
Verdict: Both easyMarkets trading platforms and the Plus500 platform offer several benefits that other platforms do not offer. It is best to consider your trading needs when choosing a platform. For example, if you need risk management features, then easyMarkets proprietary platform might be ideal.
If you desire integration between different platform interfaces and operating systems, then Plus500 might be best. MetaTrader 4 is widely available, allowing users to switch brokers while still using the same platform.
easyMarkets Accounts
Clients in Australia and all other countries outside Europe and the UK can choose from 3 types of accounts. The VIP account has a higher minimum deposit but offers tighter spreads. The standard account has a lower minimum deposit but wider spreads.
Clients from Australia and other eligible countries can access the leverage of 200:1 with the easyMarkets platforms and 400:1 with MT4. Traders in Australia receive ASIC protection, and traders in most other countries receive the Financial Services Authority of Seychelles (FSA) protection.
For the best value, we recommend the VIP if you have the funds to meet the minimum deposit requirement.
easyMarkets clients in the UK and Europe only have one account available. This is the VIP account. To open an account, only 100 euros is required.
With The easyMarkets Platform, You Will Get:
With The MT4 Platform, You Will Get:
Plus500 Accounts
Plus500 keeps things simple when choosing a trading account, as they only offer one account. The account offers traders the following:
Note: Clients in the UK and Europe who wish to increase leverage by applying for a professional account will need to show the broker that they have a financial portfolio of at least 500,000 euros and have carried out at least 10 major transactions per quarter over the past 12 months.
Here’s what we’ve observed in our hands-on evaluation:
Verdict: Weighing all factors from our collective experience, Plus500 emerges as the broker that offers the best trading experience for us. Their swift execution and intuitive setup process gave them a decisive advantage in our books.
Plus500 Trust Score
easyMarkets Trust Score
Regulations Europe And The UK
Traders in the UK and Europe are regulated by CySEC. To abide by leverage requirements. Major forex pairs for retail traders are restricted to 30:1 and 20:1 for minor currency pairs. This can be increased if you qualify as a professional trader.
In the realm of trust and regulation, Plus500 takes the lead. Traders in the UK and Europe are regulated by CySEC, ensuring a high standard of oversight and protection. The leverage requirements set by this regulatory body are stringent, with major forex pairs for retail traders restricted to 30:1 and 20:1 for minor currency pairs. However, for those who qualify as professional traders, this can be increased, offering more flexibility.
Both easyMarkets and Plus500 are renowned for their risk management features. While easyMarkets includes many of their risk management tools within their spreads, Plus500 offers these features as optional, allowing traders to tailor their experience. Notable features both brokers provide include Guaranteed Negative Balance Protection and Guaranteed Stop Loss/Take Profit. However, easyMarkets goes a step further with unique features like Price Freeze, dealCancellation, and a no-slippage guarantee.
| easyMarkets | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 Regulation | ASIC (Australia) CYSEC (Cyprus) |
ASIC (Australia) FCA (UK) CYSEC (Cyprus) FMA (New Zealand) MAS (Singapore) |
| Tier 2 Regulation | DFSA (Dubai) EFSRA |
|
| Tier 3 Regulation | FSC-BVI FSA-S (Seychelles) |
FSA-S (Seychelles) FSCA (South Africa) |
Verdict: In conclusion, while both brokers have potent regulatory frameworks and risk management tools, Plus500 edges out with its CySEC regulation and a more flexible approach to risk management features.
easyMarkets offers over 200 trading CFDs instruments. Markets available for trade include:
With easyMarkets, you can trade 4 different ways. These are CFDs, Options, Forwards and easyTrade.
Plus500 offers a far more comprehensive range of derivatives than easyMarkets.
Instruments available with Plus500 include:
Verdict: Plus500 offers more CFD features when it comes to trading different asset classes or derivatives than easyMarkets. We recommend Plus500 if you need to trade a wide range of different CFDs.
Note: Traders from the UK with Plus500UK (United Kingdom) will not be able to trade cryptocurrencies as FCA does not allow this derivate to be offered for trade.
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*Your capital is at risk ‘76.4% of retail CFD accounts lose money’
When diving into the world of trading, having access to comprehensive educational resources can make all the difference. Both easyMarkets and Plus500 understand this and have made significant efforts to equip their users with the necessary tools and knowledge. Here’s a breakdown of what each broker offers:
From our own testing, it’s evident that both brokers have invested in educational resources. However, the depth and breadth of these resources vary. easyMarkets seems to have a more structured approach, with a dedicated learning centre and a variety of formats. In contrast, Plus500 offers a more streamlined experience, focusing on self-directed learning.
Verdict: Based on our testing, easyMarkets offers a more comprehensive set of educational resources, making it the preferred choice for traders looking to expand their knowledge.
easyMarkets Customer Support
This broker has 24/5 customer support starting at 8 am each Monday AEST time. easyMarkets have their support teams located in Sydney and Cyprus and are available via Messenger (Facebook), Viber and WhatsApp in addition to the traditional methods of contact methods.
easyMarkets Customer Service
The easyMarkets range of educational resources is solid. Educational features include:
easyMarkets services also include in-depth market analysis resources. These include:
easyMarkets also offers a demo account. With the demo account, you get $15,000 of virtual funds and access to the most easyMarkets features, such as guaranteed protections and dealCancellation.
Plus500
This broker is unusual in that their support features are more limited when we compare with other brokers. For example, although Plus500 offers 24/7 live chat and email support, there is no phone support.
Plus500 also don’t offer much in the way of trading education. This is interesting, given it is a standard feature many other online brokers offer. This doesn’t mean Plus500 is an inferior product. It just means they assume you will use other resources freely available on the web when researching.
This broker, however, does offer one of the better demo accounts. While most brokers offer time limits or fund limits for their demo accounts, Plus500 has no access or limit restrictions.
Verdict: Unless you require 24/7 customer support, easyMarkets is our recommendation. easyMarkets provides a wide range of contact options for customer support. Not only is their support better, but they have more services. easyMarkets offers all the educational tools you will need to help you trade successfully and have a great experience with easyMarkets.
In the world of online trading, the ease and variety of funding options play a pivotal role. Traders need flexibility in depositing and withdrawing funds; the more options a broker provides, the better. Both easyMarkets and Plus500 have recognised this need and offer a range of funding methods to cater to their diverse clientele. From our analysis, we’ve gathered insights into the funding options each broker offers.
easyMarkets provides a straightforward approach to funding, ensuring that traders can deposit and withdraw funds with ease. They offer a variety of methods, from traditional bank transfers to modern e-wallet solutions. On the other hand, Plus500, while offering a range of funding options, places a strong emphasis on security, ensuring that each transaction is protected.
Funding Options Table:
| Funding Option | easyMarkets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | ✅ | ✅ |
| Credit Card | ✅ | ✅ |
| PayPal | ❌ | ✅ |
| Skrill | ✅ | ❌ |
| Neteller | ✅ | ❌ |
| WebMoney | ❌ | ✅ |
| Bitcoin | ❌ | ❌ |
| UnionPay | ✅ | ❌ |
| FasaPay | ✅ | ❌ |
| Klarna | ❌ | ✅ |
Verdict: Based on the variety and flexibility of funding options, easyMarkets slightly edges out Plus500, making it the preferred choice for traders seeking diverse funding methods.
For many traders, especially those just starting out, the minimum deposit requirement can be a significant factor in choosing a broker. It’s not just about the amount but also about the flexibility and accessibility it offers. A lower minimum deposit can be a sign of a broker’s commitment to cater to traders of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Both easyMarkets and Plus500 have set their minimum deposit thresholds, but how do they compare?
easyMarkets, known for its user-friendly approach, has always aimed to make trading accessible to the masses. Their minimum deposit reflects this ethos, ensuring that even those with a limited budget can start trading. Plus500, on the other hand, while being a major player in the industry, has its own set of criteria when it comes to minimum deposits, balancing between security and accessibility.
Minimum Deposit Table:
| Broker | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|
| easyMarkets | $100 |
| Plus500 | $200 |
Verdict: When it comes to a lower minimum deposit, easyMarkets takes the lead with a requirement of just $100, making it a more accessible choice for traders on a budget.
Plus500 is the winner because of its holistic approach to trading, offering a blend of beginner-friendly tools and advanced features for seasoned traders.
The table below summarises the key information leading to this verdict:
| Criteria | Plus500 | easyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Spreads And Fees | ✅ | ❌ |
| Better Trading Platform | ✅ | ❌ |
| Superior Accounts And Features | ❌ | ✅ |
| Best Trading Experience And Ease | ✅ | ❌ |
| Stronger Trust And Regulation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Top Product Range And CFD Markets | ✅ | ❌ |
| Superior Educational Resources | ❌ | ✅ |
| Superior Customer Service | ❌ | ✅ |
| Better Funding Options | ❌ | ✅ |
| Lower Minimum Deposit | ❌ | ✅ |
easyMarkets stands out as the go-to broker for those new to trading, offering a plethora of educational resources and a user-friendly platform.
While both brokers cater well to experienced traders, Plus500 offers a slightly more advanced platform and a broader range of CFD markets, making it the top choice for seasoned professionals.
easyMarkets generally offers lower costs compared to Plus500. For instance, easyMarkets provides a fixed spread of 0.70 for EUR/USD, whereas Plus500 offers a standard spread of 1.70 for the same pair. This difference in spread can significantly impact trading costs over time. For a more detailed comparison of broker spreads, you can explore the lowest spread brokers in the UK.
Both Plus500 and easyMarkets offer support for MetaTrader 4, but easyMarkets is particularly tailored for MT4 users with its range of features and tools. MetaTrader 4 is a popular choice among traders for its user-friendly interface and advanced charting capabilities. For those keen on exploring more about MT4 brokers, you can look into this comprehensive overview of the best MT4 brokers.
easyMarkets offers social trading features, allowing traders to follow and copy the trades of professionals. Social trading has gained popularity as it provides an opportunity for less experienced traders to benefit from the strategies of seasoned professionals. For those interested in diving deeper into social trading platforms, here’s a detailed guide on the best forex social trading platforms.
Neither Plus500 nor easyMarkets offer spread betting as a primary feature. Spread betting is a unique form of trading popular in the UK and offers tax benefits for traders. If you’re interested in brokers that provide spread betting, you can explore this comprehensive list of the best spread betting brokers in the UK.
In my opinion, easyMarkets is the superior choice for Australian Forex traders. Founded in Australia, easyMarkets is ASIC regulated, ensuring a high level of trust and security for traders. Plus500, on the other hand, is an international broker with a strong presence in Australia. Both brokers cater well to the Australian market, but the local roots and ASIC regulation of easyMarkets give it an edge. For a broader perspective on Australian Forex brokers, you can check out this detailed guide on Australian Forex brokers.
For UK traders, I believe Plus500 stands out as the superior choice. Being FCA-regulated, Plus500 ensures a high level of security and trust for UK-based traders. easyMarkets, while offering a solid platform, is not primarily UK-focused. The FCA regulation of Plus500 ensures adherence to stringent standards, making it a reliable choice for UK traders. For more insights on the best platforms for UK traders, here’s a comprehensive overview of the best trading platforms in the UK.
Ask an Expert
Are all of the spreads I get on EasyMarkets fixed spreads?
Yes, easyMarkets is a fixed spread broker. The broker has a reputation for keeping spreads fixed no matter how volatile market conditions are or how low liquidity is.