FOREX.com vs Plus500: Which Broker is Better?
We compare FOREX.com vs Plus500 by dissecting each Forex broker’s trading account and costs, platforms, regulators, and more to help you choose your ideal Forex broker.
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Our full comparison dives into the 10 most critical trading factors, but here are a few quick takeaways: FOREX.com has lower average spreads for most forex pairs compared to Plus500. Plus500 doesn’t offer RAW accounts, while FOREX.com does.
FOREX.com charges a commission of $5 per 100k traded; Plus500 charges none. Both brokers don’t charge fees for deposits and withdrawals. FOREX.com’s inactivity fee kicks in after one year, while Plus500’s starts after three months.
1. FOREX.com: Lowest Spreads And Fees
FOREX.com offers three main trading account types: standard and Metatrader accounts with no commissions and a Raw account that’s commission-based, while Plus500 forex fees are built into the spread with no additional commission. You can check out our unique research on Lowest Commission Brokers and DMA Forex Brokers for more information.
FOREX.com has an average spread as low as EUR/USD at 1.2 and as high as EUR/JPY at 1.5. Plus500 has slightly higher spreads, with USD/JPY at 2 and EUR/JPY at 2.5, among others.
| Standard Account | FOREX.com Spreads | Plus500 Spreads | Industry Spreads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Average | 1.45 | 1.75 | 1.6 |
| EUR/USD | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| USD/JPY | 1.1 | 2 | 1.4 |
| GBP/USD | 1.1 | 1.7 | 1.6 |
| AUD/USD | 1.7 | 1.1 | 1.5 |
| USD/CAD | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.8 |
| EUR/GBP | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| EUR/JPY | 1.5 | 2.5 | 1.9 |
| AUD/JPY | 1.7 | 2 | 2.1 |
Standard Account Analysis Updated May 2025[1]May 2025 Published And Tested Data
Comparing these figures to the industry average, FOREX.com tends to have lower spreads for most forex pairs, making it a more cost-effective choice for traders. Plus500, while slightly higher, still falls close to the industry average, indicating that it’s still a competitive option.
In my opinion, if cost is a major factor in your decision, FOREX.com appears to be the cheaper option based on these average spreads. However, it’s important to remember that cost isn’t everything. The trading environment, platform, and customer service are crucial factors when choosing a forex broker.
Additionally, try the Plus500 vs FOREX.com fee calculator below based on the most popular forex pairs and base currencies.
Other Fees
FOREX.com charges an inactivity fee of $15 per month after one year of inactivity, while Plus500 charges an inactivity fee of $10 per month after three months of inactivity.
Verdict
When it comes to trading costs, FOREX.com offers more transparency and competitive pricing, especially for high-volume traders. Plus500 is more suited for casual traders due to its zero-commission policy and lower inactivity fee.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
Your capital is at risk up to ‘76% of retail CFD accounts lose money with FOREX.com’
2. FOREX.com: Better Trading Platforms
FOREX.com offers more trading platforms with MT4, MT5, and a mobile app up their sleeves, while Plus500 only has its proprietary platform.
| Trading Platform | FOREX.com | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | No |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
You can check out our unique research on the best cTrader brokers and the best forex demo accounts for more information.
MetaTrader 4 and 5
FOREX.com offers both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, two of the most popular trading platforms in the forex industry. Plus500, however, does not offer MetaTrader but has its proprietary platform, which is user-friendly and intuitive.
cTrader and TradingView
FOREX.com does not offer cTrader or TradingView. Plus500 also does not offer these platforms but provides a comprehensive charting package within its proprietary platform.
Social And Copy Trading
Neither FOREX.com nor Plus500 offer social or copy trading features. Traders looking for these features may need to consider other brokers.
VPS and Other Trading Tools
FOREX.com offers VPS services for automated trading, while Plus500 does not. FOREX.com also provides a range of other trading tools, including advanced charting, market analysis, and educational resources.
Verdict
FOREX.com offers a more comprehensive range of trading platforms and tools, making it the better choice for traders who require advanced trading features.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
Your capital is at risk up to ‘76% of retail CFD accounts lose money with FOREX.com’
3. FOREX.com: Superior Accounts And Features
FOREX.com offers several account types, including Standard, Commission, and Direct Market Access accounts. Plus500 offers a single account type with competitive spreads and no commission. You can check out our unique research on the Best spread betting brokers for more information.
| Broker | Account Types |
|---|---|
| FOREX.com | Standard, Commission, Direct Market Access accounts |
| Plus500 | Single account type with competitive spreads and no commission |
FOREX.com Accounts:
- Standard Account: Offers variable spreads with no commissions, making it suitable for casual traders.
- RAW Spread Account: Provides access to raw spreads and charges a commission. It’s ideal for high-volume traders who prefer direct market access.
- MetaTrader Account: Available for users of the popular MetaTrader platform, offering tailored features for MT4/MT5 enthusiasts.
- Demo Account: Allows traders to practice strategies without risk using virtual funds.
- Active Trader Program: Rewards high-volume traders with cash rebates and other benefits, enhancing the trading experience for serious investors.
Plus500 Accounts:
- Retail Account: The standard offering for individual traders, providing access to all trading instruments on Plus500’s proprietary platform.
- Professional Account: Designed for experienced traders who meet specific criteria, offering more flexible margin requirements and higher leverage.
- Demo Account: Enables practice trading with virtual funds, perfect for beginners or testing new strategies.
- Islamic Account: A swap-free option that complies with Sharia law, suitable for traders who require interest-free trading.
Both brokers provide user-friendly platforms and a range of tools to support trading activities. FOREX.com stands out with its Active Trader Program and the choice between commission-free and commission-based accounts. Plus500 offers a straightforward account structure with competitive spreads and a focus on simplicity and ease of use.
| FOREX.com | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Account | Yes | Yes |
| Raw Account | Yes | No |
| Swap Free Account | Yes | No |
| Active Traders | Yes | No |
| Spread Betting (UK) | No | No |
Verdict
FOREX.com offers the best account types for traders looking for variety and tailored options, including raw spreads and an active trader program. Plus500 is ideal for those who prefer a more streamlined, straightforward trading experience with a single account type that covers all needs.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
Your capital is at risk up to ‘76% of retail CFD accounts lose money with FOREX.com’
4. FOREX.com: Best Trading Experience
Both FOREX.com and Plus500 are market makers that can execute fast trades. At FOREX.com, they offer a depth of charting capabilities and analytical tools that cater to my detailed analysis needs. Plus500’s platform design focuses on the essentials, making navigating and executing trades easier without the distraction of overly complex features.
- FOREX.com provides an extensive array of analytical tools, which is invaluable for conducting in-depth market analysis.
- Plus500, with its streamlined interface, ensures that executing trades is straightforward and efficient, ideal for quick decision-making.
- The educational resources at FOREX.com are comprehensive, offering insights that range from beginner to advanced levels, continuously enhancing my trading knowledge.
- Plus500 offers a simplicity that is particularly appealing to newcomers in the trading world, making it less daunting to start trading.
Verdict
For a detailed and analytical trading approach, FOREX.com clearly leads with its advanced tools and resources, offering a superior trading experience for those who delve deep into market analysis.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
Your capital is at risk up to ‘76% of retail CFD accounts lose money with FOREX.com’
5. FOREX.com: Stronger Trust And Regulation
We gave FOREX.com a trust score of 84, while Plus500 earned 78. What factored in our decision were each broker’s regulation, reputation, and reviews.
FOREX.com Trust Score
Plus500 Trust Score
Regulation
Both FOREX.com and Plus500 are regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, ensuring a high level of trust and security for traders.
FOREX.com is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC). Plus500 is regulated by the FCA, ASIC, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
| FOREX.com | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 Regulation | FCA (UK) CIRO (CANADA) NFA/CFTC (USA) CYSEC (Cyprus) | ASIC (Australia) FCA (UK) CYSEC (Cyprus) FMA (New Zealand) MAS (Singapore) |
| Tier 2 Regulation | JFSA (Japan) | DFSA (Dubai) EFSRA |
| Tier 3 Regulation | CIMA (Cayman) | FSA-S (Seychelles) FSCA (South Africa) |
Reputation
FOREX.com has more than two decades of experience, with its origins dating back to 1999 in New Jersey, USA. Conversely, Plus500 has fewer years, having been established in 2008 in Haifa, Israel.
Despite being the “younger” broker, Plus500 gets a hefty amount of Google searches at 246,000 per month. FOREX.com only gets searched around 14,800 times.
Reviews
FOREX.com has a TrustPilot score of 4.6 from 565 reviews, while Plus500 has 4.0 from 12,099 users.
Verdict
Both FOREX.com and Plus500 have a high trust score due to their regulation by top-tier authorities. However, FOREX.com has a slight edge due to its regulation by a greater number of top-tier authorities.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
Your capital is at risk up to ‘76% of retail CFD accounts lose money with FOREX.com’
6. Plus500: CFD Product Range And Financial Markets
FOREX.com has over 300 stocks and 80+ forex pairs, yet Plus500 takes the lead with a more extensive selection, especially in stocks (2000+) and ETFs(90+).
The table below shows a breakdown of what each broker offers.
| Feature | FOREX.com | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Forex Pairs | 80+ | 70+ |
| Indices | 20+ | 30+ |
| Commodities | 15+ | 25+ |
| Stocks | 300+ | 2000+ |
| ETFs | 10+ | 90+ |
| Cryptocurrencies | 5+ | 15+ |
| Bonds | 5+ | 10+ |
| Options | Yes | No |
| Futures | Yes | No |
| Metals | 5+ | 10+ |
Plus500 trades CFD for 71 forex pairs, including major and exotic currencies. With 84 available Forex pairs in all serviced regions, FOREX.com excels in its Forex offering.
Verdict
If you’re looking for a broader range of CFDs and markets, Plus500 is the clear winner here, especially if you’re interested in stocks and ETFs. The broker offers a more diversified portfolio, making it ideal for traders who like to spread their investments across various asset classes.
7. FOREX.com: Superior Educational Resources
FOREX.com offers comprehensive educational resources, including webinars, articles, and even one-on-one training. Plus500 keeps it simple with a FAQ section and some basic video tutorials.
| Feature | FOREX.com | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner Resources | Yes | Yes |
| Intermediate Resources | Yes | No |
| Expert Resources | Yes | No |
| Market Research | Yes | Yes |
| In-house Analyst | Yes | No |
| Articles/Blogs | No | No |
| Webinars | Yes | No |
| eBooks | No | Yes |
| Glossary | Yes | Yes |
| YouTube Material | Yes | No |
- FOREX.com offers webinars.
- Plus500 has basic video tutorials.
- FOREX.com provides one-on-one training.
- Plus500 offers a FAQ section.
- FOREX.com has in-depth articles.
- Plus500 lacks advanced educational resources.
Verdict
If you’re keen on improving your trading skills and knowledge, FOREX.com offers a more comprehensive educational package. The broker provides a variety of learning materials that cater to both beginners and advanced traders, making it a more versatile option for your educational needs.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
Your capital is at risk up to ‘76% of retail CFD accounts lose money with FOREX.com’
8. FOREX.com: Better Customer Service
FOREX.com offers 24/5 support via live chat, email, and phone, while Plus500 offers 24/7 support but only through live chat and email.
| Feature | FOREX.com | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Phone | Yes | No |
| 24/5 Support | Yes | No |
| 24/7 Support | No | Yes |
| Languages | Multiple | Multiple |
Verdict
If you value comprehensive customer support, including phone service, FOREX.com is the better choice. Plus500 does offer 24/7 support but lacks phone service. The availability of multiple contact methods makes FOREX.com more accessible and reliable for urgent queries.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
Your capital is at risk up to ‘76% of retail CFD accounts lose money with FOREX.com’
9. FOREX.com: More Funding Options
Both brokers offer multiple funding options, such as credit/debit cards and bank transfers, but FOREX.com provides a bit more variety, including PayPal.
| Funding Option | FOREX.com | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | ✅ | ✅ |
| Debit Card | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bank Transfer | ✅ | ✅ |
| PayPal | ✅ | ❌ |
| Skrill | ❌ | ✅ |
| Neteller | ❌ | ✅ |
| Crypto | ❌ | ❌ |
Verdict
If you’re looking for more diverse funding options, including PayPal, FOREX.com is better. The broker offers a wider range of payment methods, giving you more flexibility when it comes to managing your trading funds.
FOREX.com ReviewVisit FOREX.com
Your capital is at risk up to ‘76% of retail CFD accounts lose money with FOREX.com’
10. Tie: Lower Minimum Deposit
FOREX.com and Plus500 both require a $100 minimum deposit. The low entry barrier of both brokers makes them suitable for new traders or those who prefer not to invest a large sum upfront.
FOREX.com
| Minimum Deposit | GBP | USD | EUR | AUD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card / Debit Card | £100 | $100 | €100 | $100 |
| Bank Wire | £100 | $100 | €100 | $100 |
| Skrill | £100 | $100 | €100 | $100 |
| Neteller | £100 | $100 | €100 | $100 |
Plus500
| GBP | USD | EUR | AUD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card / Debit Card | £100 Minimum Deposit | $100 Minimum Deposit | €100 Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Paypal | £100 Minimum Deposit | $100 Minimum Deposit | €100 Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Bank Wire | £100 Minimum Deposit | $100 Minimum Deposit | €100 Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Skrill | £100 Minimum Deposit | $100 Minimum Deposit | €100 Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Verdict
Both brokers are equally accessible with a $100 minimum deposit, so it’s a tie in this category.
So Is Plus500 or FOREX.com The Best Broker?
FOREX.com is the winner because it offers a more comprehensive trading experience, especially for seasoned traders. The table below summarises the key information leading to this verdict.
| Criteria | FOREX.com | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✅ | ✅ |
Plus500: Best For Beginner Traders
Plus500 is the better choice for beginner traders due to its user-friendly interface.
FOREX.com: Best For Experienced Traders
For experienced traders, FOREX.com is the go-to for its robust trading tools and platform options.
FAQs Comparing FOREX.com vs Plus500
Does Plus500 or FOREX.com Have Lower Costs?
FOREX.com has lower costs. The broker offers competitive spreads, which can be as low as 0.2 pips for major pairs. Plus500 tends to have higher spreads. For more details, check out our Lowest Commission Brokers.
Which Broker Is Better For MetaTrader 4?
FOREX.com is the better choice for MetaTrader 4 users. Plus500 doesn’t offer MT4. You can find more information on our Best MT4 Brokers.
Which Broker Offers Social Trading?
Neither FOREX.com nor Plus500 offers social or copy trading. If this feature is crucial for you, you might want to look elsewhere. For more options, visit our best copy trading platforms page.
Does Either Broker Offer Spread Betting?
Plus500 offers spread betting, while FOREX.com does not. For more information on spread betting, you can visit our best spread betting brokers in the UK.
What Broker is Superior For Australian Forex Traders?
In my opinion, FOREX.com is superior for Australian Forex traders. The broker is ASIC regulated and offers a robust trading environment. Plus500 is also ASIC regulated but is founded overseas. For more details, check out our Best Forex Brokers In Australia comparison.
What Broker is Superior For UK Forex Traders?
For UK traders, FOREX.com takes the cake. The broker is FCA regulated and offers a more comprehensive trading platform. Plus500 is also FCA regulated but is founded overseas. For more information, visit our Best Forex Brokers In UK.
Article Sources
No commission account spread propiety testing data and published wesbite spread information, centralised on our Standard Account Spreads page.
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