When selecting the best forex broker for your trading strategy in 2025, it’s essential to analyze every detail — from regulation and platform features to spreads, execution speed, and trading tools. Two major players dominating the global forex landscape are FOREX.com and Plus500. Both are household names in the online trading world, each offering unique strengths tailored to different types of traders.
In this comprehensive comparison, we break down FOREX.com vs Plus500 across all major dimensions to help traders make the most informed decision possible.
Broker Review Contents
Regulatory Strength and Global Presence
FOREX.com
FOREX.com is operated by StoneX Group Inc., a publicly traded financial services firm listed on NASDAQ. The broker is highly trusted and regulated by:
- CFTC and NFA in the United States
- FCA in the United Kingdom
- ASIC in Australia
- CySEC in the European Union
- IIROC in Canada
- SFC in Hong Kong
This multi-jurisdictional compliance structure makes FOREX.com one of the most secure and globally trusted platforms.
Plus500
Plus500 Ltd is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is part of the FTSE 250 index. It holds regulatory licenses in several jurisdictions:
- FCA (UK)
- ASIC (Australia)
- CySEC (EU)
- FMA (New Zealand)
- FSCA (South Africa)
Plus500 also maintains a solid regulatory profile, appealing to traders across regions.
🏆 Winner: FOREX.com – Due to its broader regulatory coverage and U.S. licensing under the CFTC, FOREX.com edges ahead in compliance robustness.
Trading Platforms and User Experience
FOREX.com
FOREX.com offers multiple platforms catering to all levels of traders:
- MetaTrader 4 & MetaTrader 5 (MT4/MT5): Industry-standard platforms for automated trading and technical analysis
- FOREX.com Web Trader: Sleek and responsive platform with 100+ indicators, drawing tools, and integrated news
- Mobile App: Real-time alerts, risk management tools, and seamless execution on the go
The availability of MT5 makes FOREX.com ideal for advanced traders and algo users.
Plus500
Plus500 provides its proprietary platform across web and mobile. The interface is clean and beginner-friendly, with:
- Customizable watchlists
- Integrated charting
- Real-time price alerts
- Built-in risk management features
However, Plus500 does not support MT4/MT5, which could limit functionality for advanced users.
🏆 Winner: FOREX.com – Offers greater flexibility and professional-grade platforms like MT5.
Product Offering and Asset Coverage
FOREX.com
With over 4,500 tradable instruments, FOREX.com offers:
- 80+ Forex pairs
- Indices
- Commodities
- Shares (CFDs)
- Bonds
- Cryptocurrencies
Traders can also access DMA (Direct Market Access) and spread-betting (UK only).
Plus500
Plus500 boasts over 2,800 instruments, including:
- Forex
- Stocks
- Indices
- ETFs
- Commodities
- Options
- Cryptocurrencies
While Plus500 has broader ETF and options CFD offerings, it lacks access to DMA and professional account tiers.
🏆 Winner: Tie – Plus500 offers broader asset types, but FOREX.com has depth and institutional-level options.
Spreads, Commissions, and Account Types
FOREX.com
- Standard Account: Spread-only pricing
- Commission Account: Lower spreads with fixed commission per trade
- DMA Account: Direct access to pricing with raw spreads
Sample average spreads:
- EUR/USD: 1.0 pips (standard)
- Gold: 0.15
- S&P 500: 0.6
Plus500
- All-in-one account with no commissions; spreads are slightly wider
- EUR/USD: ~0.8 – 1.2 pips
- Gold: 0.3
- BTC/USD: Variable spreads, higher during volatility
There is no option for commission-based or DMA trading.
🏆 Winner: FOREX.com – Offers flexible account structures and tighter spreads for serious traders.
Risk Management and Trading Tools
FOREX.com
- Advanced charting with 100+ indicators
- Autochartist & Trading Central integration
- VPS hosting for automated trading
- Smart Signal tools and real-time trade ideas
Plus500
- Guaranteed stop-loss orders (GSLOs)
- Negative balance protection
- Custom price alerts
- Basic charting with standard indicators
While Plus500 emphasizes risk control, it lacks third-party tool integrations and advanced backtesting capabilities.
🏆 Winner: FOREX.com – Superior technical tools and automation support.
Education and Research
FOREX.com
- Daily market analysis
- Live webinars & trading courses
- Technical and fundamental outlooks
- Glossary, eBooks, platform tutorials
Plus500
- Simple FAQ-style education
- Basic video tutorials
- Market News section
🏆 Winner: FOREX.com – Comprehensive educational content for all experience levels.
Deposit & Withdrawal Options
| Method | FOREX.com | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Credit/Debit | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| PayPal | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Skrill/Neteller | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Crypto | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Both brokers offer fast withdrawals and a secure funding environment, but neither supports crypto or e-wallets beyond PayPal.
🏆 Winner: Tie
Minimum Deposit and Accessibility
- FOREX.com: $100 minimum (varies by region)
- Plus500: $100 minimum (varies by region)
Both brokers have demo accounts and mobile-first features for on-the-go trading.
🏆 Winner: Tie
Final Verdict: Which Broker Is Better in 2025?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Regulation | FOREX.com |
| Platforms | FOREX.com |
| Spreads & Pricing | FOREX.com |
| Asset Coverage | Tie |
| Trading Tools | FOREX.com |
| Education & Research | FOREX.com |
| Deposits & Withdrawals | Tie |
| Ease of Use | Plus500 |
✅ Choose FOREX.com if:
You want professional-grade tools, flexible account types, MT4/MT5 access, and strong global regulation. Ideal for serious, algorithmic, and institutional-level traders.
✅ Choose Plus500 if:
You’re a beginner trader seeking a clean interface, minimal learning curve, and simple, commission-free pricing.
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