Lightspeed
Plus500
Lightspeed vs Plus500
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Lightspeed and Plus500 are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Lightspeed, founded in 2006 and headquartered in New York, USA, is regulated by FCA and offers spreads starting from N/A with a minimum deposit of $10000. Plus500, established in 2008 in Haifa, Israel, holds licenses from FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS with spreads from 0.8 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Plus500 scored 7.8/10 overall compared to Lightspeed's 7.4/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Lightspeed holds its own with better trading platforms and more research tools, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Plus500 scores 7.8/10 overall vs 7.4/10 for Lightspeed — a 0.4-point difference.
- 💵
Plus500 requires just $100 to start, while Lightspeed needs $10000 — Plus500 is 100x more accessible.
- 📈
Lightspeed offers 8,000+ instruments vs 2,800+ at Plus500 — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Lightspeed runs on Lightspeed Trader, Sterling Trader Pro, while Plus500 uses Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Deposit & Withdrawal: Plus500 scores 8.5 vs 6.0 for Lightspeed — a 2.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
Lightspeed
Score: 7.4/10 · Wins 2 categories- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
- You prefer Lightspeed's trading environment overall
Plus500
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 2 categories- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($100)
Plus500 takes the lead with an overall score of 7.8/10 compared to 7.4/10, winning in 2 out of 8 scoring categories. Plus500 stands out for smoother deposits & withdrawals and wider product range, while Lightspeed fights back with better trading platforms and more research tools.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Plus500 comes out ahead with a 7.8/10 overall rating, winning 2 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 9.0/10. Plus500 holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Lightspeed is not without merit — it scores 7.4/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 2 categories. Traders who value better trading platforms or more research tools may find Lightspeed the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Plus500 review and Lightspeed review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Lightspeed wins by 1.5 points
Lightspeed wins by 1.5 points
Plus500 wins by 2.5 points
Plus500 wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $10000 | $100 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:4 | 1:300 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0.8 pips |
| Platforms | Lightspeed Trader, Sterling Trader Pro | Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App |
| Regulation | FCA | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2006 ✓ | 2008 |
| Markets | 8,000+ ✓ | 2,800+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Lightspeed has the edge with a score of 7.5/10 versus 7.5/10 for Plus500. Lightspeed offers spreads starting from N/A, while Plus500 starts from 0.8 pips. The minimum deposit at Lightspeed is $10000, compared to $100 at Plus500. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
Lightspeed scores 8.5/10 for platforms compared to 7/10 for Plus500. Lightspeed provides Lightspeed Trader, Sterling Trader Pro, while Plus500 offers Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Lightspeed is regulated by FCA (Tier 1), while Plus500 holds licenses from FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS (Tier 1). Lightspeed scores 9/10 and Plus500 scores 9/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, Lightspeed leads with 5.5/10 compared to 5.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Lightspeed and Plus500 both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
Lightspeed offers 24/5 Email, Phone and scores 7/10, while Plus500 provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email with a score of 7/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Lightspeed scores 6/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Plus500 scores 8.5/10. Lightspeed accepts Bank Transfer, Wire Transfer, and Plus500 supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Lightspeed requires a minimum deposit of $10000 versus $100 for Plus500. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Lightspeed if you...
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
- You prefer Lightspeed's trading environment overall
Choose Plus500 if you...
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($100)
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lightspeed better than Plus500?
Plus500 scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.4/10), winning 2 of 8 categories. However, Lightspeed is stronger in better trading platforms and more research tools. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Lightspeed or Plus500?
Lightspeed scores higher for trading costs. Lightspeed offers spreads from N/A with a $10000 minimum deposit, while Plus500 starts from 0.8 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Lightspeed safe to trade with?
Lightspeed is regulated by FCA and scores 9/10 for regulation. Plus500 is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Lightspeed or Plus500?
Lightspeed scores 8.5/10 for platforms. Lightspeed offers Lightspeed Trader, Sterling Trader Pro, while Plus500 provides Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Lightspeed vs Plus500?
Lightspeed requires a minimum deposit of $10000, while Plus500 requires $100. Plus500 has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.