Higher Rated
Plus500
Capital at risk · T&Cs apply
In the competitive landscape of online trading, Lightyear and Plus500 offer distinct experiences tailored to different trader needs. Lightyear, a newer entrant headquartered in London, appeals to investors focused on commission-free investing in US and EU stocks via a simple mobile app, but is limited by its exclusive focus on equities. In contrast, Plus500, with its broader market reach including CFDs, forex, and cryptocurrencies, caters to traders seeking diverse investment options and leverage, though it requires a minimum deposit and charges an inactivity fee. Both brokers are regulated by the FCA, ensuring a level of security for traders in the UK.
Lightyear
Plus500
| Lightyear | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 2.7/5 | 4.0/5 ✓ |
| Min. Deposit | $0 ✓ | $100 |
| Spread from | 0 pips ✓ | 0.6 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:1 | 1:300 ✓ |
| Regulation | FCA | FCA, CySEC, ASIC ✓ |
| Platforms | Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
Plus500 is the better choice overall, scoring 4.0/5 vs 2.7/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Lightyear offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowLightyear
Plus500
Lightyear
Lower feesPlus500
Lightyear
2.7/5
Choose Lightyear if you want…
Plus500
4.0/5
Choose Plus500 if you want…
Plus500 scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Lightyear holds a 2.7/5 rating vs Plus500's 4.0/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
Lightyear offers spreads from 0 pips, while Plus500 starts at 0.6 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
Lightyear requires a minimum deposit of $0. Plus500 requires $100.
Lightyear is regulated by FCA, while Plus500 holds licences from FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS.
Lightyear supports Proprietary Mobile. Plus500 supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
Only 26% of Brokers Are Truly Fee-Free
BrokerRank Research — Hidden costs across 345 brokers
58% of Brokers Hold a Single Licence
BrokerRank Research — Regulation quality analysis
71% of Retail Traders Lose Money
BrokerRank Research — Loss rates across 50 EU brokers
76% of Brokers Use Proprietary Platforms
BrokerRank Research — MT4 vs MT5 vs proprietary
Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.