Lightyear
ThinkMarkets
VS
Higher Rated
ThinkMarkets
Capital at risk · T&Cs apply
In the rapidly evolving world of online trading, Lightyear and ThinkMarkets present two distinct options for traders. Lightyear, a newer entrant specialising exclusively in commission-free US and EU stocks, appeals primarily to novice investors seeking a straightforward, mobile-first trading experience. In contrast, ThinkMarkets offers a more comprehensive range of trading instruments including forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies, making it an attractive choice for more seasoned traders who value advanced tools and platforms like MT4 and MT5. While Lightyear provides a simple and modern interface with competitive FX rates, ThinkMarkets stands out for its robust platform offerings and broader market access, albeit with commission fees on certain accounts.
Lightyear
ThinkMarkets
| Lightyear | ThinkMarkets | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 2.7/5 | 3.9/5 ✓ |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:1 | 1:500 ✓ |
| Regulation | FCA | FCA, ASIC ✓ |
| Platforms | Proprietary Mobile | MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web |
ThinkMarkets is the better choice overall, scoring 3.9/5 vs 2.7/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Lightyear offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowLightyear
ThinkMarkets
WinnerLightyear
Lower feesThinkMarkets
Lightyear
2.7/5
Choose Lightyear if you want…
ThinkMarkets
3.9/5
Choose ThinkMarkets if you want…
ThinkMarkets scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Lightyear holds a 2.7/5 rating vs ThinkMarkets's 3.9/5. 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 ThinkMarkets starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
Lightyear requires a minimum deposit of $0. ThinkMarkets requires $0.
Lightyear is regulated by FCA, while ThinkMarkets holds licences from FCA, ASIC.
Lightyear supports Proprietary Mobile. ThinkMarkets supports MT4, MT5, 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.