If you’re searching for the perfect online trading platform, you’ve likely come across two popular options: Deriv.com and IQ Option. Both brokers offer a range of trading tools and markets, but which one is better suited for your needs? In this blog post, we’ll do a detailed comparison of Deriv.com vs IQ Option to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive into the differences in features, platforms, fees, and overall experience.
Before we jump into our full review, let’s take a quick look at the table below which provides a clear side-by-side comparison of the key features of both Deriv.com and IQ Option to help you quickly see the differences.
| Feature | Deriv.com | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 (formerly Binary.com) | 2013 |
| Trading Platforms | DTrader, DBot, MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Proprietary Platform |
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $10 |
| Assets Available | Forex, Commodities, Synthetic Indices, Cryptocurrencies, Stock Indices | Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, ETFs |
| Demo Account | Unlimited virtual funds | Predefined balance, can be reset |
| Fees and Commissions | Low and transparent | Competitive, but varies by asset |
| Customer Support | Live chat, email (Not 24/7) | 24/7 live chat, phone, email |
| Regulation | MFSA, VFSC | CySEC |
| Automated Trading | Yes (DBot for no-code automation) | No automated trading |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading | No | Yes (Copy trading available) |
| Charting Tools | Basic to Advanced (via MT5) | Advanced (multiple chart layouts, indicators) |
| Unique Features | Synthetic Indices, DBot for automation | Social Trading, Multi-chart layout |
| Best For | Beginners, algorithmic traders, low-budget traders | Advanced traders, stock and ETF traders |
| Security Features | Two-factor authentication (2FA) | Two-factor authentication (2FA) |
| Deposit/Withdrawal Methods | Cards, e-wallets, bank transfers | Cards, e-wallets, bank transfers |
Overview of Deriv.com
Deriv.com is a rebranded version of Binary.com, which was established in 1999. It offers a variety of trading instruments such as forex, commodities, indices, and synthetic indices. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.
Overview of IQ Option
IQ Option was founded in 2013 and quickly gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface and mobile app. The platform offers a wide range of assets, including forex, cryptocurrencies, commodities, stocks, and indices. IQ Option is known for its attractive charting tools and ease of use, making it popular among traders.
Trading Platforms
Deriv.com
Deriv offers three main trading platforms:
- DTrader for customizable options trading.
- DBot, a no-code automated trading platform.
- MT5, the industry-standard MetaTrader 5 platform for more advanced trading.
These platforms cater to different trading preferences, from manual trades to algorithmic strategies. The flexibility makes Deriv a strong choice for traders who want multiple ways to access the markets.
IQ Option
IQ Option provides a proprietary platform, which is highly intuitive and offers great charting tools. The platform supports a variety of assets and is well-integrated with its mobile app, which is popular for trading on the go. The user interface is streamlined, making it easy for both beginners and experienced traders.
Winner: Deriv.com offers more variety with three distinct platforms, but if you prefer a seamless, integrated experience, IQ Option’s single platform might be ideal.
Assets and Markets
Deriv.com
Deriv provides access to:
- Forex
- Synthetic Indices
- Commodities
- Stock Indices
- Cryptocurrencies
The inclusion of synthetic indices sets Deriv apart, allowing traders to trade on volatility markets not affected by global news events, which can be a huge advantage for some traders.
IQ Option
IQ Option also offers a wide variety of assets, including:
- Forex
- Stocks
- Cryptocurrencies
- Commodities
- ETFs
Both platforms have a diverse range of assets, but IQ Option has a slight edge with the inclusion of ETFs and stocks, which some traders may prefer.
Winner: IQ Option offers more traditional asset classes like ETFs and stocks, giving it an advantage if you’re looking to trade these markets.
Minimum Deposit and Fees
Deriv.com
One of the reasons traders choose Deriv is its low minimum deposit requirement. You can start trading on Deriv with as little as $5, making it accessible for beginners. The platform is known for its low fees and transparent pricing, which is a major benefit for traders who want to keep costs low.
IQ Option
IQ Option requires a minimum deposit of $10, which is still quite affordable. While the fees on IQ Option are competitive, they tend to vary depending on the type of trade. For instance, trading fees for options and cryptocurrencies can sometimes be higher compared to forex or commodities.
Winner: Deriv.com takes the edge with a lower minimum deposit and generally more transparent fee structure.
Regulation and Safety
Deriv.com
Deriv is regulated by several authorities, including the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC). This ensures a high level of security and trustworthiness for traders. Deriv also employs advanced security measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect user accounts.
IQ Option
IQ Option is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), which is one of the top-tier regulators in the European region. Like Deriv, IQ Option also uses 2FA and other security measures to ensure user accounts remain safe.
Winner: Tie — Both brokers are regulated by reputable authorities and offer strong security features.
Demo Accounts
Deriv.com
Deriv offers an unlimited demo account with virtual funds, allowing you to practice trading strategies before risking real money. This is an excellent feature for beginners or those wanting to test the platform.
IQ Option
IQ Option also provides a free demo account, but the main difference is that it comes with a predefined balance, which you can reset if necessary. Both brokers make it easy to switch between demo and live accounts.
Winner: Tie — Both platforms offer robust demo accounts, allowing traders to get comfortable with their platforms.
Customer Support
Deriv.com
Deriv offers customer support through live chat, email, and a help center. However, the live chat isn’t available 24/7, which could be an issue for traders needing urgent assistance outside working hours.
IQ Option
IQ Option provides 24/7 customer support, which includes live chat, phone support, and email. The 24/7 availability is a significant advantage, especially for international traders in different time zones.
Winner: IQ Option wins in this category with round-the-clock customer support.
Trading Tools and Features
Deriv.com
Deriv stands out with its DBot, a feature that allows traders to build and test their own trading robots without any coding skills. The MetaTrader 5 (MT5) integration also adds powerful trading tools like Expert Advisors and advanced charting.
IQ Option
IQ Option’s trading platform is known for its advanced charting tools, such as multi-chart layouts, technical indicators, and widgets. The platform also offers social trading features, where you can follow and copy successful traders.
Winner: Deriv.com for those who prefer automated trading, but IQ Option offers more tools for manual traders.
Bottom Line
When comparing Deriv.com vs IQ Option, both platforms have unique strengths. Deriv is ideal for traders looking for low minimum deposits, flexible trading platforms, and unique assets like synthetic indices. On the other hand, IQ Option stands out with its polished platform, advanced charting tools, and round-the-clock support.
Ultimately, the best platform for you will depend on your personal trading preferences. If you’re a beginner or on a budget, Deriv.com could be the better choice. But if you prefer a sleek, all-in-one platform with more traditional assets like stocks and ETFs, IQ Option might suit you better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which broker is better for beginners?
Both brokers are beginner-friendly, but Deriv.com has a lower minimum deposit and offers multiple trading platforms, making it slightly more accessible.
2. Is IQ Option or Deriv more secure?
Both brokers are regulated by reputable authorities and offer strong security features such as two-factor authentication.
3. Which platform offers more assets?
IQ Option provides access to more traditional assets like stocks and ETFs, while Deriv.com stands out with unique offerings like synthetic indices.
Editorial Staff at Chweya is a team of financial experts led by Vincent Nyagaka, with over 9 years of experience in finance, commerce, forex, crypto, and marketing. Started in 2014, Chweya is now among the largest free financial resource sites in the industry and is often referred to as Wikipedia for business.