Deriv
MFSA
IQ Option
CySEC
Deriv vs IQ Option
Head-to-Head Comparison 2026
Our Verdict
Deriv has a higher rating of 3.7/5 compared to IQ Option (3.6/5). The minimum deposit is lower at Deriv with 5 $. Deriv has been in the market since 1999, making it the more experienced provider. On spreads, Deriv offers EUR/USD from 0.5 pip (Standard), 0.2 pip (Raw) + $5.00 per lot round turn, while IQ Option offers EUR/USD from 1.0 pip (CFD); FX options with fixed payout structure. Deriv charges no inactivity fee, while the other does.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | Deriv | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.7/5 (1450 reviews)✓ | 3.6/5 (1950 reviews) |
| Regulation | MFSA | CySEC |
| Fees | from 0.5 pips Forex, synthetic indices commission-free | from 0.7 pips Forex, multiplier-based CFDs |
| Min. Deposit | 5 $ | 10 $ |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Synthetic Indices, Commodities, Crypto CFDs, Stocks CFDs | CFDs, Forex, Stocks CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Commodities, ETFs CFDs |
| Platforms | Deriv Trader, Deriv MT5, Deriv X, Deriv Bot | IQ Option Platform, IQ Option App |
| Options Trading | Yes, digital options on Deriv Trader | Yes, digital options (EU restricted) |
| Spread (typical) | EUR/USD from 0.5 pip (Standard), 0.2 pip (Raw) + $5.00 per lot round turn | EUR/USD from 1.0 pip (CFD); FX options with fixed payout structure |
| Inactivity Fee | None | $10/month after 90 days of inactivity |
| Payout Rate | 95–100 % (Synthetic Indices/Derivate) | 70–95 % (FX-Optionen, abhängig von Asset und Laufzeit) |
| Founded | 1999 | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Malta | Limassol |
Detailed Comparison
Fee Comparison
Deriv: from 0.5 pips Forex, synthetic indices commission-free. Minimum deposit: 5 $. Spread: EUR/USD from 0.5 pip (Standard), 0.2 pip (Raw) + $5.00 per lot round turn.
IQ Option: from 0.7 pips Forex, multiplier-based CFDs. Minimum deposit: 10 $. Spread: EUR/USD from 1.0 pip (CFD); FX options with fixed payout structure. Inactivity fee: $10/month after 90 days of inactivity.
Execution Quality
Deriv
Payout rate: 95–100 % (Synthetic Indices/Derivate)
IQ Option
Payout rate: 70–95 % (FX-Optionen, abhängig von Asset und Laufzeit)
Product Range
Deriv (6 categories)
IQ Option (6 categories)
Trading Platforms
Deriv
- Deriv Trader
- Deriv MT5
- Deriv X
- Deriv Bot
IQ Option
- IQ Option Platform
- IQ Option App
Regulation & Security
Deriv is regulated by MFSA (HQ: Malta).
IQ Option is regulated by CySEC (HQ: Limassol).
Who Is It For?
Deriv
Innovative CFD broker with synthetic indices and proprietary platform
✓ Over 25 years of experience (formerly Binary.com)
✓ Unique synthetic indices available 24/7
✓ Very low minimum deposit of just $5
✗ Synthetic indices carry special risks
✗ Not regulated by FCA or BaFin
IQ Option
Popular CFD broker with award-winning platform and low entry barrier
✓ Award-winning, intuitive trading platform
✓ Very low minimum deposit of $10
✓ Over 100 million registered users worldwide
✗ No MT4 or MT5 available
✗ Digital options restricted in the EU
Frequently Asked Questions
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Deriv
Innovative CFD broker with synthetic indices and proprietary platform
Open Account →From 5 $ min. deposit
IQ Option
Popular CFD broker with award-winning platform and low entry barrier
Open Account →From 10 $ min. deposit