Deriv
MFSA
IQ Option
CySEC
Deriv vs IQ Option
Head-to-Head Comparison 2026
By SofiaOur Verdict
Deriv and IQ Option both offer synthetic indices and options/digital options. Deriv is known for 24/7 synthetics and high payouts, IQ Option for an especially simple trading interface. On payout size and product range, Deriv often leads.
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/derivatives) | 70–95% (FX options, depending on asset and expiry) |
| 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/derivatives)
IQ Option
Payout rate: 70–95% (FX options, depending on asset and expiry)
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
Is Deriv or IQ Option cheaper?
Which broker offers more products: Deriv or IQ Option?
Which broker is better regulated?
Is Deriv or IQ Option better for beginners?
Deriv vs IQ Option: Which broker is better overall?
How do spreads compare between Deriv and IQ Option?
Do Deriv or IQ Option charge an inactivity fee?
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