Quick verdict
Pocket Option comes out ahead with a score of 4.1/5, against 3.7/5 for Expert Option.
Pocket Option is best for: Small first deposits and copy trading
Avoid Pocket Option if: You want a regulator behind your account, or gamified features tempt you to overtrade
Expert Option is best for: Beginners who trade mostly on a phone
Avoid Expert Option if: You want a wide asset list or longer-term analysis
Scores side by side
Pocket Option 4.1/5
- Platform & apps4.7
- Costs & minimums4.8
- Payments4.6
- Support4.2
- Regulation & transparency2.6
Expert Option 3.7/5
- Platform & apps4.3
- Costs & minimums4.1
- Payments4.2
- Support3.9
- Regulation & transparency2.4
First look: the two websites
About Pocket Option and Expert Option
Pocket Option (2017). Pocket Option launched in 2017 and focuses on short-term fixed-time trades: you choose a direction and an expiry, and the payout is fixed if you are right. The platform adds social features that copy other traders' positions, plus regular tournaments. A separate MT5 account offers forex and CFDs.
Expert Option (2014). Expert Option has offered fixed-time trading since 2014. The platform is intentionally simple: one chart, an amount, an expiry, up or down. Account tiers unlock extra assets, higher payouts and a personal manager as your deposit grows.
Regulation and safetyWinner: Pocket Option
Neither Pocket Option nor Expert Option is authorised by a top-tier regulator such as the FCA, CySEC or ASIC. Both operate through offshore companies, so there is no compensation scheme and no regulator in your country to complain to.
Official warnings and alert-list entries in our sources: Pocket Option 4, Expert Option 3.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Expert Option |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | No top-tier regulator. Pocket Option cites an offshore licence from MISA in the Comoros. | No government licence. It is registered in St Vincent and the Grenadines and belongs to The Financial Commission, a private dispute body. |
| Regulator warnings on record | FCA, CFTC, RBI, Bank of Russia | CSA / AMF, MAS, RBI |
| Dispute body | No external dispute body | Member of The Financial Commission (private dispute body) |
On transparency and safety we score Pocket Option higher (2.6 vs 2.4).
Minimum deposit and feesWinner: Pocket Option
Pocket Option is cheaper to start with: the minimum deposit is $5, against $10 at Expert Option. The smallest trade is $1 at Pocket Option and $1 at Expert Option.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Expert Option |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $5 | $10 |
| Minimum trade | $1 | $1 |
| Fees | No deposit fee advertised; conversion costs apply | Dormancy fee after inactivity; no deposit fee advertised |
| Withdrawal fees | No platform fee advertised; payment-provider fees may apply | No platform withdrawal fee reported; payment-provider fees may apply |
| Inactivity fee | Not stated in the sources we checked – read the current terms | Dormancy fee in the terms – check amount and trigger |
| Bonus | Deposit bonuses (often 50–100%) with turnover conditions that can block withdrawals | Deposit bonuses reported; check turnover conditions before accepting |
Payouts and the win rate you needWinner: Pocket Option
Pocket Option advertises the higher maximum payout (92% vs 90%). That lowers the win rate you need to break even from 52.6% to 52.1%.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Expert Option |
|---|---|---|
| Max. payout | 92% | 90% |
| Break-even win rate | 52.1% | 52.6% |
| Note | 92% applies to popular assets at peak hours; off-peak payouts are reported 7–12 points lower | Sources differ: third-party reviews report 86–95% depending on account tier and asset |
Advertised maximums apply to selected assets at the best times. Check the payout shown on the trade ticket before you open a trade; it is often lower.
Platform and mobile appWinner: Pocket Option
Pocket Option. A browser-based platform with several chart types, indicators and drawing tools. Social trading and the signals panel sit beside the chart, so beginners may follow others before they understand what they are copying.
Expert Option. Web platform with a clean chart, basic indicators and a social feed showing other users' trades. Fine for simple strategies, limited for detailed technical analysis.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Expert Option |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Web, Android, iOS, MT5 (forex) | Web, Android, iOS |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone | Web app only | Yes |
| Extras | Social trading, Tournaments, Lowest minimum | Account tiers, Social feed, Simple interface |
Assets and expiry times
| Feature | Pocket Option | Expert Option |
|---|---|---|
| Number of assets | 100+ | ~100 |
| Markets | Forex, Crypto, Commodities, Stocks, Indices | Forex, Crypto, Commodities, Stocks, Indices |
| Expiry times | 3 seconds – 4 hours | 5 seconds – 24 hours |
Deposits and withdrawalsWinner: Pocket Option
Pocket Option. Withdrawals go back through the method you used to deposit where possible. Expect identity verification before your first withdrawal. If you accepted a bonus, check the turnover requirement first, because it can block a withdrawal.
Expert Option. Withdrawals require completed verification. Users report that verification can take longer than at the other two brokers, so complete it before you need your money.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Expert Option |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank cards, E-wallets, Crypto, Local methods | Bank cards, E-wallets, Crypto, Local methods |
| Withdrawal methods | Bank cards, E-wallets, Crypto, Local methods | Bank cards, E-wallets, Crypto, Local methods |
| Minimum withdrawal | $10 | $10 |
| Withdrawal time | Usually 1–3 business days; crypto often faster (third-party reports) | Within 2 business days per the broker; e-wallets and crypto can be faster |
How to deposit at Pocket Option →How to deposit at Expert Option →
Demo accountDraw
Both brokers offer a free demo account, so you can compare the two platforms with virtual money before you deposit.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Expert Option |
|---|---|---|
| Demo balance | $50,000 | $10,000 |
| Try without registering | Yes | Yes |
Customer supportWinner: Pocket Option
| Feature | Pocket Option | Expert Option |
|---|---|---|
| Support channels | Live chat, Email, Help centre | Live chat, Email, Help centre |
| Support | 4.2/5 | 3.9/5 |
Where you can use themDraw
Pocket Option accepts clients in 38 of the countries we cover, Expert Option in 38.
Pros and cons
Pocket Option
- +Lowest listed minimum deposit (USD 5) and trades from USD 1
- +Social trading and tournaments built into the platform
- +Wide choice of deposit routes, including crypto
- +Fast, uncluttered web platform that works well on phones
- −Offshore licence only; no top-tier regulator
- −Warnings from the FCA and CFTC, and on India's RBI Alert List
- −Bonus offers come with turnover conditions
- −Native iOS app availability is inconsistent
Expert Option
- +Simple interface that suits first-time users
- +Native Android and iOS apps
- +Membership of The Financial Commission gives a dispute route
- +Crypto and local deposit methods in many countries
- −No recognised government broker licence
- −Smaller asset list than the other two
- −Better conditions locked behind larger-deposit account tiers
- −Dormancy fee after a period without activity
Verdict: Pocket Option or Expert Option?
Pocket Option wins 6 of 7 categories in this comparison. Pocket Option comes out ahead with a score of 4.1/5, against 3.7/5 for Expert Option.
Our pick: Pocket Option
RecommendedPocket Option is best for: Small first deposits and copy trading
+50% deposit bonusT&Cs
Open free accountWhichever you choose, start with the demo, keep your first deposit small and test a withdrawal before you add more. Binary options are high-risk and most retail traders lose money.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Pocket Option or Expert Option?
On our score Pocket Option is ahead (4.1/5 vs 3.7/5). Pocket Option is best for: Small first deposits and copy trading. Expert Option is best for: Beginners who trade mostly on a phone.
Which has the lower minimum deposit, Pocket Option or Expert Option?
Pocket Option is cheaper to start with: the minimum deposit is $5, against $10 at Expert Option.
Which pays more, Pocket Option or Expert Option?
Pocket Option advertises the higher maximum payout (92% vs 90%). That lowers the win rate you need to break even from 52.6% to 52.1%.
Are Pocket Option and Expert Option regulated?
Neither holds a licence from a top-tier regulator such as the FCA, CySEC or ASIC. Both operate through offshore companies, so your money has limited protection.