Quick verdict
IQ Option comes out ahead with a score of 4.0/5, against 3.5/5 for Exnova.
IQ Option is best for: Experienced users who want strong charts and a desktop app
Avoid IQ Option if: You trade only now and then (inactivity fee) or withdraw several times a month
Exnova is best for: Traders who want a capable platform with a small budget
Avoid Exnova if: You need a licensed broker or an external complaint route
Scores side by side
IQ Option 4.0/5
- Platform & apps4.8
- Costs & minimums4.2
- Payments4.4
- Support4.2
- Regulation & transparency2.6
Exnova 3.5/5
- Platform & apps4.2
- Costs & minimums4.0
- Payments3.8
- Support3.6
- Regulation & transparency2.0
First look: the two websites
About IQ Option and Exnova
IQ Option (2013). IQ Option started in 2013 and built its own platform from scratch. Besides fixed-time trades it offers digital options, where you pick a strike price and the payout scales with how far the price moves, plus CFDs on forex, stocks, crypto and ETFs.
Exnova (2021). Exnova launched in 2021 and offers fixed-time (binary) options, digital options and leveraged CFDs on one platform. Its interface looks and works much like the larger established platforms: one chart, an amount, an expiry and up or down, with more advanced tools one click away.
Regulation and safetyWinner: IQ Option
Neither IQ Option nor Exnova 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: IQ Option 3, Exnova 0.
| Feature | IQ Option | Exnova |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Only its EU company is CySEC-licensed, and that company does not offer binary options. Binary options are offered through an unregulated offshore entity. | No. Its operator, Digital Smart LLC, is registered in St Vincent and the Grenadines; the Cyprus company only handles payments. |
| Regulator warnings on record | CVM, MAS, RBI | – |
| Dispute body | No external dispute body | No external dispute body |
On transparency and safety we score IQ Option higher (2.6 vs 2.0).
Minimum deposit and feesWinner: IQ Option
Both brokers ask for the same minimum deposit: $10. The smallest trade is $1 at IQ Option and $1 at Exnova.
| Feature | IQ Option | Exnova |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $10 | $10 |
| Minimum trade | $1 | $1 |
| Fees | Inactivity fee after 90 days; CFD overnight fees | First withdrawal each month free, then 2% (max. USD 30); inactivity fee |
| Withdrawal fees | One free withdrawal per month; further ones reported at 2% (min. USD 1, max. USD 30) – check current terms | First withdrawal each month free, then 2% (max. USD 30) |
| Inactivity fee | About USD/EUR 10 per month after 90 days without trading | Charged after 90 days without activity |
| Bonus | No bonus information confirmed in the sources we checked | No standard deposit bonus; tournaments with small entry fees |
Payouts and the win rate you needWinner: IQ Option
IQ Option advertises the higher maximum payout (95% vs 90%). That lowers the win rate you need to break even from 52.6% to 51.3%.
| Feature | IQ Option | Exnova |
|---|---|---|
| Max. payout | 95% | 90% |
| Break-even win rate | 51.3% | 52.6% |
| Note | 95% is the advertised maximum; observed payouts on gold were 86–88% at peak and 78–82% off-peak | Up to about 90% on fixed-time options; varies by asset and time of day |
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: IQ Option
IQ Option. The proprietary platform is the main reason people choose IQ Option. It has multi-chart layouts, a full set of indicators and the same interface in browser and desktop app.
Exnova. Proprietary web platform with a desktop app, several chart types, indicators and drawing tools. It is one of the more capable interfaces in this ranking and runs smoothly even on modest hardware.
| Feature | IQ Option | Exnova |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Web, Desktop app, Android, iOS | Web, Desktop app, Android, iOS |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone | Yes | Yes |
| Extras | Own platform, Advanced charts, Desktop app | Lowest minimum, Own platform, Advanced charts, Desktop app, Tournaments |
Assets and expiry times
| Feature | IQ Option | Exnova |
|---|---|---|
| Number of assets | 300+ | 250+ |
| Markets | Forex, Crypto, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, ETFs | Forex, Crypto, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, ETFs |
| Expiry times | 60 seconds – 1 month | 1 minute – 1 hour (fixed time); custom on digital options |
Deposits and withdrawalsWinner: IQ Option
IQ Option. Withdrawals require completed verification and usually return to the deposit method first. The broker states processing times in its help centre; your payment provider adds its own time on top.
Exnova. Withdrawals require completed identity verification and usually take 1–3 business days. User reviews include repeated complaints about delayed or blocked withdrawals, so start with a small amount and test a withdrawal before you deposit more.
| Feature | IQ Option | Exnova |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank cards, E-wallets, Local methods | Bank cards, E-wallets, Crypto, Local methods |
| Withdrawal methods | Bank cards, E-wallets, Local methods | Bank cards, E-wallets, Crypto, Local methods |
| Minimum withdrawal | $2 | $10 |
| Withdrawal time | Up to 3 business days; often faster | 1–3 business days per the broker; user complaints report delays |
Demo accountDraw
Both brokers offer a free demo account, so you can compare the two platforms with virtual money before you deposit.
| Feature | IQ Option | Exnova |
|---|---|---|
| Demo balance | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Try without registering | – | – |
Customer supportWinner: IQ Option
| Feature | IQ Option | Exnova |
|---|---|---|
| Support channels | Live chat, Email, Phone, Help centre | Live chat, Email, Help centre |
| Support | 4.2/5 | 3.6/5 |
Where you can use themDraw
IQ Option accepts clients in 38 of the countries we cover, Exnova in 38.
Pros and cons
IQ Option
- +Strongest platform: web, Windows/macOS desktop, Android and iOS
- +Digital options with adjustable strike prices, plus CFDs
- +Long operating history since 2013
- +Good charting and a responsive interface
- −Binary and digital options only through an unregulated offshore entity
- −Brazil's CVM sanction proceeding and warnings from MAS and RBI
- −Inactivity fee after 90 days without trading
- −Fewer crypto payment routes than competitors
Exnova
- +USD 10 minimum deposit and trades from USD 1
- +Polished platform on web, desktop, Android and iOS
- +Free USD 10,000 demo account
- +More than 250 assets, including stocks and ETFs
- −No licence from a government regulator
- −Short track record: launched in 2021
- −Recurring user complaints about delayed or blocked withdrawals
- −Withdrawal fee after the first free withdrawal each month
Verdict: IQ Option or Exnova?
IQ Option wins 6 of 7 categories in this comparison. IQ Option comes out ahead with a score of 4.0/5, against 3.5/5 for Exnova.
Our pick: IQ Option
IQ Option is best for: Experienced users who want strong charts and a desktop app
Whichever 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, IQ Option or Exnova?
On our score IQ Option is ahead (4.0/5 vs 3.5/5). IQ Option is best for: Experienced users who want strong charts and a desktop app. Exnova is best for: Traders who want a capable platform with a small budget.
Which has the lower minimum deposit, IQ Option or Exnova?
Both brokers ask for the same minimum deposit: $10.
Which pays more, IQ Option or Exnova?
IQ Option advertises the higher maximum payout (95% vs 90%). That lowers the win rate you need to break even from 52.6% to 51.3%.
Are IQ Option and Exnova 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.
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IQ Option review →Exnova review →Is IQ Option a scam? →Is Exnova a scam? →