Quick verdict
Pocket Option comes out ahead with a score of 4.1/5, against 3.5/5 for Exnova.
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
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
Pocket Option 4.1/5
- Platform & apps4.7
- Costs & minimums4.8
- Payments4.6
- 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 Pocket Option and Exnova
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.
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: Pocket Option
Neither Pocket 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: Pocket Option 4, Exnova 0.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Exnova |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | No top-tier regulator. Pocket Option cites an offshore licence from MISA in the Comoros. | No. Its operator, Digital Smart LLC, is registered in St Vincent and the Grenadines; the Cyprus company only handles payments. |
| Regulator warnings on record | FCA, CFTC, RBI, Bank of Russia | – |
| Dispute body | No external dispute body | No external dispute body |
On transparency and safety we score Pocket Option higher (2.6 vs 2.0).
Minimum deposit and feesWinner: Pocket Option
Pocket Option is cheaper to start with: the minimum deposit is $5, against $10 at Exnova. The smallest trade is $1 at Pocket Option and $1 at Exnova.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Exnova |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $5 | $10 |
| Minimum trade | $1 | $1 |
| Fees | No deposit fee advertised; conversion costs apply | First withdrawal each month free, then 2% (max. USD 30); inactivity fee |
| Withdrawal fees | No platform fee advertised; payment-provider fees may apply | First withdrawal each month free, then 2% (max. USD 30) |
| Inactivity fee | Not stated in the sources we checked – read the current terms | Charged after 90 days without activity |
| Bonus | Deposit bonuses (often 50–100%) with turnover conditions that can block withdrawals | No standard deposit bonus; tournaments with small entry fees |
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 | Exnova |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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: 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.
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 | Pocket Option | Exnova |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Web, Android, iOS, MT5 (forex) | Web, Desktop app, Android, iOS |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone | Web app only | Yes |
| Extras | Social trading, Tournaments, Lowest minimum | Lowest minimum, Own platform, Advanced charts, Desktop app, Tournaments |
Assets and expiry times
| Feature | Pocket Option | Exnova |
|---|---|---|
| Number of assets | 100+ | 250+ |
| Markets | Forex, Crypto, Commodities, Stocks, Indices | Forex, Crypto, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, ETFs |
| Expiry times | 3 seconds – 4 hours | 1 minute – 1 hour (fixed time); custom on digital options |
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.
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 | Pocket Option | Exnova |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 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 | Pocket Option | Exnova |
|---|---|---|
| Demo balance | $50,000 | $10,000 |
| Try without registering | Yes | – |
Customer supportWinner: Pocket Option
| Feature | Pocket Option | Exnova |
|---|---|---|
| Support channels | Live chat, Email, Help centre | Live chat, Email, Help centre |
| Support | 4.2/5 | 3.6/5 |
Where you can use themDraw
Pocket Option accepts clients in 38 of the countries we cover, Exnova 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
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: Pocket Option or Exnova?
Pocket Option wins 6 of 7 categories in this comparison. Pocket Option comes out ahead with a score of 4.1/5, against 3.5/5 for Exnova.
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 Exnova?
On our score Pocket Option is ahead (4.1/5 vs 3.5/5). Pocket Option is best for: Small first deposits and copy trading. Exnova is best for: Traders who want a capable platform with a small budget.
Which has the lower minimum deposit, Pocket Option or Exnova?
Pocket Option is cheaper to start with: the minimum deposit is $5, against $10 at Exnova.
Which pays more, Pocket Option or Exnova?
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 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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Pocket Option review →Exnova review →Is Pocket Option a scam? →Is Exnova a scam? →