Quick verdict
Pocket Option comes out ahead with a score of 4.1/5, against 4.0/5 for IQ 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
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
Scores side by side
Pocket Option 4.1/5
- Platform & apps4.7
- Costs & minimums4.8
- Payments4.6
- Support4.2
- Regulation & transparency2.6
IQ Option 4.0/5
- Platform & apps4.8
- Costs & minimums4.2
- Payments4.4
- Support4.2
- Regulation & transparency2.6
First look: the two websites
About Pocket Option and IQ 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.
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.
Regulation and safetyDraw
Neither Pocket Option nor IQ 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, IQ Option 3.
| Feature | Pocket Option | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | No top-tier regulator. Pocket Option cites an offshore licence from MISA in the Comoros. | Only its EU company is CySEC-licensed, and that company does not offer binary options. Binary options are offered through an unregulated offshore entity. |
| Regulator warnings on record | FCA, CFTC, RBI, Bank of Russia | CVM, MAS, RBI |
| Dispute body | No external dispute body | No external dispute body |
On transparency and safety we score both brokers the same (2.6).
Minimum deposit and feesWinner: Pocket Option
Pocket Option is cheaper to start with: the minimum deposit is $5, against $10 at IQ Option. The smallest trade is $1 at Pocket Option and $1 at IQ Option.
| Feature | Pocket Option | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $5 | $10 |
| Minimum trade | $1 | $1 |
| Fees | No deposit fee advertised; conversion costs apply | Inactivity fee after 90 days; CFD overnight fees |
| Withdrawal fees | No platform fee advertised; payment-provider fees may apply | One free withdrawal per month; further ones reported at 2% (min. USD 1, max. USD 30) – check current terms |
| Inactivity fee | Not stated in the sources we checked – read the current terms | About USD/EUR 10 per month after 90 days without trading |
| Bonus | Deposit bonuses (often 50–100%) with turnover conditions that can block withdrawals | No bonus information confirmed in the sources we checked |
Payouts and the win rate you needWinner: IQ Option
IQ Option advertises the higher maximum payout (95% vs 92%). That lowers the win rate you need to break even from 52.1% to 51.3%.
| Feature | Pocket Option | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
| Max. payout | 92% | 95% |
| Break-even win rate | 52.1% | 51.3% |
| Note | 92% applies to popular assets at peak hours; off-peak payouts are reported 7–12 points lower | 95% is the advertised maximum; observed payouts on gold were 86–88% at peak and 78–82% off-peak |
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
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.
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.
| Feature | Pocket Option | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Own platform, Advanced charts, Desktop app |
Assets and expiry times
| Feature | Pocket Option | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
| Number of assets | 100+ | 300+ |
| Markets | Forex, Crypto, Commodities, Stocks, Indices | Forex, Crypto, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, ETFs |
| Expiry times | 3 seconds – 4 hours | 60 seconds – 1 month |
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.
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.
| Feature | Pocket Option | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank cards, E-wallets, Crypto, Local methods | Bank cards, E-wallets, Local methods |
| Withdrawal methods | Bank cards, E-wallets, Crypto, Local methods | Bank cards, E-wallets, Local methods |
| Minimum withdrawal | $10 | $2 |
| Withdrawal time | Usually 1–3 business days; crypto often faster (third-party reports) | Up to 3 business days; often faster |
How to deposit at Pocket Option →How to deposit at IQ 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 | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
| Demo balance | $50,000 | $10,000 |
| Try without registering | Yes | – |
Customer supportDraw
| Feature | Pocket Option | IQ Option |
|---|---|---|
| Support channels | Live chat, Email, Help centre | Live chat, Email, Phone, Help centre |
| Support | 4.2/5 | 4.2/5 |
Where you can use themDraw
Pocket Option accepts clients in 38 of the countries we cover, IQ 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
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
Verdict: Pocket Option or IQ Option?
The two brokers split the categories evenly. Pocket Option comes out ahead with a score of 4.1/5, against 4.0/5 for IQ 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 IQ Option?
On our score Pocket Option is ahead (4.1/5 vs 4.0/5). Pocket Option is best for: Small first deposits and copy trading. IQ Option is best for: Experienced users who want strong charts and a desktop app.
Which has the lower minimum deposit, Pocket Option or IQ Option?
Pocket Option is cheaper to start with: the minimum deposit is $5, against $10 at IQ Option.
Which pays more, Pocket Option or IQ Option?
IQ Option advertises the higher maximum payout (95% vs 92%). That lowers the win rate you need to break even from 52.1% to 51.3%.
Are Pocket Option and IQ 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.
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Pocket Option review →IQ Option review →Is Pocket Option a scam? →Is IQ Option a scam? →