Quick verdict
Pocket Option comes out ahead with a score of 4.1/5, against 3.9/5 for Olymp Trade.
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
Olymp Trade is best for: Traders who want a mature app and a registered entity
Avoid Olymp Trade if: You need a top-tier regulator or live in India
Scores side by side
Pocket Option 4.1/5
- Platform & apps4.7
- Costs & minimums4.8
- Payments4.6
- Support4.2
- Regulation & transparency2.6
Olymp Trade 3.9/5
- Platform & apps4.5
- Costs & minimums4.4
- Payments4.4
- Support4.2
- Regulation & transparency2.6
First look: the two websites
About Pocket Option and Olymp Trade
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.
Olymp Trade (2014). Olymp Trade has offered fixed-time trading since 2014 and later added forex and CFD trading. The platform is aimed at retail traders who want short trades on currencies, crypto, commodities and shares with a small budget.
Regulation and safetyDraw
Neither Pocket Option nor Olymp Trade 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, Olymp Trade 1.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Olymp Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | No top-tier regulator. Pocket Option cites an offshore licence from MISA in the Comoros. | No top-tier regulator. Its operator is registered in Vanuatu, and it is a member of The Financial Commission, a private dispute body. |
| Regulator warnings on record | FCA, CFTC, RBI, Bank of Russia | RBI |
| Dispute body | No external dispute body | Member of The Financial Commission (private 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 Olymp Trade. The smallest trade is $1 at Pocket Option and $1 at Olymp Trade.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Olymp Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $5 | $10 |
| Minimum trade | $1 | $1 |
| Fees | No deposit fee advertised; conversion costs apply | No deposit fee advertised; spreads and swaps in forex mode |
| Withdrawal fees | No platform fee advertised; payment-provider fees may apply | No platform fee advertised; payment-provider fees may apply |
| Inactivity fee | Not stated in the sources we checked – read the current terms | Check the current terms |
| Bonus | Deposit bonuses (often 50–100%) with turnover conditions that can block withdrawals | Promo codes and deposit bonuses with conditions |
Payouts and the win rate you needWinner: Olymp Trade
Olymp Trade advertises the higher maximum payout (93% vs 92%). That lowers the win rate you need to break even from 52.1% to 51.8%.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Olymp Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Max. payout | 92% | 93% |
| Break-even win rate | 52.1% | 51.8% |
| Note | 92% applies to popular assets at peak hours; off-peak payouts are reported 7–12 points lower | 93% applies to selected assets; observed payouts are lower 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: 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.
Olymp Trade. A proprietary web platform with clean charts, indicators and trade history. Fixed-time and forex modes sit in the same interface.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Olymp Trade |
|---|---|---|
| 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, Advanced charts |
Assets and expiry times
| Feature | Pocket Option | Olymp Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Number of assets | 100+ | 100+ |
| Markets | Forex, Crypto, Commodities, Stocks, Indices | Forex, Crypto, Commodities, Stocks, Indices |
| Expiry times | 3 seconds – 4 hours | 5 seconds – 23 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.
Olymp Trade. Minimum withdrawal USD 10. Identity verification is required before the first payout; higher account levels get priority processing.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Olymp Trade |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Depends on account level and method; priority for higher levels |
How to deposit at Pocket Option →How to deposit at Olymp Trade →
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 | Olymp Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Demo balance | $50,000 | Yes |
| Try without registering | Yes | – |
Customer supportDraw
| Feature | Pocket Option | Olymp Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Support channels | Live chat, Email, Help centre | Live chat, Email, 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, Olymp Trade 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
Olymp Trade
- +Government-registered entity in Vanuatu plus Financial Commission membership
- +Payouts up to 93% and expiries from 5 seconds to 23 hours
- +Low entry: USD 10 deposit, USD 1 trades
- +Well-built web platform and mobile apps
- −No top-tier regulator; Vanuatu is a light-touch jurisdiction
- −On India's RBI Alert List
- −Best conditions reserved for higher account levels
- −Not available in the US, UK, Canada or the EEA
Verdict: Pocket Option or Olymp Trade?
Pocket Option wins 3 of 7 categories in this comparison. Pocket Option comes out ahead with a score of 4.1/5, against 3.9/5 for Olymp Trade.
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 Olymp Trade?
On our score Pocket Option is ahead (4.1/5 vs 3.9/5). Pocket Option is best for: Small first deposits and copy trading. Olymp Trade is best for: Traders who want a mature app and a registered entity.
Which has the lower minimum deposit, Pocket Option or Olymp Trade?
Pocket Option is cheaper to start with: the minimum deposit is $5, against $10 at Olymp Trade.
Which pays more, Pocket Option or Olymp Trade?
Olymp Trade advertises the higher maximum payout (93% vs 92%). That lowers the win rate you need to break even from 52.1% to 51.8%.
Are Pocket Option and Olymp Trade 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 →Olymp Trade review →Is Pocket Option a scam? →Is Olymp Trade a scam? →