Quick verdict
Pocket Option comes out ahead with a score of 4.1/5, against 3.7/5 for Quotex.
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
Quotex is best for: High advertised payouts and crypto deposits
Avoid Quotex if: You want a licensed broker or a bonus without heavy turnover rules
Scores side by side
Pocket Option 4.1/5
- Platform & apps4.7
- Costs & minimums4.8
- Payments4.6
- Support4.2
- Regulation & transparency2.6
Quotex 3.7/5
- Platform & apps4.5
- Costs & minimums4.5
- Payments4.0
- Support3.5
- Regulation & transparency2.1
First look: the two websites
About Pocket Option and Quotex
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.
Quotex. Quotex is a fixed-time trading platform: you pick an asset, a direction and an expiry, and a correct prediction pays a fixed percentage of your stake. It is known for a simple web platform, high advertised payouts and a wide choice of crypto deposits. The brand has been active since around 2019–2020.
Regulation and safetyWinner: Pocket Option
Neither Pocket Option nor Quotex 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, Quotex 2.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Quotex |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | No top-tier regulator. Pocket Option cites an offshore licence from MISA in the Comoros. | Third-party reviews name ON SPOT LLC GROUP in St Kitts and Nevis as the current operator; earlier it traded as Maxbit LLC and Awesomo Ltd. |
| Regulator warnings on record | FCA, CFTC, RBI, Bank of Russia | CMVM, RBI |
| Dispute body | No external dispute body | No external dispute body |
On transparency and safety we score Pocket Option higher (2.6 vs 2.1).
Minimum deposit and feesWinner: Pocket Option
Pocket Option is cheaper to start with: the minimum deposit is $5, against $10 at Quotex. The smallest trade is $1 at Pocket Option and $1 at Quotex.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Quotex |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $5 | $10 |
| Minimum trade | $1 | $1 |
| Fees | No deposit fee advertised; conversion costs apply | No deposit or withdrawal fee advertised; bonus needs about 100x turnover |
| Withdrawal fees | No platform fee advertised; payment-provider fees may apply | None advertised |
| Inactivity fee | Not stated in the sources we checked – read the current terms | Not stated in the sources we reviewed |
| Bonus | Deposit bonuses (often 50–100%) with turnover conditions that can block withdrawals | Tiered deposit bonus (20–35%) with turnover of about 100x the bonus |
Payouts and the win rate you needWinner: Quotex
Quotex advertises the higher maximum payout (98% vs 92%). That lowers the win rate you need to break even from 52.1% to 50.5%.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Quotex |
|---|---|---|
| Max. payout | 92% | 98% |
| Break-even win rate | 52.1% | 50.5% |
| Note | 92% applies to popular assets at peak hours; off-peak payouts are reported 7–12 points lower | Up to 98% advertised on selected assets; often lower in practice |
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.
Quotex. A proprietary web platform with candlestick and line charts, indicators, drawing tools and a clear trade panel that shows the payout before you open a trade. It loads quickly and needs no download.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Quotex |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Web, Android, iOS, MT5 (forex) | Web, Android |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone | Web app only | Web app only |
| Extras | Social trading, Tournaments, Lowest minimum | Own platform, Advanced charts, Simple interface |
Assets and expiry times
| Feature | Pocket Option | Quotex |
|---|---|---|
| Number of assets | 100+ | – |
| Markets | Forex, Crypto, Commodities, Stocks, Indices | Forex, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Crypto |
| Expiry times | 3 seconds – 4 hours | From about 1 minute; varies by asset |
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.
Quotex. Minimum withdrawal USD 10 for most methods, higher for some cryptocurrencies. Verification is required. An active bonus blocks withdrawal of the bonus and related profit until its turnover is met.
| Feature | Pocket Option | Quotex |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank cards, E-wallets, Crypto, Local methods | Bank cards, Crypto |
| Withdrawal methods | Bank cards, E-wallets, Crypto, Local methods | Bank cards, Crypto |
| Minimum withdrawal | $10 | $10 |
| Withdrawal time | Usually 1–3 business days; crypto often faster (third-party reports) | Depends on the method; reviewers report a few days |
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 | Quotex |
|---|---|---|
| Demo balance | $50,000 | $10,000 |
| Try without registering | Yes | – |
Customer supportWinner: Pocket Option
| Feature | Pocket Option | Quotex |
|---|---|---|
| Support channels | Live chat, Email, Help centre | Email, Help centre |
| Support | 4.2/5 | 3.5/5 |
Where you can use themDraw
Pocket Option accepts clients in 38 of the countries we cover, Quotex 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
Quotex
- +Payouts advertised up to 98% on some assets
- +USD 10 minimum deposit and trades from USD 1
- +Free USD 10,000 demo account
- +Many cryptocurrency deposit options
- −No government licence; the operating company has changed several times
- −Warnings from Portugal's CMVM and on India's RBI Alert List
- −Deposit bonus requires trading volume of about 100 times the bonus
- −Support by ticket and email only, with no live chat
Verdict: Pocket Option or Quotex?
Pocket Option wins 5 of 7 categories in this comparison. Pocket Option comes out ahead with a score of 4.1/5, against 3.7/5 for Quotex.
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 Quotex?
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. Quotex is best for: High advertised payouts and crypto deposits.
Which has the lower minimum deposit, Pocket Option or Quotex?
Pocket Option is cheaper to start with: the minimum deposit is $5, against $10 at Quotex.
Which pays more, Pocket Option or Quotex?
Quotex advertises the higher maximum payout (98% vs 92%). That lowers the win rate you need to break even from 52.1% to 50.5%.
Are Pocket Option and Quotex 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 →Quotex review →Is Pocket Option a scam? →