Choosing the right online trading platform is crucial for every trader, whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional. Two popular platforms often compared are Markets.com and Deriv.com. Both brokers offer unique features that appeal to different types of traders, but which one is the best for you? In this article, we will look at key aspects like fees, platform features, customer service, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Before we jump into our full review, let’s take a quick look at the table below which provides a clear side-by-side comparison of the key features of both Markets.com and Deriv.com to help you quickly see the differences.
| Feature | Markets.com | Deriv.com |
|---|---|---|
| Year Established | 2008 | 2020 (rebranded from Binary.com) |
| Regulation | FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia) | MFSA (Malta), Vanuatu, British Virgin Islands |
| Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, MarketsX | DTrader, DBot, MetaTrader 5 |
| Asset Variety | Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Cryptocurrencies | Binary Options, Forex, CFDs |
| Spreads | Higher compared to some brokers | Lower spreads, more cost-effective |
| Fees | No commissions, but higher spreads | Low fees, no hidden costs |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $5 |
| Customer Support | 24/5 via chat, email, and phone | 24/7 via chat, email, and phone |
| Security | High, regulated by top-tier authorities | High, regulated in multiple jurisdictions |
| Education & Resources | Extensive, webinars, tutorials, market analysis | Comprehensive educational resources, active community |
| Best For | Experienced traders seeking advanced tools and variety | Beginners, binary options traders, cost-conscious traders |
Overview of Markets.com
Markets.com is a well-established broker in the trading world. Launched in 2008, it is known for its user-friendly platform and wide range of financial instruments. Traders on Markets.com can access stocks, commodities, indices, forex, and cryptocurrencies.
Key features include:
- Regulation: Markets.com is regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, such as the FCA (UK) and CySEC (Cyprus).
- Trading Platforms: You can trade via MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), or use their proprietary platform, MarketsX, which is highly intuitive.
- Fees: Competitive spreads, but some users find the fees slightly higher compared to other brokers.
Overview of Deriv.com
Deriv.com, launched in 2020, is the rebranded version of Binary.com, which had been around for over 20 years. Known for its simple and efficient trading environment, Deriv.com focuses on binary options, CFDs, and forex trading. The broker is favored by traders who want a straightforward trading experience.
Key features include:
- Regulation: Deriv.com is regulated in several jurisdictions, such as Malta and Vanuatu, ensuring it is safe for traders.
- Trading Platforms: Deriv.com offers a variety of platforms including the popular DTrader, DBot, and MetaTrader 5. The focus on user-friendliness makes it ideal for beginners.
- Fees: Deriv.com provides low fees and tight spreads, making it an affordable option for many traders.
Trading Platforms: Markets.com vs Deriv.com
Both brokers provide excellent trading platforms, but they cater to different types of traders.
- Markets.com offers more advanced tools and charting capabilities, especially for experienced traders. MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are industry-leading platforms that give you access to a wide range of technical analysis tools, automated trading, and more.
- Deriv.com focuses more on simplicity. While it does offer MT5, its proprietary platforms, DTrader and DBot, are designed for beginners and those who prefer a more streamlined experience. DBot, for example, allows users to create their trading bots without any coding skills.
Verdict: If you need more complex tools and charting capabilities, Markets.com is the better choice. However, if you are a beginner looking for simplicity, Deriv.com will meet your needs.
Asset Variety: Markets.com vs Deriv.com
- Markets.com offers a wider range of trading instruments, including forex, cryptocurrencies, stocks, and commodities. This gives traders the ability to diversify their portfolios across multiple asset classes.
- Deriv.com focuses more on binary options, forex, and CFD trading. While it covers fewer assets, it excels in the ones it offers, especially for traders interested in binary options.
Verdict: For traders who want more asset variety, Markets.com offers a broader selection. However, if binary options are your main focus, Deriv.com would be the better choice.
Fees and Spreads
- Markets.com is known for its slightly higher spreads and fees, though it remains competitive within the industry. The broker does not charge commissions on trades, but users should be aware that the cost is built into the spread.
- Deriv.com, on the other hand, offers lower fees and tighter spreads, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious traders. It is also more transparent about its fee structure, with no hidden costs.
Verdict: If minimizing trading costs is a priority for you, Deriv.com comes out ahead. However, Markets.com offers more features and tools, which may justify the slightly higher costs for some traders.
Customer Service: Markets.com vs Deriv.com
- Markets.com offers 24/5 customer support through live chat, phone, and email. The support team is highly responsive, and the broker provides resources like tutorials and webinars for educational purposes.
- Deriv.com provides a similar level of support, but their service is available 24/7. The platform also offers extensive educational resources and an active community where traders can interact.
Verdict: Both brokers offer excellent customer service, but Deriv.com‘s 24/7 availability gives it a slight edge for traders who need support around the clock.
Security and Regulation
When it comes to security, both brokers are regulated by well-known authorities.
- Markets.com is regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and ASIC, ensuring that it operates under strict guidelines.
- Deriv.com is regulated in multiple jurisdictions as well, including Malta, Vanuatu, and the British Virgin Islands, offering peace of mind for traders.
Verdict: Both brokers are reliable and secure, so you won’t have to worry about safety when using either platform.
Conclusion
When comparing Markets.com vs Deriv.com, the choice depends on your individual needs.
- If you are looking for a broker with advanced tools, more asset variety, and robust charting features, then Markets.com is the better choice for you.
- On the other hand, if you are a beginner or a trader focused on binary options with a preference for a simple, low-cost trading environment, Deriv.com will likely be a better fit.
Both platforms are reliable and regulated, so the final decision should be based on your trading preferences and goals.
By analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of Markets.com vs Deriv.com, you can select the best platform for your trading journey. Make sure to consider factors such as fees, asset variety, and customer service before making your final choice.