Deriv

Deriv

🟡 Tier 3 Regulated
7.0
/ 10
vs
AvaTrade

AvaTrade

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.3
/ 10

Deriv vs AvaTrade

A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.

Deriv and AvaTrade are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Deriv, founded in 2000 and headquartered in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, is regulated by VFSC, FSC, LFSA and offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips with a minimum deposit of $5. AvaTrade, established in 2006 in Dublin, Ireland, holds licenses from CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB with spreads from 0.9 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, AvaTrade scored 8.3/10 overall compared to Deriv's 7/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Deriv holds its own with overall value, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • 📊

    AvaTrade scores 8.3/10 overall vs 7/10 for Deriv — a 1.3-point difference.

  • 💵

    Deriv requires just $5 to start, while AvaTrade needs $100 — Deriv is 20x more accessible.

  • 🛡️

    AvaTrade holds Tier 1 regulation (CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB) offering stronger investor protection than Deriv's Tier 3 status.

  • 📈

    AvaTrade offers 1,250+ instruments vs 150+ at Deriv — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    Deriv runs on DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while AvaTrade uses MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: AvaTrade scores 9.5 vs 5.5 for Deriv — a 4.0-point difference.

Our Verdict

Deriv

Deriv

Score: 7.0/10 · Wins 0 categories
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
  • You prefer Deriv's trading environment overall
🏆 WINNER
AvaTrade

AvaTrade

Score: 8.3/10 · Wins 8 categories
  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority

AvaTrade takes the lead with an overall score of 8.3/10 compared to 7/10, winning in 8 out of 8 scoring categories. AvaTrade stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while Deriv remains a solid alternative.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, AvaTrade comes out ahead with a 8.3/10 overall rating, winning 8 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 9.5/10. AvaTrade holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Deriv is not without merit — it scores 7/10 overall and excels in Platforms & Tools (7.5/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full AvaTrade review and Deriv review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

Deriv
AvaTrade
Trading Costs
7.0 7.5

AvaTrade wins by 0.5 points

Platforms & Tools
7.5 8.5

AvaTrade wins by 1.0 points

Regulation & Trust
5.5 9.5

AvaTrade wins by 4.0 points

Education
6.5 8.5

AvaTrade wins by 2.0 points

Customer Service
7.0 8.0

AvaTrade wins by 1.0 points

Research & Analysis
6.5 7.5

AvaTrade wins by 1.0 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
7.5 8.0

AvaTrade wins by 0.5 points

Product Range
7.0 7.5

AvaTrade wins by 0.5 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
7.0/10
8.3/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$5
$100
Max Leverage
1:1000
1:400
Spreads From
0.5 pips
0.9 pips
Platforms
DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X
MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial
Regulation
VFSC, FSC, LFSA
CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB
Founded
Older track record highlighted
2000
2006
Markets
150+
1,250+
Deriv: 0 AvaTrade: 1
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: AvaTrade (7.0 vs 7.5)

When it comes to trading costs, AvaTrade has the edge with a score of 7.5/10 versus 7/10 for Deriv. Deriv offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips, while AvaTrade starts from 0.9 pips. The minimum deposit at Deriv is $5, compared to $100 at AvaTrade. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.

Deriv
7.0
AvaTrade
7.5
Deriv: 0 AvaTrade: 2
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: AvaTrade (7.5 vs 8.5)

AvaTrade scores 8.5/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for Deriv. Deriv provides DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while AvaTrade offers MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.

Deriv
7.5
AvaTrade
8.5
Deriv: 0 AvaTrade: 3
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: AvaTrade (5.5 vs 9.5)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Deriv is regulated by VFSC, FSC, LFSA (Tier 3), while AvaTrade holds licenses from CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB (Tier 1). Deriv scores 5.5/10 and AvaTrade scores 9.5/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.

Deriv
5.5
AvaTrade
9.5
Deriv: 0 AvaTrade: 4
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: AvaTrade (6.5 vs 8.5)

For learning resources, AvaTrade leads with 8.5/10 compared to 6.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Deriv and AvaTrade both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.

Deriv
6.5
AvaTrade
8.5
Deriv: 0 AvaTrade: 5
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: AvaTrade (7.0 vs 8.0)

Deriv offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email and scores 7/10, while AvaTrade provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.

Deriv
7.0
AvaTrade
8.0
Deriv: 0 AvaTrade: 6
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

🏅 Section Winner: AvaTrade (7.5 vs 8.0)

Deriv scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while AvaTrade scores 8/10. Deriv accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto, E-wallets, and AvaTrade supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Deriv requires a minimum deposit of $5 versus $100 for AvaTrade. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

Deriv
7.5
AvaTrade
8.0

Which Broker Is Right for You?

Deriv

Choose Deriv if you...

  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
  • You prefer Deriv's trading environment overall
Visit Deriv
AvaTrade

Choose AvaTrade if you...

  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
Visit AvaTrade

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Deriv better than AvaTrade?

AvaTrade scores higher overall (8.3/10 vs 7/10), winning 8 of 8 categories. However, Deriv remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, Deriv or AvaTrade?

AvaTrade scores higher for trading costs. Deriv offers spreads from 0.5 pips with a $5 minimum deposit, while AvaTrade starts from 0.9 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.

Is Deriv safe to trade with?

Deriv is regulated by VFSC, FSC, LFSA and scores 5.5/10 for regulation. AvaTrade is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB with a score of 9.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.

Which has better trading platforms, Deriv or AvaTrade?

AvaTrade scores 8.5/10 for platforms. Deriv offers DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while AvaTrade provides MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.

What's the minimum deposit for Deriv vs AvaTrade?

Deriv requires a minimum deposit of $5, while AvaTrade requires $100. Deriv has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.

Ready to Start Trading?

Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.

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