Deriv
Exness
Deriv vs Exness
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Deriv and Exness 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. Exness, established in 2008 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from FCA, CySEC, FSCA with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $1 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Exness scored 8/10 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
- 📊
Exness scores 8/10 overall vs 7/10 for Deriv — a 1.0-point difference.
- 💵
Exness requires just $1 to start, while Deriv needs $5 — Exness is 5x more accessible.
- 🛡️
Exness holds Tier 1 regulation (FCA, CySEC, FSCA) offering stronger investor protection than Deriv's Tier 3 status.
- 📈
Exness offers 300+ instruments vs 150+ at Deriv — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Deriv runs on DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while Exness uses MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal, Exness Trade App — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: Exness scores 8.5 vs 5.5 for Deriv — a 3.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
Deriv
Score: 7.0/10 · Wins 0 categories- You prefer Deriv's trading environment overall
Exness
Score: 8.0/10 · Wins 7 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
Exness takes the lead with an overall score of 8/10 compared to 7/10, winning in 7 out of 8 scoring categories. Exness 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, Exness comes out ahead with a 8/10 overall rating, winning 7 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Deposit & Withdrawal where it scores 9.5/10. Exness 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 Exness review and Deriv review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Exness wins by 1.5 points
Exness wins by 0.5 points
Exness wins by 3.0 points
Exness wins by 0.5 points
Exness wins by 0.5 points
Exness wins by 2.0 points
Exness wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.0/10 | 8.0/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $5 | $1 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:1000 | Unlimited |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X | MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal, Exness Trade App |
| Regulation | VFSC, FSC, LFSA | FCA, CySEC, FSCA |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2000 ✓ | 2008 |
| Markets | 150+ | 300+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Exness has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 7/10 for Deriv. Deriv offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips, while Exness starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at Deriv is $5, compared to $1 at Exness. 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.
Trading Platforms
Exness scores 8/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for Deriv. Deriv provides DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while Exness offers MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal, Exness Trade App. 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.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Deriv is regulated by VFSC, FSC, LFSA (Tier 3), while Exness holds licenses from FCA, CySEC, FSCA (Tier 1). Deriv scores 5.5/10 and Exness scores 8.5/10 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.
Education & Research
For learning resources, Deriv leads with 6.5/10 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 Exness 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.
Customer Support
Deriv offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email and scores 7/10, while Exness provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7.5/10. 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.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Deriv scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Exness scores 9.5/10. Deriv accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto, E-wallets, and Exness supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin, Perfect Money. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Deriv requires a minimum deposit of $5 versus $1 for Exness. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Exness if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deriv better than Exness?
Exness scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7/10), winning 7 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 Exness?
Exness scores higher for trading costs. Deriv offers spreads from 0.5 pips with a $5 minimum deposit, while Exness starts from 0.0 pips with $1 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. Exness is regulated by FCA, CySEC, FSCA with a score of 8.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Deriv or Exness?
Exness scores 8/10 for platforms. Deriv offers DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while Exness provides MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal, Exness Trade App. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Deriv vs Exness?
Deriv requires a minimum deposit of $5, while Exness requires $1. Exness 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.