Deriv
Markets.com
Deriv vs Markets.com
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Deriv and Markets.com 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. Markets.com, established in 2008 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA with spreads from 0.6 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Markets.com scored 7.8/10 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
- 📊
Markets.com scores 7.8/10 overall vs 7/10 for Deriv — a 0.8-point difference.
- 💵
Deriv requires just $5 to start, while Markets.com needs $100 — Deriv is 20x more accessible.
- 🛡️
Markets.com holds Tier 1 regulation (CySEC, FCA, FSCA) offering stronger investor protection than Deriv's Tier 3 status.
- 📈
Markets.com offers 2,500+ instruments vs 150+ at Deriv — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Deriv runs on DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while Markets.com uses Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: Markets.com scores 9.0 vs 5.5 for Deriv — a 3.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
Deriv
Score: 7.0/10 · Wins 0 categories- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
- You prefer Deriv's trading environment overall
Markets.com
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 6 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
Markets.com takes the lead with an overall score of 7.8/10 compared to 7/10, winning in 6 out of 8 scoring categories. Markets.com stands out for better trading platforms and stronger regulation, while Deriv remains a solid alternative.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Markets.com comes out ahead with a 7.8/10 overall rating, winning 6 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 9.0/10. Markets.com 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 Markets.com review and Deriv review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Markets.com wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 3.5 points
Markets.com wins by 1.0 points
Markets.com wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 1.5 points
Markets.com wins by 1.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.0/10 | 7.8/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $5 ✓ | $100 |
| Max Leverage | 1:1000 | 1:300 |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Platforms | DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X | Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5 |
| Regulation | VFSC, FSC, LFSA | CySEC, FCA, FSCA |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2000 ✓ | 2008 |
| Markets | 150+ | 2,500+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Deriv has the edge with a score of 7/10 versus 7/10 for Markets.com. Deriv offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips, while Markets.com starts from 0.6 pips. The minimum deposit at Deriv is $5, compared to $100 at Markets.com. 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
Markets.com scores 8/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for Deriv. Deriv provides DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while Markets.com offers Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5. 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 Markets.com holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA (Tier 1). Deriv scores 5.5/10 and Markets.com scores 9/10 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, Markets.com leads with 7.5/10 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 Markets.com 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 Markets.com provides 24/5 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 Markets.com scores 7.5/10. Deriv accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto, E-wallets, and Markets.com supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Deriv requires a minimum deposit of $5 versus $100 for Markets.com. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Deriv if you...
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
- You prefer Deriv's trading environment overall
Choose Markets.com if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- 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 Markets.com?
Markets.com scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7/10), winning 6 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 Markets.com?
Deriv scores higher for trading costs. Deriv offers spreads from 0.5 pips with a $5 minimum deposit, while Markets.com starts from 0.6 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. Markets.com is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Deriv or Markets.com?
Markets.com scores 8/10 for platforms. Deriv offers DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while Markets.com provides Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Deriv vs Markets.com?
Deriv requires a minimum deposit of $5, while Markets.com 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.