Deriv
Orbex
Deriv vs Orbex
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Deriv and Orbex 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. Orbex, established in 2011 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $200 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Deriv scored 7/10 overall compared to Orbex's 7/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Orbex holds its own with lower trading costs and stronger regulation, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Deriv scores 7/10 overall vs 7/10 for Orbex — a 0.0-point difference.
- 💵
Deriv requires just $5 to start, while Orbex needs $200 — Deriv is 40x more accessible.
- 🛡️
Orbex holds Tier 1 regulation (CySEC) offering stronger investor protection than Deriv's Tier 3 status.
- 📈
Orbex offers 300+ instruments vs 150+ at Deriv — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Deriv runs on DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while Orbex uses MT4 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: Orbex scores 7.5 vs 5.5 for Deriv — a 2.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
Deriv
Score: 7.0/10 · Wins 3 categories- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
Orbex
Score: 7.0/10 · Wins 4 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
Deriv takes the lead with an overall score of 7/10 compared to 7/10, winning in 3 out of 8 scoring categories. Deriv stands out for better trading platforms and smoother deposits & withdrawals, while Orbex fights back with lower trading costs and stronger regulation.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Deriv comes out ahead with a 7/10 overall rating, winning 3 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Platforms & Tools where it scores 7.5/10. Deriv holds Tier 3 regulation, though traders should verify the specific entity and jurisdiction covering their account. Orbex is not without merit — it scores 7/10 overall and excels in Trading Costs (7.5/10), winning 4 categories. Traders who value lower trading costs or stronger regulation may find Orbex the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Deriv review and Orbex review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Orbex wins by 0.5 points
Deriv wins by 1.0 points
Orbex wins by 2.0 points
Orbex wins by 0.5 points
Orbex wins by 0.5 points
Deriv wins by 0.5 points
Deriv wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Orbex has the edge with a score of 7.5/10 versus 7/10 for Deriv. Deriv offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips, while Orbex starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at Deriv is $5, compared to $200 at Orbex. 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
Deriv scores 7.5/10 for platforms compared to 6.5/10 for Orbex. Deriv provides DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while Orbex offers MT4. 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 Orbex holds licenses from CySEC (Tier 1). Deriv scores 5.5/10 and Orbex scores 7.5/10 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, Orbex leads with 7/10 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 Orbex 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 Orbex provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7/10. 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 Orbex scores 7/10. Deriv accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto, E-wallets, and Orbex supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Deriv requires a minimum deposit of $5 versus $200 for Orbex. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Deriv if you...
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
Choose Orbex if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deriv better than Orbex?
Deriv scores higher overall (7/10 vs 7/10), winning 3 of 8 categories. However, Orbex is stronger in lower trading costs and stronger regulation. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Deriv or Orbex?
Orbex scores higher for trading costs. Deriv offers spreads from 0.5 pips with a $5 minimum deposit, while Orbex starts from 0.0 pips with $200 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. Orbex is regulated by CySEC with a score of 7.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Deriv or Orbex?
Deriv scores 7.5/10 for platforms. Deriv offers DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while Orbex provides MT4. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Deriv vs Orbex?
Deriv requires a minimum deposit of $5, while Orbex requires $200. 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.