IQ Option
ThinkMarkets
IQ Option vs ThinkMarkets
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
IQ Option and ThinkMarkets are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. IQ Option, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by CySEC and offers spreads starting from 0.7 pips with a minimum deposit of $10. ThinkMarkets, established in 2010 in London, UK, holds licenses from ASIC, FCA, CySEC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $0 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, ThinkMarkets scored 8.3/10 overall compared to IQ Option's 7.3/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, IQ Option holds its own with superior education resources, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
ThinkMarkets scores 8.3/10 overall vs 7.3/10 for IQ Option — a 1.0-point difference.
- 💵
ThinkMarkets requires just $0 to start, while IQ Option needs $10 — ThinkMarkets is 10x more accessible.
- 📈
ThinkMarkets offers 4,000+ instruments vs 300+ at IQ Option — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
IQ Option runs on IQ Option Platform, while ThinkMarkets uses MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: ThinkMarkets scores 9.0 vs 7.5 for IQ Option — a 1.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
IQ Option
Score: 7.3/10 · Wins 1 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You prefer IQ Option's trading environment overall
ThinkMarkets
Score: 8.3/10 · Wins 6 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
ThinkMarkets takes the lead with an overall score of 8.3/10 compared to 7.3/10, winning in 6 out of 8 scoring categories. ThinkMarkets stands out for lower trading costs and stronger regulation, while IQ Option fights back with superior education resources.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, ThinkMarkets comes out ahead with a 8.3/10 overall rating, winning 6 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 9.0/10. ThinkMarkets holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. IQ Option is not without merit — it scores 7.3/10 overall and excels in Platforms & Tools (8.5/10), winning 1 category. Traders who value superior education resources may find IQ Option the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full ThinkMarkets review and IQ Option review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
ThinkMarkets wins by 1.0 points
ThinkMarkets wins by 1.5 points
IQ Option wins by 0.5 points
ThinkMarkets wins by 1.0 points
ThinkMarkets wins by 0.5 points
ThinkMarkets wins by 0.5 points
ThinkMarkets wins by 1.0 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.3/10 | 8.3/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $10 | $0 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | IQ Option Platform | MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader |
| Regulation | CySEC | ASIC, FCA, CySEC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2013 | 2010 ✓ |
| Markets | 300+ | 4,000+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, ThinkMarkets has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 7/10 for IQ Option. IQ Option offers spreads starting from 0.7 pips, while ThinkMarkets starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at IQ Option is $10, compared to $0 at ThinkMarkets. 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
IQ Option scores 8.5/10 for platforms compared to 8.5/10 for ThinkMarkets. IQ Option provides IQ Option Platform, while ThinkMarkets offers MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader. 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. IQ Option is regulated by CySEC (Tier 1), while ThinkMarkets holds licenses from ASIC, FCA, CySEC (Tier 1). IQ Option scores 7.5/10 and ThinkMarkets 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, IQ Option leads with 8/10 compared to 7.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. IQ Option and ThinkMarkets 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
IQ Option offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email and scores 7/10, while ThinkMarkets provides 24/7 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.
Deposit & Withdrawal
IQ Option scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while ThinkMarkets scores 8/10. IQ Option accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto, and ThinkMarkets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. IQ Option requires a minimum deposit of $10 versus $0 for ThinkMarkets. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose IQ Option if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You prefer IQ Option's trading environment overall
Choose ThinkMarkets if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IQ Option better than ThinkMarkets?
ThinkMarkets scores higher overall (8.3/10 vs 7.3/10), winning 6 of 8 categories. However, IQ Option is stronger in superior education resources. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, IQ Option or ThinkMarkets?
ThinkMarkets scores higher for trading costs. IQ Option offers spreads from 0.7 pips with a $10 minimum deposit, while ThinkMarkets starts from 0.0 pips with $0 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is IQ Option safe to trade with?
IQ Option is regulated by CySEC and scores 7.5/10 for regulation. ThinkMarkets is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, IQ Option or ThinkMarkets?
IQ Option scores 8.5/10 for platforms. IQ Option offers IQ Option Platform, while ThinkMarkets provides MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for IQ Option vs ThinkMarkets?
IQ Option requires a minimum deposit of $10, while ThinkMarkets requires $0. ThinkMarkets 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.