Pocket Option vs Avatrade: Which Broker Is Right for You?

When choosing between Pocket Option vs AvaTrade, the decision hinges on your trading goals, experience level, and preferences. Pocket Option is ideal for beginners seeking binary options trading with a low entry barrier, while AvaTrade suits traders looking for a regulated, versatile platform with diverse asset classes. This article compares both brokers across key factors—regulation, platforms, fees, assets, and more—to help you decide which fits your needs.

💥 Trade with Pocket Option now: Open An Account 👈

Overview of Pocket Option and AvaTrade

• Pocket Option: Launched in 2017, Pocket Option specializes in binary options trading. It’s beginner-friendly, with a low minimum deposit ($10) and a user-friendly interface. However, it’s regulated by the less stringent Mwali International Services Authority, which may concern risk-averse traders.

• AvaTrade: Established in 2006, AvaTrade is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker regulated by top-tier authorities like ASIC, CySEC, and FSCA. It offers a wide range of assets and robust platforms, catering to both novices and experienced traders.

1. Regulation and Safety

Regulation is a critical factor when choosing a broker, as it impacts fund security and trading transparency.

• Pocket Option: Regulated by the Mwali International Services Authority (license T2023322), an offshore regulator with limited oversight. This raises concerns about investor protection, as there’s no compensation scheme if the broker fails. Traders prioritizing safety may find this a drawback.

• AvaTrade: Regulated in nine jurisdictions, including Tier-1 authorities like ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and CBI (Ireland). This ensures strict compliance, transparency, and investor protection, making AvaTrade a safer choice for cautious traders.

Verdict: AvaTrade wins for regulation due to its robust oversight by top-tier authorities, offering greater peace of mind.

2. Trading Platforms and Tools

The platform you trade on affects your efficiency and experience. Both brokers offer distinct platforms tailored to different trading styles.

• Pocket Option:

  • Platform: Proprietary web and mobile platforms, plus MetaTrader 5 (MT5) for forex trading. The interface is intuitive, with real-time charts, 80+ indicators, and social trading features for copying successful traders.

  • Mobile App: Highly rated for its simplicity and full functionality, though it lacks some advanced analytical tools.

  • Unique Features: Offers gamified trading (e.g., achievements, promo codes) and a demo account with $10,000 in virtual funds. Ideal for short-term binary options trading with timeframes as low as 30 seconds.

• AvaTrade:

  • Platforms: Offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, and AvaFutures. This variety caters to forex, CFD, options, and futures traders.

  • Mobile App: AvaTradeGO is award-winning, featuring live social trends, AvaProtect (a risk-management tool that reimburses losses), and robust charting tools with 60+ technical indicators.

  • Unique Features: AvaSocial and DupliTrade for copy trading, plus AvaProtect for loss protection. The platforms are highly customizable, supporting both manual and automated trading.

Verdict: AvaTrade offers more platform variety and advanced tools, making it better for diverse trading styles. Pocket Option’s simplicity suits binary options traders but lacks depth for advanced strategies.

3. Asset Selection

The range of tradable assets determines how diversified your portfolio can be.

• Pocket Option:

  • Offers 130+ assets for standard accounts and 250+ for $1,000+ deposits. Includes forex pairs, commodities, stocks, indices, and cryptocurrencies.

  • Focuses on binary options, with fixed-time trades and CFDs in some regions.

  • Best for short-term traders speculating on price movements within minutes.

• AvaTrade:

  • Provides over 1,250 assets, including forex (44+ currency pairs), CFDs on stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. Also offers vanilla options and futures via CME and EUREX.

  • Suits traders seeking exposure to global markets, with 24/7 crypto trading and spread betting for UK clients.

Verdict: AvaTrade’s broader asset range makes it ideal for portfolio diversification, while Pocket Option is more limited but sufficient for binary options trading.

💥 Trade with Pocket Option now: Open An Account 👈

4. Fees and Costs

Fees directly impact your profitability, so understanding each broker’s cost structure is essential.

• Pocket Option:

  • No Commissions: No internal fees for trades, but third-party payment providers may charge.

  • Spreads: Not explicitly detailed, but binary options payouts range up to 92%, lower than competitors like IQCent (up to 98%).

  • Other Fees: No withdrawal fees, with a low $10 minimum withdrawal. Conversion fees may apply as USD is the only base currency.

  • Bonuses: Offers promo codes and deposit bonuses, but these often require high trading volumes to withdraw.

• AvaTrade:

  • No Commissions: Charges only spreads, which are competitive (0.9 pips for forex as of June 2024) but slightly higher than some peers like CMC Markets.

  • Spreads: Vary by asset; forex and CFD spreads are industry-standard, but not the lowest.

  • Other Fees: Inactivity fees ($50/month after 3 months, $100 after a year). No deposit or withdrawal fees, though bank wires may take 1–7 days.

  • AvaProtect: Optional fee-based loss protection, beneficial for beginners.

Verdict: Pocket Option has lower entry costs and no withdrawal fees, making it attractive for small accounts. AvaTrade’s spreads are competitive, but inactivity fees could add up for infrequent traders.

5. Account Types and Minimum Deposits

Your trading capital and experience level influence which broker suits you.

• Pocket Option:

  • Minimum Deposit: $10, one of the lowest in the industry, ideal for beginners.

  • Account Types: Quick Trading, Shares Trading, Forex MT4, and Forex MT5. Higher deposits ($1,000+) unlock more assets and features.

  • Demo Account: Free with $10,000 virtual funds, perfect for practicing binary options.

• AvaTrade:

  • Minimum Deposit: $100, higher than Pocket Option but accessible for most traders.

  • Account Types: Standard, professional, and Islamic accounts. Demo accounts are available for practice.

Verdict: Pocket Option’s $10 minimum deposit is more beginner-friendly, while AvaTrade’s $100 entry point suits traders with slightly more capital.

6. Customer Support and Education

Support and learning resources are vital, especially for new traders.

• Pocket Option:

  • Support: Offers 24/7 chat, email, and phone support, but some users report slow responses.

  • Education: Limited to basic guides and a demo account. Lacks in-depth webinars or courses.

  • Community: Social trading features allow copying expert trades, beneficial for beginners.

• AvaTrade:

  • Support: 24/5 support via phone, email, and live chat, with a reputation for prompt, personalized responses. A detailed FAQ section is also available.

  • Education: Extensive resources, including videos, webinars, articles, and Trading Central signals. Ideal for beginners and advanced traders.

  • Community: AvaSocial connects traders for copy trading and strategy sharing.

Verdict: AvaTrade excels in support and education, offering a robust learning ecosystem. Pocket Option’s support is adequate but less reliable, with minimal educational content.

7. Payment Methods and Withdrawals

Flexible payment options and fast withdrawals enhance the trading experience.

• Pocket Option:

  • Payment Methods: Over 30 options, including cards, e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, Perfect Money), crypto, and local solutions like Vietnam’s MoMo Pay.

  • Withdrawals: Processed in 1–3 days, with a $10 minimum and no fees. Crypto and e-wallets are fastest.

• AvaTrade:

  • Payment Methods: Includes cards, bank wires, e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal), and crypto.

  • Withdrawals: Processed in 1–7 days (bank wires slowest). No broker fees, but third-party charges may apply.

Verdict: Pocket Option offers more payment options and faster withdrawals, especially for crypto users. AvaTrade’s methods are sufficient but slower for bank wires.

Which Broker Should You Choose?

• Choose Pocket Option if:

  • You’re a beginner interested in binary options.

  • You want a low minimum deposit ($10) and quick withdrawals.

  • You prefer a simple platform for short-term trades.

  • You’re comfortable with offshore regulation.

• Choose AvaTrade if:

  • You prioritize safety with top-tier regulation.

  • You want a wide range of assets and platforms for forex, CFDs, or futures.

  • You value extensive educational resources and copy trading.

  • You’re willing to start with a $100 minimum deposit.

Final Thoughts

Both Pocket Option vs AvaTrade cater to different trader profiles. Pocket Option is a cost-effective, beginner-friendly choice for binary options but lacks strong regulation. AvaTrade offers a secure, versatile platform with extensive tools and assets, ideal for diversified trading. Evaluate your priorities—regulation, asset variety, or cost—before deciding. For safety and long-term trading, AvaTrade is the stronger choice; for quick, low-budget binary options, Pocket Option shines.

💥 Trade with Pocket Option now: Open An Account 👈

Read more:

• Is Pocket Option legal in Ghana?

• Is Pocket Option legal in Turkey?

• Is Pocket Option legal in Singapore?

• Is Pocket Broker Legit? Real or Fake?