Top Rated Options Sites
#1 - Pocket Option: Best Overall
Editors Summary
Pocket Option offers many excellent features to new and existing traders. When you check-out the various account types, you will see that they work with traders of any level – newbie, beginner, experienced, master etc. This site is so easy to use, and while CySEC does not license them, they have good feedback online and tick all of the boxes of a trusted broker. We love the ease of use and no-frills approach which is replicated with a great user experience.
#2 - IQcent: Best Free Demo
Editors Summary
It is clear to see that IQcent mean business and that their all-around offering to traders is making them a serious competitor in the digital options market place. From their easy to use trading platform to the fact that they offer such good withdrawal terms, you can't help but feel that this broker is going to capture the market, quickly. With a base in London, reputable licensing, an acceptance of US customers they tick all the boxes when it comes what traders want.
#3 - Raceoption: Best Mobile App
Editors Summary
Raceoption, while a relatively new broker, tick all of the boxes when it comes to trading. They are competitive and offer all of the things that you would expect. Benefits include an excellent mobile trading platform, welcome and deposit bonuses and a good support system. There are phone numbers available in many languages, alternatively, you can send a message with your details, and someone will get back to you.
Risk Warning: The products offered by the companies listed on this website carry a high level of risk and can result in the loss of all your funds. You should never risk money that you cannot afford to lose.
Ad Disclosure: Some of the links that you will find on this website are advertisements for which we do receive financial gain for referring new customers.
Various Types of Platforms
The platform is what makes the binary trading website work. It is powered by software which is specially developed to provide the multiple functions and actions of a website. In today's technological environment it is designed for various uses and methods and for the different technologies that exist.
Website Based Platforms
With a web-based platform, you log onto your computer or laptop, and you open up a broker's website. At this stage, you may want to use your demo account to get used to the site or the "trading platform" you are using. It is the way that the website is set up and the functionality it offers you to allow trading. What makes it a web-based service is that you are using it through a web browser; Chrome, Safari, Firefox etc.
Downloadable Software
Some brokers require you to download software to your PC before you can commence trading. It is not unusual or harmful; it just means your computer needs the components of the software stored locally to allow you to trade. While not a significant problem to your computer you do need to ensure that you are using a reputable broker and not a site that is posing as a trader to gather information of install viruses.
Mobile Specific Apps
Many traders no longer spend their time sat in front of computer screens; in fact, more and more people are turning to their handheld devices for more of their daily operations than ever before. To keep up with the demand for mobile consumption, most binary options brokers now offer a mobile-specific trading option. For many, this takes the form of either a mobile responsive website or an app. A good mobile app could be the deciding factor when it comes to which broker you select.
How to Choose a Platform
First of all, you need to consider how you will trade. Knowing your trading style will involve thinking about when you will trade, where you will trade and what you will trade. Will you be a part-time trader and conduct a few trades here and there or will you be more committed and look to make this a more consistent practice? Will you be at a desk or in front of your laptop or will you be operating on the move from a mobile device?
All this will have a significant impact on the platform you choose. If you decide to use both, then you will need to ensure that the broker offers everything you need for all eventualities. Have you thought about what assets you will trade? Some brokers provide certain assets; you need to ensure that they provide the type of trading that you are looking for and the functionality to succeed as you wish.
Once you have considered how and when you will trade you can narrow your decision to those brokers that offer the kind of trading experience that you desire. Knowing what you need makes it far easier to decide on the appropriate broker for you.
Platform User Tips
Familiarising yourself with a new binary options platform can take time, something you don't always have the luxury of doing. We have put together a few platform user tips to enhance your trading experience.
- Start by using the demo account! If you are new to trading, the demo platform will help you to quickly familiarise yourself with the broker before you start risking your own real money
- Minimise your deposits and withdrawals as they can cost you money. Each time you make a deposit or withdrawal, you could be charged a fee so the fewer you make, the better
- Choose an asset type that you feel more confident in trading. If you start trading on the outcome of the stock market when you haven't got a clue about indices, then you may struggle. Stick to a more straightforward asset; gold is often a popular choice
- Start with simple options. Call/Put or High/Low options are much more straightforward than Ladder trades. Predict the outcome of a trade by merely predicting whether it will increase or decrease in price by a certain point
- Check if the platform has an app. If you are going to be trading on the move, then check that the broker offers an app before you open an account
- Avoid any unnecessary shocks. Reviewing the minimum trades and deposit is critical. If you make a deposit and then discover that the minimum trade was $25 when you were expecting it to be a lot less, then you may be in for a not so pleasant surprise
Carrying out research beforehand will make sure that you don't get any nasty shocks when you come to trade. It will also help you to get more out of your trading experience if you use the demo account in the beginning.
There is no time to stand still, so the race is on for each broker to offer you the best online experience.
How we Rate Platforms
If you are new to binary options, you probably aren't sure where to begin. You have to think about the various types of brokers and which one is right for you, the bonuses on offer and the overall experience itself. All this without considering what you will trade on, how much you will trade, when and how often.
Never fear as we are here to offer help and advice to make the decision-making process easy for you. Our advice and recommendations are based on extensive research by our team who have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the binary options market. We have researched each broker and what they have to offer to bring you the best insight to assist your decision.
If you aren't sure what you are looking for then reading about the binary options platform providers in our reviews and guides available will highlight the points that need considering. We may help you to devise a shortlist which then allows you to test those brokers and get used to the look, feel and functionality of the website before committing to opening an account. A no deposit bonus account is a great way to test the various brokers as you can start to use the trading platform without parting with any money.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is one platform more reliable than another?
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Yes, there is the good and the bad. The overall experience is significant, and you need to ensure that the platform that you are using is consistent and offers an excellent investing environment.
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How do I find the best trading platforms to use?
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Choosing one of our recommended brokers and you can be confident in their platform. Our reviews of the critical aspects of trading include the viability of the platform and the experience it offers.
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Can I use a demo account on any platform?
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Some of them are available to anyone whether you make a deposit or not, but most brokers expect some commitment in the form of a deposit to take advantage of this feature.
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Are all trading platforms safe and secure?
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Like with any aspect of options trading the safety and security is down to the individual broker and whether or not they are reliable and trustworthy, so Check out our recommendations for peace of mind.
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Do the same bonuses exist on all platforms?
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No, the binary options bonuses offered are down to the individual broker. Common bonuses are welcome bonuses, deposit match bonuses and no deposit bonuses.
Top Rated Options Site
#1 - Pocket Option: Best Overall
Risk Warning: The products offered by the companies listed on this website carry a high level of risk and can result in the loss of all your funds. You should never risk money that you cannot afford to lose.
Ad Disclosure: Some of the links that you will find on this website are advertisements for which we do receive financial gain for referring new customers.
Robert has consulted for our website for five years and is a well-established member of the team. While he is passionate about the site, most of Robert’s time is focused on his current position as CEO of a professional coaching company.