Weltrade SyntX vs Deriv Synthetic Indices: An Honest Comparison
By Laxie · · How we review · Affiliate disclosure
Both Deriv and Weltrade let you trade markets that are generated by an algorithm instead of by the real economy, and both let you start with very little money. They are not the same product, though. This comparison walks through how each one works, what each costs you, and which beginner it suits, in about ten minutes of reading. We promote Deriv and are a Weltrade fan too, so we will tell you where Weltrade genuinely wins.
The short version
- Deriv synthetic indices: many index types (Volatility, Crash and Boom, Step, Jump, Range Break) on Deriv Trader, Deriv Bot, Deriv MT5, Deriv cTrader and TradingView.
- Weltrade SyntX: one account type on MT5, $1 minimum deposit, leverage up to 1:10000 (varies by instrument), floating spreads and no commission.
- Cost: on both, the cost sits mostly in the spread and varies by instrument, so compare live spreads on a demo.
- Leverage: SyntX goes very high, up to 1:10000. Deriv’s maximum depends on the instrument and platform. High leverage raises risk as much as potential.
- Choose Deriv for variety, simple platforms and bots. Choose SyntX if you already use MT5 and want one consistent, commission free environment.
- Neither removes risk. Both can lose you your whole deposit.
Time needed: about 10 minutes to read.
Not available in: Weltrade excludes the US, Canada, UK, EU, Russia, Belarus and India; Deriv only serves residents of certain countries, so check its signup list.
👉 If you already know Deriv is the one you want to try, you can open a Deriv account here. Otherwise keep reading for the full comparison.
Part 1: The Two Offers Side by Side
Before the details, here is the quick view. Figures come from each broker’s own pages, so check them again before you deposit, because terms change.
| Deriv synthetic indices | Weltrade SyntX | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | From $1 with Deriv P2P or USDT (TRC20); about $5 with most mobile money; about $10 with cards | $1 |
| Platforms | Deriv Trader, Deriv Bot, Deriv MT5, Deriv cTrader, TradingView | MT5 only |
| Instrument variety | Volatility, Crash and Boom, Step, Jump, Range Break and more | Synthetic instruments called SyntXes |
| Leverage | Varies by instrument (up to 1:1000 on selected instruments, higher on some) | Up to 1:10000, varies by instrument |
| Spreads and fees | Mostly in the spread, differs per instrument | Floating spreads, no commission |
| Trading hours | Round the clock, including weekends (check each instrument) | Round the clock |
| Demo account | Yes, free | Yes |
Notice the pattern. Deriv is a wide menu with several ways to trade it. SyntX is a single, focused account built around MT5.
Part 2: How Deriv Synthetic Indices Work
Deriv’s synthetic indices are markets driven by a random number generator with a published volatility, so economic news does not move them. If the idea is new to you, start with what synthetic indices are. The family is large:
- Volatility indices: constant volatility levels from low to very high, with ticks arriving every second or every two seconds.
- Crash and Boom: prices drift one way and then suddenly spike or drop, with the average gap between spikes set by the index name.
- Step, Jump and Range Break: fixed step sizes, occasional large jumps, and range boundaries that break on average after a set number of hits.
Platforms and ways to trade
You can trade them as options on Deriv Trader or build an automated strategy with Deriv Bot. You can also trade them as CFDs on Deriv MT5, Deriv cTrader or TradingView. That range is Deriv’s biggest strength for a beginner, because you can start on a simple screen and move to MT5 later without changing broker.
Tip: Pick one index and one platform for your first two weeks. Jumping between Crash, Volatility and Jump indices is the fastest way to lose a small account.
Part 3: How Weltrade SyntX Works
SyntX is one of Weltrade’s account types, covered with the others in our Weltrade account types guide. It trades synthetic instruments, which Weltrade calls SyntXes, on MT5 only. The minimum deposit is $1, spreads are floating, and Weltrade’s account table lists no commission. Leverage goes up to 1:10000, and the maximum varies by instrument.
What that means in practice
With no commission, your cost sits in one place, the spread, which you can see on screen before you click. The 1:10000 maximum leverage is the headline number, but it is a double edged tool. On a small balance, a tiny price move against you can close a position very quickly.
Weltrade is registered in Saint Lucia, with a South African entity referencing FSCA oversight. That is not the same as Tier 1 regulation such as FCA or ASIC, and you should weigh it. We cover this in more detail in our Weltrade safety article.
Part 4: Where Each One Wins
Cost
On both, the main cost of a trade is the spread. Weltrade’s account table lists no commission on SyntX, with floating spreads, and Deriv’s cost also sits mostly inside the spread and differs per instrument. So the fair comparison is spread against spread, on the instrument and size you actually plan to trade.
Here is how to compare them in a few minutes, using a free demo on each:
- Open the specification. In MT5, right click the symbol in Market Watch and choose Specification. Note the contract size and any swap.
- Watch the live spread. Floating spreads widen and narrow, so check at the time of day you normally trade, not just once.
- Work out the cost per trade. Spread in points multiplied by the value of one point at your lot size. Do it for your usual position size on both brokers.
- Check overnight costs. If you hold trades past the daily rollover, compare swap as well, because it can outweigh the spread on longer trades.
Neither is automatically cheaper. It depends on the instrument, the size you trade, and how long you hold.
Leverage and risk
SyntX offers a higher maximum leverage. Deriv’s maximum depends on the instrument and platform. If you are a beginner, higher leverage is not an advantage. It is a faster way to hit a stop out, so size every position carefully.
Variety and platforms
Deriv wins on choice. More index types, more platforms, and a bot builder for anyone who wants to automate. SyntX wins if you already know MT5, use Expert Advisors, and want one consistent environment.
Starting small
Both start at $1, but with Deriv the $1 route is through P2P or USDT (TRC20), and other methods need more. See the Deriv minimum deposit guide for the full list. Weltrade’s $1 minimum applies to the SyntX account itself.
Part 5: Which One Should You Choose?
- Complete beginner: Deriv, because Deriv Trader is simple and the free demo lets you learn the indices before risking money.
- Want to automate: Deriv, because of Deriv Bot.
- Already comfortable with MT5: SyntX is worth testing on a demo or a very small deposit.
- Want the widest choice of synthetic markets: Deriv.
If you decide Deriv fits, you can open a Deriv account here. Start on the demo first. Our Deriv review covers deposits, withdrawals and verification in full.
Already trading Deriv synthetics and curious about SyntX? You can open a Weltrade SyntX account here from $1 and compare the two side by side. Our Weltrade account types guide explains SyntX alongside the other accounts.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
I keep blowing small accounts on high leverage
Reduce position size until a normal losing streak costs you a small slice of your balance. Leverage is a limit, not a target.
I cannot tell which synthetic index to start with
Pick one, learn its behaviour on the demo, and stay with it. Treat each index as its own market.
I am not sure a broker is available in my country
Both brokers restrict some countries. Weltrade lists the US, Canada, UK, EU, Russia, Belarus and India among them, and Deriv only serves residents of certain countries. Check the broker’s own list before you deposit.
What to Do Next
Read our Deriv vs traditional forex brokers to see how synthetic indices compare with normal forex, and check the economic calendar before trading anything that reacts to news. We are also publishing a matching Weltrade side comparison soon.
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FAQ
Is Weltrade SyntX the same as Deriv synthetic indices?
They are similar ideas, algorithm driven markets that trade around the clock, but they are different products from different brokers with different platforms, leverage and fees.
Which is cheaper, SyntX or Deriv synthetic indices?
On both, the cost is mostly in the spread. SyntX lists floating spreads with no commission, and Deriv’s spread differs by instrument. Compare live spreads on a demo for the exact instrument you plan to trade.
Can I practice before depositing?
Yes. Both offer demo accounts. Practice on one instrument until you understand how it moves.
Is 1:10000 leverage good for beginners?
No. It increases risk as much as potential, and a small move can close a position. Beginners should use small positions regardless of the maximum.
Are synthetic indices affected by news?
No. They are generated by an algorithm, so economic data does not move them, but they can still be extremely volatile.
This post contains an affiliate link. If you sign up through the links above, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Trading involves risk and is not suitable for everyone. This is not investment advice.
Deriv offers complex derivatives, such as options and contracts for difference (“CFDs”). These products may not be suitable for all clients, and trading them puts you at risk. Please ensure you understand the following risks before trading Deriv products: (a) you may lose some or all of the money you invest in the trade; (b) if your trade involves currency conversion, exchange rates will affect your profit and loss. You should never trade with borrowed money or with money that you cannot afford to lose. Trading involves risk and is not suitable for everyone; this is not investment advice.
Weltrade offers leveraged forex and CFD trading. Trading leveraged products carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. You could lose some or all of your invested capital, and leverage can amplify losses as well as gains. Weltrade’s primary regulatory registration is in Saint Lucia, with a South African entity referencing FSCA oversight; this is not equivalent to Tier 1 regulation (e.g. FCA, ASIC). Never trade with money you cannot afford to lose.