Futures are derivative contracts created on an underlying asset at a specific price on a specified future date. Both the buyer and seller have to honour the contract on expiration. On the other hand, options give the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a certain underlying at a specific price on a specified date in future. The buyer can choose whether or not they want to exercise the right. The seller has an obligation to honor the contract. This is the primary difference between the two derivatives. Additionally, futures require a higher margin requirement than options. The risks of trading in futures is also higher than options because of the unlimited losses they are exposed to.