Options allow you to trade with unbalanced risk. This means that your risk profile is not the same in both market directions.
So, while you CAN use Options as a leveraged instrument (buying an option costs a fraction of the cost of the underlying asset), the real advantage of Options is the ability to tailor your risk profile to fit your market view.

If you are right, you profit, and if you are wrong, you know your downside risk is limited right from the beginning of the trade, without the need to leave stop-loss orders or to exit your trades.
With Spot trading, you may be right about the ultimate direction of the market but not reach your goal. With Options, you can allow a properly structured trade to complete your goal.