Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs Alpari, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
When comparing online brokers, CMC Markets and Alpari present some clear distinctions in their regulatory standings. CMC Markets, founded in 1989, is publicly traded and boasts a perfect Trust Score of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com, indicating a high level of trust and safety. This broker holds five Tier-1 licenses, which are regarded as highly trusted, and one Tier-2 license. In contrast, Alpari, which was established in 1998, does not share the same public trading status and holds neither Tier-1 nor Tier-2 licenses. It has a Trust Score of 68, placing it in the high-risk category.
Neither CMC Markets nor Alpari operate as banks; however, the regulatory credentials highlight CMC Markets as a more secure and regulated choice for traders. Investors prioritizing trust and safety may lean towards CMC Markets due to its high regulatory compliance and the added transparency of being publicly traded on a stock exchange. Alpari, while a viable option, may appeal less to those concerned about the absence of high-level regulatory licensing and the securities provided by a higher Trust Score.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 1998 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
CMC Markets and Alpari present distinct approaches to commissions and fees. As the #1 ranked broker in the Commissions and Fees category by ForexBrokers.com, CMC Markets garners a 5-star rating due to its competitive pricing. With an average spread of 0.61 pips on the EUR/USD, CMC Markets offers spreads that generally stay close to its advertised minimum. Its FX Active program allows traders to benefit from a low all-in cost of around 0.5 pips when trading prominent currency pairs like the EUR/USD. The broker's innovative active trader program, Price Plus Scheme, also offers opportunities to earn discounts through accumulated Trading Points, providing flexibility for traders with higher volumes.
Alpari, rated 4 stars and ranked #41, offers a different structure for its clients. While specific average spread data isn't available, Alpari's commission and fee structure are generally perceived as less advantageous compared to CMC Markets. The absence of detailed spread information can make it challenging for traders to assess precise cost comparisons between these two brokers. Nevertheless, Alpari strives to offer competitive options that cater to a diverse range of traders, albeit without the distinctive pricing initiatives seen in CMC Markets.
When comparing these brokers, CMC Markets stands out with its detailed and transparent pricing strategy, driven by its industry-leading active trader initiatives and competitive spreads. In contrast, Alpari provides a straightforward approach, appealing to traders who prefer a simpler fee structure despite its lower ranking. The comprehensive offerings from CMC Markets make it an attractive choice for cost-conscious traders aiming to capitalize on frequent trading activities.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $20 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
CMC Markets outshines Alpari when it comes to the range of investments available, making it a preferred choice for those seeking variety and depth. With a staggering 11,925 tradeable symbols and 156 forex pairs, CMC Markets provides traders with numerous opportunities to diversify their portfolios. In contrast, Alpari only offers 105 tradeable symbols and 46 forex pairs, giving traders fewer options. Both platforms support forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, and they offer copy trading features. Despite these similarities, CMC Markets takes a notable lead in this comparison by also providing clients with access to exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, something Alpari lacks when it comes to U.S. markets.
While neither broker allows purchasing actual cryptocurrencies, both offer cryptocurrency derivatives, catering to traders interested in the crypto market. With these features in mind, CMC Markets excels with a higher range of investment options, boasting a 5-star rating compared to Alpari's 3 stars. This difference is further highlighted by their standings in ForexBrokers.com's rankings, where CMC Markets holds the 9th position out of 62 brokers for the range of investments, while Alpari lags behind at rank 62. This makes CMC Markets an ideal choice for investors looking for a comprehensive trading experience with greater flexibility and options.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 105 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 46 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools of CMC Markets and Alpari, both brokers offer a comprehensive suite of features that cater to a wide range of traders. CMC Markets and Alpari provide access to popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, alongside their own proprietary platforms built in-house. For those interested in simulated trading, both brokers offer virtual demo accounts to practice and hone their skills. Additionally, they each support desktop and web-based platforms for flexible, around-the-clock trading. Copy trading enthusiasts will find both CMC Markets and Alpari capable of meeting their needs, though neither supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade integrations.
CMC Markets distinguishes itself with a superior toolkit, offering 40 drawing tools compared to Alpari's 15, and providing 11 watch list columns compared to Alpari's 7. This is perhaps one reason behind its higher rating of 5 stars from ForexBrokers.com for platforms and tools, compared to Alpari's 4 stars. Ranking 4th out of 62 brokers for trading platforms and tools, CMC Markets shines brighter than Alpari, which holds the 55th spot. For traders seeking an advanced trading experience, CMC Markets offers a more expansive and highly rated selection of tools and features, making it a noteworthy choice.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing CMC Markets and Alpari for their mobile trading apps, both brokers offer iPhone and Android applications that include essential features for traders. These features include price alerts, the ability to draw trendlines on charts, and access to multiple time frames for stocks and forex. Users can create watchlists with real-time quotes on both platforms. However, a notable difference exists in their watchlist syncing capabilities; CMC Markets allows users to sync watchlists between the mobile app and their online accounts, while Alpari does not offer this feature.
In terms of charting tools, Alpari edges ahead by offering 30 technical studies compared to CMC Markets' 29. Yet, for those who value the convenience of auto-saving drawings, CMC Markets has an advantage as their app provides this function, whereas Alpari’s does not. Ratings and rankings reflect these distinctions, with CMC Markets receiving a perfect 5-star rating and holding the fifth position among 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. On the other hand, Alpari is rated with 4 stars and ranked 56th in the same category. These differences highlight CMC Markets as the more highly regarded option for mobile trading apps.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing CMC Markets to Alpari in terms of market research offerings, CMC Markets provides a comprehensive array of resources. CMC Markets delivers daily market commentary and forex news from renowned sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring that traders have access to timely information. Additionally, they offer tools like Autochartist for technical analysis and sentiment-based trading tools, which show the ratio of long or short positions across various instruments. CMC Markets also provides an economic calendar for keeping track of critical global news events. As a result of these extensive offerings, CMC Markets earns a research rating of 5 stars and is ranked 6th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
Alpari, on the other hand, provides essential features but falls short compared to CMC Markets in some areas. While Alpari does provide forex news from top-tier sources and tools from Autochartist, they do not offer daily market commentary or sentiment-based trading tools. However, like CMC Markets, Alpari includes an economic calendar to help traders stay informed about global events. With a 3-star research rating and a ranking of 57th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, Alpari offers a more basic range of market research features that may suit beginners or those who require fewer tools.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to education for beginners, both CMC Markets and Alpari offer a variety of resources in the form of articles, videos, and past webinars centered on forex and CFDs. However, CMC Markets stands out with a more exhaustive range of materials, including a searchable archive of past educational webinars, which Alpari lacks. Despite both brokers providing at least ten beginner educational videos, CMC Markets also caters to more advanced traders with additional videos aimed at experienced traders, a feature that is not available with Alpari. Both platforms have an investor dictionary, but CMC Markets is rated higher for its educational offerings.
Catering to those seeking broker education, CMC Markets achieves a full five-star rating, positioning itself as a standout choice for educational resources. Ranked 10th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com in the Education category, CMC Markets offers a comprehensive educational experience. Meanwhile, Alpari, with a three-star educational rating, is ranked 48th in the same category, reflecting a more modest offering. These distinctions highlight the more extensive educational services available at CMC Markets, making it a more appealing choice for beginners looking to deepen their trading knowledge.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that CMC Markets is better than Alpari. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4, while Alpari finished with an overall rank of #57.
CMC Markets is well-trusted across the globe, and delivers a terrific trading experience thanks to its excellent pricing and selection of over 12,000 tradeable instruments.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 68 |
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Both CMC Markets and Alpari do not provide the option to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers CMC Markets and Alpari, CMC Markets provides greater flexibility with payment options by supporting ACH, SEPA, and PayPal for deposits and withdrawals, whereas Alpari does not support these methods but offers Skrill instead; both brokers accept Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transfers.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | CMC Markets | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
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| Regulation | CMC Markets | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 68 | |
| Year Founded | 1989 | 1998 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | CMC Markets | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | CMC Markets | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | CMC Markets | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 105 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 46 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | CMC Markets | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | CMC Markets | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $20 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | CMC Markets | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | CMC Markets | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | CMC Markets | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | CMC Markets | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
| Overall | CMC Markets | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
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