Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FOREX.com 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 FOREX.com and Alpari, it's important to consider their regulatory credentials and trust ratings. FOREX.com, established in 1999, is listed on a stock exchange, highlighting its transparency and established presence in the financial market. In contrast, Alpari, founded in 1998, is not publicly traded. Both brokers are not banks, but when it comes to regulatory trust, FOREX.com stands out with seven Tier-1 licenses, considered highly trustworthy, and one Tier-2 license. This contributes to its impressive Trust Score of 99 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, indicating it is seen as highly reliable in the industry.
On the other hand, Alpari holds neither Tier-1 nor Tier-2 licenses, which contributes to its ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 68 out of 99. This score places Alpari in the high-risk category, suggesting there might be some concerns regarding its regulatory oversight compared to FOREX.com. When choosing a broker, such trust scores and regulatory standings are crucial factors for investors concerned with safety and reliability in their trading activities.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 1998 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing FOREX.com and Alpari in terms of commissions and fees, FOREX.com stands out with its multiple account types and transparent execution statistics. While FOREX.com ranked #13 out of 62 brokers for its commission and fees, and is rated at 4.5 stars, it can be slightly expensive compared to industry averages. The Standard account, popular in the U.S., has higher spreads, averaging 1.4 pips for EUR/USD, but appeals to traders who value market-maker execution. The RAW Spread account, suited for active traders from Canada, the U.S., and the EU, offers low competitive spreads near zero, plus commission-based pricing with volume-based rebates. However, traders need a significant monthly volume to enjoy the most favorable rates.
In contrast, Alpari offers less clarity in terms of specific average spread figures and ranks #41 out of 62 brokers in the commissions and fees category, earning a 4-star rating. This lower ranking reflects less competitive pricing compared to its counterpart FOREX.com. Without detailed average spread data for Alpari, potential users may find it challenging to fully assess the trading costs they might incur. Nevertheless, Alpari remains a viable option for traders whose priorities might align differently from those directly linked to spreads and commissions.
Overall, while both brokers have distinct offerings, FOREX.com tends to lead in providing detailed and diversified account options, particularly for active traders who can leverage its RAW Spread account. Alpari's lack of specific spread information might be a limiting factor for those seeking transparent pricing, but it still holds a solid reputation with its 4-star rating.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $20 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.9 | 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.
When comparing the investment offerings of FOREX.com and Alpari, notable differences become apparent. FOREX.com provides a vast selection with 5,500 tradeable symbols, including 91 forex pairs. This broad range allows investors to trade across various markets, although it does not offer actual securities trading on U.S. or international exchanges. Additionally, FOREX.com includes cryptocurrency derivatives as a part of its offerings, making it a desirable option for those interested in this growing market.
On the other hand, Alpari offers a more limited portfolio with only 105 tradeable symbols, which includes trading 46 forex pairs. Unlike FOREX.com, Alpari does provide access to certain international exchanges, which may appeal to investors looking for specific securities not available elsewhere. Alpari also supports copy trading, enabling users to emulate the strategies of more experienced investors. However, it similarly does not facilitate the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies. These factors contribute to its lower rating of 3 stars for its range of investments, with a ranking of last place among 62 brokers, whereas FOREX.com is highly rated with 5 stars and holds the 7th spot in the same category.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 105 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 91 | 46 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | 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.
FOREX.com and Alpari both provide a range of trading platforms and tools to suit various trading styles and preferences. Both brokers offer virtual demo accounts, proprietary platforms, desktop and web-based trading options, and popular tools like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. While FOREX.com does not offer copy trading, Alpari does, providing an option for traders interested in mirroring the trades of successful traders. Unfortunately, neither broker supports platforms like DupliTrade or ZuluTrade, which could be a consideration for those interested in a wider range of automated trading solutions.
When it comes to platform features, FOREX.com excels with an impressive 239 drawing tools for chart analysis compared to Alpari's 15, allowing for more detailed technical analysis. FOREX.com also offers 20 fields for watch lists, far surpassing Alpari's 7, giving traders more flexibility in tracking assets. Moreover, FOREX.com's advanced trading capabilities are reflected in its 5-star rating for Trading Platforms and Tools, ranking it #7 out of 62 brokers as per ForexBrokers.com. Alpari, on the other hand, holds a 4-star rating and ranks #55 in the same category, making FOREX.com a more attractive choice for those who prioritize platform features and comprehensive charting capabilities.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 20 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of FOREX.com and Alpari, both platforms offer apps for iPhone and Android users, ensuring accessibility across popular mobile devices. Each app allows traders to receive timely price alerts for stocks or forex, providing essential updates for those on-the-go. However, a key difference emerges with FOREX.com offering seamless watchlist symbol syncing between the app and a trader's online account, a feature not supported by Alpari. In terms of charting capabilities, FOREX.com's app shines by offering 88 technical studies, significantly more than Alpari's 30, aiding traders in making informed decisions.
Further enhancing user experience, FOREX.com provides tools such as trendline drawing on charts and the ability to view multiple time frames. These drawings and chart customizations automatically save on FOREX.com's app, though this convenience is absent in Alpari's offering. Both apps support creating watchlists with real-time quotes, catering to active traders. Reflecting these differences in functionality and user satisfaction, FOREX.com's mobile trading app is highly rated with 5 stars and ranks #3 out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, Alpari holds a 4-star rating and is placed at #56, highlighting FOREX.com's edge in mobile trading innovation and user preference.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 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 the market research offerings of FOREX.com and Alpari, it becomes clear that each online broker has its distinct strengths. FOREX.com stands out with its daily market commentary feature, providing timely insights for traders. Both brokers offer forex news from reputable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring traders have access to vital information. However, when it comes to technical analysis tools, FOREX.com utilizes resources from Trading Central, whereas Alpari opts for tools offered by Autochartist. Additionally, traders who value insight into market sentiment will find FOREX.com more appealing due to their sentiment-based trading tool, which Alpari does not offer.
For economically driven traders, both brokers furnish an economic calendar to stay abreast of worldwide financial events. Despite this similarity, FOREX.com affords a more comprehensive research experience, reflected in its 4.5-star rating and a research category rank of #9 out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, Alpari holds a 3-star rating and ranks at #57. This makes FOREX.com a better choice for research-focused traders, highlighting its commitment to delivering superior market analysis tools and insights.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | 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.
FOREX.com and Alpari both offer a variety of educational resources for beginners in the world of forex and CFDs. They each provide at least ten educational pieces, including articles, videos, and archived webinars. Both brokers also have a collection of beginner-friendly videos. However, there are some distinct differences between the two. FOREX.com stands out with its monthly online educational webinars and a searchable archive of past webinars, providing ongoing learning opportunities for its clients. In contrast, Alpari does not offer these features. Additionally, for those looking to deepen their knowledge, FOREX.com offers over ten advanced educational videos aimed at experienced traders, a resource Alpari lacks. Both platforms do provide an investor dictionary with over 50 investing terms to help newcomers grasp essential concepts.
When it comes to educational offerings, FOREX.com achieves a higher level of recognition, being rated 4.5 stars and ranked #4 by ForexBrokers.com among 62 brokers. Meanwhile, Alpari is rated 3 stars and is ranked #48 in the same category. If you're prioritizing educational resources as a beginner in trading, FOREX.com offers more extensive and diverse options to help you get started and advance your skills. While Alpari provides foundational resources, FOREX.com offers a more comprehensive educational experience tailored for traders at different stages of their learning journey.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | 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 FOREX.com is better than Alpari. FOREX.com finished with an overall rank of #5, while Alpari finished with an overall rank of #57.
FOREX.com is a trusted brand that delivers an excellent trading experience for forex and CFDs traders across the globe. It offers a wide range of markets and provides an impressive suite of proprietary platforms – alongside limited access to MetaTrader.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 68 |
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Both FOREX.com and Alpari do not provide the capability to purchase actual cryptocurrency, but they do offer trading opportunities through cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing the deposit and withdrawal options between FOREX.com and Alpari, FOREX.com stands out by offering ACH, SEPA, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transfers, whereas Alpari provides Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transfers, but lacks support for ACH, SEPA, and PayPal.
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 | FOREX.com | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FOREX.com Review |
| Broker Screenshots | FOREX.com | Alpari | |
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| Regulation | FOREX.com | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 68 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 1998 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FOREX.com | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | FOREX.com | 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 | FOREX.com | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 105 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 91 | 46 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | 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 | FOREX.com | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.9 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FOREX.com | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $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 | FOREX.com | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | FOREX.com | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 20 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | FOREX.com | 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 | 88 | 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 | FOREX.com | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FOREX.com | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | 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 | FOREX.com | 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 | FOREX.com Review |
| Overall | FOREX.com | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FOREX.com Review |
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