Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of XM Group 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.
Founded in 2009, XM Group stands out in the online brokerage world with its commitment to trust and security. Despite not being a publicly traded company or a bank, XM Group holds an impressive four Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license. With a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 88, XM Group is deemed to be in the 'trusted' category. This reflects its considerable reliability and security in the industry.
In comparison, Alpari, established in 1998, also operates as a private company and is not a bank. However, it doesn't hold any Tier-1 or Tier-2 licenses, which affects its perceived safety. With a Trust Score of 68, Alpari is categorized as a 'high risk' broker according to ForexBrokers.com standards, indicating a lower level of trust compared to XM Group.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2009 | 1998 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing online brokers XM Group and Alpari on commissions and fees, several factors come into play. XM Group, rated 4 out of 5 stars for its commission and fee structure, offers a Standard account with relatively high spreads. Unfortunately, the average spread for their commission-based XM Zero account is not disclosed, which may pose challenges for traders seeking full transparency.
Alpari, also rated 4 out of 5 stars for its fees, does not provide average spread data either. This lack of detailed spread information makes it difficult to accurately assess their overall cost compared to other brokers in the industry. Despite these limitations, both brokers have achieved equal star ratings for their fee structures.
In terms of rankings, XM Group is positioned at #33 out of 62 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category by ForexBrokers.com, while Alpari trails slightly behind at #41. This ranking suggests that, while both brokers offer competitive pricing structures, XM Group may have a slight edge in the market when compared to Alpari.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $20 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.6 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
XM Group and Alpari both offer forex trading through CFDs and spot contracts, allowing users to engage in currency trading. XM Group stands out with an impressive 1,394 tradeable symbols, providing investors with a varied selection. In contrast, Alpari offers 105 symbols, which is more limited. For forex enthusiasts, XM Group also has the upper hand with 55 available forex pairs compared to Alpari's 46. Both brokers give clients the option to engage in copy trading as well as cryptocurrency derivatives, expanding the investment strategies available. However, neither offers the capability to buy actual cryptocurrencies.
When it comes to stock trading, XM Group provides broader access by allowing purchases of exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, such as Apple shares on NASDAQ. Alpari, however, only offers exchange-traded securities on international exchanges, not on U.S. markets. This breadth in investment options could be why XM Group earns a strong 4.5 stars for its range of investments, ranking 23rd out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Alpari, on the other hand, receives a rating of 3 stars, landing last at 62nd place for the same category.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1394 | 105 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 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 XM Group and Alpari, both online brokers offer a range of trading platforms and tools designed to meet the needs of traders. A distinct feature that sets them apart is Alpari’s proprietary platform, which XM Group does not provide. Nonetheless, both brokers offer popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, accessible via Windows-based desktop downloads and web browsers. For beginners looking to hone their skills, both XM Group and Alpari offer simulated paper trading through free virtual demo accounts, along with capabilities for copy trading, empowering traders to emulate successful strategies.
In terms of charting tools, both XM Group and Alpari boast 15 drawing tools, with the added convenience of trading directly from stock charts. With seven columns available for watch lists, traders can customize their view to suit personal preferences. Despite these similarities, XM Group holds a competitive advantage, ranking #30 in the Trading Platforms and Tools category by ForexBrokers.com, compared to Alpari's #55 ranking. Both brokers are rated 4 out of 5 stars in this category, reflecting their strong abilities to cater to traders’ diverse needs with essential trading platforms and tools.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | 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) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both XM Group and Alpari cater to iPhone and Android users, offering price alerts and real-time quotes for stock and forex traders. Each platform provides an array of 30 technical studies and allows users to draw trendlines on charts while accessing various time frames—from daily to intraday. Watchlist creation is seamless, although only XM Group ensures synchronization with your online account, keeping your data consistent across devices.
Both platforms do not automatically save chart drawings, which traders might find inconvenient. Despite similarities in their offerings, the ratings suggest a difference in user experience as they both hold a 4-star rating. However, XM Group’s app is ranked higher by ForexBrokers.com, placing 27th out of 62 brokers, while Alpari sits at 56th. This distinction may reflect XM Group’s slight advantage in providing an integrated experience for mobile traders.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing XM Group and Alpari in terms of market research offerings, XM Group clearly provides a more comprehensive range of resources for traders. XM Group stands out by offering daily market commentary and providing forex news from well-known sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones, much like Alpari. However, XM Group surpasses Alpari with its sentiment-based trading tools and technical analysis offerings from Trading Central, which are not available through Alpari. Additionally, XM Group maintains a user-friendly economic calendar to keep traders informed of important global events, a feature that both brokers share.
While both brokers are committed to furnishing their clients with market insight, XM Group's efforts are reflected in its higher evaluation, earning 5 out of 5 stars for research from ForexBrokers.com, compared to Alpari's 3-star rating. Among 62 brokers, XM Group ranks 8th in the research category, while Alpari lags behind at 57th, making XM Group a preferable choice for traders seeking insightful and diverse market research tools.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
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.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, XM Group stands out compared to Alpari. Both XM Group and Alpari provide a rich selection of at least ten educational materials including articles and videos focused on forex and CFDs. However, XM Group offers an edge by hosting monthly educational webinars for clients, as well as maintaining a comprehensive archive of these sessions for future access. This is a feature that Alpari lacks, potentially limiting ongoing learning opportunities for their clients.
Further setting apart their educational offering, XM Group provides a substantial library catering to both beginners and advanced traders, making it a versatile resource. Alpari, on the other hand, offers beginner videos but lacks depth in content for seasoned traders. Although Alpari provides a useful investor dictionary with over fifty investment terms, this alone may not compensate for its lower overall educational ranking. XM Group receives a 5-star rating and ranks #7 on ForexBrokers.com for education, showcasing its commitment to well-rounded trader education, whereas Alpari holds a 3-star rating and ranks #48, indicating room for improvement.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
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) | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that XM Group is better than Alpari. XM Group finished with an overall rank of #17, while Alpari finished with an overall rank of #57.
XM Group is a MetaTrader-only broker that offers a strong selection of high-quality educational content and market research.
| Feature |
XM Group
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 68 |
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XM Group and Alpari both do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they do provide options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both XM Group and Alpari offer Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires for depositing and withdrawing account funds, but neither supports ACH, SEPA transfers, nor PayPal as payment options.
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 | XM Group | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XM Group Review |
| Broker Screenshots | XM Group | Alpari | |
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| Regulation | XM Group | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 88 | 68 | |
| Year Founded | 2009 | 1998 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | XM Group | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | XM Group | 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 | XM Group | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1394 | 105 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 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 | XM Group | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.6 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | XM Group | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $20 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | XM Group | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | 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 | XM Group | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | XM Group | 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 | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | XM Group | 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 | XM Group | 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) | No | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | XM Group | 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 | XM Group Review |
| Overall | XM Group | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 88 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XM Group Review |
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