Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FXCM 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.
FXCM, established in 1999, is a well-regarded online broker known for its strong regulatory standing. As a publicly traded company, FXCM boasts 4 Tier-1 licenses, which are seen as a mark of high trust in the industry, alongside 2 Tier-2 licenses. This extensive regulatory backing contributes to its impressive Trust Score of 95 out of 99, reflecting a high level of confidence in its operations and protections for clients.
In contrast, Alpari, founded in 1998, operates privately and lacks any Tier-1 or Tier-2 licenses, which impacts its perceived reliability. Alpari's Trust Score sits at 68 out of 99, categorizing it among brokers with high risk according to industry standards. While both brokers are not banks, FXCM's listing on the stock exchange and robust regulatory framework make it a more trusted option for traders concerned with security and transparency.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 1998 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
FXCM and Alpari both hold a 4-star rating for commissions and fees, yet FXCM ranks higher (#25 of 63) than Alpari (#42 of 63). In this FXCM vs Alpari comparison, FXCM publishes detailed pricing, while Alpari does not provide average spread data, which makes side-by-side cost estimates less straightforward for Alpari.
FXCM’s forex trading costs are slightly above the industry average on standard accounts. Using May 2024 data, average EUR/USD spreads were 0.78 pips in the EU, U.K., and Australia, and 1.38 pips via its St. Vincent and the Grenadines entity. On commission-based accounts, the average core spread was 0.28 pips (excluding commissions); once a typical round-turn commission of about 0.50 pips is added, the effective cost is close to 0.74 pips. As with most brokers, spreads can widen during rollover times or volatile market conditions.
Active traders can cut FXCM costs with its five-tier rebate program (not available in the U.K. or EU), which pays $5 to $25 per million traded. For example, in the U.K., a $25,000 balance and at least $50 million in monthly volume can reduce commissions to $2.50 per side ($5 round turn), implying an effective EUR/USD cost near 0.78 pips based on a 0.28-pip core. Alpari, despite its 4-star rating and #42 ranking for fees, does not publish average spreads, so you’ll need to review its platform and account terms to gauge your likely all-in trading costs.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $20 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.9 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | N/A |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
FXCM vs Alpari: both brokers support forex trading via CFDs or spot contracts and each offers 46 forex pairs. FXCM stands out for breadth, with 440 total tradeable symbols compared to Alpari’s 105. In our data source, FXCM earns 3.5 out of 5 stars for Range of Investments and ranks 48th out of 63 brokers, while Alpari scores 3 stars and ranks 64th.
Neither broker lets you buy actual cryptocurrency, but both provide crypto derivatives and copy trading. For exchange-traded stocks (not CFDs), FXCM does not offer access, while Alpari offers international exchange-traded shares but not U.S.-listed stocks. If you want a larger overall selection of markets, FXCM has the edge; if you need access to certain international shares, Alpari may fit better.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 105 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 46 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | 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.
FXCM and Alpari both make it easy to start with paper trading via free demo accounts and each offers a proprietary platform alongside a Windows desktop download and a web-based platform. Copy trading is available at both brokers, and each supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4). Only Alpari also offers MetaTrader 5 (MT5), while FXCM focuses on MT4 and its in-house platform. Both brokers let you place trades directly from the chart, which helps with timing entries and exits.
According to ForexBrokers.com, FXCM earns 5 stars for Trading Platforms and Tools and ranks #6 out of 63 brokers, while Alpari earns 4 stars and ranks #56. Choose FXCM if you want a higher-rated platform experience with chart-based trading and copy trading, or pick Alpari if MT5 access is a must alongside MT4 and a proprietary platform.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading 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) | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
FXCM and Alpari both deliver mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, with helpful basics like real-time watchlists, price alerts, and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. These core tools make it easy to track forex (and other markets) and react to moves on the go.
The bigger differences show up in charting and convenience. FXCM offers 59 technical studies versus Alpari’s 30, saves chart drawings automatically (Alpari does not), and syncs watchlist symbols with your online account, while Alpari lacks watchlist syncing. Reflecting these gaps, FXCM earns 4.5 stars and ranks #16 out of 63 for Mobile Trading Apps at ForexBrokers.com, while Alpari scores 4 stars and ranks #57. If you value deeper charting and synced watchlists, FXCM has the edge; if you just need the essentials, Alpari covers the basics.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Comparing FXCM vs Alpari for market research: FXCM delivers daily market commentary, top-tier forex news, Trading Central analysis, a sentiment tool showing long/short positioning, TipRanks research, and an economic calendar. Alpari skips daily commentary but does offer top-tier forex news, Autochartist for pattern and signal ideas, and an economic calendar. FXCM does not include Autochartist, while Alpari does; meanwhile, FXCM includes Trading Central and a sentiment tool, which Alpari lacks. FXCM lists TipRanks access; Alpari’s site does not clearly indicate TipRanks or Acuity Trading integrations.
Overall, FXCM earns 4.5/5 stars for Research and ranks #11 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while Alpari scores 3/5 stars and ranks #58. If you want in-house commentary, Trading Central, sentiment data, and TipRanks in one place, FXCM is the stronger pick. If Autochartist pattern recognition is your priority alongside news and a calendar, Alpari may suit your needs.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | Yes | |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
FXCM vs Alpari for beginner education: Both brokers provide a library of beginner-friendly trading videos (at least 10 each) to help you learn the basics. FXCM goes further with live educational webinars held at least once a month and a separate set of 10+ advanced videos for when you’re ready to progress. Alpari does not offer monthly educational webinars and does not meet the same threshold for advanced video lessons, so its learning path is more limited after the introductory stage.
Ratings back this up: FXCM earns 4.5 out of 5 stars for Education and ranks #14 out of 63 brokers, while Alpari scores 3 out of 5 and ranks #48. If you want beginner videos plus live sessions and deeper topics as you grow, FXCM is the stronger choice. If you’re only after starter videos and prefer self-paced learning without webinars, Alpari can still fit the bill.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that FXCM is better than Alpari. FXCM finished with an overall rank of #15, while Alpari finished with an overall rank of #58.
For traders who appreciate advanced trading tools and quality market research, FXCM is a winner, especially for algorithmic trading. Its range of tradeable markets is fairly narrow, however, and the pricing at FXCM is just average.
| Feature |
FXCM
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Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 68 |
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Both FXCM and Alpari do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do provide options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
In a deposits and withdrawals comparison of online brokers FXCM vs Alpari, FXCM supports ACH/SEPA, PayPal, Skrill, and bank wire transfers, while Alpari supports Skrill and bank wire but not ACH/SEPA or PayPal; Visa/Mastercard availability is not specified for either broker.
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 | FXCM | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review |
| Broker Screenshots | FXCM | Alpari | |
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| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
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| Regulation | FXCM | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 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 | 4 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FXCM | 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) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | |||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | 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) | FXCM | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | FXCM | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 105 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 46 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | 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 | FXCM | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.9 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | N/A | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FXCM | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $20 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | FXCM | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading 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) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | FXCM | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | FXCM | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | FXCM | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | ||
| Client sentiment data | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FXCM | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | FXCM | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | FXCM Review |
| Overall | FXCM | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review |
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