Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of iFOREX 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.
iFOREX and Alpari are online brokerage firms catering to the needs of forex traders, each with their unique features and regulatory standings. iFOREX, established in 1996, carries one Tier-1 license and has a Trust Score rating of 75, indicating average risk according to ForexBrokers.com. Being a privately held company, iFOREX is not listed on any stock exchange and is not a bank. In contrast, Alpari, founded in 1998, holds no Tier-1 or Tier-2 licenses and has a Trust Score rating of 68, suggesting a higher risk for traders.
Neither iFOREX nor Alpari are publicly traded entities or banks. Despite their similarities in being privately owned and non-banking institutions, iFOREX stands out with its regulatory compliance, possessing one highly trusted Tier-1 license, whereas Alpari lacks this credential. For traders prioritizing trust and regulatory backing, iFOREX may present a slightly more reliable option compared to Alpari, based on the data provided by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
iFOREX
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1996 | 1998 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing iFOREX to Alpari regarding their commissions and fees, potential traders have significant considerations. iFOREX currently lacks available average spread data, and its overall rating for commissions and fees is three out of five stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, iFOREX stands at position #61 out of 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category, which suggests room for improvement in offering cost-effective trading options for users.
On the other hand, Alpari also lacks available average spread data but performs better in terms of commissions and fees, earning a commendable four out of five stars. It is ranked #41 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com in this category. This suggests that Alpari may provide a more competitive fee structure for its users.
Overall, while both brokers lack detailed spread data, Alpari enjoys a higher rating and ranking when it comes to commissions and fees, making it potentially more appealing for budget-conscious traders. iFOREX, though slightly behind, still remains an option for those who may value other features or offerings of the platform.
| Feature |
iFOREX
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $20 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | 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.
When comparing iFOREX and Alpari for their range of investments, iFOREX stands out with 750 tradeable symbols, including 88 forex pairs, which offers a broader selection compared to Alpari's 105 tradeable symbols and 46 forex pairs. Both brokers provide the option to engage in forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts but do not extend the opportunity to purchase exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges. Additionally, iFOREX provides cryptocurrency derivatives but falls short when it comes to offering exchange-traded securities on international exchanges, an area where Alpari excels.
Other notable differences include Alpari's advantage in copy trading, a feature not available with iFOREX. Despite this, iFOREX's range of investments is rated slightly higher, earning 3.5 stars compared to Alpari's 3 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, iFOREX is ranked 41st out of 63 brokers in the Range of Investments category, whereas Alpari is positioned at 63rd. This makes iFOREX appear as a more versatile choice for those seeking a wider array of investment options, despite some areas where Alpari holds specific advantages.
| Feature |
iFOREX
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 750 | 105 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 88 | 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.
When it comes to choosing between iFOREX and Alpari, each has its strengths in trading platforms and tools. iFOREX features a proprietary platform developed in-house, accessible through a convenient web-based browser interface. However, it lacks a Windows-based desktop platform and popular third-party platforms like MetaTrader 4 and 5. Users also do not have access to copy trading or simulated trading with a demo account. Despite these limitations, iFOREX provides 25 drawing tools for charting and the ability to trade directly from a stock chart, which may appeal to certain traders.
Alpari, on the other hand, offers both a proprietary platform and support for MetaTrader 4 and 5, making it a versatile choice for traders who prefer established third-party platforms. It also includes a Windows-based desktop platform and the option for copy trading, which could be a significant draw for those seeking additional functionality. While Alpari offers a slightly lower number of drawing tools for charting at 15, it does provide simulated paper trading via a free virtual demo account, providing a risk-free way for traders to practice their strategies. Both brokers are rated four stars for their trading platforms and tools, showing strengths in different areas that may cater to diverse trading needs.
| Feature |
iFOREX
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | No | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 57 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 25 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 9 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both iFOREX and Alpari offer mobile trading apps that are accessible on iPhone and Android devices, ensuring flexibility for their users who are on the go. While they both have similar ratings of 4 stars for their mobile trading apps, the features they offer differ significantly. iFOREX does not provide stock or forex price alerts or the ability to create a watchlist with real-time quotes in its app. Meanwhile, Alpari shines by offering price alerts and the option to create a watchlist that includes real-time quotes, giving traders enhanced tracking capabilities.
When it comes to charting tools, Alpari provides a more comprehensive experience compared to iFOREX. Alpari users can benefit from 30 technical studies, the ability to draw trendlines, and view multiple timeframes on stock or forex charts, whereas iFOREX lacks these advanced functionalities. However, neither app saves drawings automatically nor offers symbol syncing for watchlists. Despite these differences, according to ForexBrokers.com’s rankings among 63 brokers, iFOREX is slightly ahead at #55, compared to Alpari at #56.
| Feature |
iFOREX
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | No | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | N/A | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing online brokers iFOREX and Alpari for market research services, there are several key differences to note. iFOREX stands out by providing daily market commentary and access to Trading Central's technical analysis tools. They also offer a sentiment-based trading tool, providing insights into trader positions across instruments, which Alpari does not offer. While iFOREX lacks forex news from major sources like Bloomberg or Reuters, they do provide an economic calendar showcasing global news events, a feature also available with Alpari. Overall, iFOREX receives a better research rating with 3.5 stars out of 5, ranking #48 out of 63 brokers, whereas Alpari scores 3 stars, placing it at #57 in the same category.
Alpari, on the other hand, excels by offering forex news from renowned sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters, and they also provide tools from Autochartist for both technical and fundamental analysis. Similar to iFOREX, Alpari offers an economic calendar to keep traders informed about international events. However, Alpari misses the mark with the absence of Trading Central tools and sentiment-based trading insights. Despite these offerings, Alpari trails behind in overall research capabilities with a slightly lower star rating and rank compared to iFOREX, indicating room for improvement in their research features.
| Feature |
iFOREX
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | 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 in online trading, iFOREX and Alpari each offer certain strengths. iFOREX provides over 10 beginner educational videos, making it a suitable choice for novice traders looking for visual learning opportunities. However, iFOREX does not offer a broad range of educational materials related to forex or CFDs, with no substantial articles, videos, or archived webinars catering to these topics. Additionally, iFOREX lacks an investor dictionary and advanced educational videos for more experienced traders. Despite these limitations, iFOREX is rated 3.5 stars for its educational offerings and is ranked #53 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
Alpari, meanwhile, excels in offering a comprehensive selection of at least 10 educational pieces focused on forex and CFDs. Beginners can benefit from Alpari's extensive educational content, even though both iFOREX and Alpari do not provide monthly client webinars or archived online sessions. Alpari also offers an investor dictionary with over 50 terms, aiding new investors in understanding trading jargon. However, like iFOREX, Alpari doesn't provide advanced educational videos for seasoned traders. Alpari is rated 3 out of 5 stars for education and holds a higher ranking at #48 among 63 brokers, according to ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
iFOREX
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | No | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that iFOREX is better than Alpari. iFOREX finished with an overall rank of #52, while Alpari finished with an overall rank of #58.
iFOREX is operated by a long-standing company, previously known as Vestle, with regulatory status in a growing number of jurisdictions, offering forex and CFDs through its proprietary platform. The biggest drawback is the lack of markets you can trade with fewer than 200, compared to the best multi asset forex and CFD brokers.
| Feature |
iFOREX
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 75 | 68 |
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Both iFOREX and Alpari offer the ability to buy cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither provides the option to purchase actual (delivered) cryptocurrency.
iFOREX and Alpari both provide various options for funding and withdrawing from accounts, including Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transfers, but iFOREX uniquely offers PayPal, whereas neither broker supports ACH or SEPA 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 | iFOREX | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 75 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
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| Broker Screenshots | iFOREX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) | |||
| Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) | |||
| Research Gallery (click to expand) | |||
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| Regulation | iFOREX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 75 | 68 | |
| Year Founded | 1996 | 1998 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | iFOREX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | 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) | 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) | iFOREX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | iFOREX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 750 | 105 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 88 | 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 | iFOREX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | iFOREX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $20 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | 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 | iFOREX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | iFOREX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | No | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | No | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 9 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 57 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 25 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | No | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | iFOREX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | No | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | N/A | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | No | Yes |
| Research | iFOREX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | iFOREX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | iFOREX | 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 |
| Overall | iFOREX | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 75 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review |
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