Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IronFX 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 2010, IronFX stands out in the online brokerage landscape with three Tier-1 licenses, marking it as a trusted option for traders. With a Trust Score of 83 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, IronFX earns a 'trusted' rating. Despite not being publicly traded or a bank, its regulatory framework reassures users by aligning with high standards, enhancing its credibility in the financial market.
Conversely, Alpari, established in 1998, operates with no Tier-1 or Tier-2 licenses. This lack of top-tier regulatory endorsements is reflected in its Trust Score of 68, categorizing it as high risk according to ForexBrokers.com ratings. Like IronFX, Alpari is neither publicly traded nor a bank, but its lower regulatory alignment could be a point of concern for potential investors comparing their options in the field of online brokerage platforms.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 1998 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When considering online brokers, IronFX and Alpari offer different pricing structures that can significantly influence trading costs. IronFX provides a variety of account types, with spreads generally higher than the industry average. Their Standard variable spread account lists a typical spread of 1.8 pips, though this may vary. The zero fixed-spread account starts from zero pips but includes a $18 per lot commission, with spreads widening to 3 pips overnight. This pricing framework might make IronFX less appealing for cost-conscious traders seeking minimal fees.
In contrast, Alpari does not provide specific average spread data, potentially leaving traders with less transparent information about their trading costs. However, they maintain competitive pricing that has earned them favorable recognition within the industry. Despite the lack of detailed spread information, traders may find Alpari's overall fee structure attractive depending on their specific trading needs and account selection.
In terms of broker reviews, both IronFX and Alpari receive a solid 4-star rating out of five in the commissions and fees category, reflecting their competitiveness in this area. However, when ranked among 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, IronFX holds the 46th position, while Alpari ranks slightly better at 41st. This subtle difference might draw cost-conscious traders more toward Alpari, depending on their priorities and trading style.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $20 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | 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.
IronFX and Alpari both offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, but their range of investments varies significantly. IronFX provides 340 tradeable symbols, including 83 forex pairs, allowing traders considerable diversity. In comparison, Alpari offers 105 tradeable symbols and 46 forex pairs. While neither broker allows clients to purchase U.S. or international exchange-traded securities, Alpari stands out by letting clients buy shares on international exchanges, such as Vodafone on the London Stock Exchange, unlike IronFX. Both platforms support the trading of cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither facilitates the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies.
For those interested in social trading, both IronFX and Alpari offer copy trading services. According to ForexBrokers.com, IronFX holds a slight edge with a 3.5-star rating for its range of investments, ranking 51st out of 63 brokers. Alpari, on the other hand, scores a 3-star rating, placing it at 63rd. Thus, while both brokers have some similarities, IronFX provides a broader spectrum of trading instruments, making it a more versatile choice for traders seeking variety in their investment options.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 340 | 105 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 83 | 46 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 it comes to trading platforms and tools, IronFX and Alpari each bring unique features to the table, tailored to both beginners and seasoned traders. Both brokers provide free virtual demo accounts, offering traders the chance to practice and refine their strategies without financial risk. IronFX and Alpari also deliver consistent user experience with their Windows-based desktop and web-based trading platforms. However, while both brokers support the widely used MetaTrader 4, only Alpari offers the advanced MetaTrader 5. This gives Alpari a slight edge for traders seeking expanded functionality. Furthermore, Alpari stands out with its proprietary platform developed in-house, which might appeal to those looking for an exclusive trading environment.
In addition to platform accessibility, both IronFX and Alpari offer useful tools like the ability to trade directly from stock charts and provide 15 drawing tools for charting. Traders will also find similar customization options with seven columns available for watch lists at both brokers. However, their ratings in trading platforms and tools reveal some differences; IronFX is rated 3.5 stars and ranked 61st out of 63 brokers, while Alpari receives a higher rating of 4 stars with a rank of 55th. While IronFX serves as a solid choice for those looking for familiar features and straightforward trading, Alpari may attract traders with its additional proprietary platform and more favorable industry ranking.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
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) | No | 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.
Both IronFX and Alpari provide comprehensive mobile trading apps available for iPhone and Android to help traders stay connected on the go. For traders seeking in-app alerts, both platforms offer stock and forex price notifications to keep you informed of market movements. Chart enthusiasts will find both brokers supportive, with 30 technical studies available for analysis, the ability to draw trendlines, and the option to view multiple time frames on their price charts. However, when it comes to auto-saving drawing on charts, IronFX takes a slight edge. Users who enjoy creating personalized watchlists with real-time quotes can do so on both apps, though neither offers watchlist symbol syncing with their online accounts.
In terms of user ratings, Alpari stands out with a solid 4-star rating, reflecting a slightly more favorable user experience than IronFX's 3.5-star rating. Despite this, the broader industry ranking by ForexBrokers.com places Alpari slightly higher at #56 out of 63 brokers, while IronFX trails at #62. These distinctions might sway traders who prioritize seamless mobile trading experiences, making Alpari a preferred choice for many looking to trade forex or stocks efficiently on their smartphones.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 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.
IronFX and Alpari provide different experiences when it comes to market research tools. IronFX excels by offering daily market commentary and Forex news from respected sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. Additionally, IronFX includes technical analysis tools from Trading Central and maintains an economic calendar for tracking global news events. However, it lacks tools from Autochartist and does not offer sentiment-based trading insights or resources from TipRanks and Acuity Trading. With these offerings, IronFX receives a strong rating of 4 out of 5 stars for research and ranks 28th out of 63 brokers reviewed by ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, Alpari does not provide daily market commentary but matches IronFX by offering Forex news from top-tier providers. Alpari stands out by incorporating technical analysis tools from Autochartist, although it misses out on Trading Central's resources. Like IronFX, Alpari offers an economic calendar but lacks sentiment-based tools and insights from TipRanks and Acuity Trading. Overall, Alpari earns a moderate 3 out of 5 stars for research and ranks 57th among 63 brokers in the ForexBrokers.com assessment.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
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 | No | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources available to beginners at IronFX and Alpari, both brokers provide a solid collection of materials to help customers start their trading journey. IronFX offers a wide array of at least 10 educational resources, including articles and videos on forex and CFDs, and provides a searchable archive of past webinars. For those just starting in trading, IronFX delivers a collection of educational videos specifically designed for beginners. They also offer an investor dictionary with over 50 investing terms, making it a helpful tool for newcomers to understand trading concepts.
Similarly, Alpari also meets the criteria by offering more than 10 educational resources centered on forex and CFDs, with beginner-friendly videos to facilitate learning. However, unlike IronFX, Alpari lacks a searchable webinar archive, which might limit access to recorded live content. Both brokers do not offer ongoing monthly webinars nor advanced video resources for experienced traders. Despite these similarities, IronFX edges ahead with a higher education rating of 4 stars compared to Alpari's 3 stars, and it holds a better ranking in the education category at 44th place out of 63 brokers, while Alpari sits at 48th. This suggests that beginners might find a slightly more enriched educational experience with IronFX.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
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 | No | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IronFX is better than Alpari. IronFX finished with an overall rank of #48, while Alpari finished with an overall rank of #58.
IronFX has come a long way to rebuild its brand, acquiring multiple regulatory licenses to improve its Trust Score, and creating balanced educational material. That said, pricing is an area where IronFX has room to further improve as spreads appeared higher than the industry average.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 83 | 68 |
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Both IronFX and Alpari do not offer the ability to purchase actual cryptocurrencies, but they do provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
IronFX and Alpari both support Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transfers for deposits and withdrawals, but neither offer ACH, SEPA, or PayPal as options for account funding.
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 | IronFX | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 83 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
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| Broker Screenshots | IronFX | Alpari | |
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| Regulation | IronFX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 83 | 68 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 1998 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IronFX | 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) | 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) | IronFX | 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 | IronFX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 340 | 105 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 83 | 46 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 | IronFX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IronFX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $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 | IronFX | 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) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IronFX | 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 | IronFX | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 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 | IronFX | 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 | No | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IronFX | 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 | No | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IronFX | 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 | IronFX | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 83 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review |
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