Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of OANDA 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.
Established in 1996, OANDA stands out in the online trading world for its strong regulatory backing, holding seven Tier-1 licenses, which are highly trusted according to ForexBrokers.com. With a Trust Score of 93, OANDA is seen as a highly trusted broker, ensuring clients have the security and confidence they need when trading. Although it is neither publicly traded nor a bank, OANDA's longstanding presence and regulatory compliance make it a favorable option for traders.
In contrast, Alpari, founded in 1998, lacks the same regulatory depth, holding no Tier-1 licenses, which ForexBrokers.com considers essential for high trust. With a Trust Score of 68, Alpari falls into the high-risk category, which suggests a need for caution. Like OANDA, Alpari is not publicly traded and is not a bank, but its regulatory standing and trust score might be a concern for potential investors looking for strong, reliable oversight.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1996 | 1998 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of online brokers OANDA and Alpari, both brokers receive a four-star rating in this category. However, OANDA is ranked slightly higher at 34th out of 63 brokers, compared to Alpari’s 41st position. OANDA's forex trading costs are generally on the higher side, with notable bid/ask spreads. Their core pricing option offers lower spreads accompanied by a $5 per-side commission per $100,000 traded, making the all-in costs slightly better than their commission-free option. Despite not being the most economical choice, OANDA provides unique benefits such as an automated execution system and a micro-lot trading capacity that goes down to 1 unit per trade.
Alpari, on the other hand, does not offer clear average spread data to provide a direct comparison with OANDA. While both platforms share the same star rating for commissions and fees, Alpari's lack of detailed transparency in spread data might pose a drawback for traders seeking clarity in fee structures. This could explain why they are ranked lower in the ForexBrokers.com Commissions and Fees category. Despite these challenges, traders may still find Alpari appealing based on their specific trading needs and the potential benefits of Alpari's other offerings, like their trading platforms or customer service.
In weighing your options between OANDA and Alpari regarding commissions and fees, it may be beneficial to consider the total trading experience each broker offers. OANDA's enhanced transparency in pricing and unique offerings like the Elite Trader program and lower minimum trade sizes could provide a valuable edge for experienced traders, despite the comparatively high costs. Meanwhile, Alpari’s position could still hold appeal depending on specific trading strategies or needs.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $20 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.61 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.61 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | 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 OANDA and Alpari in terms of their investment ranges, OANDA clearly stands out with a significantly larger selection of tradeable symbols, offering 3,928 compared to Alpari's 105. Both brokers provide forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, but OANDA offers a more extensive array of forex pairs, with 68 available compared to Alpari's 46. Although neither broker offers U.S. exchange-traded securities, Alpari provides the option of purchasing shares from international exchanges, unlike OANDA. Additionally, both platforms support copy trading.
In the realm of cryptocurrencies, OANDA gives clients the ability to invest in actual cryptocurrencies, while Alpari only offers cryptocurrency derivatives. When it comes to rankings and ratings, OANDA scores four stars and ranks 27th out of 63 brokers for its range of investments, showcasing a more comprehensive offering than Alpari, which has a three-star rating and is ranked 63rd. Overall, OANDA presents a broader and more diverse selection of investment opportunities compared to Alpari.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3928 | 105 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 68 | 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) | Yes | 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 OANDA and Alpari for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer a range of comprehensive features designed to appeal to both novice and experienced traders. OANDA and Alpari provide simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts, proprietary platforms, and platforms compatible with Windows-based desktop downloads and web browsers. They both support popular trading tools like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, as well as the option for copy trading. Despite not offering DupliTrade or ZuluTrade, both brokers allow direct trading from stock charts, which can streamline the trading process for users.
However, there are some distinctions when it comes to chart customization and watch list features. OANDA stands out with 431 drawing tools for charting, providing traders with extensive options for technical analysis, while Alpari offers 15. Conversely, Alpari offers one more column for watch lists compared to OANDA, having 7 fields versus 6. Both companies earn a solid rating of four stars for their trading platforms and tools. However, OANDA is ranked higher at 15th place out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, where Alpari is positioned at 55th, highlighting OANDA's slight edge in user preference and platform satisfaction.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary 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) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 81 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 431 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 6 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both OANDA and Alpari offer dedicated iPhone and Android applications, complete with essential features like stock and forex price alerts. However, while they shine in many areas, each app has its strengths and weaknesses. For charting enthusiasts, both platforms deliver 30 technical studies and the capability to sketch trendlines and explore various time frames on charts. However, OANDA has an edge with an autosave feature for chart drawings, which Alpari lacks. Both allow users to set up watchlists with real-time quotes, yet neither supports watchlist syncing with online accounts.
OANDA and Alpari both provide solid trading experiences on the go, yet OANDA tends to outshine Alpari in terms of overall user satisfaction. OANDA’s mobile app has earned a five-star rating and is ranked #7 out of 63 brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category by ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, Alpari holds a four-star rating with a #56 ranking. For traders prioritizing a top-notch mobile experience, OANDA appears to be the preferred choice.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
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.
When comparing the market research services of online brokers OANDA and Alpari, several distinctions emerge. OANDA offers daily market commentary, giving traders regular insights and updates, a feature not provided by Alpari. Both brokers deliver forex news from reputable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring traders have access to reliable information. Additionally, OANDA and Alpari each utilize Autochartist tools, assisting users with technical and fundamental analysis, although neither offers resources from Trading Central. Insights from sentiment-based trading tools are available with OANDA, allowing traders to gauge market sentiment, whereas Alpari lacks this offering. Furthermore, neither broker provides market research from TipRanks or Acuity Trading, but both maintain an economic calendar to keep traders informed of global financial events.
In terms of research quality as assessed by ForexBrokers.com, OANDA stands out with a 5-star rating, significantly higher than Alpari's 3-star rating. Among 63 brokers, OANDA ranks impressively at #5 in the Research category, reflecting its comprehensive market analysis offerings. In contrast, Alpari trails at #57, indicating room for improvement in its research provisions. This clear difference showcases OANDA's dedication to equipping its users with superior market research tools and insights, making it a preferred choice for traders prioritizing research capabilities.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | 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, OANDA and Alpari both provide a foundation with at least ten articles, videos, or webinars centered on forex and CFD trading. However, OANDA takes a step further by hosting online educational webinars every month, while Alpari does not offer such a feature. Additionally, OANDA provides a searchable archive of past webinars, ensuring easy access to valuable learning material at any time, which Alpari lacks.
While both brokers offer a range of beginner educational videos, OANDA distinguishes itself by also offering advanced videos tailored for experienced traders. Additionally, both OANDA and Alpari include an investor dictionary featuring over 50 terms, aiding traders in understanding complex concepts. Overall, OANDA garners a higher education rating of 5 stars compared to Alpari's 3 stars and achieves a better ranking in the Education category, placing 22nd out of 63 brokers, whereas Alpari ranks 48th. This makes OANDA a more comprehensive choice for beginner traders seeking diverse and accessible educational resources.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
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 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that OANDA is better than Alpari. OANDA finished with an overall rank of #12, while Alpari finished with an overall rank of #58.
A trusted global brand, OANDA stands out for its reputation and quality market research. Its regulatory track record is strong, and its support for third-party features bolsters its overall offering.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 68 |
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OANDA provides investors with the capability to purchase actual cryptocurrencies as well as cryptocurrency derivatives, whereas Alpari only offers the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives without the delivery of the actual cryptocurrency.
OANDA stands out compared to Alpari by offering a broader range of payment options for depositing and withdrawing account funds, including ACH or SEPA transfers and PayPal, while both brokers support Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire 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 | OANDA | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | OANDA Review |
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| Regulation | OANDA | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 93 | 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 | 7 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | OANDA | 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) | OANDA | 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 | OANDA | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3928 | 105 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 68 | 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) | Yes | 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 | OANDA | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.61 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.61 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | OANDA | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $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 | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | OANDA | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary 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) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | OANDA | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 6 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 81 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 431 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | OANDA | 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 | OANDA | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | OANDA | 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 | OANDA | 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 | OANDA Review |
| Overall | OANDA | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | OANDA Review |
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