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 | 1.69 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.69 | 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.
Comparing the range of investments at OANDA vs Alpari, OANDA offers far more choice for most traders. OANDA lists 4,172 tradeable symbols and 69 forex pairs, while Alpari offers 105 symbols and 46 pairs. Both brokers let you trade forex as a CFD or spot contract and both support copy trading. Where they differ is stock access and crypto: OANDA lets clients buy exchange-traded securities on U.S. markets as well as international exchanges, whereas Alpari only offers international shares, not U.S.-listed stocks. For digital assets, OANDA provides both actual (delivered) cryptocurrency and crypto derivatives, while Alpari offers only crypto derivatives.
These differences are reflected in independent assessments: OANDA earns 4 out of 5 stars for its range of investments and ranks 27th out of 63 brokers in this category, while Alpari is rated 3 stars and ranks 63rd. If you want broader market access—including U.S. stocks and the option to own real crypto—OANDA has the edge; if you need a smaller lineup with forex and international shares plus copy trading, Alpari covers the basics.
| Feature |
OANDA
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 4172 | 105 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 69 | 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) | 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 trading platforms and tools, both OANDA and Alpari excel in offering essential features that cater to traders of various skill levels. Each broker provides a free virtual demo account for simulated trading, allowing users to practice without any financial risk. Both brokers have developed proprietary platforms in-house and offer a Windows-based desktop download platform along with a web-based option for flexible trading experiences. Additionally, they support popular platforms such as MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, while also providing options for copy trading.
Notably, OANDA offers an impressive 74 drawing tools for charting, which surpasses Alpari's 15 tools. Both brokers allow traders to execute trades directly from stock charts. When it comes to watch lists, OANDA offers six fields compared to Alpari’s seven. With a solid four-star rating for their trading platforms and tools, OANDA ranks 15th out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, demonstrating broader recognition compared to Alpari, which ranks 55th. Overall, OANDA and Alpari provide competitive trading environments, but their offerings may appeal to different trader preferences based on specific charting and organizational tools.
| 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) | 89 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 74 | 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 OANDA and Alpari in terms of market research offerings, OANDA comes out ahead with a more comprehensive suite of tools and resources. OANDA provides daily market commentary and offers forex news from top sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring traders have timely information. While both brokers incorporate Autochartist tools, OANDA stands out with its sentiment-based trading tool, showing traders the ratios of long and short positions. Additionally, OANDA includes a detailed economic calendar to track global events, contributing to its high research rating of 5 stars and a #5 ranking by ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, Alpari offers forex news comparable to OANDA, but lacks daily market commentary and a sentiment-based trading tool, limiting its research depth. It does provide Autochartist tools and an economic calendar, yet falls short in other areas, resulting in a more modest research rating of 3 stars and a #57 ranking. These distinctions highlight OANDA as a more comprehensive option for traders seeking extensive research resources in the forex market.
| 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 | |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
For beginners comparing forex and CFD education, both OANDA and Alpari deliver a solid starting point. Each offers at least 10 educational pieces and a dictionary with 50+ investing terms, plus a library of beginner-friendly video lessons. This means you can learn core trading concepts, market basics, and common terms at either broker.
The differences matter as you advance. OANDA runs monthly educational webinars and keeps a searchable archive of past sessions, while Alpari does not offer either. OANDA also provides at least 10 advanced trading videos; Alpari lacks a similar advanced catalog. Reflecting this gap, ForexBrokers.com rates OANDA 5 stars for Education and ranks it #19 out of 63 brokers, whereas Alpari holds 3 stars and ranks #48. If you want live classes, on‑demand replays, and room to grow into more advanced topics, OANDA is the stronger fit; if you only need a basic library and glossary, Alpari can still do the job.
| 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) | |||
| 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) | |||
| 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) |
| Investments | OANDA | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 4172 | 105 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 69 | 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) | 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 | 1.69 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.69 | 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) | 89 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 74 | 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 | ||
| 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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