Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Trading 212 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.
When comparing the online brokers Trading 212 and Alpari, several notable differences emerge, particularly in regulatory credentials and trust scores. Trading 212, established in 2004, holds three Tier-1 licenses, a testament to its higher level of credibility and reliability. Alpari, founded in 1998, does not hold any Tier-1 licenses, impacting its perceived trustworthiness. In terms of trust score ratings provided by ForexBrokers.com, Trading 212 scores an 80, deeming it a trusted broker, whereas Alpari has a trust score of 68, placing it in the high-risk category.
Neither Trading 212 nor Alpari is publicly traded or operates as a bank, highlighting their focus as specialized online brokerage firms rather than traditional financial institutions. The difference in trust levels based on their licensing and ForexBrokers.com ratings indicates that Trading 212 may provide a more reliable trading experience for users looking for stronger regulatory assurance, while Alpari may involve higher risk considerations.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2004 | 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 | 0 | 1 |
Trading 212 and Alpari both receive a score of 4 stars for their commissions and fees, yet they have some notable differences. Trading 212 offers two types of accounts: the Invest account allows for share trading with a minimum deposit of 1 euro, while the CFD account targets traders interested in CFDs, requiring a minimum deposit of 10 euros. Despite promoting commission-free trading on its CFD and forex offerings, Trading 212 does charge a spread. As of April 2025, their average spread for the EUR/USD pair was 2.7 pips, which is relatively high by industry standards. Consequently, Trading 212 ranks 49th out of 63 brokers in the commissions and fees category according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, Alpari does not provide average spread data, which makes it a bit challenging to gauge its overall cost structure. Nonetheless, the broker's fees are competitive enough to earn it the same 4-star rating as Trading 212 for commissions and fees. Yet, Alpari's edge lies in its positioning, as it ranks 41st out of 63 brokers in the same category according to ForexBrokers.com.
In conclusion, both Trading 212 and Alpari offer competitive fee structures, but Trading 212's higher spread makes it relatively more expensive for frequent traders. Although their star ratings are identical, Alpari's better ranking indicates slightly more favorable trading conditions in terms of commissions and fees. For traders primarily concerned with cost, these differences might influence their choice between the two brokers.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €1 | $20 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 2.7 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 2.7 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing Trading 212 and Alpari, it's clear that they offer different strengths for investors looking for a range of investment options. Trading 212 stands out with an impressive total of 7,868 tradable symbols, including 146 forex pairs. It also provides access to exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, enabling clients to purchase direct shares from companies like Apple and Vodafone. Additionally, Trading 212 facilitates trading in cryptocurrency derivatives, although it does not support copy trading or the purchase of actual cryptocurrency. Overall, these features earn Trading 212 a 5-star rating and a respectable 15th position in the Range of Investments category out of 63 brokers, according to ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, Alpari offers a narrower range with 105 tradeable symbols, including 46 forex pairs. It supports spot and CFD forex trading and provides access to international exchanges for acquiring stocks, but it does not include U.S. exchanges in its offerings. Alpari does offer cryptocurrency derivatives as well as copy trading, which is advantageous for those who prefer to mirror successful traders. However, like Trading 212, it does not allow for the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies. Alpari’s more limited selection results in a 3-star rating for its range of investments, placing it last in the ForexBrokers.com ranking at 63rd position.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7868 | 105 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 146 | 46 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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 comparing Trading 212 and Alpari, both brokers offer compelling trading platforms and tools suitable for traders of varying experience levels. Both platforms provide free virtual demo accounts to help users practice without financial risk. Additionally, each broker has developed its own proprietary platform, tailored to meet the needs of its clientele. While Trading 212 offers a convenient web-based trading platform, it lacks a downloadable desktop application—a feature that Alpari does provide, along with access to renowned trading platforms MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. When it comes to visual tools, Trading 212 edges out with 20 drawing tools, compared to Alpari's 15.
Notable differences between the two also include features like copy trading. Alpari offers this functionality, while Trading 212 does not. Both brokers allow users to trade directly from stock charts, simplifying the process for active traders. However, Alpari comes out ahead in terms of watch list customization, offering seven columns compared to Trading 212's five. Although both received a four-star rating for their platforms and tools, Trading 212 is ranked higher overall, standing at #20 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while Alpari is ranked at #55. This suggests that Trading 212 might offer a more streamlined experience for those prioritizing platform ranking and accessibility.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | 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) | 54 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both Trading 212 and Alpari offer comprehensive mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android users, providing a range of tools and features for traders on the go. While both apps support real-time price alerts and the creation of watchlists, Trading 212 stands out with its watchlist syncing feature, which allows users to streamline their trading experience as changes made in their mobile app automatically sync with their online accounts. On the other hand, Alpari lacks this particular feature, potentially requiring users to manually update their watchlists across devices.
When it comes to charting tools, Trading 212 offers a more extensive selection, boasting 104 technical studies compared to Alpari’s 30. Both apps support drawing trendlines and viewing multiple timeframes on charts, but Trading 212 also provides automatic saving for any chart drawings, adding an extra layer of convenience. In terms of recognition, both apps have a rating of four stars, but Trading 212 ranks higher at #17, compared to Alpari’s position at #56 in the Mobile Trading Apps category according to ForexBrokers.com. Overall, users seeking advanced charting tools and seamless syncing might find Trading 212 a better fit, while Alpari remains a solid choice for fundamental trading needs.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 104 | 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 offerings of Trading 212 and Alpari, both brokers provide forex news from trusted sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones, ensuring access to high-quality information. However, Trading 212 shines with a sentiment-based trading tool that helps traders understand market trends through long or short positions, a feature Alpari lacks. On the other hand, Alpari offers advanced analysis tools from Autochartist, which Trading 212 does not provide. Both platforms furnish users with an economic calendar to keep track of important global events.
Looking at their research ratings, Trading 212 holds a slight edge with 3.5 stars compared to Alpari's 3 stars, reflecting Trading 212's broader toolset despite its lack of certain advanced analysis features. In rankings by ForexBrokers.com, Trading 212 stands at 44th out of 63 brokers, outperforming Alpari, which is ranked 57th. Overall, while each broker has distinct strengths in their research offerings, Trading 212 may appeal to traders seeking sentiment analysis, whereas Alpari might suit those wanting extensive technical analysis tools.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | 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, Trading 212 provides a comprehensive offering. They surpass Alpari by providing a searchable archive of recorded client webinars, which is especially useful for those looking to learn at their own pace. Trading 212 also covers various levels of expertise with over 10 beginner-friendly educational videos and a selection of advanced content for more seasoned traders. Additionally, both platforms provide more than 10 educational pieces focused on forex and CFDs topics and include an investor dictionary with over 50 investing terms. However, neither broker currently offers monthly live educational webinars.
In terms of overall ratings for education, Trading 212 is rated 3.5 stars, slightly ahead of Alpari, which scores 3 stars. This is reflected in their rankings by ForexBrokers.com, where Trading 212 ranks as the 20th among 63 brokers for education resources, while Alpari stands at the 48th position. For beginners eager to dive into the world of forex and CFDs, Trading 212 seems to offer a more extensive and flexible learning experience than Alpari.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
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 | 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 Trading 212 is better than Alpari. Trading 212 finished with an overall rank of #31, while Alpari finished with an overall rank of #58.
Best known for its mobile trading app, Trading 212 offers an easy-to-use trading platform suite for CFD and share trading, as well as a large variety of forex pairs. However, despite its well-designed platform and wide range of symbols, its lack of advanced trading tools and flat research offerings hamper Trading 212’s bid to be considered a top broker.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Alpari
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 80 | 68 |
| Range of Investments |
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Both Trading 212 and Alpari do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency but provide options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
In comparing online brokers, Trading 212 offers versatile deposit and withdrawal options including ACH/SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires, while Alpari supports Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires, lacking ACH/SEPA and PayPal facilities.
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 | Trading 212 | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 80 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Trading 212 Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Trading 212 | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Regulation | Trading 212 | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 80 | 68 | |
| Year Founded | 2004 | 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 | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Trading 212 | 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) | Trading 212 | 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 | Trading 212 | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7868 | 105 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 146 | 46 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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 | Trading 212 | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 2.7 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 2.7 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Trading 212 | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €1 | $20 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | Trading 212 | 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 | Trading 212 | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 54 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Trading 212 | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 104 | 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 | Trading 212 | Alpari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Trading 212 | 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 | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Trading 212 | 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 | Trading 212 Review |
| Overall | Trading 212 | Alpari | |
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| Trust Score | 80 | 68 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Trading 212 Review |
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