Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Alpari vs Xtrade, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
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Alpari and Xtrade are two established online brokers in the trading landscape, founded in 1998 and 2003, respectively. Neither broker is publicly traded or operates as a bank. However, when it comes to regulatory credentials and trust, there are distinct differences. Alpari has no high-rated Tier-1 or Tier-2 licenses according to ForexBrokers.com, which assesses brokers based on licensing quality. This contributes to its Trust Score of 68, placing it in the high-risk category.
In contrast, Xtrade secures a higher ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 74, classifying it as an average-risk broker. This score reflects its regulatory compliance, with one Tier-1 license recognized as highly trusted and one Tier-2 license seen as trusted. Although both brokers are not listed on stock exchanges, Xtrade's regulatory standing offers a more assured trading environment compared to Alpari.
| Feature |
Alpari
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1998 | 2003 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing online brokers Alpari and Xtrade regarding their commissions and fees, it's evident that Alpari stands out with a higher rating. Alpari earns a commendable 4 out of 5 stars for its commission and fee structure, indicating fair pricing and competitive fee advantages. In contrast, Xtrade receives a modest rating of 2.5 stars, reflecting potentially higher costs or less favorable fee terms for traders.
Alpari's ranking on ForexBrokers.com at #41 out of 63 brokers showcases its respectable position within the industry in terms of commissions and fees. This suggests that Alpari offers a more attractive fee structure compared to many of its competitors. Meanwhile, Xtrade is ranked at the bottom, holding the #63 position, suggesting that its fees might not be as competitive or attractive to cost-sensitive traders.
In summary, if commissions and fees are a primary concern in choosing a broker, Alpari provides a more appealing proposition relative to Xtrade. With a higher star rating and a significantly better ranking, traders may find Alpari's fee structure more beneficial for their trading activities.
| Feature |
Alpari
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $20 | $250 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| 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.
Alpari and Xtrade both provide a solid selection of investment opportunities for those interested in online trading. Alpari offers 105 tradeable symbols, including 46 forex pairs, catering to traders who prioritize forex and cryptocurrency derivatives. Although Alpari does not provide access to U.S.-listed shares, it allows trading in some international exchange-listed securities. Additionally, Alpari supports copy trading, making it a versatile choice for those looking to follow successful traders.
On the other hand, Xtrade boasts a wider array of 482 tradeable symbols, with 56 forex pairs, appealing to traders seeking a larger diversity of investment choices. Xtrade also provides forex and cryptocurrency derivatives but does not offer exchange-traded securities, whether in the U.S. or internationally. Its absence of copy trading might be a drawback for some. Alpari's range of investment options earned it a 3-star rating, while Xtrade edges slightly ahead with a 3.5-star rating, thanks to its broader offering. In terms of overall ranking, Alpari is positioned at #63, while Xtrade holds the #49 spot, indicating a marginally better range of investments.
| Feature |
Alpari
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 105 | 482 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 56 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| 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 exploring the trading platforms and tools offered by Alpari and Xtrade, both brokers provide free virtual demo accounts which are ideal for beginners to practice without financial risk. Alpari presents a versatile range of trading options with its proprietary platform, Windows-based desktop downloads, and popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms. Meanwhile, Xtrade offers its own proprietary platform but lacks a desktop download option and support for MetaTrader software. Both brokers provide accessible web-based trading, enabling users to trade conveniently through their browsers.
In terms of additional functionalities, Alpari supports copy trading, a feature unavailable with Xtrade. For charting enthusiasts, Xtrade supplies an extensive collection of 100 drawing tools, contrasting with Alpari’s provision of 15. Both brokers allow direct trading from stock charts; however, Xtrade's watch lists are slightly more customizable with nine columns compared to Alpari’s seven. When rated for their trading platforms and tools, Alpari earns a slightly higher rating of four stars versus Xtrade’s 3.5 stars. Despite these differences, both brokers rank lower in this category, with Alpari positioned at #55 and Xtrade at #58 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
Alpari
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | N/A |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 100 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 9 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both Alpari and Xtrade provide iPhone and Android apps, allowing traders to access the market on the go. Alpari stands out for offering price alerts for stocks and forex, while Xtrade does not include this feature. However, both platforms do not support syncing watchlists between the mobile app and a client's online account. Alpari's app further distinguishes itself by providing 30 technical studies for charting, enabling the drawing of trendlines, and allowing users to view multiple time frames on stock or forex charts. In contrast, Xtrade lacks these capabilities but maintains a simplified approach. Both apps do not automatically save chart drawings, but Alpari provides the ability to create a watchlist with real-time quotes, a functionality absent in Xtrade's app.
In terms of user ratings, both Alpari and Xtrade have been given a solid four-star rating for their mobile trading apps. When ranked among 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com for their mobile trading applications, Xtrade holds a slightly higher ranking, coming in at number 53, compared to Alpari at number 56. This suggests that while both apps offer useful features, they cater to different trading needs, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences for tools and functionality.
| Feature |
Alpari
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | N/A |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing market research offerings between Alpari and Xtrade, several distinctions become evident. Xtrade provides daily market commentary, an amenity not offered by Alpari. However, both brokers keep traders informed with forex news sourced from reputable outlets like Bloomberg and Reuters. When it comes to technical analysis tools, Alpari stands out by offering insights from Autochartist, while Xtrade lacks this feature. Despite these differences, neither broker provides tools from Trading Central nor TipRanks for deeper analytical insights. Both platforms, however, include an economic calendar to track global news events, which can be crucial for staying abreast of market shifts.
In terms of overall research ratings, Xtrade slightly edges out Alpari with a score of 3.5 out of 5 stars compared to Alpari's 3 stars. According to rankings by ForexBrokers.com, Xtrade is positioned at 52nd out of 63 brokers in the research category, while Alpari is placed at 57th. These ratings suggest that while both brokers deliver essential research tools, Xtrade offers a slightly more comprehensive package. For traders prioritizing regular market commentary and a diverse range of research tools, Xtrade may present a more attractive option. Conversely, traders looking for specialized analytics might prefer Alpari for its Autochartist integration.
| Feature |
Alpari
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | 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 for beginners between Alpari and Xtrade, both online brokers provide a decent array of materials to get you started in forex or CFDs trading. Alpari offers a solid collection of educational pieces, surpassing the minimum requirement with over ten articles and videos focused on forex or CFDs. Additionally, they provide more than ten beginner-oriented educational videos, making it a favorable choice for those just starting out. Xtrade also meets the basic educational content threshold with similar resources, although it falls short when it comes to beginner videos, offering less than ten. For those keen on learning through videos, Alpari stands out with a more comprehensive video library targeted at new traders.
Neither Alpari nor Xtrade provide live monthly educational webinars or access to previously recorded webinars, which could be a drawback for those who prefer interactive learning experiences. Both brokers offer an investor dictionary filled with over fifty investing terms, aiding new traders to swiftly familiarize themselves with market jargon. Despite these offerings, the educational ratings reflect only moderate standings, with Alpari receiving 3 stars and a ranking of #48 out of 63 brokers, while Xtrade edges slightly ahead with a 3.5-star rating and a #46 ranking. This indicates that while both brokers have room for improvement, Xtrade offers slightly more in their educational approach.
| Feature |
Alpari
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| 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 Alpari is better than Xtrade. Alpari finished with an overall rank of #58, while Xtrade finished with an overall rank of #60.
Alpari is one of the first brokers to offer the MetaTrader platform glopbally before it became popular. The Alpari group of companies are regulated only in a few jurisdictions, putting the broker at a disadvantage compared to the most trusted brokers.
| Feature |
Alpari
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Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 68 | 74 |
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Both Alpari and Xtrade do not provide the option to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrencies, yet both brokers do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both Alpari and Xtrade do not support ACH or SEPA transfers or PayPal for account funding, but they both offer convenient deposit and withdrawal options through Skrill, Visa, 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 | Alpari | Xtrade | |
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| Trust Score | 68 | 74 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Xtrade Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Alpari | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) | |||
| Research Gallery (click to expand) | |||
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| Regulation | Alpari | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 68 | 74 | |
| Year Founded | 1998 | 2003 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Alpari | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | No | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Alpari | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Alpari | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 105 | 482 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 56 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Alpari | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Alpari | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $20 | $250 | |
| 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 | Alpari | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Alpari | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 9 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | N/A | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 100 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | No |
| Mobile Trading | Alpari | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | No | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | N/A | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | Alpari | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Alpari | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Alpari | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Xtrade Review |
| Overall | Alpari | Xtrade | |
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| Trust Score | 68 | 74 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Xtrade Review |
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