Choosing the right broker is more than just comparing spreads or platform features — it’s about aligning your trading goals with the right structure, support, and flexibility. Forex.com and Alpari are two brokers with long histories in the forex industry, but they cater to very different types of traders. This comparison dives deep into every detail that matters in 2025.
Broker Review Contents
Broker background
Forex.com, a branch of StoneX Group (a NASDAQ-listed financial firm), has operated since 2001 and serves traders globally under multiple tier-1 regulations.
Alpari, founded in 1998, was once a major force in retail forex but faced regulatory hurdles in some jurisdictions. Now operating under offshore regulation, it remains popular among emerging market traders for its high leverage and MetaTrader access.
| Feature | Forex.com | Alpari |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 | 1998 |
| Headquarters | USA | Mauritius |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, NFA, IIROC, CySEC | FSC (Mauritius), Ex-FCA (UK) |
| Parent Company | StoneX Group (NASDAQ: SNEX) | Independent |
| Market Focus | Global (Regulated) | Emerging markets (Offshore) |
Regulation and client security
Forex.com is heavily regulated across multiple jurisdictions including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and the EU. This makes it one of the most trusted platforms globally.
Alpari now operates under the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius. While this allows it to offer high leverage and flexibility, it does not provide the same level of trader protection as Forex.com.
Platform options
Forex.com supports:
- MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5
- Advanced Trading Platform (desktop)
- WebTrader and TradingView
- Mobile apps with full functionality
Alpari offers:
- MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5
- WebTrader
- Alpari Invest app (for PAMM/MAM accounts)
Both brokers provide access to MT4 and MT5, but Forex.com adds significant value with TradingView integration and a professional-grade proprietary desktop platform.
Market instruments
| Asset Type | Forex.com | Alpari |
|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 80+ | 60+ |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | Yes |
| Stock CFDs | Yes | No |
| ETFs | Yes | No |
| Futures | No | No |
Forex.com has a broader selection of markets, including CFDs on stocks and ETFs. Alpari focuses on the core set of instruments most popular with retail traders.
Account types and minimum deposits
Forex.com offers:
- Standard account
- Commission account
- Direct Market Access (DMA)
- Islamic swap-free accounts
Alpari offers:
- Nano account (cent lots)
- Standard account
- ECN account
- Pro account
- Islamic options for select accounts
Minimum deposit:
- Forex.com: $100
- Alpari: From $5 (Nano) to $500 (ECN/Pro)
Alpari’s micro and nano accounts are attractive for beginners, while Forex.com provides institutional-level accounts for advanced traders.
Spreads and commissions
Forex.com:
- Standard spreads from 1.0 pip
- Commission account: 0.2 pip + $5 per lot
- No deposit/withdrawal fees, minor inactivity charges
Alpari:
- Nano: Floating spreads from 0.4 pips
- Standard: From 1.2 pips
- ECN: 0.1 pip + $3 per lot
- No inactivity fees, but withdrawal charges may apply
Alpari is competitive on raw ECN pricing, especially for high-leverage traders. Forex.com is better structured for regulated markets and offers more transparent pricing models.
Leverage and margin
| Region | Forex.com | Alpari |
|---|---|---|
| UK/EU Retail | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:30 (where applicable) |
| USA | Up to 1:50 | Not available |
| Global (Pro) | Up to 1:200 | Up to 1:1000 (offshore clients) |
Alpari offers much higher leverage for traders in offshore or lightly regulated regions. Forex.com maintains compliance with regional caps, ensuring safety and sustainability.
Tools and research
Forex.com provides:
- Autochartist
- Trading Central
- TradingView integration
- Economic calendar
- Webinars and market news
Alpari offers:
- Trading Central (select accounts)
- Economic calendar
- PAMM account analytics
- Basic market updates
Forex.com leads in analytical tools and strategic research. Alpari’s highlight is its PAMM system, which allows passive trading through managed accounts.
Mobile trading
Forex.com:
- Full-featured mobile app
- Charting, custom alerts, watchlists
- Secure and fast execution
Alpari:
- MT4/MT5 mobile apps
- Alpari Invest for PAMM management
- Basic but effective interface
Forex.com delivers a more advanced mobile trading experience, while Alpari focuses on utility and ease of access.
Customer support
Forex.com:
- 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support
- Global support team
- Fast onboarding
Alpari:
- 24/5 support via email and chat
- Regional offices in CIS and MENA
- Community-based forums
Forex.com ensures faster issue resolution and global availability. Alpari’s strength lies in localized support in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia.
Summary comparison table
| Feature | Forex.com | Alpari |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Tier-1 global | Offshore |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $5 (Nano), $500 (ECN) |
| Leverage (Max) | Up to 1:200 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Market Range | Broad | Moderate |
| Education & Tools | Extensive | Moderate |
| PAMM Availability | No | Yes |
| Mobile Experience | Professional-grade | Simple and effective |
| Best for Beginners | Yes | Yes |
| Best for Professionals | Yes | Yes (with ECN/Pro) |
Who should choose Forex.com?
Forex.com is ideal for:
- Traders in regulated regions like the US, UK, Australia
- Users needing advanced research tools
- Traders using TradingView or DMA execution
- Long-term investors needing a safe, regulated broker
Who should choose Alpari?
Alpari suits:
- Beginners needing a $5 entry point
- Offshore traders seeking high leverage
- Passive investors using PAMM accounts
- Users who prefer simplified MT4/MT5 trading without extra layers
