Alpari Internationalvs
CMC MarketsForex Broker Comparison
This comparison pits Alpari International against CMC Markets, testing which broker blends regulation, cost, and platform strength most effectively for retail traders.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsClear Winner
CMC Markets benefits from FCA regulation and investor protection schemes, while Alpari International operates under FSC Mauritius with no investor compensation. Therefore, CMC Markets leads on the overall editorial score.
CMC Markets
4.5/5
Alpari International
3.9/5
Key Differences
- 1Instrument count differs: Alpari about 250, CMC about 12,000.
- 2Regulatory status contrasts: CMC FCA-regulated; Alpari FSC Mauritius.
- 3Raw spreads: Alpari offers raw spreads; CMC has no raw spread option.
Who should choose Alpari International vs CMC Markets?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose Alpari International if…
Choose Alpari International for a low $5 minimum deposit. ECN accounts carry a $6 per-lot commission, spreads from 0 pips, and no inactivity fees.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets for FCA regulation and investor protection. It offers a proprietary platform with MT4 and about 12,000 instruments.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Alpari International offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.70 pips for CMC Markets, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
Alpari International vs CMC Markets: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 3.7 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Alpari International vs CMC Markets Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
26-year brand history in retail forex
Mature PAMM investor platform, one of the originals
ECN accounts with $6 per-lot commission competitive with top ECN desks
Wide geographic reach across CIS, MENA, and Africa
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Alpari International vs CMC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
Alpari International
criteria wins
5
CMC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Alpari International | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
Alpari International vs CMC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
CMC Markets rates 4.5/5 versus 3.9/5 for Alpari International. CMC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Alpari International starts from 0 pips, tighter than CMC Markets's 0.7 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while Alpari International requires at least $5. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
CMC Markets holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, DFSA), providing stronger investor protections. Alpari International may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
CMC Markets stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Alpari International lists maximum leverage of 1000:1, while CMC Markets lists up to 30:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Alpari International charges $6 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for CMC Markets are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
Alpari International supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Alpari International has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
