Alpari Internationalvs
IC MarketsForex Broker Comparison
Two brokers square off on regulation, costs, and trading platforms. Alpari International brings a long brand history and offshore licensing, whereas IC Markets touts true ECN execution and top-tier oversight.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsClear Winner
IC Markets edges ahead of Alpari International on the editorial score due to top-tier regulators and a broader platform suite.
IC Markets
4.7/5
Alpari International
3.9/5
Key Differences
- 1Number of instruments: IC Markets 2200 vs 250 at Alpari.
- 2Top-tier regulation: IC Markets regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSCA; Alpari Mauritius.
- 3Negative balance protection and compensation: IC Markets yes; Alpari no.
Who should choose Alpari International vs IC Markets?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose Alpari International if…
Choose Alpari International if you want a very low $5 minimum deposit and access to MT4/MT5 with ECN-style pricing.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose Alpari International if you accept offshore Mauritius regulation with limited investor protection. Choose IC Markets for true ECN routing with 0.0 pip spreads and MT4, MT5 plus cTrader and TradingView. Choose IC Markets for top-tier regulation and a compensation scheme.
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
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Both brokers offer spreads from 0.00 pips.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
Alpari International vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 3.7 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Alpari International vs IC 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 IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
Alpari International
criteria wins
4
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Alpari International | IC 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 | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Fail |
| 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 IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 3.9/5 for Alpari International. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both Alpari International and IC Markets start from 0 pips, making them equivalent on this metric. Compare commissions and account types to evaluate total trading costs.
Alpari International has $5, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Alpari International more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, FSCA, CySEC), 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.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Alpari International requires a lower minimum deposit ($5), lowering the barrier to entry, and IC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Alpari International lists maximum leverage of 1000:1, while IC Markets lists up to 500:1. 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, lower than IC Markets's $7 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
Alpari International supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView.
