Alpari Internationalvs
Interactive BrokersForex Broker Comparison
This comparison pits a long-running offshore broker against a globally regulated firm, focusing on regulation, pricing, and platform choices. The tension lies in trust, costs, and access across markets.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsClear Winner
Interactive Brokers edges Alpari International on editorial score due to stronger regulation and broader platform capabilities. Alpari International remains competitive on MT4/MT5 access and a very low entry deposit.
Interactive Brokers
4.6/5
Alpari International
3.9/5
Key Differences
- 1IB operates under multiple top-tier regulators, while Alpari uses FSC/FSCA.
- 2IB offers a proprietary platform; Alpari relies on MT4/MT5.
- 3IB provides access to about 17,000 instruments; Alpari lists about 250.
Who should choose Alpari International vs Interactive Brokers?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose Alpari International if…
Choose Alpari International if you want MT4/MT5 access and ECN pricing with a low minimum deposit.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want a proprietary platform and broad market access.
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 0.20 pips for Interactive Brokers, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
Alpari International vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 3.7 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
Alpari International vs Interactive Brokers 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 Interactive Brokers: 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
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Alpari International | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
Alpari International vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
Interactive Brokers rates 4.6/5 versus 3.9/5 for Alpari International. Interactive Brokers edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Alpari International starts from 0 pips, tighter than Interactive Brokers's 0.2 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit, while Alpari International requires at least $5. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Interactive Brokers holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, JFSA), 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.
Interactive Brokers 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 Interactive Brokers lists up to 50:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Interactive Brokers charges $2 per lot, lower than Alpari International's $6 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
Alpari International supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile. Alpari International has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS) and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
