Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Alpari International if you want a $5 minimum deposit and MT4/MT5 with full EA support.
Choose if…
Choose AvaTrade if you want fixed spreads on 600+ stock CFDs and access to MT4, MT5, and AvaTradeGO.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
AvaTrade wins with multiple top-tier regulators and a compensation scheme.
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $5▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.9 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Alpari International | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
AvaTrade rates 3.8/5 versus 3.3/5 for Alpari International. AvaTrade edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Alpari International lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with AvaTrade's 0.9. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Alpari International has $5, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes Alpari International more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
AvaTrade holds top-tier regulation (FSCA, ASIC, MFSA), 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 AvaTrade 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 AvaTrade lists up to 20:1. 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 trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for AvaTrade are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Alpari International supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while AvaTrade supports ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither Alpari International nor AvaTrade is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
AvaTrade scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
AvaTrade wins with copy-trading and multiple platforms like AvaTradeGO.
Alpari wins due to a $5 minimum deposit.
AvaTrade has access to 10 exchanges, broader than Alpari's 5.
AvaTrade wins due to fixed spreads on 600+ stock CFDs.
Equally matched; neither offers real stock ownership or dividend reinvestment.
| 0.6 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $50/month (after 3 months) |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FSC FSCA | FSCA ASIC MFSA CBI ADGM |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | ZuluTrade MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
This comparison pits Alpari International and AvaTrade as multi-asset brokers with stock CFD offerings. The tension centers on regulation, platform depth, and cost structures for equity exposure.
AvaTrade edges Alpari International on the editorial score. Its higher trust and regulation scores and platform tools tilt the overall rating.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.3 / 5
Score 3.8 / 5
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