Alpari Internationalvs
CMC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers vie over stock CFDs across global markets, weighing regulation, access, and platform quality. The tension pits safety and breadth of reach against a very low minimum deposit.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsClear Winner
CMC Markets has the higher editorial score, reflecting stronger trust & regulation and superior platforms. Alpari International offers a $5 minimum deposit but operates under offshore FSC Mauritius regulation with minimal investor protection.
CMC Markets
4.0/5
Alpari International
3.3/5
Key Differences
- 1Exchanges coverage: Alpari 5 exchanges, CMC 20
- 2Compensation scheme exists with CMC, not with Alpari
- 3Research tools and stock screener: available on CMC, not on Alpari
Who should choose Alpari International vs CMC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Alpari International if…
Choose Alpari International if you want a $5 minimum deposit and stock CFDs across 5 exchanges. You trade CFDs only and regulation is offshore.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want 10,000+ share CFDs and the Next Generation platform with a stock screener and Reuters news. You benefit from top-tier regulation.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
CMC Markets wins for safety & regulation with FCA/ASIC/BaFin/FMA/DFSA oversight.
Best for active traders
Recommended
Alpari International vs CMC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $5 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
Alpari International vs CMC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- $5 minimum deposit, lowest barrier to entry for stocks CFD access
- MT4/MT5 with full EA support for automated equity strategies
- Wide global reach across CIS, Asian, and emerging markets
Cons
- Offshore regulation (FSC Mauritius), minimal investor protection
- Limited stock selection vs dedicated equity brokers
Alpari International vs CMC 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
CMC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Alpari International | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Alpari International vs CMC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
CMC Markets rates 4/5 versus 3.3/5 for Alpari International. CMC Markets 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 CMC Markets's 0.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
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 (DFSA, FMA, FCA), 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 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 CMC Markets 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 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.
Neither Alpari International nor CMC Markets 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.
CMC Markets 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.
