Alpari Internationalvs
IGStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits Alpari International against IG on regulation, platforms, and global exchange access, highlighting where their strengths and gaps lie.
Our Verdict
IG winsClear Winner
IG earns the higher editorial score (4.5 vs 3.3) and shows top-tier regulation with access to 30 exchanges, giving broader market reach than Alpari International.
IG
4.5/5
Alpari International
3.3/5
Key Differences
- 1IG has top-tier regulation while Alpari operates under FSC Mauritius
- 2IG offers access to 30 exchanges, vs Alpari's 5
- 3IG offers extended trading hours
Who should choose Alpari International vs IG?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Alpari International if…
Choose Alpari International if you want a very low entry point with a $5 minimum deposit and offshore FSC Mauritius regulation.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you want top-tier regulation with a broad footprint and access to 30 exchanges.
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
IG has top-tier regulation.
Best for active traders
Recommended
Alpari International vs IG: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $5 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
Alpari International vs IG 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 IG: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
Alpari International
criteria win
5
IG
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Alpari International | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Alpari International vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
IG is the stronger choice: it rates 4.5/5 versus 3.3/5 for Alpari International, a gap that reflects clear differences across regulation, fees, and platform quality in our review.
Alpari International lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with IG's 0.6. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
IG has no minimum deposit, while Alpari International requires at least $5. This makes IG more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
IG 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.
IG 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 IG lists up to 1:1. 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 IG 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 IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Alpari International has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView.
Neither Alpari International nor IG 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.
IG 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.
