Alpari International vs ThinkMarkets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $5 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.4 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
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 automated equity strategies.
Choose if…
Choose ThinkMarkets if you want top-tier regulation and access to 12 exchanges.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
ThinkMarkets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, FSCA, JFSA and participates in a compensation scheme.
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $5 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.4 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Alpari International | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5 versus 3.3/5 for Alpari International. ThinkMarkets 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 ThinkMarkets's 0.4. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
ThinkMarkets has no minimum deposit, while Alpari International requires at least $5. This makes ThinkMarkets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
ThinkMarkets holds top-tier regulation (FCA, FSCA, 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.
ThinkMarkets 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 ThinkMarkets 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, lower than ThinkMarkets's $7 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. 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 ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView.
Neither Alpari International nor ThinkMarkets 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.
ThinkMarkets 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.
ThinkMarkets delivers robust mobile tools and MT4/MT5 with ThinkTrader for active equity trading.
Alpari has a very low $5 minimum deposit, easing entry for beginners.
ThinkMarkets provides access to 12 exchanges, broader global stock coverage than Alpari.
ThinkMarkets provides a $0 minimum deposit, lowering entry costs for new traders.
Equally matched; neither offers real ownership or dividend entitlement.
| 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| 1.1 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| 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 | FCA FSCA JFSA ASIC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
This comparison contrasts Alpari International and ThinkMarkets in the stocks CFDs space. The tension centers on regulation depth, exchange access, and platform versatility.
ThinkMarkets edges Alpari International with a higher editorial score and stronger Trust & Regulation and Platforms & Tools.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.3 / 5
Score 3.8 / 5
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