Alpari
Plus500
Alpari vs Plus500
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Alpari and Plus500 are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Alpari, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is regulated by FSA, FSC and offers spreads starting from 0.4 pips with a minimum deposit of $5. Plus500, established in 2008 in Haifa, Israel, holds licenses from FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS with spreads from 0.8 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Plus500 scored 7.8/10 overall compared to Alpari's 6.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Alpari holds its own with superior education resources, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Plus500 scores 7.8/10 overall vs 6.8/10 for Alpari — a 1.0-point difference.
- 💵
Alpari requires just $5 to start, while Plus500 needs $100 — Alpari is 20x more accessible.
- 🛡️
Plus500 holds Tier 1 regulation (FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS) offering stronger investor protection than Alpari's Tier 3 status.
- 📈
Plus500 offers 2,800+ instruments vs 250+ at Alpari — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Alpari runs on MT4, MT5, while Plus500 uses Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: Plus500 scores 9.0 vs 5.0 for Alpari — a 4.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
Alpari
Score: 6.8/10 · Wins 1 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
- You prefer Alpari's trading environment overall
Plus500
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 5 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
Plus500 takes the lead with an overall score of 7.8/10 compared to 6.8/10, winning in 5 out of 8 scoring categories. Plus500 stands out for lower trading costs and stronger regulation, while Alpari fights back with superior education resources.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Plus500 comes out ahead with a 7.8/10 overall rating, winning 5 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 9.0/10. Plus500 holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Alpari is not without merit — it scores 6.8/10 overall and excels in Deposit & Withdrawal (7.5/10), winning 1 category. Traders who value superior education resources may find Alpari the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Plus500 review and Alpari review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Plus500 wins by 0.5 points
Plus500 wins by 4.0 points
Alpari wins by 1.5 points
Plus500 wins by 0.5 points
Plus500 wins by 1.0 points
Plus500 wins by 1.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 6.8/10 | 7.8/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $5 ✓ | $100 |
| Max Leverage | 1:1000 | 1:300 |
| Spreads From | 0.4 pips | 0.8 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 | Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App |
| Regulation | FSA, FSC | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 1998 ✓ | 2008 |
| Markets | 250+ | 2,800+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Plus500 has the edge with a score of 7.5/10 versus 7/10 for Alpari. Alpari offers spreads starting from 0.4 pips, while Plus500 starts from 0.8 pips. The minimum deposit at Alpari is $5, compared to $100 at Plus500. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
Alpari scores 7/10 for platforms compared to 7/10 for Plus500. Alpari provides MT4, MT5, while Plus500 offers Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Alpari is regulated by FSA, FSC (Tier 3), while Plus500 holds licenses from FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS (Tier 1). Alpari scores 5/10 and Plus500 scores 9/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, Alpari leads with 7/10 compared to 5.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Alpari and Plus500 both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
Alpari offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7/10, while Plus500 provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email with a score of 7/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Alpari scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Plus500 scores 8.5/10. Alpari accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin, FasaPay, and Plus500 supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Alpari requires a minimum deposit of $5 versus $100 for Plus500. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Alpari if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
- You prefer Alpari's trading environment overall
Choose Plus500 if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alpari better than Plus500?
Plus500 scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 6.8/10), winning 5 of 8 categories. However, Alpari is stronger in superior education resources. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Alpari or Plus500?
Plus500 scores higher for trading costs. Alpari offers spreads from 0.4 pips with a $5 minimum deposit, while Plus500 starts from 0.8 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Alpari safe to trade with?
Alpari is regulated by FSA, FSC and scores 5/10 for regulation. Plus500 is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Alpari or Plus500?
Alpari scores 7/10 for platforms. Alpari offers MT4, MT5, while Plus500 provides Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Alpari vs Plus500?
Alpari requires a minimum deposit of $5, while Plus500 requires $100. Alpari has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.