Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Alpari vs TopFX, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Alpari, established in 1998, and TopFX, founded in 2010, are two online brokers that serve global traders. Neither of these firms is publicly traded or operates as a bank. In terms of trustworthiness, Alpari has a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 68, placing it in the high-risk category, while TopFX has a slightly lower Trust Score of 67, which also falls into the high-risk range.
When it comes to regulatory licensing, Alpari does not hold any Tier-1 or Tier-2 licenses known for providing higher trust levels. On the other hand, TopFX holds one Tier-1 license, offering a slightly more secure option for traders prioritizing regulatory oversight and safety. Whether you choose Alpari or TopFX may depend on your preference for trading under a broker with at least some degree of higher regulatory credibility.
| Feature |
Alpari
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1998 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When examining the commissions and fees for online brokers Alpari and TopFX, both receive a 4-star rating. However, in the ForexBrokers.com ranking, Alpari is positioned at number 41 out of 63 brokers while TopFX ranks slightly better at number 40. This indicates that both brokers are considered fairly competitive in their fee structures, though TopFX has a minor edge in the rankings.
TopFX stands out with its transparent pricing model, offering two distinct account types: the spread-only ZERO account and the commission-based RAW account. The RAW account features a commission of 2.75 EUR per side, totaling 5.50 EUR for a round-turn standard lot. For July 2024, the average spread for this account on the EUR/USD was 0.33 pips, making the all-in cost approximately 0.88 pips, which aligns with industry averages. In contrast, the ZERO account does not charge commissions but has higher average spreads, recorded at 1.03 pips for the EUR/USD during the same period.
Unfortunately, specific average spread data for Alpari is not available, which can make a direct comparison challenging. However, with both brokers rated similarly in terms of commissions and fees, potential investors might choose based on the detailed account options and spread information provided by TopFX, especially if transparency and the ability to manage costs are a priority in their trading strategy.
| Feature |
Alpari
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $20 | Depends on payment method |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | 1.03 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 0.88 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
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When comparing Alpari and TopFX in terms of investment range, both platforms provide forex trading options including CFDs or spot contracts. Alpari offers 105 tradeable symbols, while TopFX boasts a significantly larger selection with 655 symbols available. For forex pairs, Alpari provides 46 options compared to TopFX's 60, giving TopFX a slight edge for forex enthusiasts. Both brokers do not provide direct access to U.S. exchange-traded securities like Apple shares, yet Alpari allows trading on some international exchanges such as the London Stock Exchange, whereas TopFX does not.
Alpari and TopFX both support copy trading, allowing users to mimic the strategies of successful traders. Regarding cryptocurrencies, neither broker offers the purchase of real coins, but they both provide cryptocurrency derivatives. Overall, TopFX slightly outshines Alpari in the Range of Investments category with a 3.5-star rating compared to Alpari's 3-star rating. According to ForexBrokers.com, TopFX is ranked #46 out of 63 brokers, while Alpari is ranked at #63, indicating a broader investment range and more versatile trading opportunities with TopFX.
| Feature |
Alpari
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 105 | 655 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 60 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools of Alpari and TopFX, both brokers provide a range of features appealing to traders of different levels. Both offer free virtual demo accounts, important for practicing strategies risk-free. Alpari shines with its proprietary platform, catering to those seeking a unique trading environment, alongside well-recognized platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. TopFX users, however, rely on MetaTrader 4 as it does not offer MT5 or a proprietary platform. Both brokers deliver versatile trading experiences with Windows-based desktop downloads and web-based platforms, amplify trading capabilities through copy trading, and enable direct trading from charts.
Alpari and TopFX offer identical charting capabilities, providing 15 drawing tools and allowing seven columns in watch lists. While neither broker supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade, they still cater well to users focusing on chart-based strategies. Each broker has been rated four out of five stars for their trading platforms and tools by users. However, in the ForexBrokers.com ranking, TopFX achieves a higher standing at number 45 compared to Alpari's rank of 55 out of 63 brokers, highlighting slight differences in user preferences and satisfaction.
| Feature |
Alpari
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both Alpari and TopFX offer solid options for iphone and Android users. Each app provides crucial features including stock or forex price alerts, the ability to draw trendlines on charts, and multiple time frame views. Both apps also support the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes, although neither offers syncing of watchlists with the client's online account. Each app features 30 technical studies for charting, providing traders with robust analytical tools. However, a key difference is that TopFX saves chart drawings automatically, which can be a significant advantage for those who frequently analyze trends.
In terms of user ratings, both Alpari and TopFX receive a solid 4-star rating for their mobile trading apps. However, TopFX edges out Alpari slightly in rankings by ForexBrokers.com, taking the #51 spot out of 63 brokers, compared to Alpari's #56 ranking. This slight edge may be due in part to the convenience of auto-saving drawings on charts, providing users with a more seamless trading experience. Overall, both apps offer a range of useful features for traders, but those seeking a smoother charting experience may prefer TopFX.
| Feature |
Alpari
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research offerings of Alpari and TopFX, both online brokers provide access to forex news from reputable sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones, along with offering technical analysis tools from Autochartist. Additionally, both brokers supply an economic calendar to keep traders informed about global news events. However, TopFX distinguishes itself by also offering tools from Trading Central and a sentiment-based trading tool, unlike Alpari, which lacks these features. This gives TopFX users an added edge with access to diverse analytical perspectives, aiding in making well-informed trading decisions.
Despite these differences, both Alpari and TopFX are rated similarly for research capabilities, each receiving a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. ForexBrokers.com ranks Alpari slightly higher at 57th place, compared to TopFX at 60th out of 63 brokers in the research category. For traders seeking basic research offerings coupled with reputable news sources, either broker could be a viable choice; however, TopFX's additional analytical tools may appeal to those who value a broader range of research resources.
| Feature |
Alpari
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources available for beginners, Alpari stands out more than TopFX. Alpari offers a collection of forex and CFDs education materials with at least 10 articles, videos, or archived webinars, helping beginners grasp essential trading concepts. While both Alpari and TopFX lack monthly educational webinars or a searchable archive, Alpari's catalog includes over 10 beginner-focused videos to help newcomers. Additionally, Alpari provides an investor dictionary with definitions for at least 50 investing terms, making financial jargon easier to understand. TopFX does not offer these beginner-friendly materials, making it less suited for those new to trading.
In terms of educational rankings, both Alpari and TopFX receive a 3-star rating for their education services. However, Alpari is ranked higher in the education category at #48 compared to TopFX's #61, according to ForexBrokers.com. This ranking underscores Alpari's stronger emphasis on providing educational content for those looking to start their trading journey, whereas TopFX seems to offer less in terms of foundational resources for beginners.
| Feature |
Alpari
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Alpari is better than TopFX. Alpari finished with an overall rank of #58, while TopFX finished with an overall rank of #62.
Alpari is one of the first brokers to offer the MetaTrader platform glopbally before it became popular. The Alpari group of companies are regulated only in a few jurisdictions, putting the broker at a disadvantage compared to the most trusted brokers.
| Feature |
Alpari
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TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 68 | 67 |
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Both Alpari and TopFX do not provide options for purchasing actual delivered cryptocurrencies; however, they both offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, rather than the actual cryptocurrencies themselves.
Alpari and TopFX both provide Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires for fund transactions, but differ as TopFX also supports PayPal, whereas neither broker supports ACH or SEPA transfers.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Alpari | TopFX | |
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| Trust Score | 68 | 67 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | TopFX Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Alpari | TopFX | |
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| Regulation | Alpari | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 68 | 67 | |
| Year Founded | 1998 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Alpari | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Alpari | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Alpari | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 105 | 655 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 60 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | Alpari | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | 1.03 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 0.88 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Alpari | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $20 | Depends on payment method | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | Alpari | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Alpari | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Alpari | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Alpari | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Alpari | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | Alpari | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | TopFX Review |
| Overall | Alpari | TopFX | |
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| Trust Score | 68 | 67 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | TopFX Review |
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