Updated October 13, 2026 · BrokerCue Editorial Team
Alpari vs EC Markets
Facts checked September 26, 2026.
Where Alpari and EC Markets differ
| Compare |  Alpari |  EC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $30 | $10Lower |
| Markets | Stocks, ETFs, Forex, CFDs, Futures, Crypto, MetalsCovers more | Stocks, ETFs, Forex, CFDs, Crypto, Metals |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Desktop, Trading App | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, EC Markets App |
| Maximum retail leverage | 1:3000 | 1:1000 |
| Regulators | Not confirmed | SIPC |
| Investor protection | Not confirmed | SIPC up to USD 500,000 |
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Key differences
- Minimum deposit is lower at EC Markets: $10 vs $30.
- Markets: only Alpari offers Futures.
- Platforms: only Alpari offers Desktop, Trading App.
- Platforms: only EC Markets offers EC Markets App.
- Features: only Alpari offers Crypto, Demo account.
Our verdict on each
Alpari
Alpari is a global forex and CFDs broker known for more than 25 years of experience and more than one million clients worldwide. It suits beginners through advanced traders who want CFDs across forex, commodities, metals, indices, stocks and crypto alongside PAMM investing.
EC Markets
EC Markets suits active traders who want retail leverage of 1:1000 across forex, CFDs, stocks and crypto in one account. The US entity behind the brand, RB INTERNATIONAL MARKETS (USA) LLC, sits under SIPC up to USD 500,000, so the safety side is easier to check than with an offshore-only broker.
Score breakdown
| Area | Alpari | EC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 8.8 | 9.0HigherThe $10 minimum deposit sits below the €4.64 site median, so the cost of opening an account is low. |
| Offer | 9.3 | 9.5Higher |
| Trust | 9.4Higher | 8.6 |
Feature by feature
| Markets | Alpari | EC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | Yes |
| CFDs | Yes | Yes |
| Futures | Yes | No |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes |
| Metals | Yes | Yes |
Where each is licensed and available
| Country | Alpari | EC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Not confirmed | SIPC SIPC member 71021 |
How they place
| Ranking | Alpari | EC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Stock and ETF brokers | 227 of 471 | 138 of 471 |
| Forex brokers | 88 of 147 | 58 of 147 |
| Low-spread forex brokers | 86 of 145 | 56 of 145 |
| CFD brokers | 70 of 122 | 47 of 122 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Alpari | EC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Crypto, Demo account, Mobile appCovers more | Mobile app |
| Audience | Beginners | Not confirmed |
| Legal entity | Not confirmed | RB INTERNATIONAL MARKETS (USA) LLC |
| Founded | 1998 | Not confirmed |
| Support channels | Help centre | Not confirmed |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Alpari | EC Markets | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $30above the median | $10below the median | $25 |
Median across 134 listed brokers.
Pros and cons
Alpari
Pros
- Covers CFDs across forex, commodities, metals, indices, stocks and crypto
- Offers PAMM investing for following experienced traders alongside self directed trading
- Provides practice trading account for learning at own pace
Cons
- Focus on CFDs and forex keeps activity within leveraged trading styles
- Following experienced traders through PAMM reduces independent trading control
- Online access through app and desktop defines the trading experience
EC Markets
Pros
- One account spans stocks, etfs and forex, so you are not locked into a single asset class.
- You can trade on MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and EC Markets App, with the mobile app listed under mobile app.
Cons
- Retail leverage of 1:1000 magnifies losses, and on the site's forex list 72.13% of retail accounts lose money.
- The $10 entry point sits above CFI's $0 and Vantage's $5, so the cheapest way in is elsewhere.
Who each suits
Alpari
Who it suits
- Beginners learning to trade at their own pace
- Traders interested in forex and CFDs across many markets
- Investors wanting to follow experienced traders through PAMM
Who should look elsewhere
- Investors seeking direct ownership outside CFDs
EC Markets
Who it suits
- Active traders who want 1:1000 retail leverage on forex and CFDs
- US-based investors who want protection stated at SIPC up to USD 500,000
- Newcomers who can start at $10 and learn on MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and EC Markets App
Who should look elsewhere
- CFI, if you want to open an account with no minimum at $0
- Vantage, if the entry deposit matters more than the market list, since it starts at $5
- eToro, if you trade futures, which its market list stocks, etfs and forex covers
Current offers
Alpari
Current offer
Bonus
$500 Welcome Bonus: up to $500, code ALPARI500 / HELLOALPARI
T&Cs apply; 100% of first deposit in trading credit
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Questions about each
Alpari
What markets does Alpari cover?+
Alpari offers CFDs that cover forex, commodities, metals, indices, stocks and crypto. It operates as a global forex and CFDs broker with more than 25 years of experience. The range supports traders who want broad market access from one broker.
What is PAMM investing at Alpari?+
Alpari provides PAMM investing alongside its CFD trading offer. The service enables clients to follow experienced traders and observe their approaches in practice. It creates an additional path for participation beyond placing all trades independently.
EC Markets
What is the minimum deposit at EC Markets?+
The minimum deposit is $10 to fund an account. That sits above the €4.64 site median, so it is a low entry point rather than the lowest one available. Anyone starting small should confirm which account the deposit applies to before adding funds.
Is money held at EC Markets protected?+
Protection is stated as SIPC up to USD 500,000, under the SIPC scheme named in the brand's licences. That figure is the scheme's stated ceiling rather than a promise of returns, and the scheme's own terms set the conditions, so read them before depositing.
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