Broker Alarab
Detailed Trading Account Comparison

Trading Account Comparison: Alpari Pro ECNvs IC Markets Standard

Explore differences in spreads, commissions, deposits and trading conditions, alongside a detailed review of each account's advantages and limitations.

ACCOUNT OVERVIEW

What Makes Alpari Pro ECN Different from IC Markets Standard?

Before comparing the numbers, it is important to understand the purpose of each account and the conditions that may make it suitable for different traders.

Alpari Pro ECN

The Alpari Pro ECN account has the tightest recorded spread range among the Alpari accounts in Broker Alarab data and is categorized for professional traders. According to our data, spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips with a recorded average of 0.2 pips, commission is $4 per lot, the minimum deposit is $500 and orders use Market Execution. It therefore combines the tightest recorded Alpari spread range with the highest deposit requirement among the four accounts.

IC Markets Standard

The IC Markets Standard account is the broker’s straightforward pricing option for traders who prefer trading without a separate per-lot commission. According to Broker Alarab data, spreads range from 0.8–1.0 pips, commission is $0, the minimum deposit is $200 and orders use Market Execution. We categorize it for beginners, while comparing Standard with IC Markets Raw accounts becomes increasingly important as trading activity grows.

SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON

Compare Trading Accounts, Spreads, Commissions and Platforms

Review spreads, commissions, minimum deposits, trading platforms, execution methods and broker-level regulatory information.

Alpari
Pro ECN
IC Markets
Standard

01 — Basic Account Information

Compare the broker, account name, account classification and regulatory information.

Broker

Alpari
Alpari
IC Markets
IC Markets

Account Name

Alpari
Pro ECN
IC Markets
Standard

Account Type

Alpari
raw
IC Markets
standard

Broker Regulatory Licenses

Broker-level regulatory information. Verify which legal entity serves your country.

Alpari
MISA
IC Markets
ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB

02 — Spreads and Trading Costs

Compare the recorded trading costs without assuming undocumented pricing.

Advertised Spread Range

Alpari
0.0 – 0.3
IC Markets
0.8 - 1.0

Minimum Recorded Spread

Based on the available account information.

Alpari
0
IC Markets
0.8

Average Recorded Spread

Alpari
0.2
IC Markets
0.9

Advertised Commission

Alpari
Not specified
IC Markets
$0

03 — Deposits and Execution

Review account funding requirements and order execution characteristics.

Minimum Deposit

Alpari
$500
IC Markets
$200

Order Execution Method

Alpari
Market Execution
IC Markets
Market Execution

Trading Platforms

Available platforms may differ by account type.

Alpari
MT4 | MT5
IC Markets
MT4 | MT5 | cTrader | TradingView

04 — Account Features and Conditions

Review relevant account characteristics and trading suitability.

Scalping Suitability

An internal classification, not a guarantee of suitability.

Alpari
Not classified in this category
IC Markets
Not classified in this category

05 — Broker Information and Regulation

Broker-level information does not guarantee that every license applies to the selected account.

Listed Regulatory Licenses

Alpari
MISA
IC Markets
ASIC | CySEC | FSA | SCB

Broker Maximum Leverage

Actual leverage may depend on the account, jurisdiction and legal entity.

Alpari
1:3000
IC Markets
1:500

Open a Trading Account

Information is based on records available to Broker Alarab. Trading conditions may vary by account, country and legal entity.

EXPERT ANALYSIS

Broker Alarab's Assessment of Both Accounts

We review each account independently, highlighting strengths, limitations and the types of traders it may suit, without declaring an unsupported winner.

Alpari logo

Alpari

Pro ECN

IC Markets logo

IC Markets

Standard

Broker Alarab's Assessment

We see Alpari Pro ECN as the most specialized account in our recorded Alpari lineup: 0.0–0.3 pip spreads averaging 0.2 pips, a $4 per-lot commission and a $500 minimum deposit. Its primary strength is the tightest recorded spread range, but professional traders should determine whether that spread improvement justifies the commission and higher capital requirement compared with regular ECN.

Broker Alarab's Assessment

We see IC Markets Standard as better suited to traders who value simple commission-free pricing, particularly beginners who do not want to calculate spread and commission together. However, IC Markets offers several Raw alternatives, making comparison essential. Its 0.8–1.0 pip range can matter more as volume and trading frequency increase, so zero commission alone should not determine the choice.

Account Advantages

  • ✓Tightest recorded spread range among our Alpari accounts at 0.0–0.3 pips
  • ✓Recorded average spread is 0.2 pips
  • ✓Categorized for professional traders
  • ✓Tighter recorded spread range than the regular ECN account
  • ✓Uses Market Execution according to the account data

Account Advantages

  • ✓No separate trading commission according to Broker Alarab data
  • ✓Spreads range from 0.8–1.0 pips in our data
  • ✓Straightforward cost structure that is easier for beginners to understand
  • ✓Minimum deposit is $200 according to our data
  • ✓Provides a clear alternative for traders who do not want tight-spread pricing with a separate commission

Disadvantages and Considerations

  • !The $500 minimum deposit is the highest among the four Alpari accounts
  • !The recorded $4 per-lot commission is higher than ECN
  • !A spread starting from 0.0 does not mean trading is cost-free
  • !Trading volume and style should justify moving from ECN to Pro ECN

Disadvantages and Considerations

  • !Spread range is wider than the Raw accounts listed in our data
  • !Commission-free does not mean the transaction has no cost
  • !Spread cost can become more important for scalping and frequent trading
  • !Active traders should compare Standard with Raw Spread and the professional Raw tiers before choosing

Who Is This Account Suitable For?

  • •Professional traders according to Broker Alarab categorization
  • •Users who place a high priority on tighter recorded spreads
  • •Traders able to meet the $500 minimum deposit requirement
  • •Users able to compare the $4 per-lot commission against the spread improvement over ECN

Who Is This Account Suitable For?

  • •Beginners looking for an IC Markets account with easy-to-understand pricing
  • •Traders who prefer not to pay a separate commission per lot
  • •Lower-frequency traders who are not focused exclusively on obtaining the tightest possible spread
  • •Users who prefer a primarily spread-based cost model instead of combining spread and commission

Detailed Account Analysis

Does the Alpari Pro ECN Spread Really Start From 0.0 Pips?

According to Broker Alarab data, the recorded Pro ECN spread range starts from 0.0 pips and extends to 0.3 pips, while the recorded average is 0.2 pips. The 0.0 figure represents the beginning of the range rather than a promise that every trade will have zero spread. A separate $4 per-lot commission must also be included in any cost analysis.

Alpari Pro ECN vs ECN: What Actually Changes?

Pro ECN has recorded spreads of 0.0–0.3 pips averaging 0.2 pips, a $4 per-lot commission and a $500 minimum deposit. ECN has 0.4–0.9 pip spreads averaging 0.6 pips, a $3 commission and a $300 minimum. Moving to Pro therefore means tighter spreads in exchange for a higher commission and deposit requirement, so the decision should be connected to trading volume.

Is Alpari Pro ECN the Cheapest Account for Professional Traders?

Having the tightest recorded Alpari spread range is not enough to establish that Pro ECN is the lowest-cost account in every scenario. The recorded commission is $4 per lot, so total costs are affected by traded volume and the actual spread at execution. A meaningful comparison with ECN should calculate both components rather than selecting Pro solely because spreads can start from 0.0 pips.

Detailed Account Analysis

IC Markets Standard vs Raw Spread: Which Account Is Better?

This is one of the most important comparisons when choosing an IC Markets account. According to Broker Alarab data, Standard uses a 0.8–1.0 pip spread range with no separate commission, while Raw Spread uses 0.0–0.3 pips with a $7-per-lot commission. Both have a $200 minimum deposit in our data, so the entry requirement does not decide the comparison. Standard provides simpler pricing, while Raw Spread reduces the spread in exchange for commission. The better option depends on lot size, trading frequency and the total cost produced by each structure.

Is the IC Markets Standard Account Good for Beginners?

Broker Alarab categorizes Standard for beginners, and one reason this type of account can suit newer traders is the clarity of its cost structure. There is no separate per-lot commission, allowing traders to focus primarily on the spread when understanding entry and exit costs. This does not reduce trading risk or guarantee that Standard is always the cheapest account. Its main advantage for beginners is pricing simplicity, while Raw accounts can be compared later as trading size and frequency increase.

When Does a Raw Account Make More Sense Than Standard?

As traders become more spread-sensitive or increase their transaction frequency and trading volume, comparing Standard with the Raw accounts becomes more important. Standard is listed at 0.8–1.0 pips in our data, while several Raw options use tighter ranges with separate commissions. Traders should translate both the spread difference and commission into an effective cost at their expected lot size. This produces a more useful decision than relying only on labels such as commission-free or tight spread.

Important details about the Alpari Pro ECN account

0.0 pips is the start of the range, not a guarantee

The recorded range extends from 0.0–0.3 pips with a 0.2-pip average, so the range, average and commission should be evaluated together.

The recorded commission is $4 per lot

This commission is higher than the regular ECN account in Broker Alarab data and should be considered when measuring the benefit of tighter spreads.

The minimum deposit is $500

This is the highest deposit requirement among our four recorded Alpari accounts and is not a recommendation for suitable trading capital.

Important details about the IC Markets Standard account

Commission-free does not mean free trading

Standard has a $0 commission in our data, but its 0.8–1.0 pip spread range remains an important component of transaction cost and should be included in comparisons.

The minimum deposit in our data is $200

Broker Alarab lists a $200 minimum deposit for Standard. This is an account requirement rather than a recommendation for suitable trading capital or risk.

Compare Standard and Raw using total trading cost

The presence of commission on a Raw account or its absence on Standard does not determine the cheaper option by itself. Spread differences and commission should be compared using expected volume and transaction frequency.

DECISION GUIDE

How to Choose the Right Trading Account

Numbers alone are not enough. Account suitability depends on your trading strategy, capital, financial instruments and the conditions applicable to you.

01

Compare Spreads and Commissions Together

The recorded spread for Alpari Pro ECN is 0.0 – 0.3, while IC Markets Standard shows 0.8 - 1.0. Evaluating overall trading costs also requires checking commission rates, pricing units, instruments and position sizes.

02

Review Minimum Deposit Requirements

The recorded minimum deposit for Alpari Pro ECN is $500, compared with $200 for IC Markets Standard. A lower deposit requirement may provide more flexibility, but it does not automatically make an account better.

03

Compare Trading Platforms and Execution

Check which trading platforms each broker actually offers for the selected account, including MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 where supported. Also review execution policies and potential slippage. Availability and conditions may vary by account and country.

04

Verify Regulation and Eligibility

Confirm the legal entity that will serve your account, the regulatory framework applicable to that entity, and whether the selected account is available in your country.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs About Alpari Pro ECN vs IC Markets Standard

Answers to common questions about account comparisons, trading costs and account conditions.

What is the difference between Alpari Pro ECN and IC Markets Standard?+
The recorded spread for Alpari Pro ECN is 0.0 – 0.3, compared with 0.8 - 1.0 for IC Markets Standard. The advertised commissions are Not specified and $0, respectively. You should also consider execution conditions, deposit requirements and account availability.
Is the account with the lowest spread always better?+
Not necessarily. Trading costs should be evaluated using both spreads and commissions, while considering the financial instrument, position size and execution conditions.
Can I compare two accounts from the same broker?+
Yes. Broker Alarab allows traders to compare accounts from the same broker or from different brokers.
How can I verify the trading conditions?+
Review the broker's official account specifications, applicable legal entity and trading conditions. Spreads, commissions and leverage may vary by instrument, account and jurisdiction.
What is the Alpari Pro ECN account?+
Alpari Pro ECN has the tightest recorded spread range among the Alpari accounts in Broker Alarab data and is categorized for professional traders. Spreads range from 0.0–0.3 pips with a 0.2-pip average, commission is $4 per lot, the minimum deposit is $500 and orders use Market Execution.
What is the Alpari Pro ECN spread?+
The recorded Pro ECN spread ranges from 0.0–0.3 pips, while the recorded average is 0.2 pips. A range starting from 0.0 does not mean every trade receives zero spread, and a separate $4 per-lot commission also applies.
What are the Alpari Pro ECN commission and minimum deposit?+
The commission recorded in Broker Alarab data is $4 per lot and the minimum deposit is $500. This is the highest minimum deposit among our four Alpari accounts, and the figure represents an account requirement rather than a recommendation for suitable trading capital.
What is the difference between Alpari Pro ECN and ECN?+
Pro ECN has recorded spreads of 0.0–0.3 pips, a $4 per-lot commission and a $500 minimum deposit. ECN has 0.4–0.9 pip spreads, a $3 per-lot commission and a $300 minimum deposit. Pro therefore offers a tighter recorded spread range in exchange for a higher commission and deposit requirement.
What is the IC Markets Standard account?+
The IC Markets Standard account has no separate trading commission and is categorized by Broker Alarab for beginners. According to our data, spreads range from 0.8–1.0 pips, commission is $0, the minimum deposit is $200 and orders use Market Execution. It differs from the Raw accounts by placing trading cost primarily within the spread instead of combining tighter spreads with a separate commission.
What is the IC Markets Standard spread and commission?+
According to Broker Alarab data, IC Markets Standard spreads range from 0.8–1.0 pips and there is no separate trading commission. The spread therefore represents the primary transaction cost. Zero commission does not mean cost-free trading, which is why Standard and Raw Spread should be compared using total trading cost rather than commission alone.

Explore Both Trading Accounts in Detail

Review the full account information, compare trading conditions and verify the broker's requirements before opening an account.