Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of HFM vs ATFX, 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.
HFM and ATFX are both established online brokers in the financial trading industry, with HFM founded in 2010 and ATFX in 2017. Neither company is publicly traded nor operates as a bank. When it comes to regulatory credentials, HFM holds two Tier-1 licenses, indicating high trust according to ForexBrokers.com rankings. In comparison, ATFX boasts four Tier-1 licenses, demonstrating a solid commitment to top-tier regulatory compliance.
Both brokers also maintain Tier-2 licenses, with HFM holding three and ATFX holding two, which reinforces their compliance standing. Their trust scores reflect their regulatory positions; HFM has a trust score of 86, suggesting a trusted rating, while ATFX slightly trails with a trust score of 85. These scores imply that both brokers are well-regarded for their trustworthiness, with a minor edge to HFM based on these ratings.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2017 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
When comparing the commissions and fees between HFM and ATFX, prospective traders will notice some key differences. At HFM, trading costs are slightly above the industry standard, with their standard trading accounts typically offering a spread of 1.2 pips. It's important to note that HFM does not specify the timeframe for these spreads, which might result in higher costs than anticipated. For those using HFM's Zero account, the effective spread is reduced to 0.7 pips after commission, though this figure also isn't averaged over time. HFM is rated four out of five stars for commissions and fees, ranking 31st out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, ATFX does not provide average spread data, making it challenging to evaluate precise trading costs. This lack of transparency might be a concern for traders looking to predict their expenses accurately. Because of this, ATFX receives a lower rating of three out of five stars for commissions and fees. ForexBrokers.com ranks ATFX at 60th out of 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category, highlighting a potential area for improvement.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $500 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When evaluating the range of investments offered by HFM and ATFX, both brokers allow forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts. HFM stands out with a collection of 500 tradeable symbols, which includes 102 forex pairs, providing traders with a broader selection than ATFX, which offers 150 tradeable symbols and 44 forex pairs. Both brokers do not facilitate direct purchases of exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, nor do they provide the option to buy actual cryptocurrencies, though they both support trading in cryptocurrency derivatives.
For those interested in copy trading, both HFM and ATFX offer this feature. Despite similar offerings in some areas, HFM receives a higher rating for its range of investments with 4 stars, compared to ATFX's 3.5 stars. In a comparison of 63 brokers, ForexBrokers.com placed HFM at 36th and ATFX at 57th, suggesting that HFM might be a more favorable choice for diverse trading opportunities.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 44 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 HFM and ATFX, both brokers offer the essential features that traders seek. They each provide simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts and support for popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. While HFM boasts a proprietary platform developed in-house, ATFX does not provide this feature. Both brokers equip traders with a Windows-based desktop download and a web-based trading platform accessible through a browser, ensuring users can trade conveniently from their preferred device. Additionally, both HFM and ATFX offer copy trading, but neither supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade.
For charting enthusiasts, HFM offers more variety with 30 drawing tools compared to ATFX’s 15, though both brokers facilitate trading directly from stock charts. Each platform provides watch lists with seven customizable columns. In terms of ratings, HFM scores slightly higher with a four-star rating for its trading platforms and tools, compared to ATFX's 3.5 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, HFM is ranked 42nd out of 63 brokers in this category, while ATFX is placed at 62nd, suggesting a slight edge for HFM in terms of overall platform and tool offerings.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 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 HFM and ATFX offer applications for iPhone and Android devices. Users of either platform can benefit from receiving stock or forex price alerts, creating watchlists with real-time quotes, and having the capability to view multiple time frames in their charting options. If drawing trendlines on charts is essential for your trading strategy, both apps accommodate this feature as well, and they ensure that your drawings are automatically saved. However, neither HFM nor ATFX supports syncing watchlist symbols between their apps and the client's online account, which means any changes won't carry over to different platforms.
Where HFM stands out is in the number of technical studies available, offering 30 options compared to ATFX's 7. This difference might be a dealbreaker for traders who rely heavily on comprehensive technical analysis. HFM has earned a 4-star rating for its mobile app while ATFX trails slightly with a 3.5-star rating. The rankings by ForexBrokers.com reinforce HFM's edge, placing it at #39 out of 63 brokers compared to ATFX's #63. Overall, HFM seems to offer a more advanced mobile trading experience, although both have room for specific improvements.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 7 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Choosing between HFM and ATFX for market research involves considering several key features. Both brokers provide daily market commentary to keep traders informed. HFM distinguishes itself by offering forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, while ATFX does not provide similar news coverage. Both HFM and ATFX include technical analysis tools from Autochartist, though ATFX also adds tools from Trading Central, unlike HFM. A sentiment-based trading tool is available with HFM, showcasing the ratio of long or short positions, which ATFX does not offer. Neither broker provides market research from TipRanks or research tools from Acuity Trading; however, both feature an economic calendar to track global events.
When it comes to overall research ratings, HFM holds a higher position with a 4-star rating compared to ATFX's 3 stars. These ratings align with their rankings by ForexBrokers.com, where HFM is placed in the 20th spot among 63 brokers, whereas ATFX ranks at the 54th position. This analysis suggests that while both brokers have strengths, HFM might be more attractive for those prioritizing high-grade news sources and sentiment analysis tools in their trading strategies.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both HFM and ATFX offer a wide range of material to help newcomers understand forex and CFDs. Each broker provides at least 10 educational pieces, including articles, videos, and archived webinars, focusing on trading fundamentals. Beginners will find a rich library of videos tailored to their level at both brokers to enhance their learning experience. However, HFM stands out by offering monthly online educational webinars, whereas ATFX does not. Additionally, HFM provides advanced educational videos catered to experienced traders, widening its range of educational content beyond that of ATFX. Both brokers also feature an investor dictionary with a comprehensive collection of over 50 investing terms, making financial jargon more accessible to newcomers.
In terms of ratings and rankings, HFM receives 4 stars for its educational offerings, while ATFX is rated slightly lower with a 3-star rating. Despite the higher star rating, HFM is ranked 37th out of 63 brokers in the Education category by ForexBrokers.com, which is less than ATFX's 28th place ranking. These rankings reflect the nuanced differences in educational value perceived by the reviewing body. Nevertheless, for beginners seeking robust foundational knowledge coupled with opportunities for exploring advanced topics, HFM provides a more comprehensive educational package.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that HFM is better than ATFX. HFM finished with an overall rank of #30, while ATFX finished with an overall rank of #51.
Alongside its enhanced MetaTrader offering and quality research, HFM (HF Markets), previously known as HotForex, offers a proprietary copy trading platform, HFcopy, a proprietary HF mobile app, and a decent selection of over 1,000 CFDs and 47 forex pairs. Still, trading costs at HFM are slightly above the industry average.
| Feature |
HFM
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ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 85 |
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Both HFM and ATFX do not provide the option to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrency, but they do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both HFM and ATFX do not offer ACH, SEPA transfers, or PayPal for depositing or withdrawing funds, but they do support Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire transfers for transactional activities.
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 | HFM | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review |
| Broker Screenshots | HFM | ATFX | |
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| Regulation | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 85 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2017 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 44 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $500 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| 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 | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 7 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | HFM Review |
| Overall | HFM | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review |
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