Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of HFM vs Axi, 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, established in 2010, and Axi, which started in 2007, are both well-regarded online brokers that aren't publicly traded and don't operate as banks. They each maintain 2 Tier-1 licenses, which indicates a high level of trust among regulators and clients alike. While both brokers share similarities in their operational structure, their regulatory standings slightly differ.
HFM holds a Trust Score of 86, categorizing it as trusted according to ForexBrokers.com. In addition to its Tier-1 licenses, HFM boosts its credibility with 3 Tier-2 licenses. Axi, meanwhile, earns a Trust Score of 82 and carries 1 Tier-2 license. This comparison shows HFM with a slight edge in regulatory trust measures, offering a broader base of regulatory compliance than Axi.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2007 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
When comparing online brokers HFM and Axi for their commissions and fees, HFM tends to offer trading costs that are slightly above the industry average. For its standard trading accounts, HFM presents a typical spread of 1.2 pips. However, it's important to note that this figure isn't tied to a specific date range, leaving room for variation in the actual average. In contrast, the Zero account at HFM boasts a more competitive effective spread of 0.7 pips after accounting for commission, although this is not presented as an average.
Axi, on the other hand, does not provide specific average spread data for a direct comparison. This lack of detailed information might make it challenging for potential traders to fully evaluate the costs associated with using Axi's services.
Despite slight uncertainties in spread data, both brokers earn a commendable 4-star rating out of 5 in the area of commissions and fees. According to ForexBrokers.com, HFM holds the 31st position out of 63 brokers in this category, while Axi ranks 43rd. This suggests that while both brokers offer competitive pricing, HFM may have a slight edge in terms of cost-effectiveness in this particular ranking scenario.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| 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 | Yes |
| 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 comparing HFM and Axi for their range of investments, both brokers offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, making them appealing to those interested in currency trading. HFM provides a more extensive selection with 500 tradeable symbols, including 102 forex pairs, while Axi offers 175 tradeable symbols with 65 forex pairs. Neither broker offers exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, so clients won't be able to purchase stocks like Apple or Vodafone through these platforms. However, both HFM and Axi do offer copy trading, which can be attractive for those looking to mimic the strategies of experienced traders.
For cryptocurrency enthusiasts, both HFM and Axi allow trading in cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither offers the purchase of actual cryptocurrency. In terms of ratings, HFM receives a slightly higher score with 4 out of 5 stars compared to Axi's 3.5 stars for their range of investments. On ForexBrokers.com, HFM is ranked #36 out of 63 brokers in the Range of Investments category, indicating a broader offering compared to Axi, which is ranked #56. This suggests that HFM may offer a more versatile range of trading opportunities for investors.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 175 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 65 |
| 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.
In the trading platforms and tools space, HFM and Axi offer several options for users with varied needs. Both brokers provide simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, ensuring that traders can practice without financial risk. Though both brokers support popular MetaTrader 4, only HFM offers MetaTrader 5 for those seeking advanced features. HFM also shines with its proprietary platform, unlike Axi which relies solely on third-party solutions. For Windows users, both brokers provide desktop trading platforms, and they also offer web-based platforms for convenience. For those interested in copy trading, both brokers deliver this functionality, although Axi extends its offerings with ZuluTrade, which is not available with HFM.
When it comes to charting capabilities, HFM provides more with 30 drawing tools compared to Axi's 15, allowing for greater flexibility in analysis. Both brokers excel in trading directly from stock charts and offer the same number of columns for watch lists, enhancing user experience. HFM outperforms Axi in the ForexBrokers.com rankings for Trading Platforms and Tools, positioned at #42 compared to Axi's #63, and is rated slightly higher with four stars against Axi's 3.5 stars. This indicates a more favorable user experience and feature set from HFM, appealing to traders looking for a comprehensive trading toolkit.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| 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 comparing the mobile trading apps of HFM and Axi, both brokers provide comprehensive solutions for trading on the go. Available for both iPhone and Android users, these apps allow traders to access price alerts, trendline drawing features, and view multiple time frames on stock or forex charts effortlessly. Each app boasts an impressive array of 30 technical studies to enhance charting capabilities. However, while HFM's app auto-saves chart drawings, Axi does not offer this feature, potentially affecting user convenience. Neither platform supports watchlist symbol syncing between mobile and online accounts, which might be a consideration for those who value seamless integration.
In terms of user ratings, HFM receives a commendable 4 out of 5 stars for their mobile trading app experience, outperforming Axi, which garners a slightly lower score of 3.5 stars. The distinction is further reflected in their rankings by ForexBrokers.com, with HFM standing at the 39th position out of 63 brokers, whereas Axi is placed at 59th. Despite featuring real-time quote watchlists, these elements position HFM as a more favored choice for traders prioritizing a more user-friendly and efficient mobile trading experience.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research offerings of online brokers HFM and Axi, several key differences and similarities emerge. HFM stands out by providing daily market commentary, a feature that is not available with Axi. Both brokers cater to forex traders with news updates from leading sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. Additionally, they each offer tools from Autochartist for technical and fundamental analysis. However, neither broker includes tools from Trading Central or Acuity Trading, nor do they provide market research from TipRanks.
For traders interested in sentiment analysis, both HFM and Axi offer tools that display the ratio of long or short positions across various instruments. Each broker also features an economic calendar detailing current and upcoming global news events. While HFM is rated 4 stars in research and ranks 20th among 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, Axi holds a 3-star rating and ranks 55th. Overall, HFM appears to offer a more comprehensive research experience compared to Axi, particularly for those who value daily market insights.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| 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 Axi provide a solid foundation with at least 10 educational pieces focused on forex or CFDs, which include articles, videos, and archived webinars. Both platforms host monthly webinars to engage and educate clients; however, HFM stands out by offering a searchable archive of these webinars, allowing users to easily revisit past sessions. Moreover, HFM and Axi both offer more than 10 beginner-focused videos that cover essential trading topics, helping newcomers build their understanding and confidence.
For traders seeking advanced education, HFM provides more than 10 videos tailored to experienced traders, whereas Axi does not offer the same level of depth for seasoned individuals. Both brokers present an investor dictionary comprising at least 50 investing terms, aiding users in navigating finance jargon. HFM scores higher in education with a 4-star rating, compared to Axi's 3-star rating. However, oddly, Axi ranks higher on ForexBrokers.com, coming in at 27th compared to HFM's 37th spot among 63 brokers. This illustrates that while ratings and rankings may vary, both platforms aim to empower their users with valuable educational tools.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| 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 Axi. HFM finished with an overall rank of #30, while Axi finished with an overall rank of #49.
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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Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 82 |
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Both HFM and Axi do not provide the option to purchase actual cryptocurrencies, but they do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers HFM and Axi, both lack ACH and SEPA transfer options as well as PayPal for deposit or withdrawal, but offer Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire options for managing account funds.
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 | Axi | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 82 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review |
| Broker Screenshots | HFM | Axi | |
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| Regulation | HFM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 82 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2007 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | HFM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| 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) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | HFM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | HFM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 175 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 65 | |
| 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 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | HFM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 | |
| 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 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | HFM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | HFM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | HFM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | HFM | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Axi | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 82 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review |
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