Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of HFM vs easyMarkets, 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 easyMarkets are both established online brokers, with HFM founded in 2010 and easyMarkets in 2001. Neither firm is publicly traded or operates as a bank. In terms of regulatory safety, both companies hold two Tier-1 licenses, which are highly regarded in the industry for trustworthiness. However, HFM takes a slight edge with three Tier-2 licenses compared to easyMarkets' single Tier-2 license. This suggests HFM has a broader regulatory reach, which can be beneficial for client security.
When it comes to trust scores, ForexBrokers.com rates HFM at 86 out of 99, categorizing it as a trusted broker. EasyMarkets, meanwhile, has a trust score of 84, also placing it in the trusted category. While both brokers are well-rated, HFM's slightly higher score and greater number of Tier-2 licenses may offer a bit more reassurance for those prioritizing regulatory backing and overall trust.
| Feature |
HFM
|
easyMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2001 |
| 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 | 2 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of online brokers HFM and easyMarkets, HFM trading costs are slightly above the industry average. Their standard trading accounts typically offer a spread of 1.2 pips, although no specific date range is provided, which can suggest potential for higher averages. The Zero account at HFM presents a more competitive offering with an effective spread of 0.7 pips after commission, though it should be noted this is not an average figure. For its overall commissions and fees, HFM earns a solid rating of 4 stars from ForexBrokers.com and ranks at #31 among 63 brokers.
On the other hand, easyMarkets offers fixed spreads of 0.8 pips for EUR/USD when using their proprietary platform and TradingView, making their costs somewhat predictable. However, using the MT4 platform raises the spread to 1.7 pips on a standard account, but it drops to 0.7 pips for their VIP account holders. Meanwhile, MT5 users encounter variable spreads starting at 0.7 pips. Due to these fee structures, easyMarkets is rated with 3.5 stars for their commissions and fees, placing them at #52 out of the same list of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
HFM
|
easyMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $25 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | 0.8 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | 0.8 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| 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 the range of investments available at HFM and easyMarkets, both platforms offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, making them accessible for traders looking for diverse currency pair options. HFM stands out with a larger selection, featuring 102 tradeable forex pairs compared to easyMarkets' 63. Additionally, HFM provides a broader scope of 500 tradeable symbols, surpassing easyMarkets’ offering of 230 symbols. However, neither platform offers exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, meaning direct stock purchases are not available. For those interested in cryptocurrency derivatives, both brokers offer this option, although buying actual cryptocurrencies is not supported on either platform.
When it comes to innovative trading features, both HFM and easyMarkets offer copy trading, allowing users to replicate successful trades from other investors. In terms of ratings, HFM scores slightly higher with a 4-star rating for its range of investments, compared to easyMarkets’ 3.5-star rating. Moreover, HFM is ranked 36th out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, whereas easyMarkets is positioned at 54th. These ratings reflect HFM's broader range of investment options, which may appeal to traders seeking an extensive array of trading opportunities.
| Feature |
HFM
|
easyMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 230 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 63 |
| 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 it comes to trading platforms and tools, both HFM and easyMarkets provide users with a similar suite of options. Each broker offers a free virtual demo account, helping traders to practice their strategies without financial risk. Additionally, both brokers have their own in-house developed platforms, alongside offering the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) integrations. Users can trade via a Windows-based desktop download or through a web-based browser platform, ensuring flexibility and convenience. For those interested in social trading, both HFM and easyMarkets support copy trading, yet neither offers integration with DupliTrade or ZuluTrade.
Charting tools are well-equipped at both HFM and easyMarkets, with each providing 30 drawing tools and enabling trades directly from stock charts. However, easyMarkets slightly edges out in watch list customization, offering 8 columns compared to HFM’s 7. When evaluated for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers earn a commendable rating of 4 stars. However, in the ForexBrokers.com rankings, easyMarkets sits at #35, slightly above HFM which is ranked at #42 out of 63 brokers. This evaluation suggests both brokers offer solid trading platforms, but easyMarkets holds a slight advantage in overall user appraisal.
| Feature |
HFM
|
easyMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | 15 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 8 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of HFM and easyMarkets, both offer apps for iPhone and Android users, with essential features for stock and forex trading. HFM provides a standout feature with stock or forex price alerts, which easyMarkets lacks. However, easyMarkets excels in syncing watchlists between the mobile app and online accounts, offering a seamless transition for users across platforms, a feature not available with HFM. Both platforms allow traders to create watchlists with real-time quotes and offer the ability to draw trendlines on charts and view various time frames. Notably, HFM has a slight advantage in automatically saving chart drawings, something easyMarkets does not offer.
For those interested in technical analysis, easyMarkets significantly outshines HFM with 81 technical studies available in its mobile app compared to HFM's 30. Both brokers are evenly matched with a rating of four stars for their mobile trading apps, but easyMarkets holds a better position in the industry rankings, placed at #30 by ForexBrokers.com, while HFM is ranked at #39 out of 63 brokers. This makes easyMarkets a potentially more attractive option for traders who prioritize extensive technical charting tools and synchronized watchlists, while HFM might appeal to those who value price alerts and auto-saving of chart annotations.
| Feature |
HFM
|
easyMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 81 |
| 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 HFM and easyMarkets, both brokers stand out with daily market commentary and access to top-tier forex news sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. HFM takes a slight lead by providing technical analysis and research tools from Autochartist, allowing traders to benefit from automated chart pattern recognition, which easyMarkets lacks. In contrast, easyMarkets shines with its integration of Trading Central’s technical analytics tools, offering traders different avenues for market insights. Both brokers provide sentiment-based trading tools, helping users gauge the current market sentiment, and display economic calendars with crucial global economic events, facilitating informed decision-making.
The overall research ratings highlight these differences, with HFM earning a commendable 4-star rating, outstripping easyMarkets, which garners a 3.5-star rating. Furthermore, ForexBrokers.com ranks HFM 20th out of 63 brokers for research, significantly outperforming easyMarkets, which holds the 43rd position. These rankings reflect the depth and variety of research tools available from HFM, which may cater more comprehensively to traders seeking a diverse array of insights and analysis tools.
| Feature |
HFM
|
easyMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| 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 easyMarkets deliver a variety of options. Each platform provides more than ten educational pieces, including articles, videos, and webinars focusing on forex or CFDs. For those who enjoy live learning, both brokers offer monthly online webinars and have a searchable archive of past sessions. If you're starting out, you're in good hands as both brokers deliver at least ten videos designed specifically for beginner traders. More experienced traders aren’t left out either, with each platform offering an array of advanced educational videos.
In addition to the rich multimedia resources, both HFM and easyMarkets offer an investor dictionary containing definitions of over 50 investing terms, aiding users in better understanding market jargon. Despite having similar offerings, HFM stands out with a slightly higher education rating of 4 stars compared to easyMarkets' 3.5 stars. Furthermore, HFM ranks 37th in the education category, just ahead of easyMarkets, which holds the 39th position among 63 brokers analyzed by ForexBrokers.com. While both brokers provide solid educational support, HFM's marginally higher rating and ranking might appeal more to beginners seeking comprehensive educational materials.
| Feature |
HFM
|
easyMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| 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 easyMarkets. HFM finished with an overall rank of #30, while easyMarkets finished with an overall rank of #42.
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
|
easyMarkets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 84 |
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Both HFM and easyMarkets do not provide the option to buy actual cryptocurrencies, but they do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing the fund transfer options available between online brokers HFM and easyMarkets, it's noteworthy that easyMarkets supports ACH or SEPA transfers while HFM does not, yet both brokers offer deposit and withdrawal options via Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, but neither supports PayPal.
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 | easyMarkets | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 84 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review | easyMarkets Review |
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| Regulation | HFM | easyMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 84 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2001 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | HFM | easyMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| 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 | easyMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | easyMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 230 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 63 | |
| 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 | easyMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | 0.8 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | 0.8 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | HFM | easyMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $25 | |
| 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 | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | HFM | easyMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | easyMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 8 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | HFM | easyMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 81 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | HFM | easyMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | HFM | easyMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | HFM | easyMarkets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | easyMarkets Review |
| Overall | HFM | easyMarkets | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 84 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review | easyMarkets Review |
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