Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FOREX.com vs HFM, 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.
FOREX.com, established in 1999, is a highly trusted online broker with a Trust Score of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com. As a publicly traded company, it offers confidence and transparency to its users. FOREX.com is not a bank but stands out with holding seven Tier-1 licenses, the highest category for trust, and one Tier-2 license. This positions it as a credible option for online trading enthusiasts seeking reliability and strong regulatory backing.
In contrast, HFM, which started operating in 2010, has a Trust Score of 86, placing it in the trusted category. While not publicly traded, HFM holds two Tier-1 and three Tier-2 licenses, reflecting its commitment to maintaining trust despite its non-listing status. As with FOREX.com, HFM is not a bank, but it remains a trusted choice for traders interested in a well-regulated broker within this competitive industry.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of FOREX.com and HFM, both brokers offer distinct pricing structures tailored to different types of traders. FOREX.com caters to various trading styles by providing multiple account types. However, it tends to have higher fees compared to the industry average, especially for its Standard account. This account, aimed at traders who prioritize market-maker execution, offers average spreads of 1.4 pips in the U.S. for EUR/USD. For those who prefer tighter spreads, the newly introduced RAW Spread account offers more competitive rates with spreads averaging 0.13 pips, although this account does involve a commission of $7 per Standard lot.
HFM, on the other hand, presents a slightly more affordable option despite also being above the industry average in terms of cost. Their standard account features a typical spread of 1.2 pips, though specific date ranges for this data are not provided. Their Zero account enhances cost-effectiveness by offering an effective spread of 0.7 pips after accounting for commissions.
Considering user ratings, FOREX.com holds a strong position with a 4.5-star rating out of five for its commissions and fees, ranking #13 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, HFM has garnered a 4-star rating, placing it at #31 in the same category. This ranking difference reflects FOREX.com's slightly higher standing in terms of cost transparency and competitive pricing tiers.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.9 | 0.7 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
FOREX.com and HFM both offer a wide range of investment options, but they vary significantly in the number of available symbols and trading features. With 5,500 tradeable symbols, FOREX.com provides a significantly broader spectrum compared to HFM’s 500 options. This diversity extends to their forex pairs as well, where HFM offers a slightly higher number of 102 pairs compared to FOREX.com's 80. Both platforms provide forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, while neither offers exchange-traded securities from U.S. or international markets, nor the ability to buy actual cryptocurrencies.
When it comes to additional services, HFM stands out by offering copy trading, which is not available with FOREX.com. However, both brokers allow trading of cryptocurrency derivatives. According to reviews, FOREX.com earns a top-tier five-star rating for its range of investments and is ranked 7th out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, HFM secures a four-star rating and ranks 36th in the same category. These evaluations highlight FOREX.com's stronger appeal for investors seeking a wider array of tradeable symbols and investment accessibility.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 80 | 102 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | 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 FOREX.com and HFM, both brokers offer a range of features to cater to traders' needs. They each provide free virtual demo accounts for simulated trading, as well as proprietary platforms. Users can access both companies' platforms via Windows-based desktop downloads and web browsers. While both support MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), only HFM offers copy trading. Neither broker offers DupliTrade or ZuluTrade. While FOREX.com excels with 239 drawing tools for charting, HFM offers 30. Both brokers allow trades directly from stock charts.
In terms of watch list flexibility, FOREX.com offers 20 columns, compared to HFM's 7. This comprehensive toolset has earned FOREX.com a 5-star rating for Trading Platforms and Tools, ranking 7th out of 63 brokers as per ForexBrokers.com, whereas HFM is rated with 4 stars and holds the 42nd position. The varied offerings between the two make FOREX.com the preferred choice for those seeking extensive trading tools and platform capabilities.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 15 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 20 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Choosing between the mobile trading apps of FOREX.com and HFM reveals some distinct differences in features and rankings. Both platforms offer apps for iPhone and Android users, provide stock or forex price alerts, and allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes. While FOREX.com and HFM both support drawing trendlines on charts and viewing multiple timeframes, FOREX.com stands out with the ability to sync watchlist symbols between its mobile app and online accounts, a feature HFM lacks. Furthermore, FOREX.com's app offers a more comprehensive charting experience with 88 technical studies compared to HFM's 30. Both apps allow users to auto-save their drawings, ensuring changes are preserved for future reference.
In terms of user satisfaction and industry rankings, FOREX.com takes the lead with a 5-star rating for its mobile trading app, while HFM earns a solid 4-star rating. According to ForexBrokers.com, FOREX.com is ranked impressively at #3 out of 63 brokers for mobile trading apps, highlighting its standing in the industry. In comparison, HFM's app is ranked #39, making FOREX.com a preferred choice for those seeking top performance and comprehensive trading tools in their mobile trading apps.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 |
| 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.
When it comes to market research services, both FOREX.com and HFM offer comprehensive options for traders. They each provide daily market commentary, allowing investors to stay informed with up-to-date information. Additionally, both brokers offer forex news from renowned sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones. FOREX.com differentiates itself with the provision of Trading Central’s Technical Analytics, while HFM stands out by offering analysis tools from Autochartist, which is not available through FOREX.com. Both platforms also provide sentiment-based trading tools, displaying the balance of long and short positions across currency pairs.
In terms of research tools from Acuity Trading and market research from TipRanks, neither broker offers these resources. However, both include an economic calendar that highlights global news events impacting various economies, assisting traders in making informed decisions. FOREX.com edges out HFM in research ratings, earning 4.5 stars out of 5, while HFM receives 4 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, out of 63 brokers, FOREX.com is ranked 9th in the Research category compared to HFM, which holds the 20th position. This ranking reflects FOREX.com's slightly superior offering in the research domain compared to HFM.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | 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 FOREX.com and HFM offer a strong selection. Each platform provides more than 10 pieces of content focused on forex and CFDs, including articles, videos, and archived webinars, making them valuable for beginners looking to get a solid understanding of trading. Both brokers also host online client webinars monthly and maintain searchable archives of previously recorded sessions to aid continuous learning. Beginner traders can find suitable learning materials, with each broker offering at least 10 educational videos that cater specifically to new traders organizing their entry into the complex world of trading.
For those seeking more advanced educational materials, both FOREX.com and HFM offer at least 10 videos exploring deeper trading topics. An investor dictionary is also available on both platforms, with definitions for over 50 investing terms, ensuring traders have a thorough understanding of the language of investing. However, FOREX.com holds a slight edge with a higher education rating of 4.5 stars compared to HFM's 4 stars. FOREX.com is also ranked higher in the education category, positioned at #4 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, while HFM stands at #37. These factors make FOREX.com a top choice for traders prioritizing educational resources.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 FOREX.com is better than HFM. FOREX.com finished with an overall rank of #5, while HFM finished with an overall rank of #30.
FOREX.com is a trusted brand that delivers an excellent trading experience for forex and CFDs traders across the globe. It offers a wide range of markets and provides an impressive suite of proprietary platforms – alongside limited access to MetaTrader.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 |
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Both FOREX.com and HFM provide the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither offers the option to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency.
In comparing online brokers FOREX.com and HFM, FOREX.com supports ACH and SEPA transfers, PayPal, bank wires, and credit cards (Visa or Mastercard) but not Skrill, whereas HFM does not offer ACH, SEPA, or PayPal, yet accepts Skrill, bank wires, and Visa or Mastercard for account transactions.
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 | FOREX.com | HFM | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FOREX.com Review | HFM Review |
| Broker Screenshots | FOREX.com | HFM | |
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| Regulation | FOREX.com | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 3 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FOREX.com | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | FOREX.com | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | FOREX.com | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 80 | 102 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | 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 | FOREX.com | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.9 | 0.7 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FOREX.com | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | FOREX.com | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | FOREX.com | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 20 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 15 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | FOREX.com | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 30 | |
| 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 | FOREX.com | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FOREX.com | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | FOREX.com | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | FOREX.com Review | HFM Review |
| Overall | FOREX.com | HFM | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FOREX.com Review | HFM Review |
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