Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of HFM vs GBE brokers, 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.
When comparing the regulatory standing of online brokers HFM and GBE brokers, it's essential to consider their trust scores and the licenses they hold. HFM was founded in 2010 and holds a Trust Score of 86 out of 99, putting it in the 'trusted' category. It is not publicly traded nor operates as a bank, but it stands out with two Tier-1 licenses, considered highly trusted, and three Tier-2 licenses, which signify a trusted status. These various licenses contribute to HFM's strong regulatory credibility.
On the other hand, GBE brokers, established in 2013, has a Trust Score of 71, categorized as average risk. Like HFM, it is neither publicly traded nor a bank. GBE brokers possess one Tier-1 license but do not have any Tier-2 licenses. This positioning provides some level of regulatory trust, though not as extensive as HFM. With different trust levels and licensing, both brokers present distinct profiles for potential clients to consider.
| Feature |
HFM
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2013 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
When it comes to trading costs, HFM and GBE Brokers both have their unique offerings, yet neither dramatically outshines the other in terms of fees. HFM's trading costs are noted to be slightly above the industry average, with their standard accounts typically exhibiting a spread of around 1.2 pips. For traders opting for the Zero account, the spread effectively lowers to around 0.7 pips after accounting for commissions. However, it's important to mention that these figures are not based on an average, leaving room for variability.
In contrast, GBE Brokers currently lacks detailed average spread data, making direct comparisons with other brokers somewhat challenging. Despite this, both brokers receive favorable ratings for their commissions and fees, each earning a commendable 4 out of 5 stars. This suggests that, while not the lowest in the industry, their pricing remains competitive.
In rankings, HFM slightly edges out GBE Brokers in the eyes of ForexBrokers.com. Out of 63 brokers evaluated for their commissions and fees, HFM secures the 31st spot, whereas GBE Brokers follows closely at the 37th position. This ranking highlights that while both brokers offer similar value, HFM may provide a slight edge for cost-conscious traders.
| Feature |
HFM
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| 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 investment options at HFM and GBE Brokers, both platforms provide traders with 500 tradeable symbols and offer the ability to engage in forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts. However, HFM stands out with a broader selection of forex pairs, offering 102 compared to GBE's 71. While neither broker provides access to exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international stock exchanges, both offer copy trading functionalities, allowing traders to replicate the strategies of successful investors.
In the realm of cryptocurrency, neither HFM nor GBE Brokers enables the purchase of actual digital coins, focusing instead on cryptocurrency derivatives for speculation. Taking into account the range of investments, HFM receives a rating of 4 stars, whereas GBE Brokers is rated slightly lower at 3.5 stars. Furthermore, in a competitive landscape of 63 brokers, HFM is ranked 36th, outperforming GBE Brokers, which is positioned at 44th according to ForexBrokers.com. This implies that while both brokers offer similar foundational options, HFM provides a more extensive selection in certain categories.
| Feature |
HFM
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 71 |
| 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 evaluating the trading platforms and tools offered by HFM and GBE brokers, several distinctions and similarities come into play. Both brokers provide simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, allowing users to practice without financial risk. In terms of proprietary platforms, HFM stands out by offering its own in-house developed trading platform, unlike GBE brokers, which does not. However, both offer Windows-based desktop download trading platforms and web-based platforms for convenient and accessible trading across devices. They equally provide the widely used MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, enhancing their appeal to traders familiar with these popular options. Copy trading is accessible through both platforms, though neither broker supports social trading platforms like DupliTrade or ZuluTrade.
Charting capabilities show some variance, with HFM offering 30 drawing tools compared to GBE brokers' 15, a feature important for more detailed technical analysis. Both platforms support direct trading from stock charts and provide the same number of columns for watchlists, totaling seven each. Despite these offerings, HFM is slightly higher rated at #42 out of 63 brokers in the Trading Platforms and Tools category, whereas GBE brokers rank at #57. However, both are evenly rated with four stars out of five for their trading platforms and tools, reflecting a strong offering that caters to a wide range of trader needs. Overall, both companies provide a solid trading experience, but HFM’s proprietary platform and additional drawing tools give it a slight edge in the detailed comparison.
| Feature |
HFM
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Both HFM and GBE Brokers offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android users, making it convenient for traders on the go. Each app provides essential features like stock and forex price alerts, real-time watchlists, and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. Traders can also take advantage of various time frames, whether daily, weekly, or intraday, to better analyze their trades. Additionally, both apps auto-save chart drawings, ensuring no details are lost during market analysis.
While both brokers have apps that are rated four stars, HFM has a slight edge over GBE Brokers in ForexBrokers.com's ranking, where it is placed at #39 compared to GBE Brokers' ranking of #57. However, neither broker offers watchlist symbol syncing, so changes made in the app won't automatically sync with the desktop account. Both apps support 30 technical studies for charting, providing comprehensive tools for traders to strategize effectively. Whether you choose HFM or GBE Brokers, both platforms offer reliable mobile trading experiences with strong features suitable for both novice and advanced traders.
| Feature |
HFM
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing HFM and GBE Brokers for market research, both providers offer daily market commentary to keep traders informed. However, HFM sets itself apart by providing forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, while GBE Brokers does not. Tools like Autochartist for technical and fundamental analysis are available at HFM but not at GBE Brokers. Both brokers offer sentiment-based trading tools, providing insights into long and short positions across various instruments.
In terms of additional research tools, neither HFM nor GBE Brokers provides services from Trading Central, TipRanks, or Acuity Trading. However, both brokers offer an economic calendar to track important global events. In ratings, HFM shines with 4 stars and is ranked 20th out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com for research quality. In contrast, GBE Brokers holds 3 stars and is positioned at 62nd, highlighting HFM's advantage in providing comprehensive research resources.
| Feature |
HFM
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| 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 comparing the educational resources offered by online brokers HFM and GBE brokers, HFM stands out as a more comprehensive choice for beginners. HFM provides an extensive selection of educational materials, with at least 10 pieces focused on forex and CFDs education. They also host online webinars each month and offer a searchable archive of past webinars, making it easier for beginners to revisit previous sessions. HFM's commitment to education is further demonstrated by their collection of over 10 beginner-focused trading videos. In addition, they provide an investor dictionary that explains more than 50 investing terms, simplifying complex concepts for novice traders.
In contrast, GBE brokers appear to offer a significantly less diverse range of educational tools. They do not meet the criteria of providing a minimum of 10 educational pieces on forex or CFDs, nor do they host monthly webinars or maintain an archive of recorded sessions. The lack of beginner-focused videos and a comprehensive investor dictionary further limits their educational support for new traders. Consequently, HFM receives a higher education rating of 4 stars, compared to the 3 stars awarded to GBE brokers, and is ranked 37th on ForexBrokers.com for education resources, while GBE brokers hold the 63rd spot. This highlights HFM's superior commitment to empowering beginners through education.
| Feature |
HFM
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
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 GBE brokers. HFM finished with an overall rank of #30, while GBE brokers finished with an overall rank of #57.
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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GBE brokers
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| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 71 |
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Both HFM and GBE Brokers do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they both provide options to purchase cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing the online brokers HFM and GBE brokers, GBE brokers stands out by offering a wider range of fund transfer options such as ACH, SEPA, and PayPal, while both brokers support Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire 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 | HFM | GBE brokers | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review |
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| Regulation | HFM | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 71 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2013 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | HFM | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | No | |
| 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 | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | HFM | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 71 | |
| 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 | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $500 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| 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 | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | HFM | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | HFM | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | HFM | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | GBE brokers | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review |
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