Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of HFM vs IronFX, 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 IronFX, both founded in 2010, are two online brokers offering various trading services. Neither is publicly traded nor operates as a bank. When considering trust, ForexBrokers.com rates both brokers in the 'trusted' range, with HFM earning an 86 and IronFX receiving an 83 out of 99. This suggests that both brokers carry a similar level of trust, but HFM edges slightly higher in the ratings.
In terms of regulatory licenses, which can offer further peace of mind for traders, HFM holds two Tier-1 licenses and three Tier-2 licenses. Tier-1 licenses are the most trusted, while Tier-2 licenses are also considered trustworthy. IronFX, on the other hand, holds three Tier-1 licenses but lacks any Tier-2 licenses. This indicates that both brokers maintain a strong regulatory standing, albeit with different approaches to obtaining licenses.
| Feature |
HFM
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 3 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
HFM and IronFX both price slightly above the industry average for forex trading costs, but their fee structures differ. HFM earns 4 out of 5 stars for Commissions and Fees and ranks #32 out of 63 brokers (ForexBrokers.com). IronFX also receives 4 out of 5 stars, with a lower category ranking of #47 out of 63.
At HFM, the broker lists a typical spread of 1.2 pips on its Standard account, though no date range is provided, so the true average may be higher. The Zero account advertises an effective spread of 0.7 pips after commission, but this figure is not presented as an average either.
IronFX lists a typical spread of 1.8 pips on its Standard variable spread account, and likewise does not provide a date range. Its zero fixed-spread account can show zero spreads but charges a $18 per-lot commission, and spreads widen to 3 pips overnight. These details suggest IronFX’s pricing can run higher than average depending on account type and time of day.
| Feature |
HFM
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | N/A |
| Non-wire bank transfer | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
HFM offers a wider range of investments than IronFX, with 500 tradeable symbols versus IronFX’s 340. Forex traders also get more choice at HFM (102 currency pairs) compared with IronFX (83). Both brokers support forex trading and provide copy trading features. Each offers cryptocurrency CFDs, but neither lets you buy actual crypto. If you want to purchase real shares, note that neither broker offers exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges.
In independent assessments of product range, HFM is rated 4 out of 5 stars and ranks 37th out of 63 brokers, while IronFX scores 3.5 stars and ranks 52nd. In short, HFM edges IronFX for market coverage and forex variety, while both deliver similar options for copy trading and crypto CFDs—and both lack direct stock and real crypto access.
| Feature |
HFM
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 340 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 83 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | No | No |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | No | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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 trading platforms and tools, both HFM and IronFX check key boxes: each offers a free demo account for paper trading, web-based and Windows desktop platforms, copy trading, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), and the ability to place trades directly from charts. The biggest differences are that HFM also provides a proprietary platform and supports MetaTrader 5 (MT5), while IronFX does not offer either. If you want MT5 or an in-house platform option, HFM has the edge; if you only need MT4 with web and desktop access plus copy trading, IronFX can still fit the bill.
For ratings and rankings, HFM earns 4 stars for Trading Platforms & Tools and ranks #43 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. IronFX receives 3.5 stars and ranks #62 out of 63. In short, HFM scores higher overall for platform breadth, while IronFX offers a simpler lineup centered on MT4.
| Feature |
HFM
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Comparing HFM vs IronFX for mobile trading, both brokers check the key boxes: each offers an iPhone app and an Android app, supports price alerts for forex or stocks, and includes capable charting with 30 technical studies. You can draw trendlines in both apps, and drawings are auto-saved. One shared drawback is that neither app syncs watchlists with the online account, so changes on mobile won’t appear on desktop and vice versa.
Where they differ is in quality scores. HFM earns 4 stars for Mobile Trading Apps and is ranked #40 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, while IronFX scores 3.5 stars and ranks #63. If you want similar features with better overall app ratings and third-party rankings, HFM holds the edge over IronFX.
| Feature |
HFM
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Comparing HFM and IronFX for market research, both brokers deliver daily market commentary and stream forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, Dow Jones, or similar outlets. Each also provides an economic calendar to track key events. According to ForexBrokers.com, both earn 4 stars for Research; however, HFM ranks #20 out of 63 brokers, while IronFX ranks #29.
The biggest differences are in tools. HFM offers Autochartist and a sentiment tool that shows the ratio of long and short positions, but it does not include Trading Central. IronFX includes Trading Central but does not offer Autochartist or a sentiment tool. HFM does not provide research from TipRanks or Acuity Trading, while IronFX’s availability for TipRanks and Acuity Trading is not specified.
| Feature |
HFM
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central | No | Yes |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | No | |
| Acuity Trading | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
HFM and IronFX both offer forex/CFD education with at least 10 learning pieces, and each provides 10+ beginner videos that explain trading basics in simple terms. HFM also runs client webinars at least once a month, which can help new traders ask questions and learn in real time; IronFX does not offer monthly educational webinars.
For traders who want to progress, HFM includes 10+ advanced videos, while IronFX does not provide a similar advanced video library. Both earn 4 out of 5 stars for Education, but HFM ranks #37 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, ahead of IronFX at #44. If you value live sessions and a clearer path from beginner to advanced topics, HFM has the edge, while IronFX remains a decent choice for foundational learning through videos.
| Feature |
HFM
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | 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 IronFX. HFM finished with an overall rank of #30, while IronFX finished with an overall rank of #48.
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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IronFX
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|---|---|---|
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| Trust Score | 86 | 83 |
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In the HFM vs IronFX crypto trading comparison, neither broker lets you buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but both offer cryptocurrency CFDs for trading.
Comparing online brokers HFM and IronFX: HFM supports Skrill and bank wires but not ACH/SEPA or PayPal, while IronFX also does not support ACH/SEPA and provides no specified information regarding PayPal, Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, or bank wire options.
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 | IronFX | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 83 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review |
| Broker Screenshots | HFM | IronFX | |
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| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
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| Regulation | HFM | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 83 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 3 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | HFM | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | |||
| 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 | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | HFM | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 340 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 83 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | No | No | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | No | No | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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 | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.2 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | N/A | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Agency | No | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | HFM | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | ||
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Non-wire bank transfer | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | HFM | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | HFM | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | HFM | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | HFM | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | ||
| Client sentiment data | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | HFM | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | HFM | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | HFM Review |
| Overall | HFM | IronFX | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 83 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review |
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