Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Swissquote 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.
When it comes to choosing an online broker, Swissquote and HFM offer distinct features and regulatory standings that can influence your decision. Founded in 1996, Swissquote is a publicly traded company and operates as a bank, offering a substantial sense of stability and trust. With a Trust Score of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com, Swissquote is considered highly trusted, with five Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses under its belt. This makes Swissquote an attractive option for those prioritizing safety and regulation in their trading experience.
In comparison, HFM was established in 2010 and is not publicly listed or a bank, which might appeal to traders looking for slightly different operational dynamics. HFM holds a Trust Score of 86, rating it as trusted, and possesses two Tier-1 licenses along with three Tier-2 licenses. While slightly younger and less licensed than Swissquote, HFM still maintains a commendable reputation, offering a reliable option for traders who prioritize trust but might not require the added layers of regulation that come with a bank-backed institution.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 2 |
When considering online brokers Swissquote and HFM for trading, their commissions and fees play a crucial role in evaluating their overall attractiveness. Swissquote, with its status as a Swiss banking conglomerate, offers a more premium service with relatively higher fees. With different entities in the U.K., Switzerland, and Luxembourg, Swissquote's U.K. operations feature slightly lower costs and deposit requirements, offering accounts like the Elite and Professional with the lowest spreads available for active traders. In contrast, the Luxembourg branch presents three account types with varying minimum deposits and comparable pricing, while Swiss entities deliver a more traditional banking experience with higher minimum spreads. Overall, Swissquote earns a 3.5-star rating for its fees and ranks #53 out of 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category by ForexBrokers.com.
HFM, on the other hand, offers a more cost-effective solution than Swissquote, albeit with fees slightly above the industry average. The broker's standard trading accounts come with spreads around 1.2 pips, which may fluctuate over time due to market conditions. HFM's Zero account provides a more competitive effective spread of 0.7 pips after commission, yet it's important to note that this isn't stated as an average. HFM garners a higher rating with 4 stars and ranks #31 out of 63 brokers for commissions and fees, reflecting its better cost structure compared to Swissquote.
In summary, Swissquote attracts traders seeking the prestige of a Swiss banking experience, albeit at higher costs, whereas HFM stands out with more favorable spreads and commissions for those focused on minimizing fees. Potential clients should consider their trading priorities, such as account type and deposit size, to determine the best fit between these two brokers.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1000 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 0.7 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | 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.
Swissquote and HFM both offer forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, providing flexibility for traders in these markets. In terms of overall tradeable symbols, HFM edges slightly ahead with 500 options compared to Swissquote's 472. However, when diving into tradeable forex pairs, HFM again offers more, with 102 pairs versus Swissquote’s 80. Both platforms provide opportunities for copy trading, giving users the chance to mimic successful strategies. Additionally, both brokers offer cryptocurrency derivatives, expanding the avenues for crypto enthusiasts to explore various trading opportunities.
Where Swissquote really stands out is in its offering of exchange-traded securities. Unlike HFM, Swissquote allows its clients to directly purchase shares from U.S. exchanges, such as Apple, and international exchanges, like Vodafone on the London Stock Exchange. This feature significantly broadens the investment horizon for traders with Swissquote. Moreover, Swissquote allows the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies, setting it apart from HFM, which only offers cryptocurrency derivatives. Swissquote's extensive range of investments earns it a 5-star rating and the number 2 ranking out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com for the Range of Investments category, while HFM garners a 4-star rating and is ranked 36th.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 472 | 500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 80 | 102 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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 Swissquote and HFM for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer a variety of options designed to cater to diverse trading needs. Each provides simulated or paper trading through a free virtual demo account, a feature that is particularly enticing for novice traders looking to practice without risking real money. Additionally, Swissquote and HFM have developed their own proprietary platforms, making it possible for users to enjoy unique features created in-house. Whether you prefer trading through a desktop download on Windows, a convenient web-based platform, or through popular options like MetaTrader 4 and 5, both brokers meet these criteria. Also, for traders interested in copy trading, both Swissquote and HFM provide this capability.
Diving deeper into the details, Swissquote edges out HFM with 75 drawing tools available for charting compared to HFM's 30, offering more versatility to serious chartists. Furthermore, Swissquote allows traders to monitor market movements with comprehensive watch lists showing 11 columns, while HFM provides 7. Both brokers enable trading directly from stock charts, enhancing the user experience with seamless transitions from analysis to trade execution. In terms of expert ratings, Swissquote achieves a notable 4.5 stars for its trading platforms and tools, ranking it 12th among 63 brokers listed by ForexBrokers.com. HFM, while also offering a solid platform, is rated slightly lower with 4 stars, placing it 42nd in the same category. Overall, Swissquote appears to offer a slightly superior experience with a few more tools and higher customer satisfaction in platform use.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 86 | 15 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 75 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both Swissquote and HFM offer convenient mobile trading experiences, supporting users with iPhone and Android apps. They provide essential features such as stock and forex price alerts, and the ability to draw trendlines on charts, making them suitable for traders on the go. Furthermore, their apps allow users to view multiple time frames, such as daily, weekly, or intraday, ensuring comprehensive market analysis. With 30 technical studies available for charting, traders are well-equipped to make informed decisions. Both platforms also excel in auto-saving drawing functionalities, preserving any trendline or annotation efforts. However, neither service synchronizes watchlists between the app and online accounts, which could be a consideration for those who frequently switch devices.
In terms of usability and performance, Swissquote edges out with a higher app rating of 4.5 stars compared to HFM's 4 stars. Ranked #12 by ForexBrokers.com, Swissquote's mobile app is recognized for its quality, while HFM holds the #39 spot in the same category. Both apps allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, ensuring traders have immediate access to the most current market data. Ultimately, both brokers provide solid mobile trading options, but Swissquote's slightly higher ranking and rating may be appealing for those seeking a more refined mobile trading app experience.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Swissquote and HFM both excel in providing essential market research tools, catering to the needs of traders who value informed decision-making. Both offer daily market commentary and access to forex news from leading sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. The two platforms have integrated tools from Autochartist to aid in technical analysis. However, neither offers tools from Trading Central or market research from TipRanks or Acuity Trading. One area where HFM holds an advantage is its sentiment-based trading tool, displaying the ratio of long and short positions across various instruments, a feature Swissquote lacks.
When it comes to economic calendars, both platforms keep traders informed with current and upcoming global news events. Rated equally at 4 stars for research by industry standards, Swissquote slightly edges out HFM in research rankings, placing 16th compared to HFM's 20th among 63 brokers reviewed by ForexBrokers.com. This subtle difference in rankings may sway traders who prioritize comprehensive research tools in their trading platforms. Overall, both Swissquote and HFM offer strong market research options, ensuring traders have reliable information at their fingertips.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | 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 Swissquote and HFM for beginners, both brokers provide a wide array of materials designed to enhance trading knowledge. Both Swissquote and HFM offer a minimum of ten educational pieces focused on forex and CFDs, including articles, videos, and archived webinars. Each broker hosts regular online educational client webinars at least once a month, catering to those eager to learn more about trading. On top of this, Swissquote and HFM both provide a searchable archive of previously recorded webinars for easy access to past learning sessions.
For beginners looking for video content, both Swissquote and HFM deliver at least ten videos specifically covering fundamental trading topics. Advanced traders aren't left behind either, as both brokers also supply over ten videos targeting more experienced traders. Moreover, they both offer investor dictionaries with definitions of at least 50 investing terms, useful for anyone looking to demystify financial jargon. Despite receiving a solid four-star rating from ForexBrokers.com for their educational offerings, Swissquote slightly edges out HFM by ranking at 21st compared to HFM's 37th place among 63 brokers.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
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 Swissquote is better than HFM. Swissquote finished with an overall rank of #11, while HFM finished with an overall rank of #30.
Traders choose Swissquote for its quality research and vast multi-asset offering – as long as they are willing to pay a premium to have their brokerage account held with a Swiss bank.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 |
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Swissquote and HFM both offer cryptocurrency derivatives, but only Swissquote provides the option to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency.
When comparing online brokers, Swissquote provides more flexibility with ACH, SEPA, and PayPal as options for depositing or withdrawing funds, while HFM lacks these options but matches Swissquote in supporting Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires.
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 | Swissquote | HFM | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Swissquote Review | HFM Review |
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| Regulation | Swissquote | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 3 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Swissquote | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | 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 | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Swissquote | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Swissquote | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 472 | 500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 80 | 102 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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 | Swissquote | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 0.7 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Swissquote | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1000 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | Swissquote | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Swissquote | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 86 | 15 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 75 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Swissquote | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Swissquote | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Swissquote | 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 | Swissquote | 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 | Swissquote Review | HFM Review |
| Overall | Swissquote | HFM | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Swissquote Review | HFM Review |
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