Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of HFM vs Trading 212, 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 online brokers HFM and Trading 212, there are several aspects to consider regarding their trustworthiness and regulatory standing. HFM, established in 2010, carries a Trust Score of 86 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, placing it in the trusted category. It holds two highly regarded Tier-1 licenses and three Tier-2 licenses, indicating a solid level of regulatory compliance. On the other hand, Trading 212, founded in 2004, also sits in the trusted category with a Trust Score of 80. It holds three Tier-1 licenses but does not possess any Tier-2 licenses.
Both HFM and Trading 212 are not publicly traded companies and neither operates as a bank. While Trading 212 has a slight edge with its three Tier-1 licenses, HFM balances this with a combination of Tier-1 and Tier-2 licenses, providing a different blend of regulatory oversight. Whether you're considering overall trust scores or the specifics of their regulatory licenses, both brokers offer viable, though distinct, options for online trading.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2004 |
| 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 | 0 |
When comparing online brokers HFM and Trading 212 in terms of commissions and fees, HFM emerges as a slightly more compelling choice for traders focused on costs. HFM charges trading costs that are somewhat above the industry average. A typical spread for their standard trading accounts is reported at 1.2 pips, although the company does not specify a date range, potentially indicating a less favorable average spread. For those opting for a Zero account, the effective spread is 0.7 pips after commission. HFM garners a respectable 4-star rating for commissions and fees and is ranked at #31 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, Trading 212 markets itself with zero-commission trading; however, traders should note that they are still responsible for paying a spread when engaging in CFD and forex trades. Trading 212 offers a notably competitive minimum deposit requirement of just 10 euros for the CFD account, making it accessible for beginners. Although the broker has made strides in transparency by publishing its average spread data, the figures for EUR/USD pairs, which were at 2.7 pips in April 2025, remain significantly above the industry average. This could make Trading 212 less appealing to cost-conscious traders. With both brokers sharing a 4-star rating for fees, Trading 212 is ranked at #49 out of 63 by ForexBrokers.com.
Overall, while both HFM and Trading 212 offer competitive features, HFM holds a slight edge in terms of cost-effectiveness, supported by its tighter spreads on certain accounts and a higher comparative ranking. Traders looking for full transparency and more favorable pricing might lean towards HFM, particularly those who prioritize lower trading costs. Meanwhile, Trading 212's offering appeals to those who appreciate low entry barriers, despite higher spreads. Each platform has its merits, allowing traders to choose according to their specific needs and budgetary considerations.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | €1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | 2.7 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | 2.7 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| 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 offered by HFM and Trading 212, it's clear that both online brokers have their strengths and limitations. HFM provides access to forex trading through both CFDs and spot contracts, offering a selection of 102 forex pairs among its 500 tradeable symbols. HFM also supports copy trading and offers cryptocurrency derivatives. However, it falls short when it comes to exchange-traded securities, as it does not offer any from U.S. or international exchanges, nor does it provide options for buying actual cryptocurrencies. HFM is rated 4 stars for its range of investments and ranks 36th out of 63 brokers in this category according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, Trading 212 shines with a vast array of tradeable symbols, boasting 7,868 in total, which includes 146 forex pairs available as CFDs. Unlike HFM, Trading 212 enables clients to invest in exchange-traded securities from both U.S. and international exchanges, making it possible to purchase shares in companies like Apple and Vodafone. Nonetheless, Trading 212 does not offer copy trading and, similar to HFM, only provides access to cryptocurrency derivatives, not actual cryptocurrencies. With a 5-star rating for its range of investments, Trading 212 is ranked 15th among 63 brokers, offering a more diverse investment offering for traders seeking variety.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 7868 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 146 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| 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 trading platforms and tools between HFM and Trading 212, both brokers offer free virtual demo accounts, making it easy for new traders to practice before diving into real trading. Both companies have developed their own proprietary platforms and offer browser-based trading. However, HFM takes a lead with a Windows-based desktop download option, while Trading 212 does not provide such a feature. Moreover, HFM supports the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, options that Trading 212 does not offer. Copy trading is available with HFM, providing a function that Trading 212 lacks, offering an additional way for traders to mirror successful strategies.
Charting tools also show some variation between the two, with HFM offering 30 drawing tools compared to Trading 212's 20. Additionally, HFM gives users seven columns for watch lists, offering a bit more flexibility compared to Trading 212's five columns. Both platforms allow users to trade directly from stock charts, a convenient feature for technical traders. Each broker is rated four stars for their trading platforms and tools, although Trading 212 ranks higher overall, at 20th place compared to HFM's 42nd, according to ForexBrokers.com. This suggests that while HFM has some strong offerings in areas like desktop clients and technical tool variety, Trading 212 is perceived as slightly more favorable in overall platform and tool ranking.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 54 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 20 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 5 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
HFM and Trading 212 both offer mobile trading apps compatible with iPhone and Android devices. Both apps provide key features like stock and forex price alerts, drawing trendlines, and the ability to view various time frames on charts. While both platforms ensure that your drawings automatically save, Trading 212 sets itself apart by offering watchlist syncing across its mobile and web platforms, making it easier to maintain continuity. In terms of technical analysis, Trading 212 provides a wider array of options with 104 technical studies compared to HFM's 30.
When it comes to real-time watchlists, both apps allow users to create and monitor them effortlessly. User ratings show both HFM and Trading 212 are well-regarded with a four-star rating for their mobile trading apps. However, according to ForexBrokers.com, Trading 212 holds a higher ranking at #17 out of 63 brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category, while HFM stands at #39. Overall, both apps are user-friendly, but Trading 212 might appeal more if you're looking for advanced analysis tools and synchronized watchlists.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 104 |
| 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 looking at market research features, HFM and Trading 212 both offer access to forex news from top-tier sources, such as Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring traders have access to high-quality information. However, HFM stands out with its provision of daily market commentary and access to technical analysis tools from Autochartist, which Trading 212 lacks. Both platforms provide a sentiment-based tool to gauge trading positions, but neither supports market research from TipRanks or Acuity Trading tools. Additionally, both brokers offer an economic calendar to keep users informed on global news and events impacting the markets.
HFM receives a higher research rating, earning four out of five stars compared to Trading 212's 3.5 stars. This is reflected in ForexBrokers.com's rankings, where HFM ranks at #20 among 63 brokers for research offerings, considerably ahead of Trading 212, which is positioned at #44. These rankings suggest that while both platforms offer valuable resources, HFM might provide a more comprehensive market research experience, making it potentially more appealing for traders who prioritize detailed market analysis.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 offerings for beginners between HFM and Trading 212, both brokers stand out for providing a wealth of resources to help novice traders navigate forex and CFDs. HFM and Trading 212 each offer more than ten educational pieces focused on these financial instruments, including articles, videos, and archived webinars. Both brokers also feature searchable archives of past webinars and an array of beginner and advanced videos tailored to suit traders at different experience levels. Additionally, both offer comprehensive investor dictionaries containing over 50 investing terms.
However, HFM particularly excels in providing live educational engagement through monthly webinars, an area where Trading 212 falls short. This approach allows beginners to gain real-time insights and answers to their queries from experts. HFM's commitment to regular webinars and expansive educational resources contributes to its 4-star rating for Education, just edging out Trading 212's 3.5 stars. Despite Trading 212 ranking higher at #20 compared to HFM's #37 in ForexBrokers.com's Education category, HFM's offerings present a slightly stronger, more interactive learning environment for those just getting started in trading.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| 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 Trading 212. HFM finished with an overall rank of #30, while Trading 212 finished with an overall rank of #31.
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
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 80 |
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Both HFM and Trading 212 do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they each provide the option to invest in cryptocurrency derivatives.
HFM and Trading 212 offer Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire options for fund deposits and withdrawals, but differ in providing transfer services: Trading 212 supports ACH, SEPA, and PayPal, whereas HFM offers Skrill.
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 | Trading 212 | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 80 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review | Trading 212 Review |
| Broker Screenshots | HFM | Trading 212 | |
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| Regulation | HFM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 80 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2004 | |
| 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 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | HFM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 7868 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 146 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | 2.7 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | 2.7 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | HFM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | €1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | HFM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | HFM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 5 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 54 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 20 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | HFM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 104 | |
| 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 | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | HFM | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Trading 212 Review |
| Overall | HFM | Trading 212 | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 80 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review | Trading 212 Review |
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