Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of HFM vs VT Markets, 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, established in 2010, and VT Markets, founded in 2016, are two online brokers that share similarities in that they are neither publicly traded nor banks. However, these companies differ in their regulatory standings and perceived trustworthiness. HFM boasts a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 86, placing it within the "trusted" category. This is supported by its two Tier-1 licenses, which are considered highly trusted, and three Tier-2 licenses, which add an additional level of confidence.
In contrast, VT Markets holds a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 70, suggesting an average risk in terms of trust. It operates with one Tier-1 license that indicates a high level of trust, but only one Tier-2 license. This regulatory framework illustrates the distinctions in perceived reliability, making HFM appear more favorable in terms of oversight and licensing compared to VT Markets.
| Feature |
HFM
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2016 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
When comparing HFM and VT Markets in terms of commissions and fees, both brokers offer different structures based on the type of account selected. HFM features slightly above-average trading costs with a typical spread of 1.2 pips on their standard accounts. Meanwhile, their Zero account provides an effective spread of 0.7 pips after commissions are considered. It is important to note that these figures are not averages and specific date ranges are not provided, which may mean the average spread could vary.
In contrast, VT Markets presents two main account options: the Raw ECN and the Standard STP account. The Standard STP account offers a commission-free structure with a typical spread of 1.2 pips on the EUR/USD. The Raw ECN account, while incurring a round-turn commission, provides a more competitive effective spread of 0.83 pips. Both of these accounts necessitate a modest minimum deposit of $100, with the Raw ECN account being recognized for its competitive pricing within the industry.
In terms of ratings, HFM receives a respectable 4 out of 5 stars for its commissions and fees, ranking it 31st among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. VT Markets surpasses this with a 4.5-star rating, placing them at 20th in the same category, showcasing slightly more attractive pricing for potential traders.
| Feature |
HFM
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | 0.8 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | 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.
When comparing the range of investments at HFM and VT Markets, both platforms offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts. HFM provides a comprehensive selection of 500 tradeable symbols, including 102 forex pairs, positioning itself as a versatile option for forex traders. In contrast, VT Markets extends a broader array of 1000 tradeable symbols, though it supports fewer forex pairs than HFM, with 39 available. Neither platform allows clients to buy exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges, but VT Markets uniquely offers access to international exchanges, enabling the purchase of shares like Vodafone on the London Stock Exchange. Both brokers grant access to cryptocurrency derivatives, even though direct cryptocurrency purchasing isn't available through them.
For traders interested in social trading, both HFM and VT Markets support copy trading, providing an additional layer of engagement for users. HFM is rated 4 stars for its range of investments, slightly edging out VT Markets, which holds a 3.5-star rating. According to ForexBrokers.com, HFM is ranked 36th out of 63 brokers for its investment range, while VT Markets is close behind at 39th. This analysis indicates that while HFM may cater better to forex-focused traders, VT Markets offers a greater diversity of tradeable symbols and access to international markets, catering to those looking for a wider variety of trading opportunities.
| Feature |
HFM
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 1000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 39 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| 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.
Both HFM and VT Markets offer free virtual demo accounts, allowing traders to practice and hone their skills without any financial risk. When it comes to trading platforms, HFM has an edge with its proprietary platform, developed in-house to cater to specific user needs, while VT Markets does not have a proprietary platform. However, both brokers provide a Windows-based desktop platform and a web-based trading solution, making them accessible for users who prefer trading through their browsers. Additionally, both firms support the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, offering a range of options for different trading preferences.
In terms of trading tools, HFM and VT Markets both provide copy trading options, allowing users to replicate the trades of successful investors. Despite neither offering DupliTrade or ZuluTrade, these platforms support trading directly from stock charts and include 30 drawing tools to assist with analysis. Both brokers also feature watch lists with seven columns, helping traders organize market data effectively. While both HFM and VT Markets receive a rating of four stars for their trading platforms and tools, HFM has a slightly higher ranking at 42nd among 63 brokers, compared to VT Markets at 47th according to ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
HFM
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 15 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of HFM and VT Markets, both brokers offer applications for iPhone and Android devices, making them accessible to a wide range of users. Each platform features stock or forex price alerts to keep traders informed of market changes, and both provide a comprehensive set of 30 technical studies for chart analysis. Users can draw trendlines and view various time frames like daily, weekly, or intraday on both apps. However, a key difference lies in chart drawings: HFM's app automatically saves these, whereas VT Markets' does not.
Neither HFM nor VT Markets supports watchlist symbol syncing, but both allow the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes, keeping traders up-to-date with their preferred stocks or currency pairs. In terms of user satisfaction, both platforms earn a solid review of four out of five stars. When assessed by ForexBrokers.com in the Mobile Trading Apps category, HFM is ranked 39th while VT Markets is slightly lower at 44th out of 63 brokers. This indicates minor differences in their overall performance and user experience.
| Feature |
HFM
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
HFM and VT Markets both offer daily market commentary and provide forex news from respected sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring that traders are well-informed about market movements. However, when it comes to specialized tools, HFM and VT Markets show distinct strengths. HFM is equipped with Autochartist's technical analysis and fundamental research tools, making it more appealing for traders who rely on Autochartist. In contrast, VT Markets includes analysis tools from Trading Central, which might attract those looking for insights from this renowned source. Both brokers provide sentiment-based trading tools and an economic calendar for tracking significant global events, which is beneficial for strategic trading decisions.
In terms of research quality, HFM receives a higher rating of 4 stars compared to VT Markets' 3.5 stars. This superior rating is reflected in their rankings, with HFM sitting at #20 and VT Markets at #36 out of 63 brokers, according to ForexBrokers.com. The combination of a slightly broader range of tools and a higher industry rating may offer traders a more comprehensive research experience with HFM. Those who prioritize specific research tools like Trading Central might still find VT Markets a compelling option despite its lower overall rating.
| Feature |
HFM
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| 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 for beginners, HFM edges out VT Markets in several key areas. Both platforms provide a solid foundation with over ten educational pieces focused on forex and CFDs. However, HFM takes it a step further by offering at least one educational webinar per month, which VT Markets does not provide. HFM also maintains a searchable archive of past webinars, making it easier for beginners to access a treasure trove of knowledge on demand. On the other hand, VT Markets lacks this useful feature.
In terms of video content, both HFM and VT Markets cater to beginners with at least ten beginner-focused educational videos. Yet, only HFM extends this thorough approach to advanced traders with an additional set of advanced educational videos, a resource VT Markets fails to match. Both brokers offer a comprehensive investor dictionary with over 50 investing terms, aiding newcomers in mastering the trading terminology. As a result of these offerings, HFM is rated slightly higher with four stars in education and is ranked 37th out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. VT Markets scores 3.5 stars and holds the 55th position, making HFM the more favorable choice for educational resources tailored to traders at all stages of their journey.
| Feature |
HFM
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| 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 VT Markets. HFM finished with an overall rank of #30, while VT Markets finished with an overall rank of #44.
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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VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
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| Trust Score | 86 | 70 |
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Both HFM and VT Markets do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but both brokers provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both HFM and VT Markets provide options for deposits and withdrawals through Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, but neither offers ACH, SEPA transfers, nor PayPal.
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 | VT Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 70 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review | VT Markets Review |
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| Regulation | HFM | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 70 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2016 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | HFM | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | 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 | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | HFM | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | HFM | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 1000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 39 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | 0.8 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | HFM | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | HFM | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | HFM | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | HFM | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | HFM | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | HFM | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | VT Markets Review |
| Overall | HFM | VT Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 70 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review | VT Markets Review |
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