Comparison of ActivTrades and HFM
| Feature | ActivTrades | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| Broker | ||
| Year Founded | 2001 | 2010 |
| Broker Type | MM | MM, STP |
| Dealing | B-book | B-book, A-book |
| Execution | Market | Market |
| Regulation | SCB, FCA, CMVM, CSSF, CONSOB, CVM | SVGFSA, FSCA, SFSA, CySEC, FCA, DFSA, CMA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), ActivTrader, TradingView | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5) |
| Spread | ⬊ Low | ⮕ Average |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:400 | 1:2000 |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 | $1 |
| Base Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, SEK | USD, EUR, JPY, NGN |
| Funding Methods | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, AstroPay | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, FasaPay, BitPay, Perfect Money, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Tether (USDT) |
| Inactivity Fee | $10 per month after 12 months | $5 per month after 6 months |
| Interest on Margin | ✖ | ✖ |
| Withdrawal Fee | ✖ | ✖ |
| Investor Protection | UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) | UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), Financialcommission.org |
| Protection Size | £85 000 | £85 000 / €20 000 |
| Segregated Accounts | ✔ | ✔ |
| Negative Balance Protection | ✔ | ✔ |
| Guaranteed Stop Loss | ✖ | ✖ |
| Copy Trading | ✖ | ✔ |
| VPS | ✖ | ✖ |
| MAM/PAMM | ✖ | ✖ |
| Scalping Allowed | ✔ | ✔ |
| EAs/Robots | ✔ | ✔ |
| Depth of Market (DOM) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tradable Assets (CFDs) | Currencies, Indices, Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Energies, Soft Commodities | Currencies, Indices, Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Energies, Soft Commodities |
| Review | ActivTrades Review | HFM Review |
About ActivTrades
ActivTrades is a well-regarded Forex and CFD broker known for its robust trading platforms, extensive range of financial instruments, and strong regulatory compliance. Established in 2001, ActivTrades serves clients globally, offering access to major and minor currency pairs, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and more. The broker provides multiple trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5, as well as its proprietary ActivTrader platform, catering to both desktop and mobile users. ActivTrades is regulated by several top-tier financial authorities, ensuring a secure and trustworthy trading environment. Additionally, the broker offers a variety of account types to accommodate different trading styles and experience levels, complemented by comprehensive educational resources and responsive customer support. With competitive spreads, flexible leverage options, and efficient withdrawal processes, ActivTrades stands out as a reliable choice for both novice and experienced Forex traders.
Pros
- Regulated by multiple reputable financial authorities
- Offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and the proprietary ActivTrader platform
- Provides access to Forex, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and more
- Extensive tutorials, webinars, and market analysis tools available
- Offers tight spreads across numerous trading instruments
- Multilingual support available through various channels
Cons
- Maximum leverage available might be lower than what some experienced traders seek
- The proprietary ActivTrader platform offers fewer customization options
About HFM
HFM, previously known as HotForex, is a well-established online forex and CFD broker, renowned for its diverse range of trading instruments, competitive pricing, and user-friendly platforms. Founded in 2010, the broker is regulated by multiple reputable authorities, including the FCA, CySEC, and FSCA, ensuring a high standard of security and transparency for its clients. With access to over 1000 tradable assets, including forex, indices, commodities, and shares, HFM caters to both beginner and experienced traders, providing a seamless trading experience through platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary app. One of HFM's standout features is its flexible account options, which include a zero-spread account for cost-conscious traders and a micro account for those looking to start small. The broker also offers robust educational resources, free market analysis, and a suite of advanced tools to support informed trading decisions. Coupled with tight spreads, swift execution, and responsive customer support available 24/5, HFM continues to solidify its reputation as a reliable choice for traders across the globe.
Pros
- Regulated by top-tier authorities (CySEC, FCA, FSCA, etc.)
- Wide range of Instruments
- Flexible account options
- Comprehensive educational resources
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Inactivity fees
- Limited availability in some countries
ActivTrades & HFM Regulation
| Feature | ActivTrades | HFM |
|---|---|---|
Companies | ActivTrades Corp, ActivTrades PLC, ActivMarkets - Empresa de Investimento, S.A., ActivTrades Europe SA, ACTIVTRADES CORRETORA LTDA | HF Markets (SV) Ltd, HF Markets SA (PTY) Ltd, HF Markets (Seychelles) Ltd, HF Markets Fintech Services Ltd, HF Markets (Europe) Ltd, HF Markets (UK) Ltd, HF Markets (DIFC) Ltd, HFM Investments Ltd |
Countries | Bahamas, United Kingdom, Portugal, Luxembourg, Brazil | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Seychelles, Cyprus, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Kenya |
Regulators | SCB, FCA, CMVM, CSSF, CONSOB, CVM | SVGFSA, FSCA, SFSA, CySEC, FCA, DFSA, CMA |
Investor Protection | UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) | UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), Financialcommission.org |
Investor Protection Size | £85 000 | £85 000 / €20 000 |
Publicly Traded | ||
Segregated Accounts | ||
Guaranteed Stop Loss | ||
Negative Balance Protection |
Account Types
| Account | ActivTrades | HFM |
|---|---|---|
Market Maker Account | ||
| Account Name | Pro | — |
| Min Deposit | $1 | — |
| Lot Size | 0.01 | — |
| Spread Type | Floating | — |
| Execution | Market | — |
| Min Spread | 0.5 | — |
| Fee | No | — |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | — |
| Stop Out | 30% | — |
| Margin Call | 100% | — |
STP Account | ||
| Account Name | — | Premium |
| Min Deposit | — | $1 |
| Lot Size | — | 0.01 |
| Spread Type | — | Floating |
| Execution | — | Market |
| Min Spread | — | 1.2 |
| Fee | — | No |
| Max Leverage | — | 1:2000 |
| Stop Out | — | 20% |
| Margin Call | — | 50% |
Zero Account | ||
| Account Name | — | Zero |
| Min Deposit | — | $1 |
| Lot Size | — | 0.01 |
| Spread Type | — | Floating |
| Execution | — | Market |
| Min Spread | — | 0 |
| Fee | — | $6 per 1 lot |
| Max Leverage | — | 1:2000 |
| Stop Out | — | 20% |
| Margin Call | — | 50% |
Cent Account | ||
| Account Name | — | Cent |
| Min Deposit | — | $1 |
| Lot Size | — | 0.01 |
| Spread Type | — | Floating |
| Execution | — | Market |
| Min Spread | — | 1.2 |
| Fee | — | No |
| Max Leverage | — | 1:2000 |
| Stop Out | — | 20% |
| Margin Call | — | 50% |
| Additional Features | ||
| Demo Account | ||
| VIP Account | ||
| Swap-Free Account | ||
| Copy Trading | ||
| VPS | ||
| PAMM/MAM Accounts | ||
Funding and Fees
| Feature | ActivTrades | HFM |
|---|---|---|
Base currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, SEK | USD, EUR, JPY, NGN |
Deposit and withdrawal methods | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, AstroPay | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, FasaPay, BitPay, Perfect Money, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Tether (USDT) |
Inactivity fee | $10 per month after 12 months | $5 per month after 6 months |
Interest on margin | ||
Withdrawal fee |
Trading Platforms and Conditions
| Feature | ActivTrades | HFM |
|---|---|---|
Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), ActivTrader, TradingView | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5) |
Execution Speed | 5 ms | 2000 ms |
Scalping | ||
Expert Advisors (EAs) | ||
Depth of Market (DOM) | ||
Spread | low | average |
Trading Assets
| Asset | ActivTrades | HFM |
|---|---|---|
Currencies | 49 | 53 |
Indices | 31 | 11 |
Stocks | 1035 | 95 |
Cryptocurrencies | 12 | 40 |
Bonds | 6 | 3 |
Metals | 3 | 6 |
Energies | 7 | 2 |
Soft Commodities | 9 | 5 |
ETFs | 75 | 33 |
Education and Analytics
| Feature | ActivTrades | HFM |
|---|---|---|
Economic Calendar | ||
Indicators | ||
Robots | ||
Signals | ||
Autochartist | ||
Expert Analytics | ||
News Feed | ||
Education Articles | ||
Webinars | ||
Seminars |
Contests
| Feature | ActivTrades | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| Demo Contests | ||
| Is available | ||
| Contests List | — |
|
- Virtual to RealStart Balance: $10000 · Prize Pool: $3,500 · Period: MonthlyLearn More
Customer Support
| Contact | ActivTrades | HFM |
|---|---|---|
Email | englishdesk@activtrades.bs | support@hfm.com |
Phone | +12426035200 | +442030978571 |
Telegram | — | Telegram |
Facebook | ||
LinkedIn | ||
YouTube | YouTube | YouTube |
Instagram | — | |
Twitter |
Which Broker is Better?
After comparing ActivTrades and HFM, HFM comes out ahead as our overall pick. It ranks higher in our internal scoring and delivers a stronger balance of pricing (spreads/fees), platform experience, and product range. That said, the runner-up may still be a better fit if you prioritize specific needs—like a particular account type, funding method, or niche instruments. This is not financial advice; always choose a broker that matches your goals and local regulatory requirements.
More Comparisons
Andriy Bondarenko
Broker Analyst
Andriy is a seasoned expert in broker reviews with over a decade of experience in finance and trading. Under his leadership, the team produces in-depth and unbiased analyses of leading trading platforms.