ActivTradesvs
HFMCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two regulated CFD brokers square off over platform ecosystems and crypto coverage, testing proprietary tech against broader coin access. The outcome hinges on security and coin depth.
Our Verdict
HFM winsby 0.2 pts
ActivTrades and HFM are closely matched overall. The clearest differentiator is coin selection, with HFM offering 50 coins versus ActivTrades' 10.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1ActivTrades lists 10 coins, while HFM lists 50.
- 2ActivTrades provides a proprietary platform ActivTrader.
- 3ActivTrades offers 24/5 live chat; HFM does not.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs HFM?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you want a proprietary platform, 24/5 live chat, and transparent pricing.
Choose HFM if…
Choose HFM if you want a wider selection of fifty coins and Islamic swap free account options.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
ActivTrades wins for security due to FCA regulation and GBP 1,000,000 fund protection.
Best for low fees
Recommended
Equally matched on fees based on available data.
ActivTrades vs HFM: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  ActivTrades |  HFM |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 6.00% |
ActivTrades vs HFM Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- FCA regulated with supplemental insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client, strongest fund protection among mid-tier brokers
- ActivTrader's volatility protection automatically cancels orders during extreme crypto market spikes
- Crypto CFDs available on ActivTrader and MT4 with no minimum deposit
- Negative balance protection and FSCS coverage for UK retail clients
Cons
- Limited coin selection (major tokens only, no altcoins or DeFi access)
ActivTrades vs HFM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
ActivTrades
criteria wins
0
HFM
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ActivTrades vs HFM: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and HFM rates 3.9/5. HFM has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
HFM lists a lower spread from 0, compared with ActivTrades's 0.5. Crypto trading costs are typically quoted as a percentage of the trade value; check each exchange's full fee schedule, as maker/taker rates and volume discounts vary.
Neither ActivTrades nor HFM requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and HFM hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site before deciding.
ActivTrades offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus HFM's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
HFM charges $6 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ActivTrades are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while HFM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. HFM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
