Admiralsvs
HFMCrypto Exchange Comparison
Admirals and HFM both offer regulated crypto CFD access on MT4 and MT5, but their asset breadth and service features pull in different directions.
Our Verdict
Too close to call
Admirals and HFM are closely matched overall, with each delivering strong regulatory coverage and platform options for crypto CFDs. The clearest differentiator is coin selection, with HFM offering 50 coins vs Admirals 30.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Admirals offers 30 crypto CFDs, while HFM offers 50.
- 2Live chat 24/5 is available with Admirals but not HFM.
- 3Regulatory scope differs: DFSA/Seychelles FSA versus FCA/CySEC.
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
Admirals wins for security thanks to UK FSCS protection and multiple regulators.
Best for low fees
Recommended
HFM offers slightly tighter fees and spreads.
Admirals vs HFM: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  Admirals |  HFM |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | 6.00% | 6.00% |
Admirals vs HFM Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30+ crypto CFDs on MT4 and MT5 under FCA, CySEC, and ASIC regulation
- MetaTrader Supreme Edition plugin adds enhanced charting and sentiment tools
- No minimum deposit; FSCS protection up to GBP 85,000 for UK retail clients
- Broad multi-asset offering, crypto alongside forex, equities, ETFs, and commodities
Cons
- CFDs only, no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain access
Admirals vs HFM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
Admirals
criteria win
0
HFM
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | Admirals | 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 | Fail | 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 |
Admirals vs HFM: Frequently Asked Questions
Admirals and HFM share the same editorial score of 3.9/5. One concrete differentiator: HFM has tighter spreads from 0 pips.
HFM lists a lower spread from 0, compared with Admirals'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 Admirals nor HFM requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both Admirals 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.
Admirals 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.
Both Admirals and HFM charge the same commission of $6 per trade on applicable accounts. 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.
Admirals supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while HFM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
