ActivTradesvs
HFMForex Broker Comparison
In this matchup, ActivTrades and HFM clash over regulation, costs, and platforms. The tension centers on proprietary technology versus raw spreads and high leverage.
Our Verdict
ActivTrades winsby 0.2 pts
ActivTrades leads on editorial score, backed by FCA regulation with GBP 1,000,000 protection, its proprietary ActivTrader platform, and strong southern European support.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1ActivTrades uses a proprietary platform, HFM does not.
- 2HFM offers raw spreads via a raw spread account.
- 3Max leverage differs: ActivTrades 400:1, HFM 2000:1.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs HFM?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you want a proprietary platform with volatility protection and European-language support.
Choose HFM if…
Choose HFM if you want HFcopy copy trading and raw spreads with MT4/MT5.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
HFM offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.50 pips for ActivTrades, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
ActivTrades vs HFM: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
ActivTrades vs HFM Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
FCA regulated with supplemental insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client
ActivTrader's volatility protection feature is a genuine risk management differentiator
No minimum deposit
Strong southern European presence, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese support
Client funds held in segregated accounts
ActivTrades vs HFM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
ActivTrades
criteria win
1
HFM
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
ActivTrades vs HFM: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 4.3/5 and HFM rates 4.1/5. ActivTrades 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 starts from 0 pips, tighter than ActivTrades's 0.5 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
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 broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while HFM lists up to 2000:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
HFM charges $6 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ActivTrades are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
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.
