A head-to-head comparison of eToro and HFM across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best-in-class social and copy trading on a clean proprietary web/mobile platform. FCA / CySEC / ASIC regulated.
eToro edges ahead with a score of 4.2/5 vs HFM's 4.1/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
HFM offers tighter spreads from 0 pips vs 1 pips for eToro, reducing trading costs.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
HFM has a cost edge: raw/ECN spreads, tighter spreads from 0 pips.
eToro offers more exclusive platform options: Proprietary Web/Mobile, a proprietary platform.
eToro edges out HFM with a higher editorial score (4.2/5 vs 4.1/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.1 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
| Founded | 2007 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Tel Aviv, Israel | Limassol, Cyprus |
| Min deposit | $50 | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 1 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $6/lot |
| Max leverage | 30:1 | 2000:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | USD 5 per withdrawal | Free |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC AMF CySEC CMVM FSRA Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet CMA ASF FSC CNB MNB KNF Finanstilsynet HCMC MFSA FSA Seychelles | FCA FSCA CySEC DFSA |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit eToro | Visit HFM |
Pros
Social and copy trading leader
Multi-asset (stocks, crypto, FX)
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
24/5 live chat support
Multilingual customer support
Pros
No minimum deposit required to open an account
Copy trading via HFcopy platform
FCA, CySEC, and FSCA regulation
High leverage up to 2000:1 on offshore entity
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
Wider FX spreads
Withdrawal fee
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
No MetaTrader support
Limited charting capabilities
Pricing transparency could be improved
No phone support
Cons
2000:1 leverage is extremely risky for inexperienced traders
No cTrader support
Zero account commission of $6/lot is above some ECN peers
No proprietary platform
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | eToro | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Fail | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Fail | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
Based on our independent editorial scoring, eToro ranks higher with a score of 4.2/5 vs 4.1/5 for HFM. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; eToro and HFM may each suit different trader profiles.
HFM offers tighter spreads starting from 0 pips, compared to eToro's spreads from 1 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
HFM has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while eToro requires at least $50. This makes HFM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both eToro and HFM hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Both are considered safe. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners: HFM has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum), lowering the barrier to entry; both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
eToro offers maximum leverage of 30:1, while HFM offers up to 2000:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
HFM charges $6 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for the other broker are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
eToro supports Proprietary Web/Mobile and HFM offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5; eToro exclusively offers Proprietary Web/Mobile; HFM exclusively offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5.
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