In this side-by-side comparison, HFM and Markets.com push in different directions on platform choices and instrument breadth. The tension centers on regulation, pricing, and trading experience.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose HFM if you want high leverage and access to raw spreads with MT4/MT5.
Choose if…
Choose Markets.com if you prefer a proprietary platform and a wider instrument range.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.3 / 5▲ |
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
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | HFM | Markets.com |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| 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 |
The scores are close: HFM rates 4.1/5 and Markets.com rates 4/5. 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 starts from 0 pips, tighter than Markets.com's 0.6 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
HFM has no minimum deposit, while Markets.com requires at least $25. This makes HFM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both HFM and Markets.com 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, two factors stand out: HFM has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
HFM lists maximum leverage of 2000:1, while Markets.com lists up to 30:1. 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 Markets.com are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
HFM supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while Markets.com supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Both provide MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Markets.com has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
HFM offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.60 pips for Markets.com, reducing trading costs.
Markets.com wins safety and regulation for FSCS protection and broader regulator footprint.
HFM is favored for active traders due to high leverage and raw spreads.
HFM is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
Markets.com wins due to a proprietary platform in addition to MT4/MT5.
HFM offers $0 min deposit and no deposit fees, helpful for beginners.
Markets.com provides 2,200+ instruments, more than HFM's 1,000.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.0 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2010 | 2009 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | Limassol, Cyprus |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $25 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 0.6 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 2,000:1 | 30:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | CySEC FCA FSCA DFSA | ASIC CySEC FCA FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
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
Pros
CySEC, FCA, ASIC, and FSCA four-jurisdiction regulation
$25 minimum deposit - lowest among brokers with this regulatory stack
2,200+ instruments including shares CFDs
FSCS protection (UK) and ICF compensation (EU)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer 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
Cons
Spread-only pricing, no raw ECN account
Research tools limited, no analyst reports or stock screener
Not available to US clients
Platform analytical depth below Saxo or IG
HFM and Markets.com are closely matched overall. Markets.com differentiates itself with a proprietary platform.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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