HFMvs
Plus500Forex Broker Comparison
This comparison pits HFM against Plus500 across regulation, cost, and platform choices. Traders weigh raw spreads and MT4/MT5 access against a proprietary platform and tiered regulatory coverage.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
HFM and Plus500 remain closely matched overall, with the clearest differentiator being platform choice: HFM offers MT4 and MT5, while Plus500 uses a proprietary platform.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1MT4/MT5 availability vs Plus500's proprietary platform.
- 2Raw spreads and 2000:1 leverage on offshore entities vs zero-commission trading on Plus500.
- 3Plus500 imposes inactivity fees; HFM has no inactivity fee.
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 0.60 pips for Plus500, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
HFM vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
HFM vs Plus500 Forex Broker Pros & Cons
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
HFM vs Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
5
HFM
criteria wins
1
Plus500
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | HFM | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Fail |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
HFM vs Plus500: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: HFM rates 4.1/5 and Plus500 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 Plus500'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 Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes HFM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both HFM and Plus500 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 Plus500 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 Plus500 are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
HFM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. HFM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Plus500 has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
