ActivTradesvs
HFMStock Broker Comparison
In this matchup, ActivTrades and HFM compete over share CFDs, regulation, and platform ecosystems, highlighting how proprietary tech and exchange access pull in different directions.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
ActivTrades and HFM are closely matched, but ActivTrades differentiates itself with a proprietary trading platform.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1ActivTrades offers a proprietary platform, while HFM does not.
- 2ActivTrades provides 24/5 live chat support, whereas HFM lacks this feature.
- 3ActivTrades covers 10 exchanges, compared with HFM's 8.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs HFM?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you want a proprietary platform and 24/5 live chat support.
Choose HFM if…
Choose HFM if you value HFcopy copy trading and multilingual 24/5 support.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
HFM wins for safety and regulation with CySEC, DFSA, and FSCA oversight.
Best for active traders
Recommended
ActivTrades vs HFM: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $6/lot |
ActivTrades vs HFM Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supplemental private insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client, above FSCS standard limit
- FCA regulated with ActivTrader volatility protection for equity CFD risk management
- 600+ share CFDs across ActivTrader and MT4 with no minimum deposit
- No commission on standard accounts; no inactivity fee
Cons
- Stock range (600+) narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
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
0
HFM
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ActivTrades vs HFM: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and HFM rates 3.8/5. 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 lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with ActivTrades's 0.5. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
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 20:1, while HFM lists up to 20:1. 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 trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ActivTrades are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
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.
Neither ActivTrades nor HFM is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both ActivTrades and HFM are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
