This comparison pits easyMarkets against HFM in the stock CFD space. The tension centers on price models, platform breadth, and global share access.
HFM edges easyMarkets overall, supported by a higher editorial score and stronger trust, platforms, and support.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose easyMarkets if…
Choose easyMarkets if you value fixed spreads on share CFDs and dealCancellation.
Choose HFM if…
Choose HFM if you want broad equity access with 500+ share CFDs and HFcopy.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
HFM is strongest for safety and regulation with FCA, CySEC, FSCA, and DFSA oversight.
| Editorial score | 3.4/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $25 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $6/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | easyMarkets | 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 |
The scores are close: easyMarkets rates 3.4/5 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 easyMarkets's 0.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
HFM has no minimum deposit, while easyMarkets requires at least $25. This makes HFM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both easyMarkets 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, 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.
easyMarkets lists maximum leverage of 400:1, 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 easyMarkets 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.
easyMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while HFM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. easyMarkets has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither easyMarkets 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 easyMarkets 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.
HFM wins for active traders thanks to HFcopy and 500+ share CFDs.
HFM offers broader global market access with 8 exchanges.
Equally matched, neither offers fractional shares or DRIP for long-term investing.
| N/A |
| 0.6 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC CNV HCMC CySEC MNB | FCA FSCA DFSA CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.4 / 5
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