HFMvs
Plus500Stock Broker Comparison
Two brokers compete for equity exposure at different depths and platforms. The axis of tension is exchange coverage versus platform approach and support.
Our Verdict
HFM winsby 0.2 pts
Both HFM and Plus500 are closely matched overall. Plus500 offers access to more exchanges (18 vs 8), which is the clearest differentiator.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Plus500 covers more exchanges: 18 vs 8 for HFM.
- 2Plus500 offers a proprietary platform, unlike HFM.
- 3LiveChat 24/5 is available on Plus500, not HFM.
Who should choose HFM vs Plus500?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
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
Plus500 benefits from broader regulator coverage and LSE listing.
Best for active traders
Recommended
HFM vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
HFM vs Plus500 Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- HFcopy enables automatic copying of equity-focused strategies within the same account
- CySEC and DFSA regulated, strong dual-jurisdiction for EU and UAE clients
- 500+ share CFDs across MT4 and MT5 with no minimum deposit
- No inactivity fee; multilingual 24/5 customer support
Cons
- Stock range (500+) significantly narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
HFM vs Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
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, 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 | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
HFM vs Plus500: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: HFM rates 3.8/5 and Plus500 rates 3.6/5. 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 Plus500's 0.6. 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 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 20:1, while Plus500 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 Plus500 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.
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.
Neither HFM nor Plus500 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 HFM and Plus500 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.
