Head-to-head · 2026
XM vs HFM
XM and HFM finish level on our overall score. HFM is cheaper to trade: its lowest-cost account works out at about $6.0 per round-turn lot of EUR/USD versus $8.0 at XM.
| Feature | XM | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| EUR/USD standard spread | 1.6 pips | 1.4 pips |
| Raw account | 0.1 + $7 | 0.0 + $6 |
| Cheapest cost per lot | $8.0 | $6.0 |
| Minimum deposit | $5 | $0 |
| Tier-1 regulators | CySEC, ASIC | FCA, CySEC |
| All regulators | CySEC, ASIC, DFSA, FSCA, FSC (Belize) | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, DFSA, FSA (Seychelles), CMA (Kenya), FSC (Mauritius) |
| Founded | 2009 | 2010 |
| Currency pairs | 55+ | 50+ |
| Max leverage | 1:1000 (1:30 EU retail) | Up to 1:2000 (offshore) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, XM App | MT4, MT5, HFM App |
| Copy trading | Yes | Yes |
| Swap-free accounts | Yes | Yes |
| US clients | No | No |
Highlighted cells mark the better value where one is clearly better. Data checked October 2026.
Category by category
Costs: XM vs HFM
HFM is cheaper to trade: its lowest-cost account works out at about $6.0 per round-turn lot of EUR/USD versus $8.0 at XM. On its standard, commission-free account XM quotes around 1.6 pips on EUR/USD. On its standard, commission-free account HFM quotes around 1.4 pips on EUR/USD. Both offer raw-spread pricing: XM at $7 and HFM at $6 per round-turn lot.
Regulation and safety
XM is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, DFSA, FSCA, FSC (Belize). HFM is regulated by FCA, CySEC, FSCA, DFSA, FSA (Seychelles), CMA (Kenya), FSC (Mauritius). HFM scores higher for trust in our methodology. Both are available in European Union, South Africa and Most other countries. Only XM serves Australia. Only HFM serves United Kingdom.
Platforms
Both support MT4, MT5. XM offers MT4, MT5, XM App; HFM offers MT4, MT5, HFM App.
Which should you choose?
Choose XM if…
- very low $5 minimum deposit and micro accounts
- excellent free education, webinars and daily analysis
- mT4 and MT5 on every account type
Choose HFM if…
- fSCA and CMA licences for African traders
- zero account with raw spreads
- hFcopy social trading
Frequently asked questions
Is XM better than HFM?
XM and HFM finish level on our overall score. HFM is cheaper to trade: its lowest-cost account works out at about $6.0 per round-turn lot of EUR/USD versus $8.0 at XM.
Which is safer, XM or HFM?
HFM scores higher for trust (4.3 vs 4.2), with tier-1 regulation from FCA, CySEC.
Which has the lower minimum deposit?
HFM has the lower minimum at $0, compared with $5.
Do XM and HFM both offer MetaTrader?
XM: MT4, MT5. HFM: MT4, MT5.
Risk warning: CFDs and leveraged forex are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly. Between roughly 60% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs, depending on the provider. Consider whether you understand how they work and can afford to lose your money. Read the full risk warning.