Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of HFM vs ATFX, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
HFM and ATFX are both established online brokers in the financial trading industry, with HFM founded in 2010 and ATFX in 2017. Neither company is publicly traded nor operates as a bank. When it comes to regulatory credentials, HFM holds two Tier-1 licenses, indicating high trust according to ForexBrokers.com rankings. In comparison, ATFX boasts four Tier-1 licenses, demonstrating a solid commitment to top-tier regulatory compliance.
Both brokers also maintain Tier-2 licenses, with HFM holding three and ATFX holding two, which reinforces their compliance standing. Their trust scores reflect their regulatory positions; HFM has a trust score of 86, suggesting a trusted rating, while ATFX slightly trails with a trust score of 85. These scores imply that both brokers are well-regarded for their trustworthiness, with a minor edge to HFM based on these ratings.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2017 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of online brokers HFM and ATFX, it's important to note the differences in their trading cost structures. HFM's trading costs are slightly above the industry average. For their standard trading accounts, HFM offers a typical spread of 1.2 pips, although this isn't based on a specific average period, suggesting that spreads might actually be less favorable at times. For its Zero account, HFM advertises an effective spread of 0.7 pips after commissions, though again this isn't an average figure.
On the other hand, ATFX doesn't provide data on the average spread for its accounts, making it difficult to ascertain true trading costs. This lack of transparency might be a consideration for traders seeking clarity in their trading expenses.
When it comes to ratings and rankings, HFM earns a 4-star rating from ForexBrokers.com in the Commissions and Fees category, placing it at #31 out of 62 brokers. In contrast, ATFX receives a 3-star rating, ranked at #59 out of the same list. These ratings reflect the different cost efficiencies and transparency between the two brokers, helping traders make an informed decision based on fees.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $500 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
HFM and ATFX are well-known online brokers with a strong focus on forex trading. Both platforms allow users to trade forex through CFDs or spot contracts, but HFM distinguishes itself with a much larger selection. HFM offers 102 tradeable forex pairs compared to ATFX's 44. Furthermore, HFM provides access to 500 tradeable symbols while ATFX supports 150. Despite this expansive offering, neither broker provides options for purchasing exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, such as shares of Apple or Vodafone.
Both broker platforms give their clients the opportunity to engage in copy trading and to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, rather than the actual digital currency. In terms of ratings, HFM edges out a slightly higher evaluation for its range of investments, earning 4 out of 5 stars, compared to ATFX's 3.5 stars. ForexBrokers.com ranks HFM at #36 and ATFX at #57 among 62 brokers for their range of investment options, reflecting HFM's broader selection of offerings.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 44 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools of HFM and ATFX, both brokers offer a variety of options for traders of all experience levels. Each provides simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts, allowing users to practice without risk. HFM stands out by offering its own proprietary platform, which ATFX does not. Both brokers provide access to popular platforms such as MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, along with Windows-based desktop and web-based trading capabilities. Copy trading is available with both brokers; however, neither HFM nor ATFX supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade. HFM also surpasses ATFX in the number of drawing tools for charting, offering 30 compared to ATFX's 15.
For those keen on technical analysis, both HFM and ATFX facilitate trading directly from stock charts and feature watch lists with 7 columns each. The user satisfaction reflected in ratings suggests HFM holds a slight edge with 4 stars versus ATFX's 3.5 stars in the Trading Platforms and Tools category. According to ForexBrokers.com, HFM is ranked #42 out of 62 brokers, while ATFX is placed lower at #61, indicating a stronger overall performance by HFM in this segment.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both HFM and ATFX provide trading apps for iPhone and Android, each featuring essential functions like stock and forex price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. However, HFM shines with its offering of 30 technical studies for charting in its app, compared to ATFX's seven. Both platforms support multiple time frames on charts and the convenience of auto-saving drawings, making the mobile trading experience efficient and user-friendly.
While both HFM and ATFX lack watchlist symbol syncing with a user’s online account, they compensate by allowing real-time quote watchlists. When it comes to ratings, HFM edges out ATFX with four-star mobile trading app performance against ATFX's three and a half stars. Furthermore, HFM ranks higher in ForexBrokers.com's rankings at #39 out of 62 brokers for mobile trading apps, overshadowing ATFX's position at #62. These differences reflect a slightly greater app maturity from HFM, making it potentially more appealing for traders who rely heavily on usability and features in mobile trading.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 7 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing HFM and ATFX in terms of market research offerings, there are some clear distinctions that might influence your choice. Both brokers provide daily market commentary, which is essential for keeping up with the financial world. However, HFM holds an advantage by sourcing forex news from top-tier outlets like Bloomberg and Reuters, a service ATFX does not offer. Investors utilizing technical and fundamental research tools will find that both brokers provide insights from Autochartist, but ATFX edges out here with additional support from Trading Central. On the other hand, HFM provides a sentiment-based trading tool to gauge market positions, a feature lacking from ATFX.
In terms of additional research tools like those from TipRanks and Acuity Trading, neither broker provides these resources. Both HFM and ATFX offer an economic calendar to inform traders of current and upcoming global news and events. Overall ratings reflect these differences: HFM earns 4 stars for its research capabilities, ranking #20 out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, while ATFX scores 3 stars with a #54 ranking. Considering these details can help you decide which broker aligns better with your trading and research needs.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When weighing the educational resources for beginners between HFM and ATFX, both platforms offer a wealth of materials to get you started in trading forex or CFDs. Each provides more than ten educational pieces such as articles, videos, and archived webinars focused on these topics. However, HFM outshines ATFX by offering monthly online educational webinars, a feature not available with ATFX. Both platforms have searchable archives of recorded webinars, making it easier for users to learn at their own pace.
For beginner traders, both brokers offer at least ten videos designed to introduce trading concepts. Yet, when it comes to advanced educational content, HFM maintains a competitive edge with ten additional videos targeting experienced traders, something ATFX doesn’t provide. Furthermore, both brokers support an investor dictionary with over 50 investing term definitions. In terms of overall educational ratings, HFM holds four stars, while ATFX has three. Meanwhile, ForexBrokers.com ranks HFM at #37 compared to ATFX at #28 among 62 brokers in the Education category, which may reflect differing criteria in their evaluations. Overall, HFM's slightly higher rating and additional resources might make it a more comprehensive option for those looking to dive deeper into trading education.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that HFM is better than ATFX. HFM finished with an overall rank of #30, while ATFX finished with an overall rank of #51.
Alongside its enhanced MetaTrader offering and quality research, HFM (HF Markets), previously known as HotForex, offers a proprietary copy trading platform, HFcopy, a proprietary HF mobile app, and a decent selection of over 1,000 CFDs and 47 forex pairs. Still, trading costs at HFM are slightly above the industry average.
| Feature |
HFM
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ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 85 |
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Both HFM and ATFX do not provide the option to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrency, but they do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both HFM and ATFX do not offer ACH, SEPA transfers, or PayPal for depositing or withdrawing funds, but they do support Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire transfers for transactional activities.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | HFM | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review |
| Broker Screenshots | HFM | ATFX | |
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| Regulation | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 85 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2017 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 44 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $500 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 7 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | HFM | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | HFM Review |
| Overall | HFM | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review |
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