Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of HFM vs Exness, 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 Exness, both offering online trading services, were established in 2010 and 2008, respectively. Neither of these brokers is publicly traded nor operates as a bank. When it comes to regulatory compliance, both HFM and Exness hold two Tier-1 licenses, indicating a high level of trustworthiness according to ForexBrokers.com rankings. Additionally, they each possess three Tier-2 licenses, signifying they are trusted entities in the financial services sector.
In terms of overall trust scores on ForexBrokers.com, HFM scores an 86 out of 99, placing it within the trusted category. Meanwhile, Exness has a slightly lower trust score of 81, which also categorizes it as trusted. Both these brokers maintain strong regulatory standings, providing reassurance to potential clients seeking reliability and security in their trading platforms.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2008 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 3 |
When comparing the commission and fee structures of HFM and Exness, each broker offers distinct advantages depending on your trading needs. HFM provides standard trading accounts with spreads typically starting at 1.2 pips, though no specified date range is noted, which suggests variability in these figures. The Zero account at HFM claims an effective spread of 0.7 pips after commission. However, these figures are not indicated as averages. HFM earns a respectable 4-star rating for commissions and fees, securing a rank of #31 among 62 brokers, according to ForexBrokers.com.
Exness, on the other hand, presents a more varied array of account types, which includes two standard accounts and three professional accounts. Notably, Exness also offers two social copy trading accounts with unique conditions for those looking to share and copy trades. The trading costs you encounter at Exness are greatly influenced by the specific account type you select. Commission-based accounts exhibit lower spreads than commission-free ones. For example, the Zero Spread account has a per-trade commission of $0.05 and the Raw account charges up to $7 per round turn lot, both providing competitive spreads and market execution.
In terms of ratings, Exness matches HFM with a 4-star rating for its commissions and fees. However, it is ranked slightly lower at #38 among 62 brokers in the same category. Each broker provides comprehensive options depending on your preference for trading costs—whether you favor the transparency of commission-based accounts with lower spreads or the simplicity of commission-free accounts.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $10 |
| 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 Exness are both online brokers offering forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts. HFM stands out with a wider array of investment options, featuring 500 tradeable symbols compared to Exness's 227. Both brokers provide a substantial number of forex pairs, with HFM offering 102 pairs and Exness closely following with 96 pairs. However, neither broker allows trading of exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, meaning you won't find options like buying shares of Apple or Vodafone directly.
Copy trading is available from both HFM and Exness, which can be appealing for investors looking to mirror other traders' strategies. While neither platform supports the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies, they both offer cryptocurrency derivatives for those interested in this market. When evaluated on their range of investments, HFM receives a higher rating of 4 stars compared to Exness's 3.5 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, HFM ranks 36th out of 62 brokers, whereas Exness ranks 56th, indicating a broader selection with HFM in this competitive field.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 227 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 96 |
| 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 online brokers HFM and Exness for their trading platforms and tools, both offer a comprehensive range of features designed to enhance the trading experience. HFM and Exness provide simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, which is excellent for beginners looking to practice. Both brokers boast proprietary platforms developed in-house and ensure accessibility with Windows-based desktop and web-based trading platforms. They also support popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, as well as offer copy trading capabilities. However, neither broker supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade.
For charting enthusiasts, Exness edges out with a superior offering of 87 drawing tools compared to HFM’s 30, though both brokers support trading directly from stock charts and offer seven columns for watch lists. Rated four out of five stars for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer solid options for traders, although Exness holds a higher rank of #31 compared to HFM's #42 among 62 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com. Traders looking for an elevated charting experience might prefer Exness, while both provide a reliable foundation for diverse trading strategies.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | 107 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 87 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of HFM and Exness, both platforms offer support for iPhone and Android devices, providing traders with accessibility on the go. Each app presents the convenience of receiving stock or forex price alerts directly to your device, ensuring you always stay informed. Both platforms also allow you to graphically analyze your trades by drawing trend lines on charts and exploring multiple time frames like daily or weekly views. However, while HFM's app lets users save chart drawings automatically, Exness lacks this feature, requiring more manual effort.
In terms of technical studies offered for charting, Exness gives users a slight edge with 35 options compared to HFM's 30. Both apps let you create watchlists with real-time quotes, though they lack the feature to sync these watchlists between your mobile and online accounts. Ratings show both apps are well-received, earning 4 stars each for mobile trading. However, Exness is ranked slightly higher at #32 compared to HFM’s #39 out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Despite this ranking difference, both apps provide valuable tools and features for traders looking to conduct business from their mobile devices.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 35 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research offerings of HFM and Exness, both brokers provide daily market commentary and supply forex news from reputable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. HFM excels by incorporating tools such as Autochartist for technical and fundamental analysis, whereas Exness stands out with Trading Central's technical analytics capabilities. Moreover, both platforms offer sentiment-based trading tools that display the ratio of long or short positions for various instruments, alongside accessible economic calendars that cover global news events. However, neither broker includes research from TipRanks or Acuity Trading's tools, such as Signal Centre, in their offerings.
In terms of overall research ratings, HFM scores slightly higher with a 4-star rating, compared to Exness's 3.5 stars on ForexBrokers.com. This difference is reflected in their respective rankings, where HFM is positioned at 20th out of 62 brokers, while Exness is ranked 41st. Each platform offers its unique strengths, allowing traders to choose based on their individual research needs and preferences, albeit with some overlapping features.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
HFM and Exness both provide a vast array of educational resources aimed at helping newcomers understand forex and CFDs trading. HFM takes the lead with comprehensive offerings that include over ten educational pieces like articles and videos, alongside monthly webinars. This is further complemented by a searchable archive of these webinars, which allows for convenient viewing at any time. HFM enhances its educational suite with a collection of beginner-friendly videos and advanced trading lessons, alongside an investor dictionary with more than 50 investing terms. This strong emphasis on education earns HFM a commendable four-star rating.
Exness also stands as a reliable option for beginner education in forex trading by offering over ten educational materials and a searchable archive of past webinars. Exness excels with a range of beginner-focused videos and a detailed investor dictionary similar to HFM's offerings. However, the absence of monthly webinars and advanced educational content slightly reduces its appeal for those seeking a more immersive learning experience. Consequently, Exness holds a 3.5-star rating for education, placing it at a modest position compared to HFM in educational rankings, with ForexBrokers.com ranking it at #47 out of 62 brokers, as opposed to HFM's #37 ranking.
| Feature |
HFM
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 Exness. HFM finished with an overall rank of #30, while Exness finished with an overall rank of #43.
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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Exness
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|---|---|---|
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| Trust Score | 86 | 81 |
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Both HFM and Exness do not provide the option to purchase actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, but they both offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both HFM and Exness lack ACH and SEPA transfer options, as well as PayPal, but offer Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire services for depositing or withdrawing funds.
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 | Exness | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review | Exness Review |
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| Regulation | HFM | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 81 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2008 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 3 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | HFM | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| 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 | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | Yes |
| Investments | HFM | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 227 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 96 | |
| 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 | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | HFM | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $10 | |
| 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 | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 107 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 87 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | HFM | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 35 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | HFM | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | HFM | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Exness Review |
| Overall | HFM | Exness | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review | Exness Review |
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