Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Tickmill vs HFM, 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.
Tickmill and HFM are both reputable online brokerage firms with solid trust ratings. Founded in 2014, Tickmill has built a strong reputation in the trading community. It holds two Tier-1 licenses, which are among the most trusted regulatory endorsements, and two Tier-2 licenses, signifying a high level of trust. Despite not being publicly traded or a bank, Tickmill maintains a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 86 out of 99, placing it in the 'trusted' category.
Established in 2010, HFM also garners a Trust Score of 86 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, similar to Tickmill. HFM is not listed on a stock exchange and is not a bank, yet it holds an impressive array of regulatory approvals. It possesses two Tier-1 licenses, indicating high trust, alongside three Tier-2 licenses, reflecting a significant level of regulatory trust. Both brokers offer reliable platforms for online trading, ensuring a secure environment for their clients.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
Tickmill and HFM offer varied structures for commissions and fees, each catering to different types of traders. Tickmill's Raw and Classic accounts have designed their fees to appeal to both active traders and those looking for a simpler structure. The Raw account is particularly attractive due to its low spreads and a new commission of $3 per side, totaling $6 per standard lot, even though it saw a recent increase from $2. In contrast, the Classic account is commission-free, charging only the bid/ask spread, though average spreads here are higher at 1.76 pips as of August 2023. Tickmill lists typical spreads on the Raw account at 0.11 pips for the popular EUR/USD pair, which provides an all-in cost of 0.71 pips when the commission is considered. With a minimum deposit requirement of just $100 for its Raw account, Tickmill remains an enticing option for most traders, earning a stellar 5-star rating for commissions and fees and a top-four ranking out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
HFM's trading accounts exhibit slightly higher costs compared to industry norms. Its standard account features a typical spread of 1.2 pips, though the precise timeframe for this average is unclear, indicating potential fluctuations. HFM's Zero account offers a more competitive option, with an effective spread of 0.7 pips factoring in commissions, albeit, this figure isn't representative of an average. HFM achieves a respectable 4-star rating for its commissions and fees and holds the 31st position in ForexBrokers.com's ranking of 62 brokers.
In summary, both Tickmill and HFM have their advantages depending on individual trading priorities. Tickmill excels for active traders seeking low all-in costs and narrow spreads, while HFM offers simplicity with potentially higher spreads and fee structures. Each broker’s unique offerings suit diverse trader needs, whether they prioritize commission-free accounts or lower per-trade costs. Moreover, Tickmill’s substantially higher rating and ranking solidify its position as a more cost-effective choice within these two options.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | 0.7 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | 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.
When comparing the investment offerings of Tickmill and HFM, both brokers provide opportunities to trade forex either as CFDs or spot contracts. Tickmill offers a wider range of tradeable symbols with 725 options, whereas HFM lists 500 tradeable symbols. Despite the narrower total symbol range, HFM takes the lead in forex pair offerings, providing 102 pairs compared to Tickmill's 63. Unfortunately, neither broker grants access to exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, meaning direct stock investment is off the table for both platforms. However, both brokers support cryptocurrency derivatives, although they do not facilitate the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies.
Both Tickmill and HFM also accommodate copy trading, catering to investors who prefer to follow experienced traders. When it comes to overall range of investments, HFM holds a slight edge with a 4-star rating compared to Tickmill's 3.5 stars. In rankings by ForexBrokers.com, HFM is positioned slightly better at #36, while Tickmill follows at #42 among 62 evaluated brokers. This suggests that while both brokers have their strengths, HFM may appeal more to those seeking a broader range of investment opportunities.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 102 |
| 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.
Both Tickmill and HFM offer virtual demo accounts, allowing traders to test strategies without financial risk. While HFM features a proprietary trading platform, both brokers provide access to popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Whether you prefer a web-based interface or a traditional desktop download for Windows, both Tickmill and HFM have you covered. They also support copy trading, expanding the options for traders who wish to follow the strategies of seasoned investors. However, neither broker offers DupliTrade or ZuluTrade, which might be a consideration for some users.
In terms of charting capabilities, Tickmill offers 15 drawing tools compared to HFM's 30. Both brokers allow trading directly from stock charts, offering a seamless experience. For those keen on organizing their trading dashboard, both services provide 7 columns for watch lists. Despite these similarities, Tickmill edges ahead slightly in rankings, coming in at 32 out of 62 brokers for their trading platforms and tools, while HFM is ranked at 42. However, both boast a solid four-star rating in this category, indicating reliable and comprehensive trading tools for their clients.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | 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) | 30 | 15 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both Tickmill and HFM provide mobile trading apps compatible with iPhone and Android devices. The apps from each broker allow traders to receive stock and forex price alerts, view multiple time frames on charts, and draw trendlines. Additionally, both apps support real-time quotes for watchlists and have a feature for auto-saving chart drawings. However, neither Tickmill nor HFM mobile apps offer a watchlist symbol syncing feature that syncs with the client’s online account.
When it comes to technical analysis, both brokers provide their users with 30 technical studies for charting. Despite having these common features, each app is rated slightly differently. Tickmill earns 4 out of 5 stars and holds a ranking of #31 out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com’s Mobile Trading Apps category, whereas HFM also receives 4 out of 5 stars but is positioned at #39 in the same list. These ratings reflect user experiences and overall app performance within the industry.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| 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 Tickmill and HFM for market research, both brokers provide daily market commentary, along with forex news from esteemed sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. This offers traders consistent updates on market changes. Additionally, both Tickmill and HFM have sentiment-based trading tools to showcase market trends. However, Tickmill sets itself apart by integrating Acuity Trading tools, such as the Signal Centre, whereas HFM does not offer these features. Both brokers offer economic calendars, providing insights into upcoming global events, which is beneficial for traders aiming to stay abreast of market movements.
In terms of third-party tools, HFM provides Autochartist capabilities, enhancing its technical and fundamental analysis suite, a feature not available with Tickmill. Despite these differences, both brokers are rated four stars for research quality. Ranking-wise, HFM takes a slight lead, securing the 20th spot in ForexBrokers.com's research category, while Tickmill follows at 22nd out of 62 brokers. These subtle distinctions make both options attractive, depending on a trader's specific needs for analysis tools and research support.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginner traders, both Tickmill and HFM are well-equipped to support your trading journey. Each broker provides a variety of educational content, including articles, videos, and archived webinars that focus on forex or CFDs. Both platforms offer more than ten educational videos specifically aimed at beginners, as well as advanced videos for those with more experience. In addition, they host at least one educational webinar each month and maintain searchable archives of past webinars, making it easier for traders to revisit and learn at their own pace. An investor dictionary featuring over 50 trading terms is also available at both brokers, which is a helpful tool for anyone new to investing.
While both brokers receive a rating of four stars for their educational offerings, their rankings differ according to ForexBrokers.com. Tickmill stands out slightly more, being ranked 15th out of 62 brokers, compared to HFM's 37th place in the same category. This difference in ranking may suggest that Tickmill's educational resources have a slight edge in terms of overall evaluation, despite both brokers offering a comprehensive range of materials to aid beginner traders. Ultimately, whether you choose Tickmill or HFM, you will have access to valuable educational resources to enhance your trading skills.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| 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 Tickmill is better than HFM. Tickmill finished with an overall rank of #22, while HFM finished with an overall rank of #30.
Tickmill is a run-of-the-mill MetaTrader broker that offers a limited selection of tradeable securities. The broker does offer very competitive commission-based pricing for professionals through its VIP and Pro accounts.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 86 |
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Both Tickmill and HFM do not provide the option to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they do offer the ability to purchase cryptocurrency derivatives.
Tickmill and HFM both provide options for depositing and withdrawing account funds via Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires, but Tickmill offers additional flexibility with PayPal, which HFM does not support, while neither broker supports ACH or SEPA transfers.
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 | Tickmill | HFM | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review | HFM Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Tickmill | HFM | |
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| Regulation | Tickmill | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 86 | |
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2010 | |
| 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 | 2 | 3 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Tickmill | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | Tickmill | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Tickmill | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 102 | |
| 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 | Tickmill | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | 0.7 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Tickmill | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | 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 | Tickmill | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | 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 | Tickmill | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 15 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Tickmill | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 30 | |
| 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 | Tickmill | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Tickmill | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Tickmill | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Tickmill Review | HFM Review |
| Overall | Tickmill | HFM | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review | HFM Review |
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