Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Vantage 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.
When comparing online brokers Vantage and HFM, both share several similarities. Established in 2009 and 2010 respectively, neither Vantage nor HFM is publicly traded or operates as a bank. In terms of regulatory standing, both brokers hold two Tier-1 licenses, meaning they are highly trusted according to ForexBrokers.com's standards. Vantage and HFM are therefore well-regulated, providing users with a secure trading environment.
However, there are some differences in their licensing and trust ratings. Vantage holds one Tier-2 license, while HFM holds three, which signifies a broader regulatory compliance for HFM across different regions. Despite this, Vantage scores slightly higher with a Trust Score of 90 out of 99, categorizing it as highly trusted. In comparison, HFM has a score of 86, which still indicates it is a trusted broker but slightly below Vantage's rating. Overall, both brokers are reliable choices, though Vantage edges out with a slightly higher trust rating.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
When comparing the commissions and fees between Vantage and HFM, both brokers offer structured account options with varying costs. Vantage provides three accounts: the spread-only Standard STP account and the commission-based RAW ECN and PRO ECN accounts. In terms of fees, Vantage is primarily around the industry average. For instance, their Standard account shows typical spreads of 1.30 pips on the EUR/USD, while the RAW account exhibits tighter spreads at 0.15 pips with a $6 round-turn commission, culminating in an effective spread of 0.75 pips. The PRO account offers more competitive pricing, with commissions at $4 per round turn, but requires specific qualifications or a minimum deposit of $10,000 under certain entities.
HFM's pricing also leans towards the higher end when compared to the industry average. They report a typical spread of 1.2 pips for their standard accounts, though without a specified date range, these spreads may vary. Their Zero account reports an effective spread of 0.7 pips after adding commission, though this is not averaged out, leaving some uncertainty for traders regarding potential costs. Despite this, both HFM and Vantage cater to different trading needs and preferences.
In terms of ratings and rankings, Vantage is recognized with 4.5 stars and ranks at #18 among 62 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category according to ForexBrokers.com. On the other hand, HFM receives a star rating of 4 and holds the #31 position. These distinctions highlight Vantage's relatively more favorable fee structure amongst competitors, while HFM maintains a competitive yet slightly costlier offering.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.30 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.75 | 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 it comes to the variety of investments available, Vantage and HFM each have their strengths and limitations. Vantage provides access to 1,000 tradeable symbols, allowing users to trade CFDs, including 57 forex pairs, as well as cryptocurrency derivatives. On the other hand, HFM offers 500 tradeable symbols, focusing more heavily on forex with 102 currency pairs, while also supporting cryptocurrency derivative trading. Neither platform allows clients to buy actual cryptocurrencies or invest in exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international markets. However, both platforms do offer the feature of copy trading, appealing to those interested in mirroring seasoned traders' strategies.
In terms of reputation, HFM slightly edges out Vantage with a rating of 4 stars for its range of investments, compared to Vantage's 3.5 stars. This advantage is reflected in their rankings on ForexBrokers.com, where HFM stands at #36, while Vantage is ranked #50 out of 62 brokers. These ratings highlight HFM's broader focus on forex trading and suggest its investment range may appeal more to those prioritizing currency trading. Conversely, Vantage might attract traders keen on a broader selection of CFDs. Both brokers offer unique trading experiences based on their distinct investment ranges, making them suitable for different trading preferences.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1000 | 500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 57 | 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 Vantage and HFM provide traders with comprehensive platforms and tools designed to enhance the trading experience. Each broker supports simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, allowing users to test strategies without risk. They both offer proprietary platforms along with widely-used MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 options. Traders can access their accounts via Windows-based desktop downloads and web-based platforms, ensuring flexibility in how they engage with the market. Additionally, both brokers support copy trading, allowing users to replicate the trades of experienced investors.
Vantage and HFM maintain strong charting capabilities, although HFM provides more drawing tools, offering 30 compared to Vantage's 15. In terms of unique offerings, Vantage supports trading on platforms like DupliTrade and ZuluTrade, which HFM does not. Both brokers allow direct trading from stock charts and provide watch lists with seven customizable columns. Rated 4 out of 5 stars for trading platforms and tools, Vantage is ranked 15th, while HFM stands at 42nd according to ForexBrokers.com. These ratings reflect the overall value and performance of their trading platforms to users.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | No |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | 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 Vantage and HFM offer convenient mobile trading apps available for iPhone and Android users, ensuring accessibility on the go. Both apps provide stock or forex price alerts, enabling users to stay updated with the latest market changes. While neither app currently supports watchlist symbol syncing with online accounts, both platforms make up for this with robust charting capabilities. Each app offers 30 technical studies and the functionality to draw trendlines and switch between different time frames like daily, weekly, or intraday views. Another common feature is the auto-save functionality for drawings on charts, making it hassle-free for users to maintain their technical analysis over multiple sessions.
The availability of creating watchlists with real-time quotes is a highlight shared by Vantage and HFM, allowing traders to keep track of their preferred stocks or forex symbols effortlessly. When it comes to user satisfaction, Vantage and HFM both achieve a 4-star rating for their mobile trading apps. However, in the wider list of 62 brokers reviewed by ForexBrokers.com for mobile trading, Vantage holds a higher ranking at number 26, compared to HFM's position at number 39. This difference in ranking may influence user choices depending on their specific trading needs and preferences.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
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 the market research offerings of Vantage and HFM, both online brokers deliver a range of reliable resources. They both provide daily market commentary, forex news from esteemed sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, and offer economic calendars to help traders stay informed of global events. Additionally, both brokers include sentiment-based trading tools that display the ratio of long and short positions, aiding traders in making informed decisions. However, differences do arise when looking at technical analysis tools. HFM stands out with its inclusion of Autochartist, while Vantage offers resources from Trading Central.
As for their rankings, HFM is placed slightly higher at #20, compared to Vantage at #24, according to ForexBrokers.com. Both platforms receive a commendable rating of 4 stars for research. While neither broker offers market research from TipRanks or tools from Acuity Trading, their offerings cater to a wide variety of trader needs. Ultimately, the choice between Vantage and HFM may come down to which specific research tools or features a trader values most.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| 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.
When comparing the educational offerings of online brokers Vantage and HFM, both platforms provide a wealth of resources for traders, especially those new to forex and CFDs. Vantage and HFM each supply over ten educational materials, such as articles and videos, focused on forex and CFDs, catering well to beginners. Both brokers also conduct regular online webinars, at least once a month, to help clients improve their trading knowledge. Additionally, they maintain searchable archives of these webinars, providing learners with the opportunity to revisit previous sessions.
Beyond these resources, Vantage and HFM each boast more than ten beginner and advanced educational videos specifically aimed at easing new traders into the world of trading and further challenging experienced traders. An investor dictionary with definitions for over 50 investing terms is also available through both platforms, making it easier for users to grasp essential trading concepts. Both brokers earn a commendable four-star rating for their educational resources, although Vantage holds a slight edge with a higher ranking of #27 in the Education category by ForexBrokers.com, compared to HFM's #37 rank.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
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 Vantage is better than HFM. Vantage finished with an overall rank of #26, while HFM finished with an overall rank of #30.
Vantage rounds out its MetaTrader platform suite offering with support for multiple social trading platforms, content powered by Trading Central and a proprietary mobile app. However, Vantage trails industry leaders in key areas such as research and education.
| Feature |
Vantage
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Trust Score | 90 | 86 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
| Commissions & Fees |
|
|
| Platform & Tools |
|
|
| Research |
|
|
| Mobile Trading |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
Both Vantage and HFM do not offer the option to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do provide the ability to purchase cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers Vantage and HFM, it's notable that Vantage offers PayPal for depositing or withdrawing funds, whereas HFM does not; however, both brokers support Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire transfers, while neither provides ACH or SEPA transfer options.
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.
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | Vantage | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platform & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 90 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Vantage Review | HFM Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Vantage | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| |
| Research Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| |
| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
|
|
| Regulation | Vantage | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 90 | 86 | |
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 3 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Vantage | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | 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). | No | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Vantage | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Vantage | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1000 | 500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 57 | 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 | Vantage | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.30 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.75 | 0.7 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Vantage | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $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 | Vantage | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | Vantage | 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 | Vantage | 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 | Vantage | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Vantage | 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 | Vantage | 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 | Vantage Review | HFM Review |
| Overall | Vantage | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platform & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 90 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Vantage Review | HFM Review |
IG
CMC Markets
FOREX.com
XTB
eToro
AvaTrade
Plus500
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill