Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of XTB 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.
XTB and HFM are two prominent online brokers catering to diverse trading preferences. Founded in 2002, XTB distinguishes itself by being publicly traded, which enhances its transparency for investors. Meanwhile, HFM, established in 2010, remains a privately-held entity. Neither of these brokers functions as a traditional bank. When it comes to trustworthiness, XTB holds a Trust Score of 96 out of 99 as rated by ForexBrokers.com, signaling a high level of trust. In contrast, HFM scores an 86, marking them as a trusted broker but slightly behind XTB in this regard.
Both brokers have secured two Tier-1 licenses, a testament to their commitment to regulatory adherence and highly trusted status. However, HFM surpasses XTB in Tier-2 licenses with three compared to XTB's two, showing its broader reach in trusted regulatory compliance. While both brokers offer a secure trading environment, potential investors might consider XTB's higher Trust Score and public trading status as factors in their decision-making process.
| Feature |
XTB
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2002 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of XTB and HFM, XTB stands out with its two account options: a spread-only Standard account and a commission-based Professional account, limited to certain professional clients in the U.K. and Europe. XTB offers average forex spreads of 1 pip on the EUR/USD, aligning with industry norms but falling short of the top-tier brokers. With a minimum deposit of 250 base currency and discounts for active traders, XTB's pricing appeals to both new and experienced traders. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranked 11th out of 62 brokers for commissions and fees by ForexBrokers.com, XTB provides a competitive edge.
In contrast, HFM's trading costs are slightly above the industry average. The standard account has typical spreads of 1.2 pips, with the Zero account offering a lower effective spread of 0.7 pips after commission. However, HFM does not provide specific data ranges, leaving room for potential variability in costs. Despite these slightly higher fees, HFM earns a respectable 4 out of 5 stars and holds the 31st position among 62 brokers for commissions and fees according to ForexBrokers.com.
XTB's structure, with lower average spreads and the active trader rebate program, provides a more cost-effective solution for frequent traders, especially those eligible for the Professional account. Although HFM has higher average costs, it remains a viable option for certain trading strategies where spread variability may not impact overall profitability. XTB’s competitive ranking and higher star rating affirm its favorable position over HFM in the realm of commissions and fees.
| Feature |
XTB
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.00 | 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 investment options, XTB and HFM offer distinct advantages tailored to different trading needs. XTB stands out with a remarkable 7,184 tradeable symbols, including 71 forex pairs and exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges. This broad selection allows clients to invest in companies like Apple and Vodafone directly, rather than through CFDs. In addition, XTB provides options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, although actual cryptocurrency purchases are not available. This extensive range earns XTB a rating of 5 stars for Range of Investments, ranking it 14th out of 62 brokers as per ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, HFM offers a decent selection with 500 tradeable symbols, focusing on a more extensive choice of 102 forex pairs. Although it doesn't provide access to exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international markets, HFM supports trading through cryptocurrency derivatives and offers copy trading capabilities, making it suitable for those looking to mirror the strategies of seasoned traders. With these features, HFM achieves a 4-star rating in the Range of Investments category, placing it 36th among 62 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com. Both brokers facilitate forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, allowing traders to choose according to their preferred style.
| Feature |
XTB
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7184 | 500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 71 | 102 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | 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 XTB and HFM provide excellent trading platforms and tools tailored to meet diverse trader needs. XTB features a proprietary platform developed in-house, offering a seamless experience for traders. Similarly, HFM also provides its proprietary platform. Both brokers support Windows-based desktop trading as well as web-based platforms, ensuring flexibility for users. They also offer free virtual demo accounts, allowing traders to practice and hone their skills before diving into live trading. However, when it comes to popular trading platforms, HFM supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which may appeal to traders who rely on these widely used platforms. In contrast, XTB does not support MT4 or MT5.
In terms of unique platform features, XTB offers 32 drawing tools for charting compared to HFM's 30, and XTB also allows trades directly from a stock chart—an ability HFM shares. Watchlists are another area where XTB has a slight edge, offering eight columns to customize tracking, while HFM offers seven. For traders interested in copy trading, HFM provides this feature, whereas XTB does not. Overall, XTB is rated higher for its trading platforms and tools with a 4.5-star rating, ranked #9 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. On the other hand, HFM holds a 4-star rating, coming in at #42. These differences highlight specific advantages, helping traders choose based on their platform preference and specific trading needs.
| Feature |
XTB
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 39 | 15 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 32 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 8 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of XTB and HFM, both brokers provide apps compatible with iPhone and Android devices. Users can receive price alerts for stocks and forex on both platforms, ensuring they stay informed about market movements. However, neither app supports syncing watchlist symbols with the user's online account, which means any adjustments made on mobile won't automatically reflect on other devices.
XTB stands out by offering 39 technical studies for charting, while HFM provides 30. Both brokers allow for trendline drawing and viewing multiple time frames on stock and forex charts, plus they support auto-saving of these chart annotations. Real-time quote watchlists can be created within both apps, enhancing their usability for traders on the go. XTB's mobile app scores higher, with a commendable 4.5-star rating as opposed to HFM’s 4 stars, and ranks #8 out of 62 brokers for mobile trading apps according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, HFM is placed at #39 in the same category.
| Feature |
XTB
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 39 | 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 XTB and HFM, both brokers provide daily market commentary and access to forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters. This ensures that traders with either broker can stay informed on the latest financial developments. Additionally, both offer sentiment-based trading tools allowing insight into the trader positioning across various instruments. Interestingly, neither XTB nor HFM incorporate research tools from companies like TipRanks or Acuity Trading into their offerings, which could be an area for potential enhancement. However, both provide an economic calendar highlighting significant global news events.
Diving deeper into additional features, HFM distinguishes itself here by offering technical analysis and research tools from Autochartist, unlike XTB. Despite this, XTB edges out in overall ratings, earning 5 stars for research compared to HFM's 4 stars. Furthermore, XTB surpasses HFM in ForexBrokers.com's ranking, holding the 7th spot out of 62 brokers, while HFM ranks 20th in the same category. These distinctions highlight the nuanced differences in research capabilities between the two brokers, suggesting that traders might experience different value propositions depending on their specific needs and preferences.
| Feature |
XTB
|
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) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
For beginners seeking educational resources in online trading, both XTB and HFM stand out by offering extensive content. They each provide over 10 pieces of educational material, including articles, videos, and archived webinars, focused on forex and CFDs. Both platforms also host regular online educational webinars, and store these sessions in a searchable archive — perfect for catching up or revisiting essential topics. Beginners will find a wealth of information through over 10 specific educational videos available from each broker, ensuring a comprehensive start to their trading journey.
However, HFM distinguishes itself by offering an investor dictionary with more than 50 investing terms, a handy tool for newcomers unfamiliar with trading jargon. On the other hand, XTB garners a higher educational rating, with a perfect score of 5 stars compared to HFM's 4 stars. This higher rating is also reflected in their standing within the industry, as XTB ranks #11 compared to HFM’s #37 for education according to ForexBrokers.com. These distinctions could be pivotal for beginners when selecting an online broker that aligns with their educational needs and learning preferences.
| Feature |
XTB
|
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) | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that XTB is better than HFM. XTB finished with an overall rank of #7, while HFM finished with an overall rank of #30.
As a trusted multi-asset broker, XTB offers outstanding customer service, a wide variety of forex and CFDs, and an excellent overall trading experience. Its xStation 5 trading platform is well-designed and packed with innovative features, and XTB’s offers comprehensive educational content and market research.
| Feature |
XTB
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HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 96 | 86 |
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Both XTB and HFM do not provide options for buying actual, delivered cryptocurrencies, but they both offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers XTB and HFM, both do not support ACH or SEPA transfers for account transactions, XTB allows deposits and withdrawals via PayPal whereas HFM does not, both brokers support Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, highlighting XTB's advantage with the inclusion of PayPal for its users.
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 | XTB | HFM | |
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| Trust Score | 96 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XTB Review | HFM Review |
| Broker Screenshots | XTB | HFM | |
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| Regulation | XTB | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 96 | 86 | |
| Year Founded | 2002 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | 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 | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | XTB | 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) | XTB | 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 | XTB | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7184 | 500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 71 | 102 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | 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 | XTB | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.00 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.00 | 0.7 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | XTB | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $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 | XTB | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | XTB | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 8 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 39 | 15 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 32 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | XTB | 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 | 39 | 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 | XTB | 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 | XTB | 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) | No | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | XTB | 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 | XTB Review | HFM Review |
| Overall | XTB | HFM | |
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| Trust Score | 96 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | XTB Review | HFM Review |
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