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XM vs HFM (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare XM against HFM across spreads, regulations, platforms, and trading costs. Read our algorithmic breakdown and expert verdict to find out which broker suits your trading style in 2026.
Verdict: XM Wins
After exhaustive side-by-side testing, **XM** emerges as the overall winner in this matchup. While HFM remains an excellent choice for bonus hunters, high leverage users & versatile traders, XM proves superior due to its outstanding daily webinars and educational courses and no deposit or withdrawal fees.
XM vs HFM: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 2010 |
| Overall Rating | 4.7/5.0 | 4.5/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $0 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.6 pips (Ultra Low) | 1.6 pips (Standard) | 1.0 pips (Premium) | 0.0 pips (Zero) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:1000 | 1:2000 (Global) | 1:30 (EU) |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | Yes |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes (HFcopy) |
| Forex Pairs | 55+ | 50+ |
| Deposit Methods | Bank, Card, Skrill, Neteller | Card, Wire, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto |
| Withdrawal Speed | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Execution Type | Market Execution | STP / ECN capabilities |
XM vs HFM: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between XM and HFM, it's essential to look beyond just the advertised spreads. We must factor in commissions, swap rates, and non-trading fees like deposit or inactivity charges. XM offers pricing characterized by $0 (Spread only on most accounts) alongside 0.6 pips (Ultra Low) | 1.6 pips (Standard) spreads. In contrast, HFM utilizes a model with $3.00/lot (Zero Account) and 1.0 pips (Premium) | 0.0 pips (Zero) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, XM provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | XM | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.6 pips (Ultra Low) | 1.6 pips (Standard) | 1.0 pips (Premium) | 0.0 pips (Zero) |
| Commission Defaults | $0 (Spread only on most accounts) | $3.00/lot (Zero Account) |
| Execution Model | Market Execution | STP / ECN capabilities |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 24 hours | 24 hours |
Safety & Regulation: Is XM or HFM Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both XM and HFM are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. XM is armed with 2 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2009. HFM, licensed since 2010, counters with 2 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. They are evenly matched in terms of top-tier trust metrics. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
XM
Tier 1- Regulators:CySEC (Cyprus)ASIC (Australia)DFSA (Dubai)IFSC (Belize)
- Investor Protection: Up to €20,000 (EU ICF)
- Licensed Since: 2009
HFM
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)CySEC (Cyprus)DFSA (Dubai)FSCA (South Africa)FSA (Seychelles)
- Investor Protection: Up to €20,000 (EU) / £85,000 (UK)
- Licensed Since: 2010
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. XM equips its clients with MT4, MT5, XM App. HFM, on the other hand, grants access to MT4, MT5, HFM App. If you rely on third-party EA automation, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | XM | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (Mobile Only) | |
| Copy Trading Network | Yes (HFcopy) |
Pros & Cons: XM vs HFM
XM
Pros
- Outstanding daily webinars and educational courses
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Strict no re-quotes policy with 99.35% execution in <1s
- Generous loyalty program and promotions
- Micro accounts available for low-risk testing
Cons
- Spreads on Standard account are wider than competitors
- No crypto trading on weekends
- Inactivity fee of $15 applies after 90 days
HFM
Pros
- Excellent mobile app functionality with in-app trading
- No minimum deposit required to start
- Zero account features competitive 0.0 pip spreads with low commission
- Massive variety of bonus and promotional programs (outside EU/UK)
- Cent accounts available for micro-trading
Cons
- No proprietary desktop platform (relies on MT4/MT5)
- Account types and regulations can be confusing to navigate
- Not available to US or Canadian traders
Expert Verdict: XM vs HFM
When we place XM and HFM side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. XM, licensed since 2009, has carved out a massive niche focusing on beginners, education-focused traders & low deposit users. Their execution model heavily leans into Market Execution, and their platform environment highlights MT4.
Conversely, HFM, operational out of Cyprus, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for bonus hunters, high leverage users & versatile traders. Their $3.00/lot (Zero Account) commission structure combined with 1.0 pips (Premium) | 0.0 pips (Zero) spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is outstanding daily webinars and educational courses, and you intend to start with a minimum of $5, XM is the logical path forward. If, however, you value excellent mobile app functionality with in-app trading and require MT4, HFM edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
XM vs HFM: Frequently Asked Questions
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Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. 68–80% 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.|Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation from the brokers listed on this page. This does not influence our rankings or reviews, which are based on independent analysis.
Comparison data updated February 2026. Broker terms, spreads, and conditions vary by region and account type. See our methodology | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy