Deriv

Deriv

🟡 Tier 3 Regulated
7.0
/ 10
vs
HFM

HFM

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.0
/ 10

Deriv vs HFM

A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.

Deriv and HFM are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Deriv, founded in 2000 and headquartered in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, is regulated by VFSC, FSC, LFSA and offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips with a minimum deposit of $5. HFM, established in 2010 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $5 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, HFM scored 8/10 overall compared to Deriv's 7/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Deriv holds its own with overall value, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • 📊

    HFM scores 8/10 overall vs 7/10 for Deriv — a 1.0-point difference.

  • 🛡️

    HFM holds Tier 1 regulation (CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA) offering stronger investor protection than Deriv's Tier 3 status.

  • 📈

    HFM offers 1,200+ instruments vs 150+ at Deriv — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    Deriv runs on DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while HFM uses MT4, MT5, HFM App — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: HFM scores 9.0 vs 5.5 for Deriv — a 3.5-point difference.

Our Verdict

Deriv

Deriv

Score: 7.0/10 · Wins 0 categories
  • You prefer Deriv's trading environment overall
🏆 WINNER
HFM

HFM

Score: 8.0/10 · Wins 7 categories
  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • Responsive customer support matters to you

HFM takes the lead with an overall score of 8/10 compared to 7/10, winning in 7 out of 8 scoring categories. HFM stands out for lower trading costs and stronger regulation, while Deriv remains a solid alternative.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, HFM comes out ahead with a 8/10 overall rating, winning 7 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 9.0/10. HFM holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Deriv is not without merit — it scores 7/10 overall and excels in Platforms & Tools (7.5/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full HFM review and Deriv review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

Deriv
HFM
Trading Costs
7.0 8.0

HFM wins by 1.0 points

Platforms & Tools
7.5 7.5
Regulation & Trust
5.5 9.0

HFM wins by 3.5 points

Education
6.5 7.5

HFM wins by 1.0 points

Customer Service
7.0 7.5

HFM wins by 0.5 points

Research & Analysis
6.5 7.0

HFM wins by 0.5 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
7.5 8.0

HFM wins by 0.5 points

Product Range
7.0 7.5

HFM wins by 0.5 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
7.0/10
8.0/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$5
$5
Max Leverage
1:1000
1:2000
Spreads From
0.5 pips
0.0 pips
Platforms
DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X
MT4, MT5, HFM App
Regulation
VFSC, FSC, LFSA
CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA
Founded
Older track record highlighted
2000
2010
Markets
150+
1,200+
Deriv: 0 HFM: 1
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: HFM (7.0 vs 8.0)

When it comes to trading costs, HFM has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 7/10 for Deriv. Deriv offers spreads starting from 0.5 pips, while HFM starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at Deriv is $5, compared to $5 at HFM. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.

Deriv
7.0
HFM
8.0
Deriv: 0 HFM: 1
🖥️

Trading Platforms

Deriv scores 7.5/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for HFM. Deriv provides DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while HFM offers MT4, MT5, HFM App. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.

Deriv
7.5
HFM
7.5
Deriv: 0 HFM: 2
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: HFM (5.5 vs 9.0)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Deriv is regulated by VFSC, FSC, LFSA (Tier 3), while HFM holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA (Tier 1). Deriv scores 5.5/10 and HFM scores 9/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.

Deriv
5.5
HFM
9.0
Deriv: 0 HFM: 3
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: HFM (6.5 vs 7.5)

For learning resources, HFM leads with 7.5/10 compared to 6.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Deriv and HFM both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.

Deriv
6.5
HFM
7.5
Deriv: 0 HFM: 4
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: HFM (7.0 vs 7.5)

Deriv offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email and scores 7/10, while HFM provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7.5/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.

Deriv
7.0
HFM
7.5
Deriv: 0 HFM: 5
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

🏅 Section Winner: HFM (7.5 vs 8.0)

Deriv scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while HFM scores 8/10. Deriv accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto, E-wallets, and HFM supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Deriv requires a minimum deposit of $5 versus $5 for HFM. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

Deriv
7.5
HFM
8.0

Which Broker Is Right for You?

Deriv

Choose Deriv if you...

  • You prefer Deriv's trading environment overall
Visit Deriv
HFM

Choose HFM if you...

  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
Visit HFM

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Deriv better than HFM?

HFM scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7/10), winning 7 of 8 categories. However, Deriv remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, Deriv or HFM?

HFM scores higher for trading costs. Deriv offers spreads from 0.5 pips with a $5 minimum deposit, while HFM starts from 0.0 pips with $5 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.

Is Deriv safe to trade with?

Deriv is regulated by VFSC, FSC, LFSA and scores 5.5/10 for regulation. HFM is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.

Which has better trading platforms, Deriv or HFM?

Deriv scores 7.5/10 for platforms. Deriv offers DTrader, DBot, DMT5, Deriv X, while HFM provides MT4, MT5, HFM App. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.

What's the minimum deposit for Deriv vs HFM?

Deriv requires a minimum deposit of $5, while HFM requires $5. HFM has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.

Ready to Start Trading?

Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.

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