FP Markets

FP Markets

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.2
/ 10
vs
HFM

HFM

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.0
/ 10

FP Markets vs HFM

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

FP Markets and HFM are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. FP Markets, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, is regulated by ASIC, CySEC and offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $100. 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, FP Markets scored 8.2/10 overall compared to HFM's 8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, HFM holds its own with stronger regulation and superior education resources, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • 📊

    FP Markets scores 8.2/10 overall vs 8/10 for HFM — a 0.2-point difference.

  • 💵

    HFM requires just $5 to start, while FP Markets needs $100 — HFM is 20x more accessible.

  • 📈

    FP Markets offers 10,000+ instruments vs 1,200+ at HFM — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    FP Markets runs on MT4, MT5, cTrader, IRESS, while HFM uses MT4, MT5, HFM App — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Platforms & Tools: FP Markets scores 8.5 vs 7.5 for HFM — a 1.0-point difference.

Our Verdict

🏆 WINNER
FP Markets

FP Markets

Score: 8.2/10 · Wins 5 categories
  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
  • You want access to a wider range of instruments
HFM

HFM

Score: 8.0/10 · Wins 2 categories
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)

FP Markets takes the lead with an overall score of 8.2/10 compared to 8/10, winning in 5 out of 8 scoring categories. FP Markets stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while HFM fights back with stronger regulation and superior education resources.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, FP Markets comes out ahead with a 8.2/10 overall rating, winning 5 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Trading Costs where it scores 8.5/10. FP Markets holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. HFM is not without merit — it scores 8/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 2 categories. Traders who value stronger regulation or superior education resources may find HFM the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full FP Markets review and HFM review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

FP Markets
HFM
Trading Costs
8.5 8.0

FP Markets wins by 0.5 points

Platforms & Tools
8.5 7.5

FP Markets wins by 1.0 points

Regulation & Trust
8.5 9.0

HFM wins by 0.5 points

Education
7.0 7.5

HFM wins by 0.5 points

Customer Service
8.0 7.5

FP Markets wins by 0.5 points

Research & Analysis
7.5 7.0

FP Markets wins by 0.5 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
8.0 8.0
Product Range
8.0 7.5

FP Markets wins by 0.5 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
8.2/10
8.0/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$100
$5
Max Leverage
1:500
1:2000
Spreads From
0.0 pips
0.0 pips
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, IRESS
MT4, MT5, HFM App
Regulation
ASIC, CySEC
CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA
Founded
Older track record highlighted
2005
2010
Markets
10,000+
1,200+
FP Markets: 1 HFM: 0
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: FP Markets (8.5 vs 8.0)

When it comes to trading costs, FP Markets has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 8/10 for HFM. FP Markets offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while HFM starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at FP Markets is $100, 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.

FP Markets
8.5
HFM
8.0
FP Markets: 2 HFM: 0
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: FP Markets (8.5 vs 7.5)

FP Markets scores 8.5/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for HFM. FP Markets provides MT4, MT5, cTrader, IRESS, 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.

FP Markets
8.5
HFM
7.5
FP Markets: 2 HFM: 1
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: HFM (8.5 vs 9.0)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. FP Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC (Tier 1), while HFM holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA (Tier 1). FP Markets scores 8.5/10 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.

FP Markets
8.5
HFM
9.0
FP Markets: 2 HFM: 2
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: HFM (7.0 vs 7.5)

For learning resources, HFM leads with 7.5/10 compared to 7/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. FP Markets 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.

FP Markets
7.0
HFM
7.5
FP Markets: 3 HFM: 2
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: FP Markets (8.0 vs 7.5)

FP Markets offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8/10, 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.

FP Markets
8.0
HFM
7.5
FP Markets: 3 HFM: 2
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

FP Markets scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while HFM scores 8/10. FP Markets accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and HFM supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. FP Markets requires a minimum deposit of $100 versus $5 for HFM. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

FP Markets
8.0
HFM
8.0

Which Broker Is Right for You?

FP Markets

Choose FP Markets if you...

  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
  • You want access to a wider range of instruments
Visit FP Markets
HFM

Choose HFM if you...

  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
Visit HFM

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FP Markets better than HFM?

FP Markets scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 8/10), winning 5 of 8 categories. However, HFM is stronger in stronger regulation and superior education resources. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, FP Markets or HFM?

FP Markets scores higher for trading costs. FP Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $100 minimum deposit, while HFM starts from 0.0 pips with $5 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.

Is FP Markets safe to trade with?

FP Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC and scores 8.5/10 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, FP Markets or HFM?

FP Markets scores 8.5/10 for platforms. FP Markets offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, IRESS, 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 FP Markets vs HFM?

FP Markets requires a minimum deposit of $100, 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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