HFM
Admirals
HFM vs Admirals
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
HFM and Admirals are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. HFM, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA and offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $5. Admirals, established in 2001 in Tallinn, Estonia, holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, ASIC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Admirals scored 8.4/10 overall compared to HFM's 8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, HFM holds its own with overall value, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Admirals scores 8.4/10 overall vs 8/10 for HFM — a 0.4-point difference.
- 💵
HFM requires just $5 to start, while Admirals needs $100 — HFM is 20x more accessible.
- 📈
Admirals offers 4,000+ instruments vs 1,200+ at HFM — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
HFM runs on MT4, MT5, HFM App, while Admirals uses MT4, MT5, MetaTrader Supreme Edition — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Platforms & Tools: Admirals scores 9.0 vs 7.5 for HFM — a 1.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
HFM
Score: 8.0/10 · Wins 0 categories- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
- You prefer HFM's trading environment overall
Admirals
Score: 8.4/10 · Wins 5 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
Admirals takes the lead with an overall score of 8.4/10 compared to 8/10, winning in 5 out of 8 scoring categories. Admirals stands out for better trading platforms and superior education resources, while HFM remains a solid alternative.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Admirals comes out ahead with a 8.4/10 overall rating, winning 5 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Platforms & Tools where it scores 9.0/10. Admirals 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). For a complete breakdown, read our full Admirals review and HFM review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Admirals wins by 1.5 points
Admirals wins by 1.0 points
Admirals wins by 0.5 points
Admirals wins by 1.0 points
Admirals wins by 1.0 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $5 ✓ | $100 |
| Max Leverage | 1:2000 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, HFM App | MT4, MT5, MetaTrader Supreme Edition |
| Regulation | CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA | CySEC, FCA, ASIC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2010 | 2001 ✓ |
| Markets | 1,200+ | 4,000+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, HFM has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 8/10 for Admirals. HFM offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while Admirals starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at HFM is $5, compared to $100 at Admirals. 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.
Trading Platforms
Admirals scores 9/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for HFM. HFM provides MT4, MT5, HFM App, while Admirals offers MT4, MT5, MetaTrader Supreme Edition. 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.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. HFM is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA (Tier 1), while Admirals holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, ASIC (Tier 1). HFM scores 9/10 and Admirals 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.
Education & Research
For learning resources, Admirals leads with 8.5/10 compared to 7.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. HFM and Admirals 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.
Customer Support
HFM offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, while Admirals provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8/10. 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.
Deposit & Withdrawal
HFM scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Admirals scores 8/10. HFM accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin, and Admirals supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. HFM requires a minimum deposit of $5 versus $100 for Admirals. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose HFM if you...
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
- You prefer HFM's trading environment overall
Choose Admirals if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HFM better than Admirals?
Admirals scores higher overall (8.4/10 vs 8/10), winning 5 of 8 categories. However, HFM remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, HFM or Admirals?
HFM scores higher for trading costs. HFM offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $5 minimum deposit, while Admirals starts from 0.0 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is HFM safe to trade with?
HFM is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA and scores 9/10 for regulation. Admirals is regulated by CySEC, FCA, ASIC with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, HFM or Admirals?
Admirals scores 9/10 for platforms. HFM offers MT4, MT5, HFM App, while Admirals provides MT4, MT5, MetaTrader Supreme Edition. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for HFM vs Admirals?
HFM requires a minimum deposit of $5, while Admirals requires $100. 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.