HFM

HFM

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.0
/ 10
vs
Tickmill

Tickmill

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.2
/ 10

HFM vs Tickmill

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

HFM and Tickmill 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. Tickmill, established in 2014 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSA with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Tickmill 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 superior education resources, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • 📊

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

  • 💵

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

  • 📈

    HFM offers 1,200+ instruments vs 500+ at Tickmill — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    HFM runs on MT4, MT5, HFM App, while Tickmill uses MT4, MT5 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Trading Costs: Tickmill scores 9.0 vs 8.0 for HFM — a 1.0-point difference.

Our Verdict

HFM

HFM

Score: 8.0/10 · Wins 1 categories
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
  • You prefer HFM's trading environment overall
🏆 WINNER
Tickmill

Tickmill

Score: 8.2/10 · Wins 1 categories
  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You prefer Tickmill's trading environment overall

Tickmill takes the lead with an overall score of 8.2/10 compared to 8/10, winning in 1 out of 8 scoring categories. Tickmill stands out for lower trading costs, while HFM fights back with superior education resources.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, Tickmill comes out ahead with a 8.2/10 overall rating, winning 1 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Trading Costs where it scores 9.0/10. Tickmill 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 1 category. Traders who value superior education resources may find HFM the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Tickmill review and HFM review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

HFM
Tickmill
Trading Costs
8.0 9.0

Tickmill wins by 1.0 points

Platforms & Tools
7.5 7.5
Regulation & Trust
9.0 9.0
Education
7.5 7.0

HFM wins by 0.5 points

Customer Service
7.5 7.5
Research & Analysis
7.0 7.0
Deposit & Withdrawal
8.0 8.0
Product Range
7.5 7.5

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
8.0/10
8.2/10
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
Regulation
CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA
CySEC, FCA, FSA
Founded
Older track record highlighted
2010
2014
Markets
1,200+
500+
HFM: 0 Tickmill: 1
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: Tickmill (8.0 vs 9.0)

When it comes to trading costs, Tickmill has the edge with a score of 9/10 versus 8/10 for HFM. HFM offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while Tickmill starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at HFM is $5, compared to $100 at Tickmill. 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.

HFM
8.0
Tickmill
9.0
HFM: 0 Tickmill: 1
🖥️

Trading Platforms

HFM scores 7.5/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for Tickmill. HFM provides MT4, MT5, HFM App, while Tickmill offers MT4, MT5. 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.

HFM
7.5
Tickmill
7.5
HFM: 0 Tickmill: 1
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. HFM is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA (Tier 1), while Tickmill holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSA (Tier 1). HFM scores 9/10 and Tickmill 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.

HFM
9.0
Tickmill
9.0
HFM: 1 Tickmill: 1
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: HFM (7.5 vs 7.0)

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. HFM and Tickmill 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.

HFM
7.5
Tickmill
7.0
HFM: 1 Tickmill: 1
🎧

Customer Support

HFM offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, while Tickmill 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.

HFM
7.5
Tickmill
7.5
HFM: 1 Tickmill: 1
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

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

HFM
8.0
Tickmill
8.0

Which Broker Is Right for You?

HFM

Choose HFM if you...

  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
  • You prefer HFM's trading environment overall
Visit HFM
Tickmill

Choose Tickmill if you...

  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You prefer Tickmill's trading environment overall
Visit Tickmill

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HFM better than Tickmill?

Tickmill scores higher overall (8.2/10 vs 8/10), winning 1 of 8 categories. However, HFM is stronger in superior education resources. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, HFM or Tickmill?

Tickmill scores higher for trading costs. HFM offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $5 minimum deposit, while Tickmill 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. Tickmill is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSA 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 Tickmill?

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

What's the minimum deposit for HFM vs Tickmill?

HFM requires a minimum deposit of $5, while Tickmill 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.

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