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HFM vs AvaTrade (2026): Which Is Better?

Licences, spreads, leverage, minimum deposit and features compared side by side. Our pick: HFM (9.1/10).

HFM AvaTrade
Our score9.1/108.9/10
Founded20102006
Minimum deposit$0$100
Max leverageUp to 1:2000Up to 1:400 (1:30 for EU/AU retail)
SpreadsFrom 0.0 pips + $3/side (Zero) · from 1.2 pips (Premium, no commission)Fixed-style spreads from 0.9 pips (EURUSD avg ~0.8–0.9), no commission
PlatformsMT4, MT5, HFM app, WebTraderMT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, WebTrader
Copy tradingYes – HFCOPYYes – AvaSocial, DupliTrade, ZuluTrade
LicencesFCA, CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, CMA, FSC, FSACBI, ASIC, CySEC, JFSA, FSRA, ISA, FSCA, FSC
Available in~231 countries~232 countries
Best forAll-round traders, copy trading, very high leverageSafety-first traders, beginners, options and social trading
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Why choose HFM

  • $0 minimum deposit on popular accounts
  • 7 licences incl. FCA, CySEC and Dubai DFSA
  • HFCOPY copy-trading platform
  • Leverage up to 1:2000

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Why choose AvaTrade

  • One of the most regulated brokers in the world
  • No commission on standard trading
  • AvaOptions and AvaTradeGO apps
  • Copy trading via AvaSocial, DupliTrade and ZuluTrade

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Verdict

HFM (formerly HotForex) is a multi-award-winning broker operating since 2010, regulated by seven authorities including the UK FCA, CySEC and the Dubai DFSA. It combines a $0 minimum deposit, raw-spread Zero accounts, MT4/MT5 and the HFCOPY copy-trading platform.

AvaTrade, founded in 2006, is one of the most heavily regulated forex brokers in the world, with licences from the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, CySEC, Japan's FSA, Abu Dhabi's FSRA and more. It offers commission-free trading, MT4/MT5, the AvaTradeGO app, options trading and several copy-trading services.

HFM edges ahead in our rating, but many traders open both accounts and use each for what it does best.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, HFM or AvaTrade?
Both are excellent. HFM scores slightly higher in our rating. Choose HFM for: all-round traders, copy trading, very high leverage. Choose AvaTrade for: safety-first traders, beginners, options and social trading.
Which has the lower minimum deposit, HFM or AvaTrade?
HFM: $0. AvaTrade: $100.
How are HFM and AvaTrade regulated?
HFM: Regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), DFSA (Dubai), FSCA (South Africa), CMA (Kenya), FSC (Mauritius) and FSA (Seychelles). AvaTrade: Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC (Australia), CySEC, FSCA (South Africa), FSRA (Abu Dhabi), JFSA (Japan), ISA (Israel) and BVI FSC.