IM
VSH
IC Markets vs HFM (2026): Which Is Better?
Licences, spreads, leverage, minimum deposit and features compared side by side. Our pick: IC Markets (9.2/10).
| IM | H | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| Founded | 2007 | 2010 |
| Minimum deposit | $200 | $0 |
| Max leverage | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Spreads | From 0.0 pips + $7 round-turn (Raw) · from 0.8 pips (Standard) | From 0.0 pips + $3/side (Zero) · from 1.2 pips (Premium, no commission) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | MT4, MT5, HFM app, WebTrader |
| Copy trading | Yes – IC Social, ZuluTrade, Myfxbook | Yes – HFCOPY |
| Licences | ASIC, CySEC, SCB, FSA | FCA, CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, CMA, FSC, FSA |
| Available in | ~229 countries | ~231 countries |
| Best for | Scalpers, EA / robot traders, cTrader users | All-round traders, copy trading, very high leverage |
| Visit Site | Visit Site |
Why choose IC Markets
- Raw spreads from 0.0 pips with deep liquidity
- MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView
- Tier-1 regulation from ASIC and CySEC
- Built for EA and scalping strategies
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
Verdict
IC Markets is an Australian-founded true-ECN broker known for raw spreads from 0.0 pips, lightning-fast execution and the widest platform choice in the industry — MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView. It is a favourite of scalpers and automated (EA) traders worldwide.
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.
IC Markets 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, IC Markets or HFM?
Both are excellent. IC Markets scores slightly higher in our rating. Choose IC Markets for: scalpers, ea / robot traders, ctrader users. Choose HFM for: all-round traders, copy trading, very high leverage.
Which has the lower minimum deposit, IC Markets or HFM?
IC Markets: $200. HFM: $0.
How are IC Markets and HFM regulated?
IC Markets: Regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), SCB (Bahamas) and FSA (Seychelles). HFM: Regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), DFSA (Dubai), FSCA (South Africa), CMA (Kenya), FSC (Mauritius) and FSA (Seychelles).