HF Markets vs XM: FX Trust Score Breakdown & Key Differences (2025)
HF Markets and XM are two well-established global brokers known for strong regulation, diverse account options and solid trading conditions. This comparison uses the FX Trust Score Index, our independent scoring system that evaluates brokers across five key categories: Regulation, Security & Fund Protection, Trading Conditions, Customer Support and Online Reputation.
Both brokers offer competitive spreads, strong safety measures and extensive educational material, but each has unique strengths that make them better suited to different types of traders.
The side-by-side comparison below will help you quickly understand how HF Markets and XM differ, which broker leads in each FX Trust Score category and which may be the better choice for your trading strategy.
Side-by-Side Performance Across All FX Trust Score Pillars
| Criterion | HF Markets Review | XM Review |
|---|---|---|
| Overall FX Trust Score | 82% | 78.9% |
| Regulatory Compliance | 90% | 80% |
| Security & Fund Protection | 80% | 80% |
| Trading Conditions | 80% | 75% |
| Customer Support | 80% | 78% |
| Online Reputation | 75% | 80% |
Comparison Summary: HF Markets vs XM
Here is how both brokers typically compare across the FX Trust Score Index categories:
Regulation
HF Markets and XM are both regulated in multiple major jurisdictions. HF Markets often has a slight edge in regulatory diversity, with several additional licences across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. XM remains strongly regulated but may cover fewer regions depending on the trader’s location.
Security & Fund Protection
Both brokers offer robust security standards, including segregated client funds and strong operational procedures.
HF Markets often performs slightly better in this category due to stricter internal controls in certain regulated regions. XM also maintains excellent security levels and has a long track record of safe operations.
Trading Conditions
This category is often very close.
HF Markets is well-regarded for:
- competitive spreads,
- fast execution,
- and flexible account types (including zero-spread options).
XM’s strengths include:
- micro and ultra-low accounts,
- stable execution,
- and accessible minimum deposits.
Which broker performs best depends heavily on the account type chosen, but HF Markets often edges ahead for raw trading performance.
Customer Support
XM is known for excellent multilingual support, training resources, and regional availability. HF Markets offers strong customer service as well, often praised for responsiveness and clear communication.
Support quality is high for both, but XM often scores slightly higher due to broader language coverage and more educational tools.
Online Reputation
XM has one of the largest global user bases, contributing to a strong online reputation built over many years. HF Markets also receives consistently positive sentiment, particularly for trading conditions and customer service.
In most markets, XM has a marginal lead simply due to brand size and global familiarity.
Overall Winner: XM (by a small margin)
Based on the FX Trust Score Index, XM typically wins overall by a slight margin, driven by its strong global presence, excellent client support and highly accessible account structure.
However, HF Markets is a superb choice for traders who prioritise tight spreads, raw pricing, account flexibility and execution quality.
Your final choice will depend on whether you value:
- the broad support and reputation of XM, or
- the trading performance advantages of HF Markets.
Both brokers are safe, reliable and well-established.
Comparison: Winners Summary
Regulation
- Winner: HF Markets
Stronger multi-region regulatory coverage.
Security & Fund Protection
- Winner: HF Markets (slightly)
More stringent internal controls in several regions.
Trading Conditions
- Winner: HF Markets
Better raw spreads and execution on many accounts.
Customer Support
- Winner: XM
More languages, better educational support.
Online Reputation
- Winner: XM
Larger user base and stronger global brand visibility.
Conclusion: Which Broker is Better Overall?
Choose HF Markets if you want:
- tighter spreads
- fast execution
- flexible account structures
- strong regulation across emerging markets
Choose XM if you prefer:
- beginner-friendly accounts
- extensive educational materials
- multilingual support
- a widely recognised global brand
Both brokers are excellent option but of course, your trading style will determine which is the better fit.
FAQs
Both are safe, well-regulated brokers, although HF Markets may have slightly more regional regulatory coverage.
HF Markets typically offers tighter raw spreads, especially on zero-spread or premium accounts.
XM is often preferred by beginners due to its educational tools and micro account options.
XM generally has more languages available and more extensive educational content.
Yes , both brokers maintain reputable, multi-region regulation and strong client fund protection.
Publication date:
22/11/2025
Author: FX Trust Score
Last updated on November 22, 2025
