6 minute read
JustMarkets vs HFM: Which Broker Is Right for You?
from JustMarkets
by Exness_India
Choosing the right online broker is a critical decision for any trader—whether you're just starting out or managing a professional portfolio. Two prominent names that frequently come up in this discussion are JustMarkets and HFM (formerly HotForex). Both offer competitive platforms, attractive features, and access to global markets. But which one is truly right for you? Let’s dive straight into the core differences and help you make the right call.
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Regulation and Trust: Who’s More Reliable?
When selecting a broker, regulation is non-negotiable. It ensures that your funds are secure and that the broker follows industry standards.
JustMarkets is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles, the CySEC (in Europe), and FSCA (in South Africa). It offers some degree of legal protection, though its international arm (FSA) has less strict oversight compared to top-tier regulators.
On the other hand, HFM boasts multiple licenses from top-tier regulators, including the FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), FSCA (South Africa), and DFSA (Dubai). This makes HFM one of the more heavily regulated brokers in the retail FX industry.
Verdict: If regulation and trust are your top concerns, HFM takes the lead with its stronger global oversight.
Trading Instruments: Who Offers More?
Your trading opportunities hinge on the number and variety of instruments offered.
JustMarkets provides access to:
Forex (more than 60 currency pairs)
Indices
Commodities
Cryptocurrencies
Shares
HFM offers a very similar range:
Forex (over 50 currency pairs)
Commodities
Indices
Bonds
ETFs
Cryptocurrencies
Shares
However, HFM expands its offering with ETFs and bonds, which are not available on JustMarkets.
Verdict: HFM offers slightly broader diversification for more advanced or institutional traders.
Trading Platforms: MT4 and MT5 Support?
Both JustMarkets and HFM offer the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms. These platforms are known for fast execution, algorithmic trading, and extensive charting tools.
Both brokers also offer mobile and web versions of these platforms for on-the-go trading.
What stands out, however, is platform optimization and execution quality. JustMarkets tends to prioritize ultra-fast execution, especially on ECN and Raw Spread accounts. HFM, on the other hand, offers enhanced platform stability, multi-terminal support for professionals, and copy-trading functionality via HFcopy.
Verdict: It's a draw if you're only looking at MT4/MT5. But for social trading and portfolio copying, HFM has the edge.
Account Types: Flexibility vs Professionalism
Different traders require different account structures.
JustMarkets offers:
Standard
Pro
Raw Spread
Cent (for beginners)
The Cent account is particularly helpful for newcomers who want to test the waters without risking much money. Their Raw Spread and Pro accounts offer extremely competitive spreads and leverage up to 1:3000 for international clients.
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HFM provides:
Micro
Premium
Zero Spread
PAMM (for money managers)
HFcopy accounts (for social trading)
While HFM doesn’t have a “Cent” account, it offers a Micro account with low entry requirements, and its HFcopy account is ideal for passive investors who want to follow experienced traders.
Verdict: JustMarkets is better for beginners and aggressive scalpers due to high leverage and cent accounts. HFM caters more to professionals and passive investors.
Spreads and Fees: Who’s Cheaper?
Costs are a decisive factor in long-term trading profitability.
JustMarkets is known for its ultra-low spreads, starting from 0.0 pips on Raw Spread accounts, with commissions from $3 per lot per side. Their Pro and Standard accounts also offer tight spreads without commission.
HFM also offers Zero Spread accounts, but commissions are slightly higher—around $6 per lot round turn. Their Premium account has variable spreads and no commissions, but spreads tend to be wider during volatile hours.
Verdict: JustMarkets is generally cheaper for active traders who trade frequently or in large volumes.
Leverage and Margin Requirements
Leverage can amplify both gains and losses, so brokers' policies here matter a lot.
JustMarkets offers leverage up to 1:3000 (depending on jurisdiction and account type), which is extremely high and useful for traders with small capital aiming for higher exposure.
HFM is more conservative, offering up to 1:1000, and even lower in EU-regulated regions due to ESMA rules.
Verdict: If you’re a high-risk trader or using scalping strategies, JustMarkets is better. If you prefer a balanced, risk-managed approach, HFM offers more prudent limits.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
Both brokers provide a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods, including:
Credit/debit cards
Bank transfers
eWallets (Skrill, Neteller, etc.)
Cryptocurrencies (BTC, USDT)
However, JustMarkets offers zero deposit fees and faster withdrawal processing times in many regions, with most withdrawals processed within 1–2 hours.
HFM may take longer depending on the method and account status. They sometimes impose minimum withdrawal amounts for specific methods.
Verdict: JustMarkets wins in terms of speed and cost-efficiency for deposits and withdrawals.
Bonuses and Promotions
If bonuses are important to you, this is an area where both brokers shine—but in different ways.
JustMarkets regularly offers:
Deposit bonuses
Welcome bonuses
No-deposit trials
Contests and giveaways
HFM also offers:
100% Supercharged Bonus
Loyalty program (convert points to cash)
Demo contests
However, some bonuses from both brokers may not be available in EU-regulated zones due to compliance restrictions.
Verdict: JustMarkets is more aggressive in offering promotional incentives, especially to new traders.
Educational Resources and Support
For beginner and intermediate traders, the learning curve can be steep. A broker's commitment to education can make a real difference.
HFM has a well-structured education section with:
Webinars
eCourses
Market analysis
Daily news and signals
JustMarkets offers a helpful blog, market analysis, and an economic calendar, but it's less comprehensive than HFM’s education hub.
Verdict: HFM offers a better learning environment for those seeking structured education.
Customer Support: Responsiveness Matters
In trading, every second counts. When something goes wrong, you need fast support.
JustMarkets provides 24/7 multilingual live chat and email support. They’re known for being responsive and helpful, especially to new users.
HFM also has 24/5 multilingual support, with a live chat that typically resolves queries quickly. However, some users report longer wait times during peak trading hours.
Verdict: JustMarkets has a slight edge with its 24/7 availability.
Which Broker Should You Choose?
So, which broker is better: JustMarkets or HFM? It depends entirely on your trading style, risk appetite, and goals.
Choose JustMarkets if you:
Are a beginner needing small-lot accounts (Cent)
Prefer higher leverage and lower spreads
Want fast deposit/withdrawal processing
Appreciate frequent bonuses
Prioritize active, short-term trading (scalping, intraday)
Choose HFM if you:
Want a more regulated and globally trusted broker
Prefer portfolio copying or PAMM investing
Need a structured educational program
Value moderate leverage and risk control
Plan to scale up with advanced trading tools and account types
Final Thoughts
Both JustMarkets and HFM are reputable brokers with distinct advantages. JustMarkets is best suited for traders looking for flexibility, high leverage, and quick trading conditions, while HFM appeals more to professionals and long-term investors who value safety, education, and diversified services.
Ultimately, the “right” broker is the one that aligns with your trading goals, strategy, and level of experience. Don’t just follow what’s popular—evaluate your needs carefully, open demo accounts with both, and decide from real-time experience.
✅ Trade with JustMarkets now: Open An Account or Visit Brokers 👈
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