Focus Markets vs HF Markets Comparison
Compare trading conditions, commissions and platforms of Forex brokers Focus Markets and HF Markets. Find out which broker is best for you.
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - Focus Markets or HF Markets?
Our pick: HF Markets
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - HF Markets looks preferable to Focus Markets.
HF Markets scored 4.3/5 and ranks 26 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas Focus Markets has 3.8/5 and ranks 60.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is Focus Markets suitable for?
Focus Markets is suitable for experienced Forex/CFD traders who trade via MT5 and independently use external analytics.
Who is HF Markets suitable for?
HF Markets is suitable for traders of any level looking for a reliable broker with good trading conditions and support for MetaTrader 4 and 5.
Comparison Table of Focus Markets and HF Markets
| Broker | Focus Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2019 | 2010 |
| Regulated in Countries | Mauritius, Australia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Seychelles, Cyprus, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Kenya |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:2000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | Focus Markets Review | HF Markets Review |
Focus Markets Review
Focus Markets is a broker aimed primarily at independent Forex and CFD traders who value access to popular markets, the familiar MetaTrader 5 platform, and a clear trading account structure. It is not the most versatile option for beginners who need strong education, regular analytics, and a wide selection of services within the broker’s ecosystem.
Focus Markets is best suited to experienced traders who already use external analytics sources, make trading decisions independently, and are looking for a broker for active CFD trading. For beginner clients, the broker may be less convenient due to its weak educational base and limited support in making trading decisions.
Pros and Cons of Focus Markets
Pros
- More than 700 CFD instruments are available, including Forex, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
- MetaTrader 5 is supported with WebTrader, mobile versions, Expert Advisors, and one-click trading.
- The broker does not charge internal fees for deposits and withdrawals.
- Various deposit methods are available: cards, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, and e-wallets.
Cons
- Limited selection of trading accounts.
- No MetaTrader 4, cTrader, or proprietary trading platform.
- Weak analytics: no regular market reviews, trading ideas, signals, or third-party analytical services.
- No educational materials for beginners.
HF Markets Review
HF Markets is a reliable and appealing Forex broker, offering a wide selection of trading assets, a variety of account types, and access to the popular trading platforms MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. With its regulation and industry experience, the company has earned a reputation as a dependable partner for traders of varying experience levels.
HF Markets is recommended for those seeking a trustworthy and vetted broker with favorable trading conditions and customer support.
Pros and Cons of HF Markets
Pros
- Regulated by reputable financial authorities.
- Wide selection of trading assets.
- A variety of educational materials and analytical reviews.
Cons
- There is no alternative to MetaTrader.
- High swaps and wide spreads.
HF Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | Focus Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2019 | 2010 |
| Regulated in Countries | Mauritius, Australia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Seychelles, Cyprus, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Kenya |
| Regulators |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets combines a regulated Australian division with international structures in Mauritius and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Client protection depends on the legal entity.
Pros
- There is a division supervised by ASIC.
- The group’s international structure is disclosed.
Cons
- No compensation fund.
- No information about additional funds insurance.
HF Markets
HF Markets is highly regulated and provides dependable services, safeguarding its clients' interests.
Account Opening
| Broker | Focus Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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Focus Markets
Opening an account with Focus Markets is convenient and fairly fast: registration is completed online, the questionnaire is clear, and document verification usually takes up to 24 business hours.
Pros
- Fully online registration.
- Clear 3-step questionnaire.
- Wide selection of account base currencies.
Cons
- Mandatory KYC verification is required.
- Additional documents may be requested.
- No instant activation of a live account.
HF Markets
The account opening process at HF Markets is simple and quick, with a user-friendly interface and standard verification.
Account Types
| Broker | Focus Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 3.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:2000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ account lineup covers traders’ basic needs, but remains limited: only Standard and Raw are available, with no cent, Islamic, or fixed-spread account.
Pros
- Standard and Raw accounts are available.
- 30-day demo account.
- Trader copy trading is available.
Cons
- No cent account.
- No Islamic account.
- No fixed-spread account.
HF Markets
The broker offers a range of accounts to satisfy the needs of diverse traders.
Pros
- A wide selection of account types to suit different requirements.
- Specialized accounts, such as Cent and Islamic accounts.
- The opportunity to copy trades from successful traders.
Commissions
| Broker | Focus Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 3.5/5 | 2/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 1.2 | 1.5 |
| Commission | per 1 lot$3.50 | per 1 lot$3.00 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ fees are average: spreads and swaps on Standard are typical for the market, the Raw commission is $3.5 per lot per side, and withdrawals are free of broker fees.
Pros
- No withdrawal fee from the broker.
Cons
- An account inactivity fee may apply.
HF Markets
HF Markets' commissions are above average for the market.
Pros
- No fees for deposits/withdrawals.
Cons
- Spreads are above average
- High swaps for long-term trading.
- Inactivity fee.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | Focus Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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Focus Markets
Deposits and withdrawals at Focus Markets are convenient: many methods are available, there are no internal fees, and withdrawal times are usually 1–3 business days.
Pros
- Cards, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, and e-wallets are available.
- No internal broker fees.
- Most deposits are processed quickly.
Cons
- Withdrawals are reviewed by the finance department.
- Fees from banks and providers may apply.
HF Markets
HF Markets provides many deposit and withdrawal methods, making the broker convenient for many traders.
Markets and Products
| Broker | Focus Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Forex | 50 | 53 |
| Precious Metals | 5 | 6 |
| Energy Carriers | 3 | 2 |
| Indices | 8 | 11 |
| Stocks | 500 | 95 |
| Cryptocurrency | 140 | 40 |
| Soft Commodities | - | 5 |
| ETF | - | 33 |
| Bonds | - | 3 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets offers a wide selection of CFD instruments: Forex, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- More than 700 instruments.
- Leverage up to 1:500.
Cons
- No real stocks or ETFs.
- No soft commodities.
HF Markets
HF Markets offers a wide selection of trading assets, though it has a limited choice of stocks.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | Focus Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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Focus Markets
Focus Markets offers the reliable and functional MT5 platform, but the selection is limited: there is no MT4, cTrader, or proprietary broker platform.
Pros
- MetaTrader 5 is available.
- WebTrader and mobile versions are available.
Cons
- No MetaTrader 4.
- No cTrader.
- No proprietary platform.
HF Markets
HF Markets offers a wide choice of reliable and functional platforms, making it attractive to traders of various levels.
Analytics
| Broker | Focus Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ analytics are weak: there are no regular market reviews, trading ideas, signals, or third-party services such as Trading Central or Autochartist.
Cons
- No market reviews.
- No trading signals.
- No analytics from third-party providers.
HF Markets
HF Markets offers an impressive set of analytical tools and up-to-date news from experts, facilitating effective trading.
Education
| Broker | Focus Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Focus Markets
Education at Focus Markets is poorly developed: instead of a full knowledge base, the broker offers only an FAQ, with no courses, webinars, video lessons, or market analysis materials.
Pros
- There is an FAQ on key questions.
Cons
- No educational courses.
- No webinars or video lessons.
- No materials on strategies or market analysis.
HF Markets
HF Markets' educational materials are extensive and in-depth, allowing traders of all levels to improve their skills and strategies.
Customer Support
| Broker | Focus Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones | — |
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| Social Media | — |
Facebook
Twitter
Telegram
Instagram
YouTube
LinkedInFocus Markets
Focus Markets’ technical support is basic: online chat, email, and an FAQ are available, with a 24/5 schedule, but there are few contact channels and limited public feedback on service quality.
Pros
- Online chat is available on the website.
- Support operates 24/5.
Cons
- No clearly specified social networks or messengers.
- Limited number of public reviews.
HF Markets
HF Markets' customer support is efficient, available through various channels, and responds quickly.
Pros
- Variety of communication channels (email, phone, online chat).
- Quick and professional response.
- Positive user feedback.
Cons
- Absence of instant messaging for quick communication.
- Lack of national phone lines.
- Support is limited to working days (24/5).
Comparisons of Focus Markets and HF Markets with other brokers
Conclusion
HF Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while Focus Markets trails on aggregate criteria.
HF Markets scored 4.3/5 and ranks 26 in our rating; Focus Markets has 3.8/5 and ranks 60.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: Focus Markets or HF Markets?
HF Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.3/5, position 26) versus Focus Markets (score 3.8/5, position 60).
Which broker is better for beginners: Focus Markets or HF Markets?
HF Markets is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — Focus Markets or HF Markets?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with Focus Markets and HF Markets?
Focus Markets: MetaTrader 5. HF Markets: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTrader. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with Focus Markets and HF Markets?
Focus Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, Cryptocurrency. HF Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by Focus Markets and HF Markets?
Focus Markets: Standard, Raw. HF Markets: Cent, Premium, Zero, Pro. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by Focus Markets and HF Markets?
Focus Markets: Neteller, Skrill, Swift, Visa, Mastercard. HF Markets: Skrill, FasaPay, BitPay, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — Focus Markets or HF Markets — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
