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Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Oct 20, 2026

HYCM vs Lightyear 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Compare HYCM and Lightyear side by side on fees, regulation, platforms and our expert ratings. Find out which broker suits your needs.

HYCM

Lightyear

Higher ratedHYCM logo

HYCM

3.6/ 5
Visit HYCM →Full review
VS
HYCMLightyear
BrokerRank Score3.6/5 ✓2.7/5
Min. Deposit$100$0 ✓
Spread from0.2 pips0 pips ✓
Max Leverage1:500 ✓1:1
RegulationFCA, CySEC, DFSA ✓FCA
PlatformsMT4, MT5Proprietary Mobile
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
LightyearHYCM
Best for Low Fees
LightyearHYCM
Best for Regulation
HYCMLightyear
Best Overall
HYCMLightyear
Quick Answer

HYCM is the better choice overall, scoring 3.6/5 vs 2.7/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Lightyear offers lower spreads (0 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

HYCM vs Lightyear: Key Differences

Feature

HYCM

Lightyear

Our Rating
3.6 / 5
2.7 / 5
Min. Deposit
$100
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.2 pips
0 pips
Commission
None
None
Regulated By
Platforms
MT4, MT5
Proprietary Mobile
Markets
Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Stocks
Founded
1977
2020
Headquarters
London, UK
London, UK
Score
2 / 4
2 / 4

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Fees Comparison

Fee

HYCM

Lightyear

Lower fees
Spread From
0.2 pips
0 pips
Commission
None
None
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None

BrokerRank Verdict

HYCM scores 3.56/5 while Lightyear scores 2.74/5 in our independent rating.

HYCM edges ahead overall, but Lightyear may suit traders who prioritise different features. Read our full reviews for a detailed breakdown. Scores are based on our transparent methodology.

Who Should Choose Which?

HYCM

HYCM

3.6/5

Top pick

Choose HYCM if you want…

  • Higher overall rating (3.6/5)
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:500)
  • More regulatory licences (3)
  • More market types (6)
Lightyear

Lightyear

2.7/5

Choose Lightyear if you want…

  • Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
  • No minimum deposit

Also consider

View all rankings

We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.

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4.0
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4.0
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80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Both HYCM & Lightyear are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is HYCM better than Lightyear?

HYCM scores higher overall on our independent rating system. HYCM holds a 3.6/5 rating vs Lightyear's 2.7/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.

2

Which has lower fees, HYCM or Lightyear?

HYCM offers spreads from 0.2 pips, while Lightyear starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for HYCM vs Lightyear?

HYCM requires a minimum deposit of $100. Lightyear requires $0.

4

Which broker is safer, HYCM or Lightyear?

HYCM is regulated by FCA, CySEC, DFSA, while Lightyear holds licences from FCA.

5

What trading platforms do HYCM and Lightyear support?

HYCM supports MT4, MT5. Lightyear supports Proprietary Mobile.

6

Can I use both HYCM and Lightyear?

Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.

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