Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Freetrade vs AJ Bell, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
Your capital is at risk.
Alongside the cost per trade, most UK online brokers also charge a monthly, quarterly, or annual management fee, which varies based on the account type and balance. Based on our thorough review, Freetrade offers better pricing than AJ Bell for share dealing.
What type of trader are you?
New to the world of investing? See our picks for the Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners. More experienced traders should read our guide to the Best UK Trading Platforms for Active Traders.
Freetrade and AJ Bell both let UK investors trade shares, ETFs, funds, investment trusts, and government bonds (gilts). Neither broker offers crypto trading or CFD trading, and neither provides adviser services. A key difference is bonds: AJ Bell includes corporate bonds, while Freetrade does not.
On investment choice, UK.StockBrokers.com rates Freetrade 4.5/5 (ranked 9th of 21) and AJ Bell 5/5 (ranked 4th of 21). In short, AJ Bell edges ahead for breadth—especially if you want corporate bonds—while Freetrade suits straightforward share and ETF investing.
| Feature |
Freetrade
|
AJ Bell
|
|---|---|---|
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes |
| CFD Trading | No | No |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | Yes | Yes |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes |
| Spread Betting | No | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | No |
| Advisor Services | No | No |
| Investment Choices |
|
|
Low-cost US and UK shares.
Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.
Freetrade vs AJ Bell: if charting tools matter to you, AJ Bell pulls ahead. AJ Bell lets you see corporate events (earnings, splits, dividends) on charts, offers 8 drawing tools, and includes 31 technical indicators. Freetrade has none of these features. Neither platform supports adding notes to charts or using index or stock overlays.
Both brokers provide a browser-based platform and let you set price alerts, but neither offers real-time market data. For UK investors who want deeper chart analysis, AJ Bell is the stronger pick, while Freetrade suits those who prefer a simpler setup without advanced charting features.
| Feature |
Freetrade
|
AJ Bell
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 0 | 31 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 0 | 8 |
| Charting - Notes | No | No |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | Yes |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | No | No |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
Freetrade vs AJ Bell: both serve UK investors with ISA accounts for tax-efficient investing and SIPP (self-invested personal pension) accounts for building retirement savings, so choosing between them comes down to comparing fees, tools, and ease of use to see which platform fits your goals.
Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.
Comparing Freetrade vs AJ Bell for UK investors: both brokers offer iPhone and Android apps, but Freetrade stands out on mobile. UK.StockBrokers.com rates Freetrade’s app 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks it 7th out of 21 brokers, while AJ Bell’s app earns 4 out of 5 stars and ranks 12th. In short, both have strong app availability, but Freetrade edges AJ Bell on user ratings and overall mobile ranking.
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.
Comparing Freetrade vs AJ Bell for beginner investor education in the UK: both brokers offer guides on share trading, funds and retirement, but AJ Bell also runs educational client webinars and provides an on‑demand archive, while Freetrade has no webinars. Independent ratings from UK.StockBrokers.com score Freetrade 4/5 (13th of 21) and AJ Bell 5/5 (6th of 21). If you want structured learning with webinars you can watch back, AJ Bell is the stronger choice; if you just need straightforward articles on core topics, Freetrade still covers the basics.
| Feature |
Freetrade
|
AJ Bell
|
|---|---|---|
| Client Webinars | No | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | Yes |
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Funds) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | Yes |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.
Comparing UK online brokers Freetrade and AJ Bell for market research features: AJ Bell provides research on shares, ETFs, funds and bonds, plus fund research reports, while Freetrade does not offer research reports or dedicated research for those asset types. Both platforms let you view portfolio allocation by asset class. If you want integrated research tools, AJ Bell is the better fit; if you only need a simple portfolio breakdown, Freetrade may suffice.
| Feature |
Freetrade
|
AJ Bell
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | No | Yes |
| Research - ETFs | No | Yes |
| Research - Bonds | No | Yes |
| Research - Funds | No | Yes |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | No | Yes |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | Yes |
Which broker is better overall, Freetrade or AJ Bell? After collecting more than 900 data points over a 10-week period, we found Freetrade to be a better trading platform overall.
Overall Freetrade is a great platform to help you get to grips with investing. Costs are low, and its user-friendly mobile app offers great investment inspiration. Sophisticated investors, however, may find that other platforms offer a wider range of investment options and tools.
| Feature |
Freetrade
|
AJ Bell
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Charges & Fees |
|
|
| Investment Choices |
|
|
| Mobile App |
|
|
| Website |
|
|
| Ease of Use |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
In a Freetrade vs AJ Bell comparison, both online brokers do not offer cryptocurrency trading.
We reviewed and compared over 20 of the top U.K. brokerage firms to create our list of the best U.K. investment platforms for beginner investors.
Elizabeth Anderson March 02, 2026
The best UK mobile trading apps appeal to all levels of trading skill — beginner, active trader, and longer-term investor. Check out our top picks here.
Elizabeth Anderson February 27, 2026
Choosing the best broker can be crucial to your success as a day trader in the U.K., as the needs of active traders can be drastically different from those of passive investors. See our top picks, based on hands-on testing and analysis.
Steven Hatzakis February 28, 2026
Hargreaves Lansdown offers top research and a quality app but higher fees. Learn more about its features and if it’s right for your portfolio.
Elizabeth Anderson February 17, 2026
Charles Stanley Direct is an online investment platform where you can invest in a wide range of products, including stocks and ETFs, using various accounts like tax-advantaged ISAs and SIPPs.
Elizabeth Anderson December 30, 2025
XTB’s low fees and solid education make it ideal for new investors. Learn more about its features and drawbacks in our full XTB review.
Elizabeth Anderson December 30, 2025
Compare eToro’s ISA fees, trading costs, social trading tools, and investment options. Read our review to decide if eToro is right for you.
Elizabeth Anderson February 26, 2026
Bestinvest appeals to a wide range of investors. Fees are competitive, particularly if you invest in funds or US shares, and investment options are extensive.
Elizabeth Anderson December 30, 2025
IG is a trading platform for experienced investors, offering shares, ETFs, spread betting, and CFDs on an easy-to-use interface.
Elizabeth Anderson March 05, 2026
Interactive Investor offers flat fees, wide investment choice, and strong research tools. See who ii is best for and whether it’s the right platform for you.
Elizabeth Anderson February 05, 2026
Saxo review: Compare ISAs, fees, and trading tools. Discover if Saxo’s global platform is right for your investing goals today.
Elizabeth Anderson December 30, 2025
Trading 212 offers commission-free trading, but lacks mutual funds. See if it’s the right low-cost platform for your investing goals.
Elizabeth Anderson December 30, 2025
Barclays Smart Investor is an investment platform offered by Barclays Bank that offers a wide range of investments and accounts. Non-Barclays customers may find it complicated to open an account. Barclays is good value whether you are a beginner investor or have a large portfolio as its fees are, overall, very low.
Elizabeth Anderson December 30, 2025
Explore Halifax Share Dealing’s flat fees, ISA options, and ready-made portfolios. Find out whether Halifax offers good value for your investing style.
Elizabeth Anderson December 30, 2025
Fidelity offers thousands of investments and also offers financial advice for those wanting direction. My view is that Fidelity is most suited to traditional investors who hold a range of accounts through the platform.
Elizabeth Anderson December 30, 2025
Robinhood is great for trading US stocks and for beginners who want to learn the basics without worrying about small trades being swallowed up by hefty fees.
Elizabeth Anderson December 30, 2025
Review Vanguard’s low fees, ISA and SIPP options, and simple long-term investing funds. See if Vanguard is the right low-cost platform for your portfolio.
Elizabeth Anderson December 30, 2025
AJ Bell review 2025: Explore ISAs, SIPPs, fees, app features, and ratings. Find out if AJ Bell is the best UK investing platform today.
Elizabeth Anderson December 30, 2025
Capital.com is a U.K. broker primarily known for CFDs (contracts for difference) and spread betting. While it previously offered the chance to buy and sell shares commission-free, you can no longer buy shares directly through Capital.com. Trading is limited to an unleveraged CFD account.
Elizabeth Anderson July 29, 2025
Webull has a good app, desktop platform, and low fees, but is limited in the UK by offering only US stocks with no products offered from other markets.
Elizabeth Anderson December 30, 2025
Review Lloyds’ investing platform, ISA fees, SIPP costs, and investment options. See if Lloyds is the right low-cost choice for your portfolio.
Elizabeth Anderson December 30, 2025
Revolut offers easy app-based investing with commission-free trades and a new stocks & shares ISA. See whether Revolut is the right platform for your portfolio.
Elizabeth Anderson December 30, 2025
Trade U.K. and U.S. shares commission-free with CMC Invest. Backed by CMC Markets. Explore if it’s the right app for your portfolio today.
Elizabeth Anderson December 30, 2025
Review Freetrade’s fees, ISA costs, and investment options. Learn whether Freetrade’s commission-free trading is the right choice for your portfolio.
Elizabeth Anderson January 21, 2026Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | Freetrade | AJ Bell | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Charges & Fees |
|
| |
| Investment Choices |
|
| |
| Mobile App |
|
| |
| Website |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Review | Freetrade Review | AJ Bell Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
| Investments | Freetrade | AJ Bell | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISA | Yes | Yes | |
| SIPP | Yes | Yes | |
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| CFD Trading | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Bonds - Corporate | No | Yes | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | Yes | Yes | |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes | |
| Spread Betting | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading | |||
| Advisor Services | No | No |
| Trading Fees | Freetrade | AJ Bell | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £1 | £250 | |
| Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month | £0 | £5 | |
| Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month | £0 | £1.50 | |
| Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month | £0 | £1.50 | |
| 5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £0 - £250,000 | £59.88 | £0 - £625 | |
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £250K-£500K | £59.88 | £625 - £875 | |
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £500,000 - £1m | £59.88 | £875 | |
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £1m and over | £59.88 | £875 | |
| Bonds - Corporate - Fee | N/A | £5 | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee | £0 | £5 | |
| ETFs - Fee | £0 | £5 | |
| Investment Trusts - Fee | £0 | £5 | |
| Telephone Dealing Fee | N/A | £25 |
| Broker Screenshots | Freetrade | AJ Bell | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| |
| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
| Platforms & Tools | Freetrade | AJ Bell | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 0 | 31 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 0 | 8 | |
| Charting - Notes | No | No | |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | Yes | |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | No | No | |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
| Research | Freetrade | AJ Bell | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | No | Yes | |
| Research - CFDs | |||
| Research - Funds | No | Yes | |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | No | Yes | |
| Research - ETFs | No | Yes | |
| Research - Bonds | No | Yes | |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Freetrade | AJ Bell | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Funds) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | Yes |
| Overall Summary | Freetrade | AJ Bell | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Charges & Fees |
|
| |
| Investment Choices |
|
| |
| Mobile App |
|
| |
| Website |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Review | Freetrade Review | AJ Bell Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
Trading 212 Review
IG Group Review
Interactive Brokers Review
Freetrade Review
XTB Review
Hargreaves Lansdown Review
Saxo Review
eToro Review
Halifax Review
Vanguard Review
CMC Invest Review