Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Bestinvest vs Freetrade, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
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 Bestinvest for share dealing.
Assuming a £30,000 portfolio size, here are the total annual costs for share dealing with both brokers, given different monthly activity scenarios.
5 trades per year - Bestinvest would cost £144.75 per year, while Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year.
12 trades per year - Bestinvest would cost £119.40 - £179.40 per year, while Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year.
36 trades per year - Bestinvest would cost £238.20 - £357.60 per year, while Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year.
120 trades per year - Bestinvest would cost £654 - £714 per year, while Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year.
3 fund trades per year - Bestinvest would cost £50 per year, while Freetrade would cost £1 per year.
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.
Bestinvest and Freetrade both serve UK investors looking for online brokers with diverse investment options, each bringing their own strengths to the table. Both platforms offer share trading and the opportunity to invest in ETFs, while neither supports crypto trading, spread betting, or CFD trading. Where they diverge, however, is in fund trading capabilities—Bestinvest offers this service, whereas Freetrade does not. Furthermore, Bestinvest supports trading in investment trusts and provides advisor services, which Freetrade does not offer, making it a more comprehensive choice for those in need of guidance.
According to UK.StockBrokers.com, Bestinvest is rated slightly higher at 4.5 stars compared to Freetrade's 4-star rating for investment choices. In a ranking of 18 brokers for investment options, Bestinvest comes in at 10th place, while Freetrade is ranked 17th. These ratings highlight Bestinvest’s broader range of offerings, particularly in areas like fund trading and advisory services, making it a potentially better fit for investors seeking a wider variety of managed investments.
| Feature |
Bestinvest
|
Freetrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes |
| CFD Trading | No | No |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Funds | Yes | No |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | No |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes |
| Spread Betting | No | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | No |
| Advisor Services | Yes | No |
| Investment Choices |
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Low-cost US and UK shares.
Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.
In the realm of trading tools, Bestinvest and Freetrade offer distinctive features that cater to different needs. Bestinvest stands out with its array of 9 drawing tools and 36 technical indicators, allowing for detailed and customized chart analysis. Additionally, Bestinvest provides the ability to add personal notes and stock overlays to charts, aiding in personalized strategy development. Both platforms offer browser-based trading platforms and the ability to set alerts for stock price updates, though Bestinvest lacks real-time market data, a feature that Freetrade excels in providing.
Freetrade, on the other hand, focuses on a simplified trading experience without the added complexity of drawing tools or technical indicators. It does not support adding notes or overlays to charts. However, Freetrade compensates for these omissions with real-time market data, an essential tool for those needing up-to-date information. While neither platform displays corporate events or index overlays on their charts, both provide essential functions like browser-based access and price alerts, making them accessible to online traders in the UK.
| Feature |
Bestinvest
|
Freetrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 36 | 0 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 9 | 0 |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | Yes | No |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
When considering online brokers for retirement accounts in the UK, both Bestinvest and Freetrade provide attractive options. Each broker offers Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), allowing you to save without paying tax on returns, and Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) for building your retirement fund. Both platforms cater to different investing styles and levels of experience, providing flexibility whether you're aiming to maximize your ISA contributions or diversify your SIPP portfolio. It's essential to weigh the specific features and benefits of each service to determine the best fit for your financial goals.
Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.
For UK investors seeking accessible mobile trading platforms, both Bestinvest and Freetrade offer iPhone and Android apps. Bestinvest’s mobile application garners a 3.5-star rating from UK.StockBrokers.com, placing it 16th out of 18 brokers assessed for mobile app quality. In comparison, Freetrade’s mobile app receives a higher rating of 4 stars, ranking 12th among its peers. This comparison highlights that while both brokers provide viable mobile app solutions, Freetrade is generally rated more favorably for trading on the go.
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.
For beginners seeking educational resources in the UK, Bestinvest and Freetrade provide diverse learning opportunities, though they differ significantly in content and recognition. Bestinvest offers extensive support with educational webinars, which are also available on demand, covering trading shares, funds, and retirement topics. In comparison, while Freetrade lacks webinars, it offers educational content on the same topics, albeit in a less structured format. Consequently, Bestinvest earned a notable 5-star rating from UK.StockBrokers.com for beginner education, securing the 6th spot among 18 brokers. Freetrade, rated at 3.5 stars, ranks 16th, suggesting a more limited scope for those starting their investment journey.
| Feature |
Bestinvest
|
Freetrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Funds) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | Yes |
| Education |
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|
Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.
For UK investors comparing Bestinvest and Freetrade, both platforms provide valuable market research features, but with key differences. Bestinvest stands out by offering research reports for funds, a feature absent on Freetrade. Both platforms allow users to view portfolio allocation by asset class and provide research on shares and ETFs. However, only Bestinvest extends its research offerings to funds. Neither platform provides insights into CFDs or bonds, making them less suitable for those markets. Ultimately, if fund research is a priority, Bestinvest is the preferable option.
| Feature |
Bestinvest
|
Freetrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes |
| Research - CFDs | No | No |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Bonds | No | No |
| Research - Funds | Yes | No |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | Yes | No |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | Yes |
Which broker is better overall, Bestinvest or Freetrade? After collecting more than 900 data points over a 10-week period, we found Bestinvest to be a better trading platform overall.
Bestinvest is a very good broker that should appeal to a wide range of investors. Fees are competitive, particularly if you invest in funds or US shares, and the investment options are extensive. The Bestinvest platform is relatively easy to use and the offer of a free 45 minute session with a financial coach can be a useful starting point for newer investors. Bestinvest is also a great option for a Junior SIPP, as it is one of very few UK brokers offering children’s pensions and with a low entry point.
| Feature |
Bestinvest
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Freetrade
|
|---|---|---|
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Bestinvest and Freetrade, both online brokers, do not offer cryptocurrency trading options.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Bestinvest | Freetrade | |
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| Review | Bestinvest Review | Freetrade Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
| Investments | Bestinvest | Freetrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISA | Yes | Yes | |
| SIPP | Yes | Yes | |
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| CFD Trading | No | No | |
| Funds | Yes | No | |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Bonds - Corporate | No | No | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | No | |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes | |
| Spread Betting | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading | No | No | |
| Advisor Services | Yes | No |
| Trading Fees | Bestinvest | Freetrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £50 | £1 | |
| Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month | £0 - £4.95 | £0 | |
| Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month | £0 - £4.95 | £0 | |
| Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month | £0 - £4.95 | £0 | |
| 5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £144.75 | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | |
| 12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £119.40 - £179.40 | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | |
| 36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £238.20 - £357.60 | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | |
| 120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £654 - £714 | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | |
| 3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £60 or £120 | N/A | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £0 - £250,000 | Up to £500 or £1,000 | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £250K-£500K | £500 - £1,000 | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £500,000 - £1m | £100 - £1,000 | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £1m and over | £0 | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | |
| Bonds - Corporate - Fee | £4.95 | N/A | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee | £4.95 | N/A | |
| ETFs - Fee | £4.95 | £0 | |
| Investment Trusts - Fee | £4.95 | £0 | |
| Telephone Dealing Fee | £30 | N/A |
| Broker Screenshots | Bestinvest | Freetrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website Gallery (click to expand) |
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| Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand) |
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| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
| Platforms & Tools | Bestinvest | Freetrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 36 | 0 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 9 | 0 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No | |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
| Research | Bestinvest | Freetrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - CFDs | No | No | |
| Research - Funds | Yes | No | |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | Yes | No | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Bonds | No | No | |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Bestinvest | Freetrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Funds) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Overall Summary | Bestinvest | Freetrade | |
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| Review | Bestinvest Review | Freetrade Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
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