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.
When it comes to exploring online brokers in the UK, Bestinvest and Freetrade both present appealing options with their distinct investment offerings. Both brokers facilitate share trading and the buying and selling of ETFs and investment trusts. However, Bestinvest provides the added benefit of funds trading and access to advisor services, setting it apart for those seeking more tailored investment guidance. Neither platform currently supports crypto trading, spread betting, CFD trading, or bond trading, such as corporate and government bonds (gilts).
In terms of reputation and choice ratings from UK.StockBrokers.com, Bestinvest slightly outshines with a commendable 4.5 stars, ranking 10th out of 21 brokers for investment choices. Freetrade, while slightly behind, still secures a solid 4-star rating, placing it 17th in the same category. For UK investors, the decision between these two could hinge on the need for advisor services and broader fund trading options, which Bestinvest readily provides.
| 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 a user-friendly trading experience on the go, both Bestinvest and Freetrade offer mobile apps that cater to iPhone and Android users. According to UK.StockBrokers.com, Freetrade's app earns a slightly higher user rating of 4 out of 5 stars, compared to Bestinvest’s 3.5 stars. This higher rating reflects its ease of use and functionality. In terms of overall mobile app rankings among 21 online brokers, Freetrade is positioned ahead at #12, while Bestinvest is ranked at #16. Both options enable convenient mobile trading, but Freetrade edges out with user satisfaction and a higher ranking.
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.
When it comes to supporting beginner investors in the UK, Bestinvest and Freetrade each offer educational resources, but with some differences. Bestinvest provides educational webinars that are both live and archived for on-demand viewing, while Freetrade does not offer webinars at all. Both platforms cover essential topics such as share trading, investing in funds, and planning for retirement. According to UK.StockBrokers.com, Bestinvest shines brighter, earning a 5-star rating and ranking 6th out of 21 brokers for beginner education, whereas Freetrade holds a 3.5-star rating and is ranked 16th. These distinctions make Bestinvest a more comprehensive choice for those seeking a robust introduction to investing.
| 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 |
|
|
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
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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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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