Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Freetrade vs Capital.com, 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 Capital.com 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 - Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year, while Capital.com would cost N/A per year.
12 trades per year - Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year, while Capital.com would cost N/A per year.
36 trades per year - Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year, while Capital.com would cost N/A per year.
120 trades per year - Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year, while Capital.com would cost N/A per year.
3 fund trades per year - Freetrade would cost £1 per year, while Capital.com would cost £20 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.
For UK investors seeking a straightforward platform for share trading and ETFs, Freetrade can be a suitable option. The platform focuses on letting users buy and sell shares along with ETFs, making it easier for those interested in direct investments. Although Freetrade does not offer crypto, CFD trading, or bonds, it caters to investors seeking simplicity and transparency. The platform's focus on a limited yet effective range of investment options has earned it a 4-star rating for investment choices on UK.StockBrokers.com, ranked 17th out of 18 brokers.
In contrast, Capital.com centers its offerings around CFD trading, providing a platform geared towards more experienced traders interested in leveraging their positions. While it lacks the ability to trade shares, ETFs, or investment trusts, it presents an opportunity for those specifically looking for CFD trading. This singular focus might contribute to its 2.5-star rating on UK.StockBrokers.com, as well as the absence of a ranking among brokerages for investment choices. This disparity underscores the varied focus and target audience each platform serves.
| Feature |
Freetrade
|
Capital.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Share Trading | Yes | No |
| CFD Trading | No | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | No |
| Funds | No | No |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | No |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | No |
| Spread Betting | No | Yes |
| Crypto Trading | No | No |
| Advisor Services | No | No |
| Investment Choices |
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Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.
Low-cost US and UK shares.
When comparing the trading tools of Freetrade and Capital.com, UK traders will notice distinct differences in their charting capabilities. Freetrade provides a straightforward experience with no drawing tools or technical indicators for charting, as well as a lack of features such as the ability to display corporate events, add notes or overlays to charts. Conversely, Capital.com offers a more comprehensive suite with 18 drawing tools and 77 technical indicators, though both platforms fall short in offering corporate events or overlays to charts.
For those who prefer browser-based trading platforms, both Freetrade and Capital.com have this option available. Additionally, both brokers support real-time market data and allow users to set alerts for stock price updates. While Freetrade provides a streamlined and focused platform, Capital.com caters to traders looking for advanced charting and customization options.
| Feature |
Freetrade
|
Capital.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 0 | 77 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 0 | 18 |
| Charting - Notes | No | Yes |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | No | No |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
Freetrade and Capital.com both serve UK investors but differ significantly in their retirement account offerings. Freetrade stands out by providing both Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) and Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), making it an attractive option for those looking to manage their savings and retirement funds. However, Capital.com does not offer these account types, which might limit its appeal for users focused on tax-efficient investing for the future. When choosing between these platforms, potential investors should consider their personal financial goals, especially if they prioritize savings and retirement planning through ISAs and SIPPs available from Freetrade.
Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.
When comparing Freetrade and Capital.com for mobile trading convenience, both brokers offer apps compatible with iPhone and Android devices. UK.StockBrokers.com rates Freetrade's mobile app with four stars, placing it at 12th out of 18 brokers in the mobile app category. On the other hand, Capital.com's mobile app enjoys a slightly higher rating of 4.5 stars, although its specific ranking is not provided. For UK users seeking efficient mobile trading platforms, both brokers offer commendable app experiences, though Capital.com's offering currently edges out Freetrade in ratings.
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.
When comparing the educational resources available to beginner investors on Freetrade and Capital.com, it's clear that both platforms don't offer educational webinars, live or archived. However, Freetrade distinguishes itself by providing instructive content on share trading, funds, and retirement, while Capital.com doesn't cover these topics. Both brokers received a 3.5-star rating from UK.StockBrokers.com for their beginner education offerings, but Freetrade ranks 16th among 18 brokers, with Capital.com not featuring in the rankings for beginner education.
| Feature |
Freetrade
|
Capital.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | No |
| Education (Funds) | Yes | No |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | No |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.
When comparing Freetrade and Capital.com for market research features, UK investors will find distinct differences. Freetrade provides research on shares and ETFs, and both platforms allow viewing of portfolio allocation by asset class. However, neither offers research reports for funds. For those interested in CFDs research, Capital.com stands out as Freetrade does not provide this service, nor do either offer insights on bonds. Ultimately, your choice may depend on the specific types of investment research you value most.
| Feature |
Freetrade
|
Capital.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | No |
| Research - CFDs | No | Yes |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | No |
| Research - Bonds | No | No |
| Research - Funds | No | No |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | No | No |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | Yes |
Which broker is better overall, Freetrade or Capital.com? 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
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Capital.com
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|---|---|---|
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When comparing online brokers Freetrade and Capital.com, neither platform offers the option for crypto trading, making them similar in this aspect for investors seeking digital currency investment opportunities.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Freetrade | Capital.com | |
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| Review | Freetrade Review | Capital.com Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
| Investments | Freetrade | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISA | Yes | No | |
| SIPP | Yes | No | |
| Share Trading | Yes | No | |
| CFD Trading | No | Yes | |
| Funds | No | No | |
| ETFs | Yes | No | |
| Bonds - Corporate | No | No | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | No | |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | No | |
| Spread Betting | No | Yes | |
| Crypto Trading | No | No | |
| Advisor Services | No | No |
| Trading Fees | Freetrade | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £1 | £20 | |
| Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month | £0 | N/A | |
| Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month | £0 | N/A | |
| Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month | £0 | N/A | |
| 5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | N/A | |
| 12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | N/A | |
| 36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | N/A | |
| 120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | N/A | |
| 3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) | N/A | N/A | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £0 - £250,000 | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | £0 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £250K-£500K | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | £0 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £500,000 - £1m | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | £0 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £1m and over | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | £0 | |
| Bonds - Corporate - Fee | N/A | N/A | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee | N/A | N/A | |
| ETFs - Fee | £0 | N/A | |
| Investment Trusts - Fee | £0 | N/A | |
| Telephone Dealing Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Broker Screenshots | Freetrade | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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| Platforms & Tools | Freetrade | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 0 | 77 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 0 | 18 | |
| Charting - Notes | No | Yes | |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No | |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | No | No | |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
| Research | Freetrade | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | No | |
| Research - CFDs | No | Yes | |
| Research - Funds | No | No | |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | No | No | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | No | |
| Research - Bonds | No | No | |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Freetrade | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | No | |
| Education (Funds) | Yes | No | |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Overall Summary | Freetrade | Capital.com | |
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| Review | Freetrade Review | Capital.com Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
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