UK.StockBrokers.com is committed to the highest ethical standards and reviews services independently. Learn How We Make Money

Hargreaves Lansdown vs Freetrade 2025

StockBrokers.com

Written by StockBrokers.com

August 06, 2024

In this head to head comparison of Hargreaves Lansdown vs Freetrade, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

Hargreaves Lansdown
4.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: £1
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: Yes
Freetrade
4/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: £1
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: Yes

Fees

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 Hargreaves Lansdown 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 - Hargreaves Lansdown would cost £59.75 / £104.75 if in ISA. per year, while Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year.

12 trades per year - Hargreaves Lansdown would cost £143.40 / £188.40 if in ISA. per year, while Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year.

36 trades per year - Hargreaves Lansdown would cost £430.20 / £475.20 if in ISA. per year, while Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year.

120 trades per year - Hargreaves Lansdown would cost £1,074 / £1,119 if in ISA. per year, while Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year.

3 fund trades per year - Hargreaves Lansdown would cost £1 per year, while Freetrade would cost £1 per year.

query_stats 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.

Investment Choices

When comparing Hargreaves Lansdown and Freetrade, both online brokers offer share trading and ETF trading. However, Hargreaves Lansdown provides a wider range of investment choices. This includes funds trading, corporate bonds, government bonds (gilts), and investment trusts, which Freetrade does not offer in its lineup. For those seeking personalized guidance, Hargreaves Lansdown also features advisor services, setting it apart from Freetrade. Both brokers do not support trading in cryptocurrencies, spread betting, or CFDs, keeping the trading experience relatively accessible for beginners.

According to UK.StockBrokers.com ratings, Hargreaves Lansdown excels with five stars for its investment choices, securing the #4 spot among 18 brokers. Freetrade, while still a strong contender with four stars, ranks at #13, highlighting its more limited selection. For investors prioritizing extensive options, Hargreaves Lansdown stands out as the more robust platform, whereas Freetrade offers a simpler, straightforward trading experience adequate for those with basic needs.

Feature Hargreaves Lansdown logoHargreaves Lansdown
Freetrade logoFreetrade
Share Trading info Yes Yes
CFD Trading info No No
ETFs info Yes Yes
Funds info Yes No
Bonds - Government (Gilts) info Yes No
Investment Trusts info Yes Yes
Spread Betting info No No
Crypto Trading info No No
Advisor Services info Yes No
Investment Choices 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

Featured Offers


4.5/5 Stars

Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.

4.5/5 Stars

Low-cost US and UK shares.

Trading Tools

When it comes to trading tools, Hargreaves Lansdown provides a comprehensive suite compared to Freetrade. Users of Hargreaves Lansdown can view important corporate events like earnings, splits, and dividends directly on charts, which Freetrade lacks. Additionally, Hargreaves Lansdown offers a more robust charting experience with 11 drawing tools and 15 technical indicators, while Freetrade does not offer any. Both platforms allow the creation of stock price alerts and provide real-time market data via their browser-based trading platforms, catering to traders who need timely updates and ease of access.

Hargreaves Lansdown further enhances its charting capability by allowing the addition of index and stock overlays, a feature not available in Freetrade. However, neither platform currently supports the ability to add personal notes to charts. This distinction in features makes Hargreaves Lansdown a more equipped choice for traders who prioritize comprehensive analytical tools, whereas Freetrade could suit those who prefer a simpler, more straightforward online trading experience.

Feature Hargreaves Lansdown logoHargreaves Lansdown
Freetrade logoFreetrade
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Stock Alerts info Yes Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 15 0
Charting - Drawing Tools info 11 0
Charting - Notes info No No
Charting - Display Corporate Events info Yes No
Charting - Stock Overlays info Yes No
Charting - Index Overlays info Yes No

ISAs and SIPPs

When comparing online brokers Hargreaves Lansdown and Freetrade, both platforms offer a range of retirement accounts suitable for UK investors looking to grow their savings. Notably, both Hargreaves Lansdown and Freetrade provide Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), allowing users to invest tax-efficiently. Additionally, both brokers support Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), which are designed for those seeking a flexible approach to retirement savings. Whether you're looking to make tax-free investments or build a retirement fund, both Hargreaves Lansdown and Freetrade offer comprehensive account options tailored to meet these needs.

Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.

Mobile App

When choosing an online broker with an intuitive mobile app, both Hargreaves Lansdown and Freetrade offer strong options for iPhone and Android users. Hargreaves Lansdown boasts an impressive rating of 4.5 stars from UK.StockBrokers.com, securing the #4 spot out of 18 brokers for its mobile app. In comparison, Freetrade receives a respectable 4-star rating and ranks #8. These solid ratings highlight the reliability and user-friendliness of both apps, providing excellent platforms for managing investments on the go.

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.

Beginners and Education

When it comes to educational resources for beginner investors, Hargreaves Lansdown and Freetrade each offer valuable insights, but there are notable differences. Hargreaves Lansdown provides educational webinars, although they are not available on demand, and offers comprehensive education on share trading, funds, and retirement topics. Freetrade also covers these investment areas, but does not host webinars. According to UK.StockBrokers.com, Hargreaves Lansdown shines brightly with a 5-star rating for beginner education and ranks 4th out of 18 brokers, while Freetrade receives a 3.5-star rating and is positioned 9th in the same lineup.

Feature Hargreaves Lansdown logoHargreaves Lansdown
Freetrade logoFreetrade
Client Webinars info Yes No
Client Webinars (Archived) info No No
Education (Share Trading) info Yes Yes
Education (Funds) info Yes Yes
Education (Retirement) info Yes Yes
Education 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.

Market Research

When comparing the market research features of online brokers Hargreaves Lansdown and Freetrade, some key differences emerge. Both platforms offer extensive research capabilities for shares and ETFs, as well as the ability to view portfolio allocation by asset class. However, while Hargreaves Lansdown provides detailed research reports for funds and bonds, Freetrade does not offer these features. Neither broker covers CFDs research. For investors seeking comprehensive research and insights, Hargreaves Lansdown provides more robust tools, especially in the areas of funds and bonds analysis.

Feature Hargreaves Lansdown logoHargreaves Lansdown
Freetrade logoFreetrade
Research - Shares info Yes Yes
Research - CFDs info No No
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Research - Bonds info Yes No
Research - Funds info Yes No
Fund Research - Research Reports info Yes No
Portfolio Allocation Breakdown info Yes Yes

Hargreaves Lansdown vs Freetrade Winner

Which broker is better overall, Hargreaves Lansdown or Freetrade? After collecting more than 900 data points over a 10-week period, we found Hargreaves Lansdown to be a better trading platform overall.

As the U.K.’s biggest investment platform for individual investors, Hargreaves Lansdown offers a wide range of investment choices for either beginners or seasoned investors. However, its fees are generally more expensive than rival brokers, which can become an issue for large investment pots.

Feature Hargreaves Lansdown logoHargreaves Lansdown
Freetrade logoFreetrade
Overall Rating 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Charges & Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Investment Choices 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile App 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Website 5/5 Stars 3/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with Hargreaves Lansdown or Freetrade?

Hargreaves Lansdown and Freetrade both do not offer crypto trading, providing distinct options for investors seeking traditional assets through user-friendly online platforms.

Popular Guides

Popular Stock Broker Reviews

More Guides


Select Brokers

×
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxAJ Bell
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxBarclays
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxBestinvest
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCapital.com
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCharles Stanley Direct
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCMC Invest
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxeToro
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFidelity International
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFreetrade
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxHalifax
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxHargreaves Lansdown
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIG
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxInteractive Brokers
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxInteractive Investor
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxLloyds Bank
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxRevolut
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxRobinhood UK
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxSaxo
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxTrading 212
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxVanguard UK Investor
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxWebull
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxXTB

Compare

0 of 5
Overall Rating Hargreaves Lansdown Freetrade
Overall Rating 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Charges & Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Investment Choices 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile App 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Website 5/5 Stars 3/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Review Hargreaves Lansdown Review Freetrade Review
Winner check_circle
Investments Hargreaves Lansdown Freetrade
ISA info Yes Yes
SIPP info Yes Yes
Share Trading info Yes Yes
CFD Trading info No No
Funds info Yes No
ETFs info Yes Yes
Bonds - Corporate info Yes No
Bonds - Government (Gilts) info Yes No
Investment Trusts info Yes Yes
Spread Betting info No No
Crypto Trading info No No
Advisor Services info Yes No
Trading Fees Hargreaves Lansdown Freetrade
Minimum Deposit info £1 £1
Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month info £11.95 £0
Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month info £8.95 £0
Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month info £5.95 £0
5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) info £59.75 / £104.75 if in ISA. £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus)
12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) info £143.40 / £188.40 if in ISA. £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus)
36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) info £430.20 / £475.20 if in ISA. £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus)
120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) info £1,074 / £1,119 if in ISA. £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus)
3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) info £135 N/A
Annual Custody Fee: £0 - £250,000 info Up to £1,125 £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus)
Annual Custody Fee: £250K-£500K info Up to £625 £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus)
Annual Custody Fee: £500,000 - £1m info Up to £1,250 £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus)
Annual Custody Fee: £1m and over info Up to £1,000 £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus)
Bonds - Corporate - Fee info £20 - £50 N/A
Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee info £20 - £50 N/A
ETFs - Fee info £5.95 - £11.95 £0
Investment Trusts - Fee info £5.95 - £11.95 £0
Telephone Dealing Fee info £20 - £50 info N/A
Broker Screenshots Hargreaves Lansdown Freetrade
Website Gallery (click to expand)
Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand)
Education Gallery (click to expand)
Platforms & Tools Hargreaves Lansdown Freetrade
Web Platform info Yes Yes
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Stock Alerts info Yes Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 15 0
Charting - Drawing Tools info 11 0
Charting - Notes info No No
Charting - Display Corporate Events info Yes No
Charting - Stock Overlays info Yes No
Charting - Index Overlays info Yes No
Research Hargreaves Lansdown Freetrade
Research - Shares info Yes Yes
Research - CFDs info No No
Research - Funds info Yes No
Fund Research - Research Reports info Yes No
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Research - Bonds info Yes No
Portfolio Allocation Breakdown info Yes Yes
Education Hargreaves Lansdown Freetrade
Education (Share Trading) info Yes Yes
Education (Funds) info Yes Yes
Education (Retirement) info Yes Yes
Client Webinars info Yes No
Client Webinars (Archived) info No No
Overall Summary Hargreaves Lansdown Freetrade
Overall Rating 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Charges & Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Investment Choices 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile App 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Website 5/5 Stars 3/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Review Hargreaves Lansdown Review Freetrade Review
Winner check_circle
arrow_upward

close