Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Trading 212 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, Trading 212 offers better pricing than Freetrade 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 - Trading 212 would cost £0 per year, while Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year.
12 trades per year - Trading 212 would cost £0 per year, while Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year.
36 trades per year - Trading 212 would cost £0 per year, while Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year.
120 trades per year - Trading 212 would cost £0 per year, while Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year.
3 fund trades per year - Trading 212 would cost £1 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.
For UK investors seeking the best online broker, Trading 212 and Freetrade are popular choices, offering a range of investment options. Both platforms allow for share and ETF trading, catering well to those interested in building a diversified portfolio. However, Trading 212 stands out with its additional offering of CFD trading, which Freetrade does not provide. This makes Trading 212 an attractive option for more experienced traders looking for leveraged trading opportunities, while Freetrade focuses on simplicity and accessibility.
Neither platform offers crypto trading, spread betting, nor the trading of funds, corporate bonds, or government bonds. Investment trusts are accessible on both, offering some variety outside of shares and ETFs. According to UK.StockBrokers.com, Trading 212 earns a slightly higher rating of 4.5 stars for investment choices, compared to Freetrade's 4 stars, placing them at #16 and #17 rankings out of 21 brokers, respectively. Whether you lean towards Trading 212’s expanded trading capabilities or Freetrade’s straightforward approach, both brokers provide reliable options for varying levels of investment experience.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Freetrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes |
| CFD Trading | Yes | No |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Funds | No | No |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | No |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes |
| Spread Betting | No | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | No |
| Advisor Services | No | No |
| Investment Choices |
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Low-cost US and UK shares.
Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.
When comparing the trading tools of Trading 212 and Freetrade, UK investors will find distinct differences. Trading 212 stands out with extensive charting features, offering 27 drawing tools and 106 technical indicators, enhancing analytical capabilities for traders. Additionally, users can add personalized notes directly to charts. While both platforms offer real-time market data and allow users to set price alerts, chart displays of corporate events and index or stock overlays are unavailable on both platforms.
Freetrade, in contrast, provides a more straightforward approach with no drawing tools or technical indicators, reflecting its focus on simplicity. Both platforms provide browser-based trading platforms, supporting easy access for users. For those prioritizing in-depth technical analysis, Trading 212's comprehensive tools may offer an edge. However, Freetrade's simplicity could appeal to beginners or those who prefer a minimalist experience with essential trade features.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Freetrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 106 | 0 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 27 | 0 |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | No | No |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
For UK investors considering their options for online brokers, Trading 212 and Freetrade both offer Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), allowing tax-efficient investment. However, when it comes to Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), the choice is clearer. Freetrade provides the option to open a SIPP, catering to those planning for retirement, while Trading 212 currently does not offer this account type. This distinction may influence investors prioritizing long-term retirement planning. Considering these differences can help you decide which platform better aligns with your financial goals.
Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.
For UK investors choosing between Trading 212 and Freetrade, both brokers provide convenient mobile apps for iPhone and Android users, making it easy to trade on the go. However, there's a notable difference in their app ratings: Trading 212's app is highly acclaimed, earning a perfect 5-star rating from UK.StockBrokers.com and ranking 3rd out of 21 brokers for mobile app quality. In contrast, Freetrade's app scores a solid 4 stars, placing it at 12th in the same ranking. Whether you prioritize top-tier functionality or are looking for a user-friendly experience, both platforms offer reliable mobile solutions, yet Trading 212 stands out for those seeking highly rated performance.
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.
When comparing the beginner investor educational resources of Trading 212 and Freetrade, both platforms provide insights on share trading and funds, but only Freetrade extends its offerings to retirement education, filling a niche for future planning. Neither broker offers client webinars, live or archived, limiting interactive learning opportunities. While Trading 212 boasts a higher UK.StockBrokers.com rating of 4 stars for its educational content, ranking 13th out of 21 brokers, Freetrade follows closely behind with a 3.5-star rating, positioned at 16th. This makes Trading 212 slightly more appealing for UK beginners seeking comprehensive starter resources.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Freetrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Funds) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Retirement) | No | Yes |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.
When comparing Trading 212 and Freetrade for market research features, both online brokers enable users to view portfolio allocation by asset class and offer research for shares and ETFs, helping investors to make informed decisions. Neither platform provides research reports specifically for funds or bonds, which may be a drawback for those interested in these financial products. Trading 212 shines with additional research offerings for CFDs, unlike Freetrade, which does not include CFDs research. Based in the UK, these brokers provide a tailored experience, but potential investors should consider their own priorities when choosing between these platforms.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Freetrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes |
| Research - CFDs | Yes | No |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Bonds | No | No |
| Research - Funds | No | No |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | No | No |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | Yes |
Which broker is better overall, Trading 212 or Freetrade? After collecting more than 900 data points over a 10-week period, we found Trading 212 to be a better trading platform overall.
Trading 212 offers commission-free share dealing and is a great option for those looking to simply execute share or ETF trades. Novice investors or those looking for more diversification through mutual funds may find better options elsewhere.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Freetrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Charges & Fees |
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| Investment Choices |
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| Mobile App |
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| Website |
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| Ease of Use |
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| Education |
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Both Trading 212 and Freetrade do not offer crypto trading, making them similar choices for investors interested in traditional asset classes, while their user-friendly platforms and commission-free trading features cater to beginner investors seeking cost-effective solutions.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Trading 212 | Freetrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Mobile App |
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| Website |
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| Ease of Use |
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| Education |
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| Review | Trading 212 Review | Freetrade Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
| Investments | Trading 212 | Freetrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISA | Yes | Yes | |
| SIPP | No | Yes | |
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| CFD Trading | Yes | No | |
| Funds | No | 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 | No | No |
| Trading Fees | Trading 212 | Freetrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £1 | £1 | |
| Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month | £0 | £0 | |
| Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month | £0 | £0 | |
| Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month | £0 | £0 | |
| 5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | |
| 12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | |
| 36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | |
| 120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | |
| 3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 | N/A | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £0 - £250,000 | £0 | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £250K-£500K | £0 | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £500,000 - £1m | £0 | £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 | N/A | N/A | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee | N/A | N/A | |
| ETFs - Fee | 0 | £0 | |
| Investment Trusts - Fee | 0 | £0 | |
| Telephone Dealing Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Broker Screenshots | Trading 212 | Freetrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
| Platforms & Tools | Trading 212 | Freetrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 106 | 0 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 27 | 0 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No | |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | No | No | |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
| Research | Trading 212 | Freetrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - CFDs | Yes | No | |
| Research - Funds | No | No | |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | No | No | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Bonds | No | No | |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Trading 212 | Freetrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Funds) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Retirement) | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Overall Summary | Trading 212 | Freetrade | |
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| Review | Trading 212 Review | Freetrade Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
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