Trading 212 vs Freetrade
Adam Woodhead
Co-Founder
Adam is a passionate investor who created The Investors Centre (TIC) to combine his professional skills with his love for investment. His goal is to offer a platform filled with valuable resources, practical advice, and effective strategies for anyone looking to make their mark in the investment world.
“Investment is about more than just numbers; it’s about strategy, research, and the willingness to adapt. At TIC, we’re here to provide the tools and knowledge you need to succeed on your investment journey.”
Thomas Drury
Co-Founder
Thomas is an experienced financial trader in leverage instruments, crypto and general investing. He has over a decade experience in finance and holds Chartered Status in the financial industry, Thomas’s speciality is trading CFDs, Forex and Day Trading. His crypto portfolio is heavily weighted towards BTC and Eth, but enjoys trading low cap crypto’s with higher volatility. Thomas’s favourite trading strategy is break out Trading.
“Our commitment at The Investors Centre is unwavering. We strive to provide clear, actionable advice that empowers you to achieve financial success. Our vision is a future where anyone can invest confidently and wisely.”
Table of Contents
Disclaimer
How We Test
When I first started investing, two names kept coming up: Trading 212 and Freetrade. Out of curiosity, I decided to try both. What I found was that while they both promise commission-free investing, they take very different approaches. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key differences between Trading 212 and Freetrade based on my real experience.
Quick Answer: Which is better, Trading 212 or Freetrade?
If you’re new to investing, Trading 212 is the better choice. It’s highly intuitive and offers more tools for beginners, including educational guides and a user-friendly interface. For those looking for tax-efficient accounts like ISAs and SIPPs, Freetrade offers more options, but at a cost.
Trading 212 Overview
- Minimum Deposit: £1 (via bank transfer or card)
- Invest in stocks, ETFs, and forex with zero commission*
- FCA regulated and trusted by over 2 million users
- Intuitive mobile and web platforms with real-time data
- Perfect for self-directed investors looking to build confidence and portfolios without high barriers or complexity
*Other fees may apply. See terms and fees.
Trading and investing involve risk. The value of your investments can go up or down, and you may lose all or part of your capital. These products may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved.
What Are the Key Pros and Cons?
After spending time on both Trading 212 and Freetrade, I’ve come to appreciate that they each shine in different areas — it depends on what matters most to you as an investor.
Pros and Cons of Trading 212
Trading 212 has been a consistently great choice for me, especially when I wanted more flexibility without incurring huge fees. One of the biggest pros is that it offers commission-free trading (other fees may apply), alongside their free Stocks and Shares ISA. I also appreciate the wide range of assets available — not just UK and US stocks, but also ETFs, and even gold.
The platform features advanced order types, which provides more control over how and when I invest. And the demo account was a real confidence booster when I first started — it let me test strategies without risking any money.
On the downside, there’s no SIPP option, so if you’re thinking long-term retirement planning, you’ll need to look elsewhere. The interface can also feel a bit busy at first, especially if you’re brand new to investing.
Still, for a free, flexible, and feature-rich platform, Trading 212 ticks a lot of boxes.
Pros and Cons of Freetrade
Freetrade is a great option if you prefer a simple, no-clutter experience. The first few times I opened the app, I was genuinely impressed by how clean and intuitive it felt. If you’re just getting started or want to invest without the noise, this kind of design really helps.
One of the standout pros for me is the access to a SIPP, which makes Freetrade ideal for long-term, tax-efficient investing. It’s also FCA-regulated and offers FSCS protection, so your money’s in safe hands.
That said, while trades are commission-free, you’ll need to pay £4.99/month for an ISA and £9.99/month for a SIPP. The platform also lacks more advanced features like limit orders or in-depth research tools, which may frustrate more experienced investors.
Still, if you value ease of use and retirement planning, Freetrade is a strong choice.
| Feature | Trading 212 | Freetrade |
|---|---|---|
| User Experience | Feature-rich, but interface can feel busy for beginners | Clean, intuitive design that’s beginner-friendly |
| Trading Costs | Commission-free with no ISA fees (other fees may apply) | Commission-free, but £4.99/month for ISA, £9.99/month for SIPP |
| Available Assets | UK & US stocks, ETFs, gold | UK & US stocks, ETFs only |
| Tax-Efficient Accounts | Offers a free Stocks and Shares ISA, but no SIPP | Offers a free Stocks and Shares ISA, but no SIPP |
| Advanced Features | Limit orders, advanced order types, demo account for practice | Basic order types only, no demo account or complex tools |
| Best For | Investors looking for flexibility, low costs, and asset variety | Beginners or long-term investors who want simplicity and retirement-focused options |
| Downsides | No SIPP; steeper learning curve for complete beginners | Monthly fees, lacks advanced tools and order types |
What Account Types Can You Open?
Both platforms offer a General Investment Account (GIA) and a Stocks and Shares ISA. If you’re planning for retirement, only Freetrade offers a SIPP.
Which App Has the Better User Experience?
When I’m trading, I prefer a clean interface that allows me to get in, invest, and track my money without stress.
Trading 212 impressed me with how smooth the sign-up process was. It took less than 10 minutes to open my account, and I was able to start exploring the app straight away. The design is modern, and once you get used to it, you realise it offers a surprising amount of depth. After you use the app, you’ll find different order types, instant chart access, and search filters.
Do these Platforms provide any educational content or tools?
Trading 212 offers a wealth of helpful trading content, complemented by their demo account. Which I have found to be incredibly useful. With the demo account I was able to practise a few trades, test different strategies, and build confidence without risking a penny. Freetrade doesn’t have a demo mode, which I think is a missed opportunity…
That said, if you are new to Trading and you are committed to growing as an investor and want more tools over time, Trading 212 has more to offer.
What Markets and Assets Can I trade on Each Platform?
When comparing Trading 212 and Freetrade I had a look at the range of investments each platform allows you to buy. After all, it’s not just about how nice the app looks — it’s about what you can do with it.
Both platforms give you access to a wide range of UK and US stocks, along with plenty of ETFs. I’ve built out a decent portfolio of dividend stocks and global ETFs using both apps, and for most investors, this core offering will more than cover your needs.
Do They Offer the Same Asset Types?
Freetrade doesn’t currently offer commodities, but it does have one major advantage if you’re thinking long-term: SIPP access. I opened a SIPP through Freetrade to start saving for retirement in a tax-efficient way. It is currently charged at £9.99/month, but I enjoy having my investments and retirement savings in one secure place.
How do their Fees & Costs compare?
Both Trading 212 and Freetrade offer commission-free trading. And yes — you really can buy and sell shares without paying a trading fee. But like anything in finance, there are always a few things you need to look out for.
The main cost is the foreign exchange (FX) conversion fees. Suppose you’re buying US stocks, Trading 212 charges around 0.15% per trade, while Freetrade charges a higher 0.45%.
Then the account fees, Trading 212 keeps it simple — there’s no fee to use their Stocks and Shares ISA. However, Freetrade charges £4.99/month for their ISA, and £9.99/month if you want a SIPP.
Regarding plan tiers, Trading 212 offers everything under a single free model. Freetrade takes a different approach: they offer a free plan with limited features, but to access more stocks, get ISA access, or priority customer service, you’ll need to upgrade to Standard or Plus.
How Do They Handle Customer Support and Security?
Whether it’s a delayed order or a technical glitch, you want to know there’s reliable support on the other end.
Trading 212 has the edge in terms of response times. I’ve used their in-app live chat a few times, and most of the time I got a helpful response within a couple of hours.
Freetrade has been a bit slower — replies often come via email, and it’s not unusual to wait a day or more unless you’re on their paid plan with priority support.
Both platforms offer decent help centres with searchable FAQs, but I found Trading 212’s a bit more in-depth when I was troubleshooting something specific.
How Safe is Your Money on These Platforms?
They’re both FCA-regulated, so they follow strict UK rules around client protection. Additionally, your money is protected under the FSCS (up to £85,000) if the company were to go bankrupt.
In terms of account safety, Freetrade and Trading 212 both utilise encryption, secure logins, and two-factor authentication to safeguard your personal information and funds.
Which Platform Matches Your Investing Style?
When I was just starting out, I just wanted a simple, stress-free way to buy shares and learn the ropes. That is precisely why I tested both Trading 212 and Freetrade, and I quickly realised that each one suits a different kind of investor.
Which platform is ideal for beginners?
If you’re just starting out, Trading 212 is the better pick. It offers a fully featured demo account, which is perfect for learning the ropes without risking your money.
The interface displays more information than Freetrade, which can be beneficial, since it will help you become more comfortable with market data, various order types, and portfolio management. It may feel a bit busy at first, but it helped me build confidence quickly and prepared me for real-world investing.
Freetrade, on the other hand, is very clean and minimalist—great if you prefer a “set and forget” experience. However, the lack of a demo mode is a drawback, especially if you want to practice before diving in.
What if I am interested in Long-Term Investing?
Freetrade has a few key advantages — namely its SIPP and ISA options. I opened a SIPP with them to start saving for retirement, and I appreciate knowing it’s all in one place.
But when it comes to cost efficiency, especially over the long term, Trading 212 wins hands down — no ISA fees, no monthly charges, and a lower FX rate.*
*Other fees may apply. See terms and fees.
Final Thoughts on Trading 212 vs Freetrade
Personally, I use both but for different reasons. Trading 212 is my pick for cost-conscious, more active investing. It provides me with more tools, no monthly fees*, and it offers better value on a day-to-day basis.
But if your priority is long-term, set-it-and-forget-it investing, especially with tax wrappers like ISAs and SIPPs, Freetrade is a solid choice.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your goals:
- Go with Trading 212 if you want an affordable, beginner-friendly platform with plenty of room to grow.
- Choose Freetrade if your focus is long-term investing and you value a straightforward experience.
*Other fees may apply. See terms and fees.
Commission-free Investing for Everyone
- Invest as little as £1
- Free Share up to £100
- Earn 4.9% AER on GBP
Trading and investing involve risk. The value of your investments can go up or down, and you may lose all or part of your capital. These products may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved.
FAQs
Which is better: Trading 212 or Freetrade?
It depends on your investing style. Trading 212 offers more advanced tools and wider market access (including EU stocks and CFDs), while Freetrade is ideal for long-term, passive investors who want a clean, beginner-friendly experience and access to SIPPs.
Are Trading 212 and Freetrade really commission-free?
Yes, both platforms offer commission-free trading on UK and US stocks. However, you may still pay foreign exchange (FX) fees when buying non-GBP assets—Trading 212 charges ~0.15%, while Freetrade charges 0.45%.
Does either platform offer an ISA or SIPP account?
Both platforms offer Stocks & Shares ISAs. Only Freetrade offers a SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension), while Trading 212 does not.
Is my money safe with Trading 212 and Freetrade?
Yes. Both platforms are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and offer FSCS protection up to £85,000 per eligible account.
Can I buy US stocks on both platforms?
Yes, both platforms support trading in major US companies like Apple, Tesla, and Amazon, including fractional shares.
Does either platform offer demo accounts?
Trading 212 is the only platform that offers a demo account with virtual funds. Freetrade does not provide a demo or paper trading feature.
Does Trading offer free shares for signing up?
Yes, Trading 212 offers up to £100. You can use code TIC to get a free share worth up to £100. Just verify your account, deposit funds, and start trading.
References
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Register – FCA Register
- Trading 212 Official Website – Fees & Charges
- Freetrade Official Website – Pricing Plans
- Trustpilot Reviews – Trading 212
- Trustpilot Reviews – Freetrade
- MoneySavingExpert – Commission-Free Investing
- Investopedia – What Is a Stocks and Shares ISA?
- The Times – Rise of Retail Investors in the UK
- FCA – FSCS Protection Guide
