Hargreaves Lansdown vs Freetrade: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | Hargreaves Lansdown | Freetrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | £6.95/trade (£3.95 frequent) | £0 commission | Freetrade |
| Regular investing | Free via direct debit | Free (ISA & SIPP since Jan 2026) | Freetrade |
| Platform | 8/10 | 7/10 | Hargreaves Lansdown |
| Market coverage | 9/10 | 7/10 | Hargreaves Lansdown |
| Customer support | 9/10 | 6/10 | Hargreaves Lansdown |
The verdict
Hargreaves Lansdown has a clear edge on customer support, while Freetrade is stronger on fees. If customer support matters most to you, Hargreaves Lansdown is probably the right choice; if you prioritise fees instead, Freetrade is the better fit.
Why choose Hargreaves Lansdown
- Widest range of account types among major UK platforms, including Junior SIPP and Lifetime ISA
- Share/ETF platform fee capped at £150/year (SIPP) or £45/year (ISA), competitive for larger portfolios
- Free regular investing via direct debit
- Access to personal financial advice and an FX service
Why choose Freetrade
- ISA and SIPP both genuinely free on the Basic plan since January 2026
- Unlimited commission-free trades, no per-trade dealing charge
- Flexible ISA — withdraw and replace funds without losing your annual allowance
- Now part of IG Group, adding institutional backing since April 2025
Frequently asked questions
Hargreaves Lansdown or Freetrade: which is cheaper?
Freetrade is generally cheaper: £0 commission, versus £6.95/trade (£3.95 frequent) for Hargreaves Lansdown.
Hargreaves Lansdown or Freetrade: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: Hargreaves Lansdown — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; Freetrade — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
Hargreaves Lansdown or Freetrade: which is better for beginners?
Hargreaves Lansdown tends to be more beginner-friendly, thanks to a stronger platform and customer support. Freetrade remains a solid choice if you're already familiar with the markets.
Can I set up regular investing on Hargreaves Lansdown and Freetrade?
On Hargreaves Lansdown: Free via direct debit. On Freetrade: Free (ISA & SIPP since Jan 2026).
Hargreaves Lansdown or Freetrade: which is safer?
Hargreaves Lansdown: Hargreaves Lansdown is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Client cash is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per person, per authorised firm, and investments are held separately from HL's own assets, meaning they remain yours even if the firm were to fail. Freetrade: Freetrade is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and became part of IG Group — a much larger, established UK financial services group — in April 2025. Investments are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000, while eligible cash deposits may be protected up to £120,000 through Freetrade's banking partner arrangements.
Information on fees and features is accurate at the time of publication but may change: always check current terms on the broker's official website before opening an account. This is not financial advice.