InvestEngine vs Freetrade: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | InvestEngine | Freetrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | £0 platform fee (DIY) | £0 commission | InvestEngine |
| Regular investing | Free, from £1 (AutoInvest) | Free (ISA & SIPP since Jan 2026) | Draw |
| Platform | 7/10 | 7/10 | Draw |
| Market coverage | 5/10 | 7/10 | Freetrade |
| Customer support | 6/10 | 6/10 | Draw |
The verdict
InvestEngine has a clear edge on fees, while Freetrade is stronger on market coverage. If fees matters most to you, InvestEngine is probably the right choice; if you prioritise market coverage instead, Freetrade is the better fit.
Why choose InvestEngine
- Genuinely 0% platform fee on DIY portfolios across ISA, SIPP and GIA
- SIPP platform fee removed in December 2024, one of the lowest-cost DIY pensions available
- Fractional investing from £1 across around 800 ETFs
- Free in-specie transfers where InvestEngine offers matching ETFs
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
InvestEngine or Freetrade: which is cheaper?
InvestEngine is generally cheaper: £0 platform fee (DIY), versus £0 commission for Freetrade.
InvestEngine or Freetrade: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: InvestEngine — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; Freetrade — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
InvestEngine or Freetrade: which is better for beginners?
Both suit beginners, with different approaches: InvestEngine — Genuinely zero platform fee on DIY ETF portfolios, including a fee-free SIPP since December 2024. Freetrade — Genuinely free ISA and SIPP on the Basic plan since January 2026, now backed by IG Group.
Can I set up regular investing on InvestEngine and Freetrade?
On InvestEngine: Free, from £1 (AutoInvest). On Freetrade: Free (ISA & SIPP since Jan 2026).
InvestEngine or Freetrade: which is safer?
InvestEngine: InvestEngine is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and only accepts UK residents. Client cash and investments are held in line with FCA client money rules, with FSCS protection applying up to the standard limits in the event 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.