Trading 212 vs Freetrade: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | Trading 212 | Freetrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | £0 commission | £0 commission | Trading 212 |
| Regular investing | Free (Pies/AutoInvest) | Free (ISA & SIPP since Jan 2026) | Draw |
| Platform | 8/10 | 7/10 | Trading 212 |
| Market coverage | 7/10 | 7/10 | Draw |
| Customer support | 6/10 | 6/10 | Draw |
The verdict
Overall, Trading 212 comes out slightly ahead in this comparison, but the difference depends heavily on what you're looking for: check the table above to see which criterion matters most for you.
Why choose Trading 212
- Genuinely £0 commission and £0 platform fee across Invest, ISA and SIPP accounts
- One of the lowest FX fees of any UK broker at 0.15%
- Pies and AutoInvest for automated, weighted regular investing
- Fractional shares from £1
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
Trading 212 or Freetrade: which is cheaper?
Trading 212 is generally cheaper: £0 commission, versus £0 commission for Freetrade.
Trading 212 or Freetrade: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: Trading 212 — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; Freetrade — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
Trading 212 or Freetrade: which is better for beginners?
Trading 212 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 Trading 212 and Freetrade?
On Trading 212: Free (Pies/AutoInvest). On Freetrade: Free (ISA & SIPP since Jan 2026).
Trading 212 or Freetrade: which is safer?
Trading 212: Trading 212 UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Eligible deposits are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per person, per authorised firm. Investments are ring-fenced in your name, held separately from the firm's own assets, so they remain yours if the firm fails, with FSCS cover of up to £85,000 for any shortfall. EU clients are served by the CySEC-regulated entity, with €20,000 ICF protection instead. 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.