Vanguard UK vs Freetrade: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | Vanguard UK | Freetrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | 0.15% (capped £375/yr) | £0 commission | Freetrade |
| Regular investing | Free (no dealing fees) | Free (ISA & SIPP since Jan 2026) | Freetrade |
| Platform | 6/10 | 7/10 | Freetrade |
| Market coverage | 3/10 | 7/10 | Freetrade |
| Customer support | 6/10 | 6/10 | Draw |
The verdict
Overall, Freetrade 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 Vanguard UK
- One of the lowest percentage platform fees in the UK, at 0.15% capped at £375/year
- No dealing fees at all on Vanguard funds or ETFs, no transfer or exit fees
- LifeStrategy and Target Retirement funds are exclusive to Vanguard, genuinely "set and forget"
- One combined account fee across ISA, SIPP and other Vanguard accounts
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
Vanguard UK or Freetrade: which is cheaper?
Freetrade is generally cheaper: £0 commission, versus 0.15% (capped £375/yr) for Vanguard UK.
Vanguard UK or Freetrade: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: Vanguard UK — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; Freetrade — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
Vanguard UK or Freetrade: which is better for beginners?
Freetrade tends to be more beginner-friendly, thanks to a stronger platform and customer support. Vanguard UK remains a solid choice if you're already familiar with the markets.
Can I set up regular investing on Vanguard UK and Freetrade?
On Vanguard UK: Free (no dealing fees). On Freetrade: Free (ISA & SIPP since Jan 2026).
Vanguard UK or Freetrade: which is safer?
Vanguard UK: Vanguard Investor is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Eligible money and investments held with Vanguard UK are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 if the firm were to fail — the standard level of protection for any FCA-regulated UK investment platform. 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.