Broker comparison

Freetrade vs.
Hargreaves Lansdown

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Updated: October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides.

Hargreaves Lansdown has a higher rating of 4.4/5 compared to Freetrade (3.9/5). Hargreaves Lansdown offers 5 instrument types, while Freetrade offers 4. The minimum deposit is lower at Freetrade with 0 £. Hargreaves Lansdown has been in the market since 1981, making it the more experienced provider. On spreads, Freetrade offers £0 commission (Basic), FX conversion 0.99% (Basic), 0.59% (Standard), 0.39% (Plus), while Hargreaves Lansdown offers Stocks from £11.95 per trade (volume-tiered: from £5.95 above 20 trades/month), 0.45% p.a. platform fee for funds.

UK neobroker with commission-free stock trading

UK premium broker with comprehensive investment advice since 1981

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsFreetrade AppHL App, HL Web Platform
Product typesStocks, ETFs, REITs, SPACsStocks, ETFs, Funds, Bonds, REITs
Options tradingNoNo
Fee model£0 commission, 0.45% FX fee for non-GBP stocks£11.95 per stock trade, ETFs from £0 (savings plan)
Minimum deposit0 £1 £
RegulationFCAFCA
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

Freetrade

Freetrade App

Hargreaves Lansdown

HL App, HL Web Platform

Product types

Freetrade

Stocks, ETFs, REITs, SPACs

Hargreaves Lansdown

Stocks, ETFs, Funds, Bonds, REITs

Options trading

Freetrade

No

Hargreaves Lansdown

No

Fee model

Freetrade

£0 commission, 0.45% FX fee for non-GBP stocks

Hargreaves Lansdown

£11.95 per stock trade, ETFs from £0 (savings plan)

Minimum deposit

Freetrade

0 £

Hargreaves Lansdown

1 £

Regulation

Freetrade

FCA

Hargreaves Lansdown

FCA

More information

Freetrade

Details

Hargreaves Lansdown

Details

Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.

Detailed comparison

Comparing fees

Compare total costs, not just the order fee.

£0 commission, 0.45% FX fee for non-GBP stocks

Published fee
£0 commission, 0.45% FX fee for non-GBP stocks
Minimum deposit
0 £
Spread figure
£0 commission (Basic), FX conversion 0.99% (Basic), 0.59% (Standard), 0.39% (Plus)
See terms at provider

£11.95 per stock trade, ETFs from £0 (savings plan)

Published fee
£11.95 per stock trade, ETFs from £0 (savings plan)
Minimum deposit
1 £
Spread figure
Stocks from £11.95 per trade (volume-tiered: from £5.95 above 20 trades/month), 0.45% p.a. platform fee for funds
See terms at provider

The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.

Execution quality

Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Product range

StocksETFsREITsSPACs
StocksETFsFundsBondsREITs

Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.

Trading platforms

Freetrade App

Freetrade offers a mobile app for iOS and Android as its primary trading platform. The app features a minimalist design with emphasis on ease of use. Users can buy stocks and ETFs, manage watchlists, and track their portfolio. Basic charting features are available, but professional analysis tools are absent. A web version is not a priority.

Explore platform

HL App · HL Web Platform

Hargreaves Lansdown offers a web platform and mobile app for iOS and Android. The platform excels through comprehensive research tools, detailed fund analyses, the Wealth Shortlist, and portfolio management features. Users can trade stocks, funds, and ETFs, set up savings plans, and track their portfolio with detailed performance reports. The user interface is professional but not as modern as neobrokers.

Explore platform

Regulation & security

FCA

Regulatory information

Regulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

UK neobroker with commission-free stock trading

  • No commissions on UK stocks
  • ISA account available (tax-free in UK)
  • User-friendly app
  • Mainly focused on UK market
  • FX fees for international stocks

UK premium broker with comprehensive investment advice since 1981

  • One of the most established brokers in UK since 1981
  • Excellent research and analysis tools
  • ISA, SIPP and junior accounts available
  • Comparatively high trading fees
  • Mainly focused on UK market

Find the broker that fits

Freetrade oder Hargreaves Lansdown?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.

VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
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Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between Freetrade and Hargreaves Lansdown?
Freetrade: £0 commission, 0.45% FX fee for non-GBP stocks. Hargreaves Lansdown: £11.95 per stock trade, ETFs from £0 (savings plan). Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Freetrade or Hargreaves Lansdown?
Freetrade offers Stocks, ETFs, REITs, SPACs. Hargreaves Lansdown offers Stocks, ETFs, Funds, Bonds, REITs.
How are Freetrade and Hargreaves Lansdown regulated?
The broker profiles list FCA for Freetrade and FCA for Hargreaves Lansdown. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Freetrade or Hargreaves Lansdown better for beginners?
Freetrade lists a 0 £ minimum deposit and offers Freetrade App. Hargreaves Lansdown lists 1 £ and offers HL App, HL Web Platform. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Freetrade vs Hargreaves Lansdown: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Freetrade (3.9/5, 550 reviews) and Hargreaves Lansdown (4.4/5, 2200 reviews) depends on your needs. Freetrade: UK neobroker with commission-free stock trading. Hargreaves Lansdown: UK premium broker with comprehensive investment advice since 1981.
How do spreads compare between Freetrade and Hargreaves Lansdown?
Freetrade offers typical spreads of £0 commission (Basic), FX conversion 0.99% (Basic), 0.59% (Standard), 0.39% (Plus). Hargreaves Lansdown offers Stocks from £11.95 per trade (volume-tiered: from £5.95 above 20 trades/month), 0.45% p.a. platform fee for funds. Tighter spreads reduce trading costs especially for active trading.

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