ActivTradesvs
FreetradeStock Broker Comparison
ActivTrades meets Freetrade in a clash between regulated CFDs and commission-free investing. The matchup tests cost structures, platform access, and long-term investing features.
Our Verdict
Freetrade winsby 0.3 pts
Freetrade edges ActivTrades in editorial score. ActivTrades offers broader exchange access and GBP 1,000,000 fund protection, while Freetrade emphasizes commission-free investing and ISA/SIPP support.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Exchanges: ActivTrades offers 10 vs Freetrade's 3.
- 2Fractional shares: Freetrade supports fractional shares; ActivTrades does not.
- 3Commission model: Freetrade is commission-free; ActivTrades isn't.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs Freetrade?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you value access to 10 exchanges and 24/5 live chat.
Choose Freetrade if…
Choose Freetrade if you want ISA and SIPP options with commission-free trading.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Freetrade wins for low cost trading due to commission-free trading.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
ActivTrades vs Freetrade: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
| Deposit fee | Free |
ActivTrades vs Freetrade Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supplemental private insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client, above FSCS standard limit
- FCA regulated with ActivTrader volatility protection for equity CFD risk management
- 600+ share CFDs across ActivTrader and MT4 with no minimum deposit
- No commission on standard accounts; no inactivity fee
Cons
- Stock range (600+) narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
ActivTrades vs Freetrade: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
5
ActivTrades
criteria wins
2
Freetrade
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | Freetrade |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
ActivTrades vs Freetrade: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and Freetrade rates 4/5. Freetrade has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
ActivTrades starts from 0.5. Current spread data is not available for Freetrade. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
ActivTrades requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Freetrade.
Both ActivTrades and Freetrade hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, ActivTrades provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Freetrade lists up to 1:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while Freetrade supports Freetrade App. ActivTrades has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and ActivTrader. Freetrade has exclusive access to Freetrade App.
Freetrade offers commission-free stock trading while ActivTrades does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Both ActivTrades and Freetrade are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
