This comparison pits a beginner-friendly, mobile-first UK stock app against a regulated multi-asset broker offering desktop platforms. The tensions hinge on cost, ISA/SIPP access, and global market reach.
Freetrade outperforms FXOpen on the editorial score, driven by stronger Trust & Regulation and Fees & Spreads. FXOpen offers MT4/MT5 and cTrader with multi-regulator coverage, but the edge remains with Freetrade.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Freetrade wins for low-cost trading due to commission-free stock trading.
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | N/A | $100 |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $3/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Freetrade | FXOpen |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Pass | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Fail | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Freetrade rates 4/5 and FXOpen rates 3.6/5. 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.
FXOpen starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for Freetrade. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
FXOpen requires $100. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Freetrade.
Both Freetrade and FXOpen 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, FXOpen 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.
Freetrade lists maximum leverage of 1:1, while FXOpen lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
FXOpen charges $3 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Freetrade are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Freetrade supports Freetrade App, while FXOpen supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Freetrade has exclusive access to Freetrade App. FXOpen has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
Freetrade offers commission-free stock trading while FXOpen 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 Freetrade and FXOpen 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.
FXOpen wins for safety & regulation due to multi-regulator coverage.
Freetrade wins for long-term investing with ISA and SIPP wrappers.
FXOpen wins for active traders with MT4/MT5 and professional tools.
Freetrade wins for beginners with a clean, beginner-friendly mobile app.
FXOpen wins for global market access with five exchanges.
| N/A |
| 0.3 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | Yes | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | No | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA | FCA ASIC CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | Freetrade App | cTrader MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
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