Freetradevs
IGStock Broker Comparison
Two stock-market apps clash in a UK-focused test, balancing cost and accessibility against breadth of tools and regulation. The matchup pits a mobile-first, commission-free option against a feature-rich, regulated platform.
Our Verdict
IG winsby 0.5 pts
IG edges out Freetrade on editorial score, thanks to top-tier regulation and superior platforms. Freetrade remains compelling for cost and pension access, particularly commission-free trading and SIPP availability.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Freetrade offers commission-free trading.
- 2IG provides access to 30+ exchanges and 13,000+ shares.
- 3Freetrade supports fractional shares; IG does not.
Who should choose Freetrade vs IG?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Freetrade if…
Choose Freetrade if you want commission-free stock trading and access to a Stocks & Shares ISA with SIPP wrappers. You also get fractional shares and a clean, mobile-first app that suits long-term investing and automatic updates.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you value broad global market access with 13,000+ shares across 30+ exchanges and integrated research tools. You also benefit from phone support and multiple trading platforms suitable for active traders.
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 stock trades.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
Freetrade vs IG: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
| Min deposit | N/A | No minimum |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | £12/month (after 24 months) |
| Deposit fee | Free |
Freetrade vs IG Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Commission-free stocks and ETF trading
- Both Stocks & Shares ISA and SIPP available
- Clean, beginner-friendly mobile interface
- FCA regulated with FSCS protection
- No minimum deposit requirement
Cons
- Narrower stock universe than full-service brokers
Freetrade vs IG: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
Freetrade
criteria wins
6
IG
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Freetrade | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Fail | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
Freetrade vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
IG rates 4.5/5 versus 4/5 for Freetrade. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
IG starts from 0.6. Current spread data is not available for Freetrade. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
IG requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Freetrade.
Both Freetrade and IG 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, IG 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 IG 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.
Freetrade supports Freetrade App, while IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Freetrade has exclusive access to Freetrade App. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
Freetrade offers commission-free stock trading while IG 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 IG 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.
