This comparison pits a commission-free, beginner-friendly mobile broker against a commission-based CFD-focused platform. The tension centers on cost and long-term investing features.
Freetrade edges Libertex on the editorial score due to its commission-free trading and beginner-friendly, ISA and SIPP support. Libertex trails overall with a commission-based model and CFDs, despite strong platform features.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Freetrade if…
Choose Freetrade if you want commission-free trading and have access to both Stocks & Shares ISA and SIPP wrappers. You also benefit from fractional shares, enabling participation with smaller deposits, and a clean, beginner-friendly mobile experience.
Choose Libertex if…
Choose Libertex if you prefer a commission-based pricing model and CFDs rather than owning shares. You also gain multilingual support and access to 5 exchanges via the platform.
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 stocks and ETFs.
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | N/A | $10 |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $5/month (after 180 days) |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Freetrade | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Freetrade rates 4/5 versus 3.5/5 for Libertex. Freetrade edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Libertex starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for Freetrade. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Libertex requires $10. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Freetrade.
Both Freetrade and Libertex 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, Libertex 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 Libertex lists up to 999:1. 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 Libertex supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Freetrade has exclusive access to Freetrade App. Libertex has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4.
Freetrade offers commission-free stock trading while Libertex 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 Libertex 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.
Freetrade wins safety & regulation thanks to FCA oversight and FSCS protection.
Freetrade wins for long-term investing with Stocks & Shares ISA and SIPP wrappers.
Libertex wins for active traders with up to 999:1 leverage and CFDs.
Freetrade wins for beginners with a clean mobile interface and no minimum deposit.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| 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 | CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | Freetrade App | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.5 / 5
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