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Freedom24 vs Interactive Brokers (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare Freedom24 against Interactive Brokers across spreads, regulations, platforms, and trading costs. Read our algorithmic breakdown and expert verdict to find out which broker suits your trading style in 2026.
Verdict: Interactive Brokers Wins
After exhaustive side-by-side testing, **Interactive Brokers** emerges as the overall winner in this matchup. While Freedom24 remains an excellent choice for stock & etf investors & ipo access seekers, Interactive Brokers proves superior due to its access to 150+ markets in 33 countries and lowest margin rates in the industry.
Freedom24 vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2008 | 1978 |
| Overall Rating | 4.2/5.0 | 4.7/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| EUR/USD Spread | N/A (Stock/ETF focused) | 0.1 pips (with commission) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:5 (Margin) | 1:50 (US) | 1:30 (EU) | 1:500 (Pro) |
| MetaTrader 4 | No | No |
| MetaTrader 5 | No | No |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Copy Trading | No | No |
| Forex Pairs | N/A | 100+ |
| Deposit Methods | Bank Transfer, Card | Bank Wire, ACH (US) |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-3 business days | 1-3 business days |
| Execution Type | DMA | Smart Routing / DMA |
Freedom24 vs Interactive Brokers: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between Freedom24 and Interactive Brokers, it's essential to look beyond just the advertised spreads. We must factor in commissions, swap rates, and non-trading fees like deposit or inactivity charges. Freedom24 offers pricing characterized by From €0.02/share alongside N/A (Stock/ETF focused) spreads. In contrast, Interactive Brokers utilizes a model with $2/lot (Tiered pricing) and 0.1 pips (with commission) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, Interactive Brokers provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | Freedom24 | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | N/A (Stock/ETF focused) | 0.1 pips (with commission) |
| Commission Defaults | From €0.02/share | $2/lot (Tiered pricing) |
| Execution Model | DMA | Smart Routing / DMA |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-3 business days | 1-3 business days |
Safety & Regulation: Is Freedom24 or Interactive Brokers Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both Freedom24 and Interactive Brokers are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. Freedom24 is armed with 3 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2008. Interactive Brokers, licensed since 1978, counters with 5 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. Interactive Brokers holds a slight edge with more top-tier authorities. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
Freedom24
Tier 1- Regulators:CySEC (Cyprus)BaFin (Germany)SEC (US - via Freedom Finance)
- Investor Protection: Up to €20,000 (ICF)
- Licensed Since: 2008
Interactive Brokers
Tier 1- Regulators:SEC/FINRA (US)FCA (UK)ASIC (Australia)MAS (Singapore)CIRO (Canada)
- Investor Protection: $500,000 SIPC (US) / £85k FSCS (UK)
- Licensed Since: 1978
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. Freedom24 equips its clients with Freedom24 Web, Freedom24 Mobile. Interactive Brokers, on the other hand, grants access to Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, Client Portal. If you rely on third-party EA automation, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | Freedom24 | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (Freedom24) | Yes (TWS, Client Portal) |
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: Freedom24 vs Interactive Brokers
Freedom24
Pros
- Access to IPOs at pre-listing prices
- Listed on NASDAQ (FRHC)
- 15 global stock exchanges
- Savings plans with up to 8.8% APR
- No minimum deposit
Cons
- Not designed for forex trading
- Limited leverage options
- Focus is on long-term investing
Interactive Brokers
Pros
- Access to 150+ markets in 33 countries
- Lowest margin rates in the industry
- Sophisticated Trader Workstation platform
- Real stocks, options, futures, bonds
- SIPC insurance up to $500k
Cons
- Steep learning curve for TWS
- Monthly activity minimums for some accounts
- Customer support can be impersonal
Expert Verdict: Freedom24 vs Interactive Brokers
When we place Freedom24 and Interactive Brokers side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. Freedom24, licensed since 2008, has carved out a massive niche focusing on stock & etf investors & ipo access seekers. Their execution model heavily leans into DMA, and their platform environment highlights Freedom24 Web.
Conversely, Interactive Brokers, operational out of Greenwich, CT, USA, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for professional traders, multi-asset investors & institutions. Their $2/lot (Tiered pricing) commission structure combined with 0.1 pips (with commission) spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is access to ipos at pre-listing prices, and you intend to start with a minimum of $0, Freedom24 is the logical path forward. If, however, you value access to 150+ markets in 33 countries and require Trader Workstation (TWS), Interactive Brokers edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
Freedom24 vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
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Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. 68–80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.|Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation from the brokers listed on this page. This does not influence our rankings or reviews, which are based on independent analysis.
Comparison data updated February 2026. Broker terms, spreads, and conditions vary by region and account type. See our methodology | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy