XTB vs Freedom24: Which broker is right for you?

1. Overview of XTB and Freedom24

Founded in 2002, XTB is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and regulated by several authorities, including the FCA (UK), KNF (Poland), CySEC (Cyprus), DFSA (Dubai) and FSC (Belize). Its main platform, xStation 5, is known for its user-friendly design, which suits both beginners and experienced traders. XTB also stands out for its customer support and educational content.

Freedom24, operating in Europe since 2015, is the European brand of Freedom Finance Europe Ltd, part of Freedom Holding Corp., and is regulated by CySEC. It gives access to more than 1,000,000 instruments, including over 40,000 stocks, 3,600 ETFs, 145,000 bonds and 800,000 US options. Its web and mobile platforms are aimed more at experienced investors. Freedom24 also offers an Investment Advice service in some countries, where clients can ask their personal manager for advice after completing a suitability test.

New Freedom24 clients can get gift shares until 30 October 2026. The WELCOME promotion is subject to terms and conditions. Gift shares are allocated randomly from a selection of eligible stocks, with higher-value shares awarded less frequently.

2. Product offering

Both brokers cover a wide range of asset classes. The table below shows what you can trade at each one:

If you mainly want commission-free stock and ETF investing, with fractional shares, XTB is the simpler choice. If you want to build a diversified long-term portfolio with a wider range of instruments, including bonds, US options and futures, Freedom24 is worth considering.

Both brokers offer recurring investing in ETFs. XTB’s Investment Plans let you automate ETF purchases, including fractional amounts, while Freedom24’s ETF Investment plans buy selected ETFs weekly or monthly in whole units.

3. Trading platforms

The platform is one of the most important parts of a broker’s offer, as it is where you research, place orders and follow your portfolio.

XTB trading platform

XTB is easy to use on both desktop and mobile. Its award-winning platform, xStation 5, is known for its simplicity and suits traders of all experience levels, and the xStation mobile app makes it simple to invest from your smartphone.

In “Market Analysis”, you’ll find stock and ETF screeners to filter investments by your criteria, as well as technical analysis tools such as Fibonacci retracements, trendlines and Elliott Waves.

Freedom24 trading platform

Freedom24’s web platform and mobile app are geared towards more experienced investors. Beginners may find them overwhelming at first because of the number of products and tools.

The platform is organised into areas such as “Trade”, “Member Area” and “Charts”, and includes portfolio analytics to track diversification and performance.

A demo account is available as soon as you complete the first step of registration, before you verify your identity and open a real account.

4. Interest on cash

Many brokers now pay interest on uninvested cash, as you can see in our broker interest tool. Here’s the summary for XTB and Freedom24:

XTB pays interest on uninvested funds automatically, calculated daily and paid monthly. The rates depend on your country and currency:

5. Account types

There are two main types of brokerage accounts:

• Cash account: derivatives trading and short selling are not allowed or are very limited.
• Margin account: derivatives and short selling are available, and you can borrow against your holdings, at a cost, to increase your exposure. The broker monitors these accounts and may close positions if your collateral falls below a set level. Leverage can lead to losses that exceed your deposit in fast market moves, unless negative balance protection applies.

XTB offers a cash account for stocks and ETFs and a margin account for CFDs. Freedom24 offers a cash account and margin trading for eligible clients.

6. Account opening, cash and portfolio transfers

Account opening

Both brokers let you open an account fully online, with ID and proof of address. Neither requires a minimum deposit to open an account.

In our experience, XTB usually approves accounts faster, often within one business day, while Freedom24 can take a few business days.

Cash transfers

With both brokers, you can deposit and withdraw mainly by bank transfer or card. XTB doesn’t charge for deposits by bank transfer, and Freedom24 charges no deposit fees.

Portfolio transfers

Both brokers accept incoming and outgoing portfolio transfers. Outgoing transfers cost €25 per ISIN at XTB and €100 per security at Freedom24, which makes leaving Freedom24 with a diversified portfolio expensive. Transfers are always handled case by case, as both institutions need to review the assets involved.

7. Pricing: trading and non-trading fees

Brokers charge trading fees (commissions or spreads) and non-trading fees, such as withdrawal or inactivity fees.

Trading fees

For a buy-and-hold investor, XTB is usually much cheaper for stocks and ETFs, as long as you avoid the 0.5% currency conversion by trading in your account currency. On Freedom24’s Smart plan, buying 50 shares costs €3 (€2 + 50 × €0.02). For US options, Freedom24’s Smart plan charges $0.65 per contract.

Non-trading fees

8. Investor security

Besides the investor protection schemes in your country, it is important to understand which company you are dealing with.

XTB regulation and protection

XTB is supervised by several regulators, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Belize. The parent company, XTB S.A., is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.

When you open an account, you sign up with one of XTB’s companies, depending on where you live. These are the main ones:

Freedom24 regulation and protection

Freedom Finance Europe Ltd is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) under licence CIF 275/15, and it provides its services in other EEA countries under the freedom to provide services.

If the company could not return clients’ assets, eligible clients would be covered by the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) for up to €20,000. Its parent company, Freedom Holding Corp., is listed on the Nasdaq (ticker: FRHC).

9. Customer support

Good support matters when you have questions about your account or a trade.

Both brokers have detailed FAQ pages and offer phone and email support, although not every language is covered. XTB stands out for its multilingual support, available 24/5. Freedom24’s support is available on weekdays, and All Inclusive clients get a personal manager.

XTB vs Freedom24: our verdict

To sum up:

• XTB: best broker overall
• Freedom24: best for building a diversified long-term portfolio

Overall, XTB stands out for its low costs on stocks and ETFs, fractional shares, interest on cash and an easy-to-use platform.

That said, the best choice depends on your profile. If you see investing as a systematic, long-term process and want a very wide range of instruments, in-depth analytics and a personal manager to support your decisions, Freedom24 is a strong alternative.

For more details on each platform, read our research:

• Freedom24 review
• XTB review