A Europe-focused comparison for investors choosing between broader product access, bond availability and a more traditional stock and ETF broker workflow.
Use the fee snapshot and key differences before opening an account.
Check entity, product type and investor protection before funding.
Use winner by category and choose-if sections to avoid brand-only decisions.
Freedom24 is more interesting if you specifically want access to stocks, ETFs, bonds and a wider product shelf, but it requires extra care around tariff plans, withdrawal fees, FX conversion, product eligibility and bond risk. DEGIRO is usually easier to position as a straightforward European stock and ETF broker, although its connectivity, handling, FX and transfer-fee layers still need careful reading.
European broker for international stocks, ETFs, bonds and eligible exchange-traded derivatives.
Read full reviewBest for self-directed European stock and ETF investors who want broad exchange access and will verify country-specific costs.
Read full reviewThis is StockTrade editorial comparison data, not live market data. Use it to narrow the broker fit, then verify current fees, products and account terms with the broker before opening an account.
European investors who want stocks, ETFs, bonds and broader market-access features in one account, and who are willing to check tariff and product terms carefully.
European stock and ETF investors who prefer a traditional broker workflow and do not need bond, IPO-style or wider product-shelf features.
DEGIRO still has fee layers, but Freedom24 tariff plans, withdrawal costs and product-specific costs need extra care.
Freedom24 offers a wider range of market-access features beyond ordinary stock and ETF investing.
DEGIRO is easier to explain as a traditional stock and ETF broker for European investors who do not need a broader product shelf.
Both require checking UCITS availability, exchange venue, currency, product restrictions and local tax-reporting needs.
Freedom24 is stronger for readers who specifically want bond access alongside stocks and ETFs, provided they understand credit, liquidity and currency risk.
DEGIRO is easier to explain as a traditional stock and ETF broker for European investors who do not need a broader product shelf.
DEGIRO still has fee layers, but Freedom24 tariff plans, withdrawal costs and product-specific costs need extra care.
Freedom24 offers a wider range of market-access features beyond ordinary stock and ETF investing.
DEGIRO is usually less product-heavy for investors focused on basic ETFs and shares, although it is not fee-free or risk-free.
Both require checking UCITS availability, exchange venue, currency, product restrictions and local tax-reporting needs.
Both require checking the legal entity, investor compensation regime, asset custody details and cash treatment for your country.
European investors who want stocks, ETFs, bonds and broader market-access features in one account, and who are willing to check tariff and product terms carefully.
European stock and ETF investors who prefer a traditional broker workflow and do not need bond, IPO-style or wider product-shelf features.
7.6/10
8.3/10
Stocks / ETFs / Options / Futures
Stocks / ETFs / Options / Futures
Web / iOS / Android
Web / iOS / Android
Smart: USD/EUR 2 minimum per order plus USD/EUR 0.02 per share; other tariffs vary
UK schedule: US shares EUR 1 + EUR 1 handling; LSE shares GBP 1.75 + GBP 1 handling; taxes and external costs may apply
No universal standard-account investment minimum; payment, product, margin and promotion conditions may apply
Usually no stated general minimum; country and product rules apply
Freedom Finance Europe Ltd; CySEC licence 275/15; Cyprus company HE324220
flatexDEGIRO Bank Dutch Branch is the Dutch branch of flatexDEGIRO Bank SE; BaFin is the primary bank supervisor, and the branch is registered with DNB and supervised by AFM and DNB
ICF for eligible covered clients and claims, subject to exclusions and an aggregate EUR 20,000 cap
Separate SPV custody; eligible Cash Account money under the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme up to EUR 100,000; eligible non-returned assets under the German Investor Compensation Scheme at 90% up to EUR 20,000; UK FSCS does not apply
Price the trades you will actually place. Include FX conversion, spreads, custody or platform charges, transfer-out fees and any margin or overnight funding costs before calling either broker cheaper.
Confirm whether the account gives you real stocks and ETFs, CFDs, options, cash products or another instrument. The safer-looking brand can still be the wrong choice if the product type does not match your plan.
Choose the platform that makes your intended behavior easier. If extra charts, leverage, social feeds or options prompts would push you into unnecessary trading, a simpler broker may be the better fit.
DEGIRO is usually easier to frame for a stock and ETF-only workflow, while Freedom24 may appeal if you also want bonds or broader market access. The practical answer depends on your country, legal entity, UCITS ETF availability, exchange venue, account currency, FX conversion and tax-reporting needs.
Freedom24 is the more relevant option if bond access is a main requirement, but bond investing adds risks that do not show up in a simple broker-fee table. Check issuer credit risk, maturity, currency, liquidity, bid-ask spread, custody terms and sale costs before buying.
There is no universal cheapest choice. Freedom24 requires checking tariff plans, withdrawal fees, FX conversion and product-specific costs. DEGIRO requires checking handling, exchange connectivity, FX, transfer and country-specific fees. Price the trades you will actually place before choosing.
No. Investor protection is important, but it depends on the exact legal entity, account type, cash treatment and asset custody setup. It also does not protect you from normal investment losses, bond credit losses, currency moves or poor product selection.
Last checked: May 2026. Ratings weigh fees, regulation, investor protection, platform quality, asset access, usability and reliability. Affiliate relationships do not affect ratings.