★ BEST INVESTING TOOLS COMPARISON ★
VOL. XCIV, NO. 247
Tool details checked July 17, 2026
Tool Comparison
Freetrade vs Merrill Edge
Pick Freetrade if
Freetrade
Transaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction · Web · Mobile
Pick Merrill Edge if
Merrill Edge
Transaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction · Web · Mobile · Desktop
- You care about options, something Freetrade doesn't offer
- You've outgrown the basics and want pro-level depth
Skip both if: Neither one clicks with how you research; there are strong third options.
See alternativesOutbound links may include affiliate or sponsor codes.
Our take
The bottom line
Freetrade and Merrill Edge cover a lot of the same ground (5 shared categories, including brokerage, advanced order types, and portfolio), so for the basics you won't go far wrong with either. On paper they're closely matched, so let pricing, platform fit, and the details below break the tie.
What readers say
Freetrade
Vote once to reveal the community verdict.
Merrill Edge
Vote once to reveal the community verdict.
Key differences at a glance
- Global coverage
- Freetrade
- Desktop app
- Merrill Edge
- Asset coverage
- Merrill EdgeAdds options
See for yourself
How they stack up
The side-by-side table: pricing, platforms, data, and coverage at a glance.ShowHide
How they stack up
The side-by-side table: pricing, platforms, data, and coverage at a glance.| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pricing & plans | ||
Starting price | Transaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction | Transaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction |
Free tier | No | No |
Free trial | — | — |
| Platforms & access | ||
Web app | Yes | Yes |
Desktop app | No | Yes |
Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
API access | No | No |
| Audience & fit | ||
Experience level | Beginner, Intermediate | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for | — | — |
Categories covered | 5 | 6 |
Regions | Europe, North America | North America |
| Try it | Visit Freetrade | Visit Merrill Edge |
Where each one shines
What Freetrade and Merrill Edge each do best.ShowHide
Where each one shines
What Freetrade and Merrill Edge each do best.What Freetrade does best
- Commission-free dealing in the available stocks, ETFs, investment trusts, funds, gilts, and UK Treasury bills.
- A free Basic plan with GIA, Stocks and Shares ISA, Junior Stocks and Shares ISA, and SIPP access.
- Optional Standard and Plus plans with lower FX fees and higher capped GBP cash interest.
- U.S.-listed fractional shares bought by GBP value, with proportional dividends and voting support.
- Recurring orders, limit orders, stop losses, portfolio monitoring, and watchlists.
What Merrill Edge does best
- Individual, joint, custodial, trust, estate, IRA, and eligible small-business self-directed accounts.
- Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, CDs, options, margin, and research tools.
- Merrill website, mobile app, and MarketPro active-trading workflows.
- Connected Bank of America and Merrill account visibility with immediate eligible internal transfers.
- Tiered Bank Deposit Program sweep for uninvested brokerage cash.
Every detail we compared
Every tracked attribute for Freetrade and Merrill Edge, side by side.ShowHide
Every detail we compared
Every tracked attribute for Freetrade and Merrill Edge, side by side.| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Coverage & fit | ||
Asset types | StocksETFsBondsMutual Funds | StocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual Funds |
Experience | BeginnerIntermediate | BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced |
Regions | EuropeNorth America | North America |
Coverage details | Identifiers: Ticker and ISIN | Identifiers: Ticker and CUSIP |
| Access & integrations | ||
Export formats | CSVPDF | CSVPDF |
| Plans & trust | ||
Vendor & support | Freetrade LimitedCountry: United KingdomSupport: Chat and Email | Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith IncorporatedCountry: United StatesSupport: Phone and Chat |
Green tags are exclusive to that tool in this comparison.
What you'll actually pay
Plans, billing, trials, and per-month pricing for both tools.ShowHide
What you'll actually pay
Plans, billing, trials, and per-month pricing for both tools.| Tier | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Free“Basic” | — |
| Entry paid plan | £5.99/mo“Standard” | — |
| Top plan | £11.99/mo“Plus” | — |
Questions we keep getting
What's the difference between Freetrade and Merrill Edge?
Freetrade leans toward brokerage, advanced order types, and portfolio, while Merrill Edge puts more weight on brokerage, portfolio, and watchlist. They overlap in 5 categories, so for most people it comes down to workflow preference and price.
How much do Freetrade and Merrill Edge cost?
Neither has a free plan; you'll need a paid subscription for the full feature set of either. Check each tool's current plan details before buying.
Which is better for beginners: Freetrade or Merrill Edge?
Honestly, neither is aimed at beginners. Expect a learning curve either way; that's the trade-off for the depth they offer.
Should I choose Freetrade or Merrill Edge?
It depends on what you're after. Pick Freetrade if you prefer its overall approach; go with Merrill Edge if you'd rather have options. And if you only need the basics both share, let price decide.
What asset classes do Freetrade and Merrill Edge cover?
Both cover stocks, ETFs, bonds, and mutual funds. Merrill Edge adds options on top.
Which covers international markets: Freetrade or Merrill Edge?
Freetrade has documented international coverage (Europe and North America), so it's the safer bet if you hold non-US stocks. Merrill Edge is more region-specific, mainly North America.
Can I export data from Freetrade and Merrill Edge?
Yes, both export to spreadsheets (CSV), which is handy if you like running your own numbers.
Can I track my portfolio with Freetrade or Merrill Edge?
Yes, both do portfolio tracking: holdings, performance, and allocation in one place.
Keep researching
Other tools you might like
Keep Exploring
Feedback
Spot stale pricing, missing features, or a comparison that feels off? Send feedback on the verdict, table, alternatives, or recommendation.
Curation & Accuracy
This directory blends AI‑assisted discovery with human curation. Entries are reviewed, edited, and organized with the goal of expanding coverage and sharpening quality over time. Your feedback helps steer improvements (because no single human can capture everything all at once).
Details change. Pricing, features, and availability may be incomplete or out of date. Treat listings as a starting point and verify on the provider’s site before making decisions. If you spot an error or a gap, send a quick note and I’ll adjust.