Freedom24
CySEC/BaFin
Lightyear
FCA/EFSA
Freedom24 vs Lightyear
Head-to-Head Comparison 2026
Our Verdict
Freedom24 has a higher rating of 4.2/5 compared to Lightyear (4.1/5). Freedom24 offers 5 instrument types, while Lightyear offers 3. The minimum deposit is lower at Freedom24 with 0 €. Freedom24 is BaFin-regulated, while Lightyear is supervised by FCA/EFSA. Freedom24 offers options trading, while the other does not.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | Freedom24 | Lightyear |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.2/5 (750 reviews)✓ | 4.1/5 (500 reviews) |
| Regulation | CySEC/BaFin | FCA/EFSA |
| Fees | from $0.02 per share (min. $2), options from $0.65 per contract | €0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee |
| Min. Deposit | 0 € | 1 € |
| Instruments | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Futures | Stocks, ETFs, Government Bonds |
| Platforms | Freedom24 App, Freedom24 Web | Lightyear App, Lightyear Web |
| Options Trading | Yes, real US options | No |
| Spread (typical) | Stocks from $0.02/share + $1.20/order (Smart plan), up to 8.3% interest on USD balance | FX conversion 0.35%, stocks from $0–$1 per trade depending on market |
| Founded | 2008 | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Limassol | London |
Detailed Comparison
Fee Comparison
Freedom24: from $0.02 per share (min. $2), options from $0.65 per contract. Minimum deposit: 0 €. Spread: Stocks from $0.02/share + $1.20/order (Smart plan), up to 8.3% interest on USD balance.
Lightyear: €0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee. Minimum deposit: 1 €. Spread: FX conversion 0.35%, stocks from $0–$1 per trade depending on market.
Product Range
Freedom24 (5 categories)
Lightyear (3 categories)
Trading Platforms
Freedom24
- Freedom24 App
- Freedom24 Web
Lightyear
- Lightyear App
- Lightyear Web
Regulation & Security
Freedom24 is regulated by CySEC/BaFin (HQ: Limassol).
Lightyear is regulated by FCA/EFSA (HQ: London).
Who Is It For?
Freedom24
Access to US and EU exchanges with real options and savings plans
✓ Real US options trading available
✓ Access to 15+ global exchanges
✓ Attractive daily interest on account balance
✗ Fees higher than neobrokers
✗ Platform could be more intuitive
Lightyear
Commission-free stock trading with multi-currency accounts
✓ No commissions on stocks and ETFs
✓ Multi-currency accounts without exchange fees
✓ Modern, user-friendly app
✗ Relatively new broker
✗ Limited product range
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Freedom24 or Lightyear cheaper?
Which broker offers more products: Freedom24 or Lightyear?
Which broker is better regulated?
Is Freedom24 or Lightyear better for beginners?
Freedom24 vs Lightyear: Which broker is better overall?
How do spreads compare between Freedom24 and Lightyear?
Freedom24
Access to US and EU exchanges with real options and savings plans
Open Account →From 0 € min. deposit
Lightyear
Commission-free stock trading with multi-currency accounts
Open Account →From 1 € min. deposit