Broker comparison

Freedom24 vs.
Lightyear

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Updated: October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides

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 €. Oversight: Freedom24: CySEC (Cyprus), licence 275/15; Lightyear: FCA/EFSA. Freedom24: Yes, listed options: US. Lightyear: No.

Access to US and EU exchanges with real options and savings plans

Commission-free stock trading with multi-currency accounts

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsFreedom24 App, Freedom24 WebLightyear App, Lightyear Web
Product typesStocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, FuturesStocks, ETFs, Government Bonds
Options tradingYes, listed options: USNo
Fee modelUS: Smart plan: USD 0.65 per contract; All-inclusive plan: USD 3 per contract + USD 10 per order€0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee
Minimum deposit0 €1 €
RegulationCySEC (Cyprus), licence 275/15FCA/EFSA
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

Freedom24

Freedom24 App, Freedom24 Web

Lightyear

Lightyear App, Lightyear Web

Product types

Freedom24

Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Futures

Lightyear

Stocks, ETFs, Government Bonds

Options trading

Freedom24

Yes, listed options: US

Lightyear

No

Fee model

Freedom24

US: Smart plan: USD 0.65 per contract; All-inclusive plan: USD 3 per contract + USD 10 per order

Lightyear

€0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee

Minimum deposit

Freedom24

0 €

Lightyear

1 €

Regulation

Freedom24

CySEC (Cyprus), licence 275/15

Lightyear

FCA/EFSA

More information

Freedom24

Details

Lightyear

Details

Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.

Detailed comparison

Comparing fees

Compare total costs, not just the order fee.

Terms by market

US
Smart plan: USD 0.65 per contract; All-inclusive plan: USD 3 per contract + USD 10 per order
Minimum deposit
0 €
Spread figure
Stocks from $0.02/share + $1.20/order (Smart plan), up to 8.3% interest on USD balance
See terms at provider

€0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee

Published fee
€0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee
Minimum deposit
1 €
Spread figure
FX conversion 0.35%, stocks from $0–$1 per trade depending on market
See terms at provider

The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.

Execution quality

Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Product range

StocksETFsOptionsBondsFutures
StocksETFsGovernment Bonds

Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.

Trading platforms

Freedom24 App · Freedom24 Web

Freedom24 offers its own web platform and mobile app for iOS and Android. The platform enables trading of stocks, ETFs, options, futures, and bonds across over 15 global exchanges. It provides real-time quotes, portfolio overviews, savings plan features, and basic analytical tools. The user interface is functional, though it could benefit from a more modern design.

Explore platform

Lightyear App · Lightyear Web

Lightyear offers its own mobile app for iOS and Android as well as a web platform. The app impresses with a modern, minimalist design and intuitive user experience. Users can trade stocks, ETFs, and government bonds, create watchlists, and track their portfolio in real time. The platform supports multi-currency accounts and provides basic charting features.

Explore platform

Regulation & security

Freedom Finance Europe Ltd, Limassol (CY)

CySEC (Cyprus), licence 275/15

Regulatory information

FCA/EFSA

Regulatory information

Regulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

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

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

Find the broker that fits

Freedom24 oder Lightyear?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.

VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
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Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between Freedom24 and Lightyear?
Freedom24: US: Smart plan: USD 0.65 per contract; All-inclusive plan: USD 3 per contract + USD 10 per order. Lightyear: €0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Freedom24 or Lightyear?
Freedom24 offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Futures. Lightyear offers Stocks, ETFs, Government Bonds.
How are Freedom24 and Lightyear regulated?
The broker profiles list CySEC (Cyprus), licence 275/15 for Freedom24 and FCA/EFSA for Lightyear. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Freedom24 or Lightyear better for beginners?
Freedom24 lists a 0 € minimum deposit and offers Freedom24 App, Freedom24 Web. Lightyear lists 1 € and offers Lightyear App, Lightyear Web. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Freedom24 vs Lightyear: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Freedom24 (4.2/5, 750 reviews) and Lightyear (4.1/5, 500 reviews) depends on your needs. Freedom24: Access to US and EU exchanges with real options and savings plans. Lightyear: Commission-free stock trading with multi-currency accounts.
How do spreads compare between Freedom24 and Lightyear?
Freedom24 offers typical spreads of Stocks from $0.02/share + $1.20/order (Smart plan), up to 8.3% interest on USD balance. Lightyear offers FX conversion 0.35%, stocks from $0–$1 per trade depending on market. Tighter spreads reduce trading costs especially for active trading.

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