Navicula freesei is similar to many lanceolate Navicula. The central area of N. radiosa is more symmetric and round. In addition, in N. freesei the areola density is lower, the axial area is linear and wider, and the proximal raphe ends are tear-drop shaped. Comparison can be made with N. hasta var. gracilis and N. peregrina var. peregrinoides, but these taxa differ in striae orientation, shape of the central area and valve size.