The Best Trading Platforms (UK)

eToro is a highly popular choice for beginners due to its commission-free stock trading and the ability to buy fractional shares. This means you can invest in big companies like Apple or Amazon without needing to buy a full share, making it accessible even if you have as little as £50. The standout feature is Copy Trading, where you can automatically replicate the trades of top-performing investors on the platform. This feature can be a game-changer for newcomers who may not have the experience or time to research the markets themselves. To help you get started, eToro also offers a demo account with $100,000 (~£80,000) in virtual funds, allowing you to practise trading before committing real money.

For more advanced users, eToro provides a wide range of powerful tools, including ProCharts, which allows you to compare multiple charts and analyse trends across different financial instruments. These tools are great for those who want to dive into technical analysis. The platform also offers risk management features such as Stop Loss, Take Profit, and Trailing Stop Loss, which help you manage your exposure to risk—critical when trading more volatile assets like CFDs or cryptocurrencies.

eToro also offers CopyPortfolios, a selection of themed, professionally managed investment portfolios. These portfolios focus on market segments such as BigTech, Metaverse, and BitcoinWorldWide, providing a simple way for investors to diversify their investments without picking individual stocks or assets.

Key Features:
1. 6,000+ instruments (stocks, ETFs, CFDs, forex, commodities, crypto).
2. Copy Trading for replicating the trades of top investors.
3. Commission-free stock trading with fractional shares.
4. Advanced charting with ProCharts.
5. Risk management tools like Stop Loss and Take Profit.
6. $100,000 demo account to practise before you start investing real money.
7. CopyPortfolios for diversified, professionally managed investments.

Potential Drawbacks:
1. High risk when trading CFDs (51% of retail accounts lose money).
2. Cryptoassets are volatile and high-risk.
3. Currency conversion fees apply when depositing/withdrawing in GBP (but the eToro Money app helps avoid this).

Important note: Your capital is at risk. 51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Additionally, cryptoassets are high-risk investments, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Tax on profits may apply. Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. Other fees apply. For more information, visit eToro.

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XTB is a well-regarded platform, particularly suited for more active or advanced traders looking to trade CFDs and forex. With over 5,800 instruments, including stocks, forex, indices, and commodities, XTB provides access to a wide range of global markets. The platform stands out because of its commission-free trading on real stocks and ETFs, meaning you won't pay any fees on your trades for monthly turnovers up to €100,000 (~£85,000). For beginners, the ability to buy fractional shares allows you to get started with small amounts of money—perfect if you want to invest in more expensive stocks without needing a large capital outlay.

For those who are more experienced, XTB's xStation platform is a big draw. Available on desktop and mobile, xStation is fully customisable and offers a robust suite of advanced charting and risk management tools. This includes features like an inbuilt trading calculator to estimate costs, profits, or losses before opening a position and the ability to modify stop-loss and take-profit orders directly on the charts. These tools make it easy to manage risk, especially when dealing with leveraged products like CFDs or forex, where losses can significantly exceed your initial estimates if not managed properly.

XTB also provides an extensive library of educational resources, including webinars, tutorials, and videos, making it a good option for both beginners wanting to learn and advanced traders looking to sharpen their skills. A free demo account with £100,000 in virtual funds is available, allowing you to test the platform and trading strategies risk-free.

Key Features:
1. 5,800+ instruments, including stocks, ETFs, CFDs, and forex.
2. Commission-free trading on real stocks and ETFs (up to €100,000 monthly turnover).
3. Advanced trading tools with the xStation platform.
4. Fractional investing for accessible entry into high-priced stocks.
5. Risk management tools such as Stop Loss and Take Profit.
6. Extensive educational materials for all experience levels.
7. Free demo account with £100,000 in virtual funds.
8. Products include Stocks and Shares ISA and General Investment Account.

Potential Drawbacks:
1. High risk when trading CFDs (76% of retail accounts lose money).
2. Withdrawals below £60 incur a £12 fee.

Important note: Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

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Interactive Investor (II) is one of the UK's most trusted and established investment platforms, making it a solid choice for long-term investors looking for reliability and control over their portfolios. Unlike most platforms that charge percentage-based fees, Interactive Investor offers fixed monthly fees, which can be highly beneficial for regular investors or those with larger portfolios. This fixed cost structure ensures that your fees don't rise as your investments grow, which can lead to significant savings over time.

With over 40,000 investment options, including UK and international stocks, ETFs, bonds, and investment trusts, Interactive Investor caters to a wide range of investors, from beginners to experienced traders. For those who prefer a hands-off approach, II offers Quick-Start Funds, which are professionally managed, ready-made portfolios designed to make investing simple. These funds are ideal for those who want to build a diversified portfolio without having to pick individual assets. On the other hand, experienced investors have the freedom to choose from a wide range of individual shares, funds, and ETFs to create a customised portfolio that suits their investment goals and risk tolerance.

Interactive Investor's regular investing service allows you to automatically invest as little as £25 each month without paying the standard dealing fee, making it easier to build your investments over time without incurring extra costs. Additionally, depending on the plan you choose, you might get one free trade per month, which helps offset some of the costs. The platform also provides extensive research tools, insights, and expert ideas to help you make informed decisions. However, it may not be the cheapest option for casual investors, especially those with smaller portfolios, due to the fixed monthly fee.

Key Features:
1. 40,000+ investment options, including stocks, ETFs, bonds, and investment trusts.
2. Fixed monthly fees (from £4.99/month) for greater fee predictability.
3. Access to 17 global stock exchanges, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
4. Quick-Start Funds for beginners or hands-off investors.
5. Free trade each month and regular investing with no dealing fee.
6. Extensive research tools and expert insights.

Potential Drawbacks:
1. Fixed monthly fees may be costly for small investors.
2. Trading fees are lower than some competitors but still present (£3.99 per trade).
3. It is not the cheapest platform for infrequent traders.

Capital at risk.

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Freetrade is an app-based trading platform that has quickly become a favourite among beginners due to its simple, intuitive interface and commission-free trading. The platform allows you to buy fractional shares, meaning you can invest in major companies like Apple or Tesla with as little as £2, making it ideal for those who want to get started with small amounts of capital. Freetrade offers access to over 6,500 instruments, including UK and US stocks, ETFs, REITs, and investment trusts, giving investors a wide variety of assets to choose from.

What sets Freetrade apart is its straightforward pricing. The basic plan is completely free, and there are no commission fees for trades, although a 0.99% foreign exchange (FX) fee applies when buying US stocks. This makes it an affordable choice for casual investors or those who are just beginning their investing journey. For those wanting additional features, Freetrade offers two paid plans: the Standard Plan (£5.99/month), which includes a Stocks and Shares ISA, and the Plus Plan (£11.99/month), which adds a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). These plans are beneficial for investors looking for tax-efficient savings and retirement options.

Freetrade is best suited for long-term, buy-and-hold investors who want a simple, mobile-friendly platform without the complexity of more advanced trading tools like CFDs or forex. While it is not the best option for day traders or those looking for real-time charting, Freetrade shines for beginners who want to focus on building a diversified portfolio without worrying about high fees.

Key Features:
1. 6,500+ instruments, including stocks, ETFs, REITs, and investment trusts.
2. Commission-free trading on all plans (other fees may apply).
3. Fractional shares—start investing with as little as £2.
4. Multiple subscription plans, including a free basic plan and paid plans with ISAs and SIPPs.
5. Mobile-friendly app, designed for ease of use and long-term investing.
6. Special offer: free share worth £10 when you fund your account with £50.

Potential Drawbacks:
1. 0.99% FX fee on US stocks (applies to both buying and selling).
2. Limited advanced trading features—no CFDs, forex, or complex order types.
3. Paid plans are needed for Stocks and Shares ISAs or SIPPs.

Capital at risk.

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InvestEngine is a low-cost platform focused exclusively on ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) investing, making it an excellent option for both beginners and experienced investors who want to build long-term wealth with minimal fees. It offers two types of portfolios: Managed Portfolios and DIY Portfolios. Managed portfolios are ideal for beginners or those who prefer a hands-off approach, as the platform's experts select and manage your investments for you. This is done based on your risk tolerance and investment goals, with a management fee of 0.25% per year.

For more confident or experienced investors, InvestEngine also offers DIY investing, where you can build your own portfolio from a range of over 700 commission-free ETFs. The DIY option has no platform fees at all, which is a standout feature compared to most other platforms that charge annual or monthly fees for similar services. Fractional investing is also available, allowing you to invest with as little as £1, making it easy to diversify your portfolio even if you're starting with a small amount of capital.

One of InvestEngine's biggest advantages is its focus on keeping costs low, offering no setup, dealing, or withdrawal fees—a rarity in the investment world. It also supports Stocks and Shares ISAs and SIPPs, making it a tax-efficient option for UK investors. Whether you're looking for a hands-off approach with managed portfolios or prefer more control with DIY investing, InvestEngine is designed to help you grow your wealth over the long term at a minimal cost.

Key Features:
1. 700+ ETFs from top global asset managers.
2. 0.25% annual fee for Managed Portfolios, with no dealing or withdrawal fees.
3. Commission-free ETF trading for DIY investors.
4. Fractional investing with as little as £1.
5. No platform fees for DIY portfolios—ideal for cost-conscious investors.
6. Supports Stocks and Shares ISAs with no subscription fees.

Potential Drawbacks:
1. Limited to ETFs only—no individual stocks, bonds, or other assets.
2. Managed portfolios come with a small management fee (0.25% per year).
3. Lacks more advanced trading features found on other platforms (e.g., CFDs, options).

Capital at risk.

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Pepperstone is a specialist trading platform designed for those who prioritise fast execution speeds, low-cost spreads, and a focus on forex and CFD trading. With over 1,200 instruments to trade, including stock CFDs, indices, commodities, ETFs, and forex pairs, Pepperstone is well-suited for traders who are actively involved in the markets. The platform offers competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips on forex and 0.10% for stock CFDs, making it a solid choice for those who want to keep costs low while trading frequently.

One of Pepperstone's key advantages is that it gives you access to world-class trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and TradingView. These platforms offer advanced features like automated trading, customisable charting tools, and real-time market insights, catering to both beginner and advanced traders. For more seasoned traders, Pepperstone also supports scalping, hedging, and news trading, giving users flexibility in their trading strategies. Additionally, Pepperstone allows leverage of up to 30:1 for retail traders, though it is important to be cautious with leveraged products as they can amplify both gains and losses.

Pepperstone also offers no platform fees and allows users to open a free demo account, making it easy to practise and familiarise yourself with the tools before committing real money. Pepperstone does not offer an ISA or SIPP.

Key Features:
1. 1,200+ instruments, including CFDs on stocks, forex, commodities, and indices.
2. Access to MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and TradingView for advanced trading.
3. Low spreads from 0.6 pips on forex and 0.10% on stock CFDs.
4. Leverage up to 30:1 for retail traders (higher for professionals).
5. Supports scalping, hedging, and news trading.
6. No platform fees and a free demo account for practice.

Potential Drawbacks:
1. High risk with CFD trading—74% to 89% of retail investor accounts lose money.
2. No support for ISAs or SIPPs, limiting long-term tax-efficient investment options.
3. Overnight swap fees apply for holding positions, which can add to costs for long-term trades.

Important note: When you invest, your capital is at risk. Between 74 and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

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Hargreaves Lansdown is the largest investment platform in the UK, known for its extensive range of investment options and comprehensive research tools. With access to over 15,000 instruments, including UK and international stocks, bonds, ETFs, funds, and investment trusts, it caters to investors looking for a platform that combines a wide variety of assets with in-depth market insights. Hargreaves Lansdown is particularly well-suited to long-term investors who value detailed research, financial security, and the ability to build diversified portfolios.

One of the standout features of Hargreaves Lansdown is its commitment to providing high-quality research and investment tools. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced investor, the platform's wealth of resources—including advanced charting, fund performance data, and expert commentary—can help you make informed investment decisions. The platform also offers ready-made portfolios for those who prefer a more hands-off approach. You can choose from a variety of risk levels and let the experts handle your investments, making it a good option for both hands-on investors and those who prefer a guided path.

Although Hargreaves Lansdown isn't the cheapest platform available, with dealing fees of £11.95 per trade (reducing to £5.95 for frequent traders), it compensates with its vast array of investments and in-depth research. The platform also supports tax-efficient accounts like ISAs and SIPPs, making it ideal for those looking to invest for the long term while minimising tax liabilities. It is a great option for investors who prioritise in-depth research and are willing to pay a bit more for access to an extensive range of investment products.

Key Features:
1. 15,000+ investment options, including stocks, bonds, ETFs, and investment trusts.
2. High-quality market research and investment insights.
3. Access to advanced charting and detailed fund data.
4. Ready-made portfolios for hands-off investing.
5. Supports tax-efficient ISAs, SIPPs, and Lifetime ISAs.
6. Regular investing option for just £1.50 per trade.

Potential Drawbacks:
1. Dealing fees are higher than some competitors (£11.95 - £5.95 per trade).
2. Platform fees for ISAs and SIPPs (0.45% per year, capped at £45 for ISAs and £200 for SIPPs).
3. Not the cheapest option for casual or infrequent traders.

Capital at risk.

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AJ Bell is one of the most popular investment platforms in the UK. It is known for its user-friendly interface and focus on offering a wide range of tax-efficient products like ISAs, SIPPs, and Lifetime ISAs. With over 15,000 investment options, including stocks, bonds, funds, ETFs, and investment trusts, it caters to investors of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The platform is particularly attractive to UK investors who are looking for a straightforward, affordable way to manage their investments and pensions in a tax-efficient manner.

For beginners or hands-off investors, AJ Bell offers ready-made investment portfolios and investment ideas, which are pre-built baskets of funds and shares designed around different risk levels and investment goals. This is a great option if you want a diversified portfolio without having to research and select individual assets. For more experienced investors, AJ Bell provides tools like fund screeners and stock screeners, making it easier to find and filter investments based on specific criteria, such as performance or risk level.

One of the key benefits of AJ Bell is its low fees. The platform charges an annual platform fee of 0.25%, which is capped at £3.50 per month, making it one of the more affordable options for smaller portfolios. Additionally, trading fees are competitive at £5 per trade (reduced to £3.50 for frequent traders), and regular investing is available for just £1.50 per deal. This makes AJ Bell a cost-effective solution for UK-based investors looking for a balance of low fees, tax-efficient options, and a wide range of investment products.

Key Features:
1. 15,000+ investment options, including stocks, bonds, ETFs, funds, and investment trusts.
2. Low-cost annual platform fee of 0.25% (capped at £3.50 per month).
3. Competitive dealing fees (£5 per trade, or £3.50 for frequent traders).
4. Supports tax-efficient accounts like ISAs, SIPPs, and Lifetime ISAs.
5. Ready-made investment portfolios for beginners or hands-off investors.
6. Online regular investing for just £1.50 per deal, making it ideal for cost-conscious investors.

Potential Drawbacks:
1. Trading fees may add up for active traders compared to commission-free platforms.
2. Limited access to more advanced trading products (no CFDs, options, or forex).
3. May not offer the in-depth research tools that other platforms provide.

Capital at risk.

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CMC Markets is renowned for its comprehensive offering of forex and CFD trading and spread betting, boasting over 12,000 instruments that span stocks, forex, indices, commodities, ETFs, and treasuries. It is particularly attractive for traders focused on forex and options, given its vast selection of currency pairs and advanced trading features. The platform is packed with powerful tools, including pattern recognition scanners, more than 115 technical indicators, and customisable charts, making it suitable for traders who rely on detailed technical analysis.

For active traders, CMC offers competitive spreads and a premium CMC Alpha membership, which provides benefits like reduced spreads, Financial Times subscriptions, and interest on uninvested cash. The platform's advanced order execution tools and in-depth market analysis, powered by Reuters, make it ideal for traders who need quick execution and real-time market data. CMC Markets is highly flexible and supports both beginner and advanced traders with its detailed educational resources and robust tools for strategy building.

Key Features:
1. Access to over 12,000 instruments, including stocks, ETFs, forex, options, and commodities.
2. Competitive spreads, with forex spreads starting from 0.7 pips.
3. Advanced charting tools, with 115+ technical indicators and customisable charts.
4. Pattern recognition scanners and real-time Reuters news for in-depth market analysis.
5. CMC Alpha membership with reduced spreads and exclusive benefits for active traders.
6. Free demo account with £10,000 in virtual funds for practice trading.

Potential Drawbacks:
1. Primarily suited to active traders; long-term investors may not find it ideal.
2. Complex instruments like CFDs carry higher risks, with 69% of retail investors losing money.
3. No support for tax-efficient accounts like ISAs or SIPPs, limiting long-term investment options.
4. Holding costs and overnight fees can add up for positions held over extended periods.

Important note: Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when spread betting and/or trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

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Saxo Markets is a top choice for traders seeking access to a vast range of global financial products. With over 71,000 instruments, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, CFDs, forex, and commodities, it provides one of the most diverse product offerings available. Saxo caters to both beginner and advanced traders through its two trading platforms: SaxoTraderGO, a user-friendly option for beginners, and SaxoTraderPRO, a more sophisticated platform for professional traders, offering advanced charting tools and customisable features.

Saxo's tiered pricing system is attractive for high-volume traders, as it rewards frequent trading with lower transaction fees. Both platforms offer real-time data, technical indicators, integrated trade signals, and news feeds, ensuring that traders have access to all the resources they need for informed decision-making. Saxo is especially ideal for those who want access to both traditional and advanced financial products in one place.

Key Features:
1. Access to over 71,000 financial instruments, including global stocks, bonds, and ETFs.
2. SaxoTraderGO for beginners and SaxoTraderPRO for advanced traders.
3. Extensive charting tools, integrated trade signals, and over 50 technical indicators.
4. Tiered pricing system with lower fees for high-volume traders.
5. Real-time data, news feeds, and insights for informed trading.

Potential Drawbacks:
1. Higher minimum fees (£108) compared to other platforms.
2. Complex fee structure may not suit beginners or low-volume traders.
3. No commission-free trading for smaller transactions.
4. Primarily suited to experienced traders with more capital.

Important note: Capital at risk. 67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

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