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Claire is an experienced financial analyst with strong analytical skills. With her expertise and focus on thorough market research, Claire ensures individuals in the financial landscape are well-informed. Often in an engaging writing style, her content helps traders quickly grasp the market dynamics. As an Associate Editor of financial news at InvestingGuide, she provides an original analysis of the financial markets and economy. You’ll be at joy reading her flawlessly written content. She has written hundreds of pieces that simplify complex financial topics in plain language.
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Getting into investing can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With so many apps on the market, it’s easy to feel lost or unsure where to begin. Fortunately, I am here to give you proper guidance.
After personally testing a wide range of investment platforms, I’ve put together a list of the best investment apps in the UK. This guide breaks down what each app offers and who it’s best suited for, so you can make a smart, confident choice. So, if you’re curious about investing or looking for a better way to manage your money, this is a great place to start.
List of the Best Investment Apps
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{etoroCFDrisk}% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
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Risk Warning75% 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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80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
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Risk Warning86% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading on margin with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how margin trading works and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
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Risk WarningDerivative products are highly leveraged, carry a high level of risk and may not be appropriate for all investors.
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In This Guide
Compare Apps Table
During my research, I tested and compared over twenty investment apps in the UK to share with you the best. By signing up for demo accounts, I was able to closely examine the apps’ features and functionalities.
Check my comparison table below, highlighting the key features that will help you make a suitable choice.
| Best Investment App | Licence and Regulation | Support Service | Software | Payment Method | Demo Account | Money Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | ASIC, CySEC, FCA, FSAS | 24/5 | eToro investing platform, Multi-asset platform, Copy Trader | Credit/debit cards, PayPal, Bank transfer, Neteller, Skrill, eToro Money, Online Banking | Yes | Yes (up to £250,000) |
| XTB | CIRO, FCA, CNMV, KNF | 24/5 | xStation 5, xStation Mobile | Credit/debit cards, e-wallets, Bank transfers | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
| Plus500* 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. | FSRA, FCA, SCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, MAS, FSA, SCA | 24/7 | Plus500 Webtrader, Plus500 Pro | Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/debit cards, Paypal, Skrill | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
| Pepperstone | FCA, ASIC, DFSA, CySEC, CMA, SCB, BaFin, SEC | 24/7 | TradingView, MT4, MT5, cTrader, Pepperstone Trading Platform, Social trading | Visa, Mastercard, Bank transfer, Flutterwave, Skrill, PayPal | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
| FP Markets | SEC, ASIC, CMA, CySEC, FSCA, FSA | 24/7 | MT4, MT5, TradingView, cTrader, WebTrader, Mobile App, Copy Trading | Credit/debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, Bank transfer, Google Pay, Apple Pay | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
Fees & Commissions
There are several things to look out for when picking the best apps for investing in stocks. The most critical for me will be the applicable commissions and fees. These ensure that one can invest in assets of their choice without necessarily breaking the bank.
However, choosing an app based on these features can be tricky, especially given the time and effort it takes to compare all the options. That is why I have made things easier for you. Below is a table summarising the fee structures of the top apps.
| Best Investment App | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Commissions/ Spreads | Deposits/ Withdrawal Fees | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | £50 | From 0% | £5 withdrawal fee | £10 monthly |
| XTB | £0 | From 0% | Free | £10 monthly |
| Plus500* | £100 | From 0.0 pips | Free | £10 monthly |
| Pepperstone | £0 | From 0.0 pips | Free | £0 |
| FP Markets | £100 | From 0.0 pips | Free | £0 |
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider
Apps Reviews
During my research, I personally reviewed many investment apps UK to help you make the best choice. Here are my mini-reviews of the standout apps from my explicit tests.
1. eToro – Overall Best
Out of all the investment apps I tested in the UK, eToro came out on top as the overall best option. It’s available for both iOS and Android devices, and the app’s interface is incredibly user-friendly. Setting up an account is a breeze and takes just a few minutes. The best part? You can download it for free from Google Play or the App Store.
eToro offers a wide range of investment assets, including stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and more. ETF and stock investing is completely commission-free, and you’ll find access to some of the world’s top-performing stocks like Tesla, Microsoft, Netflix, and Google. What’s even better is the ability to invest in fractional shares. This means you can own a piece of stock even if you’re not ready to buy a full share.
You can start exploring eToro’s features with an initial deposit of just £100. Beyond its diverse asset offerings, the app shines with its copy trading and social trading features. These and more make the app a great choice for both beginners and seasoned investors.
eToro
✔5000+ financial instruments
✔Cost-free deposits
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- User-friendly investment platform
- Hosts millions of investors and is highly regulated globally, including in the UK, by the FCA
- Leading copy and social trading platform
- Lists over 7,000 investment securities to choose from
Cons
- A £5 withdrawal fee applies
- No third-party platforms like the MT4/5
If there’s anything that can eat away at your profit margins, it’s unnecessary costs. Thankfully, eToro fees UK are reasonable and pocket-friendly. We acquired a new account without paying a single cent, which was quite a relief. We also noticed that you can enjoy free deposits by using USD. That said, eToro supports many other currencies, including GBP, EUR, and RMB.
You will incur conversion fees if you use any currency other than USD. And if you use any currency that eToro doesn’t support, you must pay conversion fees to your payment provider. The exact conversion fees you may incur at any moment will depend on various factors, including your preferred currency and payment method.
Please note that eToro subjects each withdrawal request to a £5 fee. The platform uses this money to pay expenses arising from international money transfers. Most importantly, you can’t withdraw less than £30 from the eToro trading platform.
While depositing money into our account, we noticed that eToro has strict minimum deposit requirements. Britons using this platform have to deposit at least £100 the first time. Afterwards, you can fund your account with as little as £10, depending on your preferred payment method.
Commission-wise, eToro is very friendly to people who trade ETFs or invest in real stocks since the broker charges 0% for these assets. On the other hand, if you buy or sell crypto on this platform, expect to pay a 1% fee. CFD trading also attracts variable spreads depending on the involved instruments. For instance, the spreads for currencies and commodities start from 1 pip and 2 pips, respectively.
Not to forget, eToro charges a £10 monthly inactivity fee that kicks in after 12 months of dormancy.
2. XTB – Top Commission-Free Option
If you are into stocks and ETF investing, XTB is the best commission-free app to consider. During my time with this service provider, which is one of the best apps to buy shares from the UK and other regions, I enjoyed zero-commission investing. This benefit applied to assets equivalent to a monthly turnover of up to 100,000 EUR. Above this amount, the commission I incurred was only 0.2% (min. 10 GBP).
Another standout feature is the opportunity to earn 5.2% interest on your uninvested GBP funds. This will add extra value to your account. I also like that this app supports CFD trading across more than 2,300 leveraged instruments. But it is crucial to note that CFD trading carries high risks that you must be familiar with before investing your money. I have witnessed many traders lose their money by overlooking the crucial elements.
As for trading tools, this best share market app hardly disappoints. Its xStation 5 and xStation Mobile are packed with enough features to get you going into deeper market analysis and well-informed decision-making. Both novice and professional traders have ample room for flexibility and all kinds of tools
XTB
✔5,700+ financial instruments
✔No minimum deposit requirement
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- No minimum deposit requirement
- A user-friendly and modern design platform
- Commission-free stocks and ETF investments
- Free deposits and withdrawals
Cons
- Charges currency conversion fees
- No third-party platforms like the MT4/5
XTB is a cost-effective trading platform. We used a live account to assess its fees and commissions. The first applaudable aspect we noticed is setting up an account with this broker is quick and easy. Furthermore, there’s no set XTB minimum deposit requirement, and the platform supports free transactions. When it comes to withdrawals, transactions above £50 are free.
That aside, we noticed various mandates on the XTB UK trading platform during our exploration. For starters, this entity has a £10 minimum order requirement for shares from companies like the Associated British Food PLC. Additionally, it requires users to cover a 0.5% conversion fee while trading with anything besides the base currency.
Not to forget, XTB charges different spreads for different instruments and requires traders who hold open positions to cover swap costs.
3. Plus500 – Ideal For Beginners
Plus500 is recognised as one of the best beginner-friendly apps due to its user-friendly and intuitive platform for CFD trading. Its ability to operate seamlessly on both Android and iOS devices makes it perfect for beginners entering the financial markets. According to the majority of users, Plus500 is among the best share trading apps due to its seamless share trading service. I discovered over 2,800 CFD assets, including shares, ETFs, commodities, indices, forex, and more.
I appreciate that this app provides a free, lifetime, virtually funded demo account, which allows beginner CFD traders to explore the financial landscape risk-free. You will trade with virtual funds and fully understand the financial markets without risking your hard-earned money. And when you are ready to trade on the live account, this app makes it easier with a minimum deposit requirement of only £100.
There are adequate Insights tools at Plus500 that help users make more informed decisions. Technical indicators are also available in plenty, with over 110 options. This is with a powerful learning resource in the Trading Academy. Overall, I find these resources really useful in navigating the markets. However, understand that CFD trading carries risks, especially while using leverage. Therefore, ensure you understand the risks and more before making a commitment.
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider
Plus500
✔User-friendly interface
✔Zero deposit and withdrawal fees
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Commission-free trading
- Easy-to-use mobile app
- Quick and helpful customer support
- Low spreads
Cons
- CFD trading only
- Inactivity fee kicks in after only three months
Brokers need to generate revenue and cover operating costs. That’s why many have fees and commissions. Sadly, high charges can undermine your profitability in the long run. That’s why looking for an affordable service provider is necessary.
With that in mind, we evaluated Plus500 fees UK. The process was easy since this broker values transparency. Our team was impressed by the fact that the trading platform doesn’t charge a dime for most services. First, opening an account is free. Deposits and withdrawals also attract zero charges. Furthermore, the broker offers free live CFD prices and dynamic charts. But note that the Plus500 minimum deposit UK is £100.
Plus500 primary source of compensation is the spread. While trading with this platform, you’ll have to cover the spread whenever you open a position. Your costs will depend on various factors, including your preferred instrument and current market conditions.
This broker also charges overnight funding and currency conversion fees. The former fee kicks in whenever you keep a position open overnight. On the other hand, you have to cover currency conversion fees whenever you interact with any currency besides your account’s base currency. Lastly, dormant Plus500 accounts attract a £10 monthly inactivity fee.
4. Pepperstone – Perfect For MetaTrader Enthusiasts
I was impressed with how smooth and functional Pepperstone is, especially when it comes to trading on the MetaTrader platforms. I enjoyed various features on both the MT4 and MT5 platforms, including automated trading, social trading, risk management tools, and a host of customisable indicators.
Besides hosting MT4 and MT5 platforms, this best app to buy shares in the UK gives access to cTrader and TradingView third-party platforms. This simply adds to the diversity of the various types of traders out there, who need to have every possible tool at their fingertips. And the best part is that you can easily access the MetaTrader platforms and more using Pepperstone’s app.
Note that Pepperstone supports CFD trading, and there is no buying and taking ownership of its featured securities. Overall, I discovered over 2,400 CFD assets, including forex, shares, indices, commodities, and many more. While the options are adequate enough for portfolio diversification, approach CFD trading diligently, especially when applying leverage. You do not want to lose more than what you are comfortable with.
Pepperstone
✔24/7 customer support
✔No inactivity fees
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Zero deposit, withdrawal, and inactivity fees
- Spreads as low as 0.0 pips
- Hosts diverse advanced platforms, including MT4 and MT5
- Features automated and social trading
Cons
- This platform is focused on forex and CFD instruments
- Limited asset offerings compared to its peers
After evaluating Pepperstone, we opened a trading account for conducting extensive tests. The process was quick and easy.
But what impressed us most was the Pepperstone minimum deposit requirement. This platform has no minimum deposit, which makes it ideal for low-budget and high-budget traders. If you are a beginner, joining this broker is advisable since you can start with a low amount and increase your stakes with time. To top it off, Pepperstone supports free deposits and withdrawals. This broker allows you to use diverse payment methods for free, from Visa debit and credit cards to PayPal and domestic bank transfers.
When it comes to spreads and commissions, Pepperstone is very cost-friendly. You can open a Razor account with this broker and enjoy 20 commission-free trades. Pepperstone’s Standard accounts also have zero commissions. On the other hand, spreads start from as low as 0.0 pips for forex pairs like EUR/USD and 0.5 for commodities like XAUUSD.
Finally, unlike most of its peers, Pepperstone charges zero inactivity fees. However, any positions you hold overnight with this platform are subject to swap rates. Visit Pepperstone’s pricing page for a detailed account of how this broker calculated swap rates for different financial instruments.
5. FP Markets – Best For Experienced Investors
FP Markets is the best online share trading app for experienced investors due to various reasons. Although there are no physical asset purchases, I appreciate that it offers a range of well-established trading platforms, including cTrader, TradingView, MT4, and MT5. All these boast powerful tools and features, including social trading, expert advisors, and more.
FP Markets also has a proprietary platform that is user-friendly and customisable on both desktop and Android/iOS mobile devices. When it comes to asset availability, you will be spoilt for choice with thousands of options. For instance, there are over 10,000 stocks from major markets such as New York, London, and Hong Kong. But that does not stop here. FP Markets is also home to indices, commodities, forex, ETFs, and many others.
You will incur low trading fees at FP Markets, with spreads starting from 0.0 pips. Plus, this app has a low minimum deposit requirement of £100, making it easier for any UK trader to start investing. When it comes to leverage limits, they are flexible, as per ESMA rules. While this adds more excitement to pro traders’ activities, CFD trading with leverage is highly risky. So, ensure you understand these risks before taking a plunge.
FP Markets
✔10,000+ tradeable financial instruments
✔Free deposits and withdrawals
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Hosts thousands of share CFDs and other instruments
- Low spreads as low as 0.0 pips
- A broad range of top-tier trading platforms, including MT4 and MT5
- Excellent 24/7 customer support service
- No inactivity, deposit, or withdrawal fees
Cons
- High minimum deposit requirement of £1000 to access its Iress platform tailored for share investing
- Product offerings are limited to CFDs only
Before going any further, note that the FP Markets minimum deposit is £100. You can’t fund your account with anything less than the mandated amount. Also, as a trader, expect to cover stipulated FP Markets fees and commissions. Let’s expound on that.
FP Markets has different trading and non-trading fees. However, the costs you will likely incur depend on where you are from. Take London as an example. If you’re from this city, you’ll incur a 0.10% commission per side while trading equity CFDs. You’ll also have to pay a £60 monthly fee if you use Iress Trader or ViewPoint.
But here’s the good news. You won’t incur additional costs while depositing or withdrawing money from your FP Markets trading account. Moreover, unlike many other brokers, this service provider doesn’t have inactivity fees for dormant accounts.
Please visit FP Market’s official site for a comprehensive overview of all fees and commissions.
How to Choose an Investment App
Choosing the best share-dealing app in the UK can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. The process of comparing hundreds of options in the market and conducting multiple tests can be exhausting for investors.
Fortunately, I have recommended above the best apps in the region to choose from. However, should you decide to conduct your own research from scratch, here are some tips to guide you in making a suitable choice.
Security
Investment Products
Charges
Platform
User Reviews
Support Service
Safety in any investment venture is paramount. Therefore, choose the best app for the share market that is licensed and regulated by top-tier authorities such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), CySEC, and more. Such apps guarantee your funds’ safety by securing them in segregated accounts free from unauthorised access. You will also be confident that the app you are using is free from impostors looking to scam innocent investors.
Additionally, ensure the app you are considering is highly encrypted and supports additional security measures. These include passcodes, face IDs, and more, providing an added layer of security for your app.
The recommended share trading apps above offer a wide range of investment assets to choose from. These include shares, forex, commodities, cryptos, and more. Having an app hosting the asset you prefer guarantees an exciting experience. And if it hosts additional securities, this is a plus. You will easily explore new opportunities and diversify your portfolio in a single platform.
The best investing apps in the UK should be affordable. So check both the trading and non-trading charges, including minimum deposit requirements, commissions/spreads, inactivity fees, overnight charges, and more, to ensure they fit your budget. Remember, losses are inevitable while investing, and risking what you can afford to lose should be one of your strategic moves.
Long-term investments don’t require as much monitoring as short-term investments, but it’s still best to use an app with a fast order execution speed. The best app for shares on UK platforms should also be user-friendly and provide the necessary research materials for technical and fundamental analysis. Plus, ensure it hosts adequate learning materials and a demo account to prepare you accordingly before risking real funds.
While testing and comparing investing apps is crucial for making a suitable choice, combining the process with user opinions provides more valuable insights. You will fully understand whether an app is reliable, affordable, features quality trading tools, and more from the users’ perspective. For honest reviews and ratings of the best share apps in the UK, visit Google Play, Trustpilot, and the App Store.
Customer service in the best stock investing apps can be 24/7 or 24/5. So, choose the one that fits your schedule. You can also check the communication channels the apps offer and try to contact the team to see how responsive they are. Prompt responses and relevant solutions guarantee quality assistance when needed.
How to Start with an Investment App
Starting to invest using the best app for stock investing doesn’t have to be complex. From my experience, the process is straightforward and takes a few minutes to complete. If this is your first time investing and you are looking for simple ways to get started, follow these simple steps below.
Step 1: Visit your app’s official site
Step 2: Complete the account registration procedure
Step 3: Participate in account verification
Step 4: Fund your account
Step 5: Open your first investment position
Once you have chosen an investing app from my list above, you will need to create an account. Therefore, visit the broker’s official website and start by reading its terms of service. Most importantly, ensure you download the app on your Android or iOS mobile device.
On the website, click the sign-up button and fill out the provided form with your details. These include your name, email, region, and more. You may also be required to create a unique username and strong password for an added layer of safety to your account. Follow the procedures and provide accurate details to ensure a seamless verification process.
The best stock investment apps in the UK adhere to the FCA’s stringent protocols to secure the online financial landscape. One of the regulations they adhere to is verifying clients’ details before fully activating their accounts. Therefore, your broker will require verification documents of your identity and location. These include copies of a government-issued ID card, a passport or driver’s licence and a recent utility bill or bank statement. Note that verification may take a few hours or up to a day, depending on the broker.
Once you receive a verification confirmation email, you are free to make a deposit. Sign in to your account using your investing app and start transacting. Select a preferred payment method, and deposit funds based on the provider’s minimum deposit requirement. Remember, different platforms have different deposit fees. Simply ensure you can afford the app you are investing with.
This will be the exciting part of making your first investment. Therefore, feel free to skim the stocks, ETFs, forex, and other assets offered to pinpoint your preference. Then, analyse the assets’ performance charts and place the order with a simple “Buy” or “Trade” button. At this point, you are free to choose a trade size before confirming your purchase.
How We Test
I work with a team of seasoned investment experts to provide you with the best recommendations for the best apps to buy shares and other assets. We rigorously test and evaluate every app, paying close attention to key aspects such as usability, security, fees, and investment options.
Simply put, we don’t just compare features. We sign up for demo and live accounts to analyse real-time performance. We also compare user comments from Trustpilot, Google Play, and the App Store for unbiased findings. You can read more about our test procedures here.
FAQs
Which apps are best suited for complete beginners?
Apps designed for beginners usually focus on simplicity, education, and ease of use. Look for platforms with a clean interface, in-app guidance, and low minimum investment requirements. Many also include demo accounts or articles to help you learn as you go. Examples often include robo-advisers or simplified DIY platforms tailored to first-time users.
Which app gives me the most investment options?
If variety is your priority, some platforms offer access to a wide range of investments — including UK and international shares, ETFs, bonds, funds, and even commodities. These tend to be more advanced DIY trading apps, so make sure the choice doesn’t come at the cost of usability, especially if you’re just starting out.
Are there any apps with zero or low trading fees?
Yes, several UK investment apps offer commission-free trading, especially on UK and US stocks. However, always check for other charges like FX fees, account fees, or spreads. Low-cost apps can be a smart starting point, but it’s important to understand the full fee structure before you begin.
What are the key differences between DIY platforms and robo-advisers?
DIY investment platforms put you in charge of choosing where your money goes. You select specific shares, funds, or ETFs, making them a good fit for those who prefer a hands-on, self-directed approach.
In contrast, robo-advisers take care of the investing process for you. They create and manage a diversified portfolio tailored to your risk level and goals, offering a more automated, hands-off solution.
Are trading accounts for retail investors easy to use for beginners?
Many trading platforms now cater to beginners with user-friendly mobile apps, clear dashboards, and educational content. However, ease of use varies, and some apps designed for active traders can feel overwhelming. Choosing an app with a good onboarding experience and support resources can make a big difference when starting out.
How safe is my money?
The majority of investment apps available in the UK are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and fall under the protection of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). This means that if the provider fails, your cash and assets may be protected up to £85,000 per firm. However, this safeguard doesn’t apply to investment performance — your portfolio’s value can rise or fall depending on market conditions.
How much should I invest when I’m just getting started?
Getting started with investing doesn’t require a big upfront cost. A number of platforms allow you to begin with just £1 to £10, and some provide access to fractional shares, so you can invest in portions of stocks rather than whole ones. It’s sensible to start with an amount that feels manageable and avoid using money you might need in the near future.
What does a ready-made investment portfolio mean?
A ready-made portfolio is a pre-built collection of investments chosen to match your risk level and goals. It’s typically managed by a robo-adviser or platform team, so you don’t have to choose individual assets yourself. These portfolios are ideal for beginners who want to invest without the pressure of stock picking.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the UK offers excellent opportunities. With modern investment platforms such as the best stock investment apps, it has become so easy, as you have quick access to the markets. However, understand that succeeding will still require strategy, discipline, and ongoing learning.
As a beginner, start by getting familiar with your chosen app and the diverse range of instruments it offers. Secondly, never be in the dark about market trends, and invest only amounts that you can afford to lose.
Lastly, understand the UK’s tax laws on profits made from financial investments. This way, it will be easier for you to plan and budget for your activities. The right mindset, combined with the right approach, can be both rewarding and empowering.
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I’ve found AvaTrade to be a fantastic app—easy to use and full of helpful tools like Ava Academy. The demo account and variety of assets really helped me build confidence and improve my trading skills.
In my experience, eToro is great for beginners, especially with its easy interface and copy trading. For those a bit more experienced, FP Markets has a ton of tools.