Best Stock Trading Apps In The UK 2026
Explore our curated list of reputable, regulated Trading Apps, each rigorously tesStock trading apps have made investing more accessible than ever — but not all platforms are built the same. Here’s our 2026 breakdown of the best FCA-regulated trading apps in the UK, tested with real money and ranked by fees, tools, and usability.ted with real funds. All brokers are accessible to traders in the United Kingdom.
Explore our curated list of reputable, regulated Trading Apps, each rigorously tested with real funds. All brokers are accessible to traders in the United Kingdom.
Spreadex
Trading App Score: 4.8/5
65% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Pepperstone
Trading App Score: 4.7/5
72% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
IG
Trading App Score: 4.6/5
67% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
Capital.com
Trading App Score: 4.6/5
60% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
Quick Answer: Which is the best App for Trading Stocks in the UK?
SpreadEX is our top-rated app for UK traders in 2026. It combines spread betting and CFD trading in one intuitive platform, offers flexible account options, and is FCA-regulated—making it an excellent choice for intermediate traders who want competitive pricing, tax-efficient trading opportunities, and a straightforward mobile experience.
How Do These Trading Apps Compare?
| Rank | App | Min Deposit | Commission | ISA/SIPP | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SpreadEX | £1 | From £0 (spread-based) | No / No | Intermediate traders |
| 2 | Pepperstone | £0 | From 0.0 pips (Forex) | No / No | Forex & CFD traders |
| 3 | IG | £0 | £0 (UK/US shares) | Yes / Yes | Active traders |
| 4 | Capital.com | £20 | £0 (spread-based) | No / No | AI-powered trading |
| 5 | CMC Markets | $0 | £0 commission (trading) | No / No | Advanced CFD & forex traders |
| 6 | XTB | £0 | £0 (stock/ETF CFDs) | No / No | Low-cost + education |
| 7 | Saxo | £0 | From £3 | Yes / Yes | Global market access |
Here Are the Best Trading Apps in the UK in order:
- SpreadEX – Best Choice for Intermediate Traders
- Pepperstone – Competitive pricing for Forex and CFD traders
- IG – Best Choice with Broad Market Access and Advanced Trading Tools
- Capital.com – AI-powered trading app with smart analytics and tight spread
- CMC Markets – Advanced platform for CFD & forex traders
- XTB – Great Balance of Low-Cost Trading and Educational Tools
- Saxo – Extensive global markets and investment products access
What Criteria Do We Use to Score Each Platform?
Our scoring system evaluates five critical areas to ensure you get rich, unbiased reviews:
- Platform Features: Charting tools, order types, and research quality
- Costs & Fees: Trading commissions, spreads, and hidden charges
- Account Types: ISA/SIPP availability and minimum deposit requirements
- Market Access: Range of UK/international shares, ETFs, and funds
- User Experience: App design, execution speed, and mobile reliability
Each broker receives a score out of 5 based on weighted performance across these categories. We verify FCA regulatory status, test customer support responsiveness, and evaluate security features including client fund segregation and two-factor authentication. We update our reviews quarterly to reflect platform changes, new features, and fee adjustments.
Mobile testing conducted on iPhone 15 (iOS 18) and Samsung Galaxy S24 (Android 14) using the latest Chrome browser to ensure compatibility across all devices.
SpreadEX – Best Choice for Intermediate Traders
Pros & Cons
- FCA-regulated and UK-based
- Spread betting allows for tax-efficient trading
- Low minimum deposit
- User-friendly mobile app for fast execution
- Limited asset types compared to multi-asset brokers
- Inactivity fee after 3 months
- Fewer advanced tools than specialist platforms
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What Are the Trading Fees & Commissions?
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What Platform & Tools Are Available for Stock Trading?
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Is This App FCA-Regulated and Safe for UK Traders?
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Who Is This Platform Best Suited For?
SpreadEX offers commission-free trading via spread betting and CFDs. Costs are built into the spreads, which are competitive. An inactivity fee of £1/month kicks in after 3 months of no use. No deposit or withdrawal fees apply.
The SpreadEX app delivers a simple, streamlined trading experience. Users can access charts, watchlists, and stop/limit orders. While it lacks the deep analytics of IG or Saxo, its intuitive layout makes it accessible to intermediate traders looking for speed and ease.
Yes. SpreadEX is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. As a long-established UK firm based in St Albans, it provides strong client fund protection and has a solid reputation for financial stability.
SpreadEX is ideal for intermediate UK traders who value ease of use and want to access stocks, indices, and forex via spread betting. It’s also a good fit for investors seeking tax-efficient strategies and a no-frills platform with quick execution.
65% 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.
Pepperstone – Competitive Pricing for Forex and CFD Traders
Pros & Cons
- Ultra-tight spreads starting from 0.0 pips
- Choice of MT4, MT5, and cTrader platforms
- Regulated by the FCA with fast execution speeds
- Suitable for algorithmic and high-frequency traders
- No access to ISA or SIPP accounts
- Only supports CFD trading – no direct stock ownership
- Limited educational content compared to some peers
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What Are the Trading Fees & Commissions?
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What Platform & Tools Are Available for Stock Trading?
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Is This App FCA-Regulated and Safe for UK Traders?
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Who Is This Platform Best Suited For?
Pepperstone offers razor-thin spreads with no commissions on the Standard account. The Razor account charges commissions (e.g., £4.50 round-turn per lot) but with lower spreads. There are no inactivity or platform fees.
Pepperstone supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader on mobile and desktop. These platforms provide powerful charting, custom indicators, and expert advisor support for automated strategies. It’s optimised for forex and CFD traders.
Yes. Pepperstone is authorised and regulated by the FCA. It follows strict compliance, including client fund segregation and offering negative balance protection under UK law.
Pepperstone is a strong fit for active forex and CFD traders who need high-speed execution, tight spreads, and advanced tools—particularly those using algorithmic or technical strategies.
76% 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.
IG - Best Choice with Broad Market Access and Advanced Trading Tools
Pros & Cons
- Commission-free trading on UK and US shares
- Advanced platform with professional tools
- Excellent educational content and market research
- FCA-regulated and publicly listed
- Custody fee applies without regular trading
- High fees on less active or international trading
- Learning curve for total beginners
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What Are the Trading Fees & Commissions?
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What Platform & Tools Are Available for Stock Trading?
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Is This App FCA-Regulated and Safe for UK Traders?
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Who Is This Platform Best Suited For?
IG offers zero commission on UK and US share trading. International markets and CFDs have fees and spreads. A quarterly custody fee applies unless you place three or more trades. There are no deposit fees, but inactivity charges apply after 24 months.
The IG mobile app includes real-time charts, price alerts, sector filters, and news from Reuters. It mirrors IG’s powerful web platform and is suited to active investors. Features like IG Academy and stock screeners support education and research on the go.
Yes. IG is fully authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), with client funds held in segregated accounts. As a London-listed firm with over 45 years in operation, it’s among the most trusted trading platforms in the UK.
IG suits active traders and intermediate investors who want a low-cost way to trade UK/US shares with powerful tools. It’s ideal for those seeking reliability, depth of features, and a platform that supports both short-term and long-term investing strategies.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Capital.com – AI-Powered Trading App with Smart Analytics and Tight Spreads
Pros & Cons
- Commission-free CFD trading with tight spreads
- AI-powered insights and smart trading tools
- Clean, intuitive mobile app with excellent UX
- Strong educational resources and market analysis
- No ISA or SIPP support
- CFD-only (no real stock ownership)
- Overnight fees on leveraged positions
- Limited product range compared to full-service brokers
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What Are the Trading Fees & Commissions?
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What Platform & Tools Are Available for Stock Trading?
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Is This App FCA-Regulated and Safe for UK Traders?
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Who Is This Platform Best Suited For?
Capital.com charges £0 commission on CFD trades – costs are built into the spread. Spreads start from 0.6 pips on major forex pairs and are competitive across indices and commodities. No deposit, withdrawal, or inactivity fees. Overnight financing applies to leveraged positions held past market close.
Capital.com offers a proprietary web platform and mobile app, both featuring AI-powered trading insights that analyse your behaviour and highlight potential biases. The platform includes advanced charting with 75+ technical indicators, real-time price alerts, and integrated market news. For traders who prefer industry-standard software, Capital.com also supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4). The mobile app is particularly well-regarded for its clean interface and smooth execution, making it easy to trade on the go.
Yes, Capital.com is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 793714. Client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks, separate from company funds. As a regulated UK broker, Capital.com participates in the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which protects eligible clients up to £85,000 if the firm were to fail. The platform also offers negative balance protection, so you can’t lose more than your account balance.
Capital.com is ideal for beginner to intermediate traders who want a modern, user-friendly platform with smart trading tools. The AI-powered insights help newer traders improve decision-making, while the tight spreads and commission-free structure keep costs low. It’s particularly well-suited for those focused on forex, indices, and commodities trading via CFDs. However, if you’re looking for ISA/SIPP wrappers or want to own real shares, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 60% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
CMC Markets – Advanced platform for CFD & forex traders
Pros & Cons
Award-winning platform with advanced charting and trading tools
Wide range of instruments: forex, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs
Competitive spreads, starting from 0.3 pips on major forex pairs
Strong reputation and FCA regulation, trusted by professional traders
Primarily focused on CFDs – no ISA or SIPP support
Can be complex for beginners due to advanced features
Overnight financing fees apply for leveraged trades
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What Are the Trading Fees & Commissions?
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What Platform & Tools Are Available for Stock Trading?
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Is This App FCA-Regulated and Safe for UK Traders?
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Who Is This Platform Best Suited For?
CMC Markets offers commission-free CFD trading, with costs built into variable spreads starting from 0.3 pips for major forex pairs. Share CFDs may incur commissions, depending on the market. Additional charges include overnight financing and market data fees (for professional tools).
Yes, CMC Markets is fully regulated by the FCA and considered a safe, reputable broker for UK traders.
CMC Markets is best for experienced CFD and forex traders who want access to advanced tools, deep market coverage, and competitive spreads.
76% 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.
XTB – Great Balance of Low-Cost Trading and Educational Tools
Pros & Cons
- 0% commission on stock and ETF CFDs*
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Excellent educational content via Trading Academy
- Fast, user-friendly xStation mobile platform
- No access to ISA or SIPP accounts
- Only CFD-based equity trading (no real share ownership)
- Limited availability of some niche asset types
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What Are the Trading Fees & Commissions?
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What Platform & Tools Are Available for Stock Trading?
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Is This App FCA-Regulated and Safe for UK Traders?
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Who Is This Platform Best Suited For?
XTB offers commission-free trading on stock and ETF CFDs.* Spreads start from 0.1 pips, and there are no deposit or inactivity fees within the first 12 months. It’s one of the lowest-cost brokers available for active traders.
XTB’s xStation app is sleek, fast, and packed with features like price alerts, heatmaps, and integrated news. While it lacks real share ownership, it’s ideal for traders looking to speculate on price movements with CFDs and short-term strategies.
Yes, XTB International is authorised by the FCA. The broker ensures client funds are held in segregated accounts and follows standard compliance for operational transparency and capital requirements.
XTB is best suited for cost-conscious traders who value a clean interface, strong education, and tight spreads. It’s ideal for active retail traders and learners looking for a CFD-based approach rather than long-term share investing.
*Free for ETF and real shares and 0.2% fee for transactions above EUR 100000.
70% 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.
Saxo – Extensive Global Markets and Investment Products Access
Pros & Cons
- Access to 50+ global exchanges and thousands of instruments
- Powerful SaxoTraderGO app with deep analytical tools
- Supports ISAs and SIPPs
- Advanced research and news integration
- High minimum deposit (£500) may deter beginners
- Trading fees from £3 per deal can add up for active traders
- Inactivity fee after 6 months of no use
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What Are the Trading Fees & Commissions?
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What Platform & Tools Are Available for Stock Trading?
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Is This App FCA-Regulated and Safe for UK Traders?
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Who Is This Platform Best Suited For?
Saxo charges from £3 per UK share trade or 0.08% of the trade value. There’s no commission-free model for share dealing, and an inactivity fee ($100) applies after 6 months of no trades.
SaxoTraderGO and SaxoInvestor offer two robust trading apps tailored for advanced and casual investors. Expect professional-grade charting, fundamental data, curated themes, and tools for equities, bonds, ETFs, and options.
Yes. Saxo is regulated by the FCA and complies with MiFID II requirements. Client funds are held in segregated accounts, and the firm has a long-standing reputation for safety and transparency.
Saxo is a premium platform best suited to experienced investors, high-net-worth individuals, or those managing a diversified portfolio across international markets and asset types.
64% 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.
What Other UK Trading Apps Did We Test?
Beyond our top 7, we tested 12 more platforms. Here’s the quick rundown:
Why Didn’t Trading 212 Make Our Main List?
Trading 212 offers zero commissions and fractional shares, making it popular with beginners. However, customer service slows down during busy periods, and the educational content is thin compared to platforms like XTB or IG. The app is clean but basic—no advanced charting or in-depth research tools. It’s fine for starting out with small amounts, but serious traders will quickly outgrow it.
Other Platforms at a Glance
| Platform | What's Good | What's Missing |
|---|---|---|
| Freetrade | Low fees | fractional shares | mobile-first | No desktop platform | limited research |
| Interactive Brokers | 150+ markets | ultra-low costs for pros | Steep learning curve | dated interface |
| Hargreaves Lansdown | Thousands of funds | strong education | Higher fees than competitors |
| AJ Bell / Dodl | Dodl is simple and cheap for beginners | Lacks advanced features |
| Interactive Investor | Best UK desktop platform | Mobile app underwhelms |
| Vanguard UK | Low-cost index funds and ETFs | Only Vanguard products | no stocks |
| CMC Invest | ESG filtering for sustainable investing | Still new | limited track record |
| Revolut | Convenient if you use Revolut already | Basic features | higher fees |
| Barclays | Reasonable fees | Needs Barclays current account |
| Halifax | Accessible to Halifax customers | Dated interface | limited functionality |
What Is a Stock Trading App and How Does It Help You Invest?
A stock trading app lets users buy, sell, and monitor investments from their smartphone. These apps provide real-time prices, execution tools, and portfolio tracking, often with lower fees than traditional brokers. They simplify investing for both beginners and active traders.
Do You Need Experience or Can Anyone Get Started?
Most stock trading apps are designed with beginner-friendly features, making them accessible to anyone. From demo accounts to educational content, even first-time investors can start trading with minimal barriers, though a basic understanding of risk and investing principles is still recommended.
Are Stock Trading Apps a Good Way to Build Wealth?
Yes, trading apps can support long-term wealth building through access to diversified assets and ISAs. However, success depends on your strategy. Frequent trading carries risks, while buy-and-hold investing using commission-free apps can be effective for gradual portfolio growth.
Bottom line: The best trading app for you depends on what you need most—be it tools, fees, usability, or service. Do your research, test a few apps, and pick one that feels like a natural fit for your trading journey.
What Should You Look for in a Stock Trading App?
Which Features Really Matter for Long-Term Investing?
Do Fees, Spreads, or Hidden Costs Make a Difference?
| Platform | Commission Fees | Spread Fees | Inactivity Fees | Withdrawal Fees | Platform Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SpreadEX | £0 (spread-based) | 0.3 pips | £1/month (after 3 months) | £0 | £0 |
| Pepperstone | £0 | From 0.0 pips | £0 | £0 | £0 |
| IG | £0 | £0 (UK/US shares) | £0 | £0 | £0 |
| Capital.com | £0 (spread-based) | From 0.6 pips | £0 | £0 | £0 |
| XTB | 0%* | From 0.1 pips | 10 euro/365 days | £0 | £0 |
| CMC Markets | £0 | From 0.3 pips | £0 | £0 | £0 |
| Saxo | From £3 per trade | 0.08% of trade value | £100 after 6 months | £0 | £3/trade |
*Free for ETF and real shares and 0.2% fee for transactions above EUR 100000.
How Can You Tell if a Trading App Is Safe and Regulated?
Which Markets and Tools Do Stock Trading Apps Offer?
Do These Apps Support Funds, ETFs, or Fractional Shares?
Leading platforms like Trading 212 and Freetrade support ETFs and fractional shares, allowing small investors to diversify with minimal capital. Some apps also offer investment options such as mutual funds, though the availability of these options may vary between platforms.
What Research Tools and Insights Do the Best Apps Provide?
Apps like Saxo and Interactive Brokers provide in-depth research tools, such as analyst ratings, real-time market quotes, and comprehensive screeners to help users make informed decisions. Even beginner apps typically offer simplified versions of these tools along with educational material to guide investors.
Final Thoughts: What are the Best Stock Trading Apps in the UK?
Choosing the right trading app comes down to what you actually need. If you want advanced tools and broad market access, IG and Saxo deliver. For cost-conscious traders, XTB and Pepperstone keep fees low without cutting corners. And if you’re just getting started, Capital.com’s AI-powered insights help you learn smarter trading habits from day one. Stick with FCA-regulated platforms, understand the fee structure, and pick the one that fits how you trade.
Ready to Start Trading?
If you’re serious about growing your portfolio in 2026, the right app can make all the difference. IG offers zero-commission trading on UK and US shares with advanced tools for active investors.
Prefer a simpler, spread-based model? SpreadEX gives intermediate traders an easy-to-use platform with tax-efficient strategies.
FAQs
What are the top UK stock trading apps?
The top UK stock trading apps include IG, SpreadEX and eToro. They offer a range of tools and access to various markets, making it convenient for users to trade stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and more.
Is my investment protected under the FSCS?
Yes, investments made through UK stock trading apps are typically protected up to a certain limit under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Can I access the London Stock Exchange through these apps?
Yes, many of the apps we compared provide direct access to the London Stock Exchange, allowing you to buy and sell investments such as shares, bonds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
What fees should I be aware of when I use an app?
You may encounter fees such as commission charges, spread costs, and possibly a foreign exchange fee if you’re trading in a currency other than the British Pound.
What is the Best Trading App for Beginners?
The best trading app for beginners is eToro. It offers a user-friendly interface, commission-free stock trading, and the CopyTrader™ feature. With FCA regulation, a demo account, and an intuitive mobile app, eToro makes trading accessible and easy to learn.
What About Trading 212 and Interactive Brokers?
While Trading 212 and Interactive Brokers are popular UK trading apps, they didn’t make our main list. Trading 212 offers commission-free trading and fractional shares, making it suitable for beginners with small account balances. Interactive Brokers provides extensive global market access and advanced tools for professional traders. However, both platforms have limitations—Trading 212’s customer service can be inconsistent during high-volume periods, while Interactive Brokers has a steeper learning curve and less UK-focused educational content. For most UK investors, the platforms in our main list offer better overall value, support, and user experience.
Which app gives you the best research and analysis tools?
Saxo’s SaxoTraderGO. You get analyst recommendations, financial statements, news, and company fundamentals in one place. The charting lets you overlay multiple stocks for comparison. Not the simplest to learn, but unmatched for serious research.
Are trading apps actually safe to use?
Yes, if they’re FCA-regulated. Your money is kept separate from the company’s funds and protected up to £85,000 through the FSCS. Use two-factor authentication and stick with regulated platforms. Just remember—regulation protects you from broker failure, not from bad investment decisions or market losses.
References
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – Register of regulated firms
- GOV.UK – Capital Gains Tax
- GOV.UK – Dividend Tax
- IG Group – Share Dealing Overview
- SpreadEX – Trading Platform Details
- Saxo Markets UK – Product and Account Offering
- Plus500 – Fees and Market Access
- Pepperstone – Trading Conditions and Account Types
- London Stock Exchange – Accessing International Markets
