Best Stock Trading Apps In The UK 2025
Dom Farnell
Co-Founder
Dom is an experienced retail investor, learning his craft in what he likes to call the “hard way”. Through many of these lesson’s he has crafted himself a sound investment strategy that has enabled him to make investing into a business not just a hobby. He wanted to create The Investors Centre to be able to use these lessons and help other people establish them selves in the world of investing.
“Financial clarity and integrity are the cornerstones of everything we do. We’re here to ensure that your investment journey is built on a solid financial understanding and a sound strategic foundation.”
Thomas Drury
Co-Founder
Thomas is an experienced financial trader in leverage instruments, crypto and general investing. He has over a decade experience in finance and holds Chartered Status in the financial industry, Thomas’s speciality is trading CFDs, Forex and Day Trading. His crypto portfolio is heavily weighted towards BTC and Eth, but enjoys trading low cap crypto’s with higher volatility. Thomas’s favourite trading strategy is break out Trading.
“Our commitment at The Investors Centre is unwavering. We strive to provide clear, actionable advice that empowers you to achieve financial success. Our vision is a future where anyone can invest confidently and wisely.”
Table of Contents
Disclaimer
How We Test
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.
IG
Trading App Score: 4.8/5
71% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
Spreadex
Trading App Score: 4.7/5
65% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
eToro
Trading App Score: 4.6/5
61% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
XTB
Trading App Score: 4.5/5
73% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
Quick Answer: Which is the best App for Trading Stocks in the UK?
IG is our top-rated app for UK traders in 2025. It combines commission-free trading on UK/US shares, advanced tools, and FCA-regulated reliability—ideal for active investors seeking broad market access and professional-level analytics on mobile.
What are the Best Stock Trading Apps?
| Rank | App | Min Deposit | Commission | ISA/SIPP | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IG | £0 | £0 (UK/US shares) | Yes / Yes | Active traders |
| 2 | SpreadEX | £1 | From £0 (spread-based) | No / No | Intermediate traders |
| 3 | eToro | $50 | £0 (real stocks) | Yes / No | Social trading |
| 4 | XTB | £0 | £0 (stock/ETF CFDs) | No / No | Low-cost + education |
| 5 | Saxo | £0 | From £3 | Yes / Yes | Global market access |
| 6 | Plus500 | £100 | Spread-based pricing | No / No | Ease of use |
| 7 | Pepperstone | £0 | From 0.0 pips (Forex) | No / No | Forex & CFD traders |
Here Are the Best Share Trading Apps in the UK in order:
- IG – Best Choice with Broad Market Access and Advanced Trading Tools
- SpreadEX – Best Choice for Intermediate Traders
- eToro – Great social trading app with copy-trading features
- XTB – Great Balance of Low-Cost Trading and Educational Tools
- Saxo – Extensive global markets and investment products access
- Plus500 – Intuitive app with a wide range of instruments
- Pepperstone – Competitive pricing for Forex and CFD traders
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. 71% 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.
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.
eToro – Great Social Trading App with Copy-Trading Features
Pros & Cons
- Commission-free trading on real stocks
- Popular copy trading features for beginners
- Clean, intuitive mobile app
- Strong social community and market sentiment tools
- No SIPP or full ISA support
- Inactivity and withdrawal fees
- Limited advanced research tools for professionals
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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?
eToro charges 0% commission on real stocks. CFD trading includes spreads and overnight fees. There’s a $5 withdrawal fee and a $10 monthly inactivity fee after 12 months. No account or platform fees for active users.
The eToro mobile app is clean and user-friendly, perfect for new investors. Its standout feature is copy trading—users can follow and replicate trades from top-performing investors. It also includes sentiment indicators and watchlists, but lacks technical depth for pros.
Yes. eToro (UK) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the FCA. It complies with client fund segregation rules and offers additional layers of security, making it a trusted platform for UK-based traders.
eToro is best for beginners and casual traders who prefer a simple interface and want to learn by copying others. It’s particularly suitable for those prioritising social features over deep analytics or tax-advantaged account structures.
CFDs are complex instruments with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 61% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFD’s 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.
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.
73% 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.
Plus500 – Intuitive App with a Wide Range of Instruments
Pros & Cons
- Clean, intuitive mobile interface suitable for beginners
- Commission-free trading on CFDs
- Wide asset selection: stocks, forex, indices, crypto, and more
- Negative balance protection included
- Only offers CFDs – no access to physical shares
- Limited analytical and educational tools
- No ISA or SIPP support
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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?
Plus500 offers commission-free CFD trading. Costs are built into variable spreads, which start from 0.6 pips for major forex pairs. There’s also an inactivity fee after 3 months without login activity.
The Plus500 app is simple, fast, and cleanly designed, offering real-time price quotes, watchlists, risk management tools, and charting features. It’s suited more to straightforward trading than in-depth technical analysis.
Yes. Plus500UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Client funds are segregated, and the firm offers negative balance protection for retail traders under UK regulatory standards.
Plus500 is ideal for casual traders or beginners who want an easy-to-use app with wide market access, but who don’t require complex features or access to physical share ownership.
80% 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.
80% 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.
How Do Stock Trading Apps Work – and Are They Right for You?
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?
Key features include commission-free trades, ISAs/SIPPs, dividend reinvestment, and strong research tools. A reliable, user-friendly interface and access to a broad range of stocks, ETFs, and funds are essential for investors focused on building long-term value.
Do Fees, Spreads, or Hidden Costs Make a Difference?
Absolutely. Even zero-commission platforms may earn from spreads, FX conversion fees, or custody charges. Understanding the full fee structure helps you avoid surprises and choose the most cost-effective platform for your trading frequency and investment style.
How Can You Tell if a Trading App Is Safe and Regulated?
Check if the app is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). FCA-regulated apps offer client fund protection, adhere to strict data standards, and ensure your money is held separately from the broker’s. Look for two-factor authentication and encrypted access.
Which Markets and Tools Do Stock Trading Apps Offer?
Can You Access UK and Global Stocks Easily?
Yes, most top-rated apps offer UK-listed shares and global markets including the US, Europe, and Asia. Platforms like Saxo and IG give access to 30+ international exchanges, making it easy to diversify across regions and sectors.
Do These Apps Support Funds, ETFs, or Fractional Shares?
Leading apps like Trading 212, eToro, and Freetrade support ETFs and fractional shares. This allows small investors to diversify with minimal capital. Some platforms also offer investment trusts or access to mutual funds, though options vary.
What Research Tools and Insights Do the Best Apps Provide?
Apps like Saxo and Interactive Brokers offer in-depth research tools including analyst ratings, real-time news, financials, and screeners. These insights help users make informed decisions. Beginner apps may offer simplified tools, but should still provide price data and educational material.
Final Thoughts: What are the Best Stock Trading Apps in the UK?
In 2025, choosing the right stock trading app in the UK comes down to your personal financial goals, experience, and trading style. Whether you’re in the market for global market access, low fees, strong security, or top-tier tools, there’s an app out there that fits the bill. Stick with FCA-regulated providers, understand the costs, and take advantage of the features that align with your strategy. With the right app, you’ll be better equipped to trade with confidence in 2025 and beyond.
Ready to Start Trading?
If you’re serious about growing your portfolio in 2025, 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.
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
- eToro – Social and Copy Trading Explained
- Saxo Markets UK – Product and Account Offering
- Plus500 – Fees and Market Access
- Pepperstone – Trading Conditions and Account Types
- London Stock Exchange – Accessing International Markets
