Best ETF Platforms in the UK 2026 – 7 Top Picks Compared
Choosing the right ETF platform shapes how efficiently you can build wealth through diversified, low-cost investing. The UK ETF market has reached a historic milestone, with the London Stock Exchange now hosting over 2,350 ETF products and more than £1 trillion in assets under management.
- expertise:
- Platform Testing, Cryptocurrency, Retail Investing
- credentials:
- Active investor since 2013 · 11+ years experience
- tested:
- 50+ platforms · 200+ guides authored
- expertise:
- Broker Comparison, ISA Strategy, Portfolio Management
- credentials:
- Active investor since 2013 · 11+ years experience
- tested:
- 40+ brokers with funded accounts
How We Test
Real accounts. Real money. Real trades. No demo accounts or press releases.
What we measure:
- Spreads vs advertised rates
- Execution speed and slippage
- Hidden fees (overnight, withdrawal, conversion)
- Actual withdrawal times
Scoring:
Fees (25%) · Platform (20%) · Assets (15%) · Mobile (15%) · Tools (10%) · Support (10%) · Regulation (5%)
Regulatory checks:
FCA Register verification · FSCS protection
Testing team:
Adam Woodhead (investing since 2013), Thomas Drury (Chartered ACII, 2018), Dom Farnell (investing since 2013) — 50+ platforms with funded accounts
Quarterly reviews · Corrections: info@theinvestorscentre.co.uk
Disclaimer
Not financial advice. Educational content only. We're not FCA authorised. Consult a qualified advisor before investing.
Capital at risk. Investments can fall. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
CFD warning. 67-84% of retail accounts lose money trading CFDs. High risk due to leverage.
Contact: info@theinvestorscentre.co.uk
What is the Best ETF Platform in the UK?
In the UK, the best platform for trading ETFs is Spreadex. It offers commission-free ETF trading, competitive spreads, and a user-friendly interface. For investors prioritising ISA access alongside comprehensive ETF tools, IG stands out with 12,000+ shares and ETFs, commission-free trading, a flexible ISA, and 4% interest on uninvested cash.
| If You Want | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best for trading ETFs | Spreadex | Commission-free ETFs, tight spreads, FCA regulated |
| Best for investing in ETFs | IG | ISA available, 12,000+ ETFs, 4% interest on cash |
| Social trading & beginners | eToro | Copy trading, intuitive app, broad asset range |
| Commission-free for beginners | XTB | 2,100+ ETFs, no commissions, educational resources |
| Active traders | Saxo | 7,000+ ETFs, professional tools, ISA available |
| Experienced investors | Interactive Brokers | 13,000+ ETFs, lowest fees, global access |
| Diverse fund portfolio | Hargreaves Lansdown | ISA/SIPP options, research tools, UK-focused |
65% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
68% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
50% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
71% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
64% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
62.5% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
When Investing, Your Capital is at Risk.
How Do These ETF Platforms Compare?
| # | Platform | Review Score | Mobile Score | ISA? | Trustpilot | ETF Availability | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spreadex | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 | No | 4.6/5 | Excellent | Visit |
| 2 | IG | 4.7/5 | 3.5/5 | Yes | 4.1/5 | Excellent | Visit |
| 3 | eToro | 4.7/5 | 5/5 | Yes | 4.3/5 | Good | Visit |
| 4 | XTB | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 | No | 4.7/5 | Excellent | Visit |
| 5 | Saxo | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 | Yes | 3.9/5 | Limited | Visit |
| 6 | Interactive Brokers | 4.2/5 | 4/5 | Yes | 3.3/5 | Excellent | Visit |
| 7 | Hargreaves Lansdown | 3.9/5 | 3.5/5 | Yes | 4.1/5 | Excellent | Visit |
How We Tested These ETF Platforms
Our team tested each ETF platform by opening real accounts, depositing funds, and executing trades across multiple asset classes. We evaluated usability on both desktop and mobile, assessed fee structures, measured order execution speeds, and verified regulatory compliance with the FCA.
We scored each platform across key categories including usability, fees, tools, ETF selection, and customer support. Platforms offering ISA wrappers, competitive spreads, and robust research tools scored higher in our rankings.
Platform Comparison at a Glance
| Platform | ETF Count | Commission | ISA Available | Fee Score | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spreadex | 1,000+ | Commission-free | No | 4.2/5 | FCA |
| IG | 12,000+ | Commission-free | Yes | 4/5 | FCA |
| eToro | 300+ | Commission-free | Yes | 4/5 | FCA |
| XTB | 2,100+ | Commission-free | No | 4.5/5 | FCA |
| Saxo | 7,000+ | From £3 | Yes | 4/5 | FCA |
| Interactive Brokers | 13,000+ | From $0.0035/share | Yes | 4.9/5 | FCA |
| Hargreaves Lansdown | 2,500+ | £11.95 | Yes | 3.5/5 | FCA |
Here are the Top 7 ETF Platforms Ranked:
1. Spreadex – Best overall platform for trading ETFs
2. IG – Best overall platform for investing in ETFs
3. eToro – Social trading, user-friendly, broad asset range
4. XTB – Excellent for beginners with commission-free ETFs and easy platform
5. Saxo – Preferred for active traders and investors seeking engagement
6. Interactive Brokers – Great for experienced investors
7. Hargreaves Lansdown – Unmatched for a diverse fund portfolio offering
Spreadex – Best overall platform for trading ETFs
Spreadex stands out as a top choice for UK-based ETF investors by combining commission-free ETF trading with a user-friendly, customisable platform. Unlike many competitors, Spreadex also integrates financial spread betting, offering a versatile solution for those seeking both long-term ETF investment and short-term trading flexibility—all from a single FCA-regulated account.
Pros
- Commission-free ETF trading
- Competitive spreads
- Strong charting and analytical tools
- FCA-regulated and UK investor-focused
Cons
- No ISA account
- Limited ETF-focused educational resources
- No automated or algorithmic trading support
Fees & Costs
Spreadex offers commission-free ETF trading with competitive spreads. There are no deposit fees, and withdrawals to UK bank accounts are free. No inactivity fees apply, making it cost-effective for both active and occasional traders.
Platform Usability
The platform features a clean, customisable interface suitable for traders of all experience levels. Both desktop and mobile versions offer intuitive navigation, strong charting tools, and real-time market data.
Trading Tools & Features
Spreadex provides advanced charting with multiple technical indicators, real-time price alerts, and portfolio tracking. The platform also integrates spread betting capabilities alongside traditional ETF investing.
IG – Best overall platform for investing in ETFs
IG earns its place as a top ETF platform for UK investors thanks to its unmatched market access, professional-grade trading tools, and extensive educational content. With over 17,000 markets available, including a vast selection of global ETFs, IG is ideal for active investors seeking depth, diversification, and analytical precision within an FCA-regulated environment.
Pros
- ISA account available
- Wide ETF selection (12,000+)
- Professional-grade tools
- FCA-regulated with 4% interest on cash
Cons
- Higher trading commissions
- Complex for beginners
- Platform may overwhelm new investors
Fees & Costs
IG offers commission-free ETF trading for share dealing accounts, with competitive spreads. The Stocks and Shares ISA has no custody fees, and uninvested cash earns 4% interest. No inactivity fees apply to active accounts.
Platform Usability
IG provides a sophisticated platform with ProRealTime charts, customisable dashboards, and comprehensive market analysis. While feature-rich, the interface may require time for beginners to master fully.
eToro – Social trading, user-friendly, broad asset range
eToro is designed for accessibility. Its social trading tools allow beginners to copy successful investors, reducing complexity. The mobile-first platform is intuitive, making ETF investing simple. While advanced traders may find it limiting, beginners benefit from its ease of use and interactive features.
Pros
- ISA Account through Moneyfarm
- Social copy trading
- Easy-to-use app
- FCA-regulated and trusted globally
Cons
- Currency conversion fees
- Smaller ETF selection
- Limited advanced analytics
Fees & Costs
eToro offers £0 commission on real ETF purchases. Spreads are variable and included at trade time. A $5 withdrawal fee and $10/month inactivity fee (after 12 months) apply. No deposit fees.
Safety & Regulation
eToro is regulated by the FCA in the UK and complies with strict security protocols. Client funds are held in segregated accounts, and the platform offers SSL encryption and two-step verification.
XTB – Excellent for beginners with commission-free ETFs and easy platform
XTB is a strong entry point for new ETF investors, offering a commission-free trading model and an intuitive, well-designed platform. While it lacks tax-efficient options like ISAs or SIPPs, its simplicity, fast execution, and educational support make it one of the best low-cost options for beginners looking to explore ETF investing without overwhelming complexity.
Pros
- £0 commission on ETFs and stocks
- User-friendly platform with strong educational support
- Fast order execution and real-time pricing
- FCA-regulated and trusted across Europe
Cons
- No ISA or pension (SIPP) account options
- Limited product range (no mutual funds or crypto)
- Platform not tailored for UK tax efficiency
Fees & Costs
XTB offers commission-free trading on ETFs and stocks. No deposit or withdrawal fees for standard transfers. Spreads are competitive, and the platform provides transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
Saxo – Preferred for active traders and investors seeking engagement
Saxo stands out as a premium choice for UK investors seeking extensive ETF access and institutional-grade trading tools. With over 7,000 ETFs across global markets, Saxo offers unmatched diversification and professional-level analytics. While the platform may be complex for beginners, active traders and serious investors will appreciate the precision, depth, and global reach Saxo provides.
Pros
- Access to 7,000+ ETFs globally
- Advanced trading platforms with institutional-grade tools
- FCA-regulated with strong investor protections
- ISA account available
Cons
- Interface may be overwhelming for beginners
- Commission-based model can add up for low-volume traders
- Higher minimum deposit (£500+) may limit accessibility
Fees & Costs
Saxo charges from £3 per ETF trade, with pricing tiers for active traders. No inactivity fees. Custody fees may apply for certain account types. Competitive FX conversion rates for international ETFs.
Interactive Brokers – Great for experienced investors
Interactive Brokers is a top-tier platform for experienced UK investors who demand depth, global reach, and highly sophisticated trading capabilities. With access to over 13,000 ETFs worldwide and a powerful suite of tools, IBKR is designed for serious traders and portfolio builders.
Pros
- Access to 13,000+ ETFs across global exchanges
- Extremely low trading costs for active traders
- Industry-leading trading platform with advanced tools
- Highly secure and regulated across multiple jurisdictions
Cons
- No ISA account
- USD-based pricing
- Not beginner-friendly
Fees & Costs
IBKR offers tiered pricing from $0.0035 per share with volume discounts. No inactivity fees on IBKR Lite. Currency conversion at competitive rates. Margin rates among the lowest in the industry.
Hargreaves Lansdown – Unmatched for a diverse fund portfolio offering
Hargreaves Lansdown is a go-to choice for UK investors building long-term, diversified portfolios. With access to a broad range of ETFs, mutual funds, and investment trusts, it pairs quality with clarity through one of the most user-friendly platforms in the market. Backed by strong FCA regulation and award-winning customer service, HL excels in research-driven investing.
Pros
- Extensive range of UK-listed ETFs and funds
- Award-winning research, education, and support
- Highly intuitive platform suited for long-term investors
- FCA-regulated with strong brand trust
Cons
- £11.95 ETF trading fee is higher than competitors
- May overwhelm beginners with research depth
- Limited access to international ETFs
Fees & Costs
Hargreaves Lansdown charges £11.95 per ETF trade, reducing to £5.95 with frequent trading. No inactivity fees. ISA and SIPP accounts available. Free UK bank withdrawals.
What Do I Need to Know About ETFs?
An ETF, or exchange-traded fund, is an investment fund that tracks a basket of assets such as stocks, bonds, or commodities. It trades on stock exchanges like individual shares, allowing investors to gain diversified exposure at lower costs with flexible intraday buying and selling.
How Do ETFs Work?
ETFs pool investor money to buy a diversified portfolio of assets, typically mirroring an index like the FTSE 100 or S&P 500. Shares in the ETF trade on exchanges throughout the day, with prices fluctuating based on supply and demand. This structure combines the diversification of funds with the trading flexibility of stocks.
How to Trade ETFs
- Open an account with an FCA-regulated broker.
- Verify identity and deposit funds.
- Research ETFs that match your investment goals.
- Place a buy order (market or limit).
- Monitor performance and manage holdings.
- Review fees, spreads, and tax efficiency regularly.
What Are the Different ETF Types?
Passive vs Actively Managed Funds
Passive ETFs track an index automatically, keeping costs low. Actively managed ETFs have fund managers making investment decisions to try to outperform benchmarks, but typically charge higher fees. Most UK investors favour passive ETFs for their simplicity and cost efficiency.
Are There Property-Focused ETFs?
Sometimes, I would like the exposure to real estate without the hassle of owning property. That is where property ETFs—especially REIT-focused ones—came in. They've given me access to the real estate market without needing to be a landlord. Our expert guide on how to invest in REITs in the UK covers everything from the best REIT platforms to key tax considerations.
What Are the Most Commonly Bought ETFs?
The most popular ETFs among UK investors include the iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF, Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF, and SPDR S&P 500 UCITS ETF. These funds attract investors seeking low-cost exposure to major markets, broad diversification, and long-term growth potential with consistent performance.
How Have They Performed in the Last 20 Years?
Over the past 20 years, ETFs tracking global benchmarks such as the S&P 500 and FTSE All-World have returned 7–9% annually, while UK-focused ETFs like the FTSE 100 averaged lower growth. Despite volatility, long-term compounding shows ETFs remain a strong, reliable investment strategy.
How Can I Maximise ETF Flexibility and Tax Benefits?
One reason ETFs are popular is their flexibility—they work for almost any goal, whether it's short-term savings or long-term retirement. But picking the right ETF is only part of the equation. Where you hold it matters too, especially when it comes to taxes.
Can You Buy ETFs in a Stocks & Shares ISA?
Yes. ISAs are one of the most tax-efficient ways to invest in the UK. Any gains or dividends from ETFs inside an ISA are tax-free—no capital gains tax, no income tax. Aim to max out your ISA allowance annually, filling it with a mix of global ETFs and income-focused funds.
Can You Buy ETFs in a Pension?
You can also hold ETFs in a pension, like a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). Contributions get tax relief, and everything grows tax-free until withdrawal. It's ideal if you're thinking long-term, though keep in mind your money is locked away until retirement age.
Pros & Cons of ETF Investing
Pros
- Low-cost diversification across markets and sectors
- Trade like stocks with intraday flexibility
- Tax-efficient when held in ISAs or SIPPs
- Transparent holdings and pricing
- Wide range of strategies (passive, thematic, income)
Cons
- Trading costs can add up for frequent traders
- Tracking error may cause slight underperformance
- Currency risk on international ETFs
- Less control than picking individual stocks
- Some niche ETFs have low liquidity
Is It Safe to Invest in ETFs?
ETFs are generally considered safe investments when purchased through FCA-regulated platforms. Your assets are held separately from the broker's own funds, and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protects eligible investments up to £85,000 per firm. However, all investments carry market risk—ETF values can fall as well as rise depending on the underlying assets they track.
Key Factors to Compare Before Choosing an ETF Platform
What Fees Should UK Investors Expect When Trading ETFs?
ETF platform fees typically include trading commissions, spreads, custody charges, and inactivity fees. UK investors should compare total costs, as some platforms advertise commission-free trading but widen spreads. Evaluating all fees together is essential to identify the most cost-effective provider for consistent ETF investing.
How Do ETF Platforms Handle Commission Versus Spread Costs?
Some UK platforms charge explicit commissions per ETF trade, while others advertise zero-commission trading but recover revenue through wider spreads. Both models affect overall returns. Comparing execution quality, spreads, and transparency ensures investors understand real costs rather than relying on headline "free trading" claims.
Which Platforms Offer the Widest ETF Selection?
Platforms like Interactive Brokers and Saxo typically offer thousands of global ETFs, while others focus mainly on UK and European funds. A wider ETF selection benefits investors seeking sector-specific or international exposure. Assessing product range ensures access to funds that align with your portfolio objectives.
Do Platforms Differ in Research Tools and Educational Content?
Yes, research tools and education vary. Advanced platforms like IG and Saxo provide charting, screeners, and in-depth analysis, while others focus on simple guides for beginners. Evaluating available resources helps ensure the platform supports your investing style, whether analytical, educational, or beginner-friendly.
How Important Is Regulation and Investor Protection in the UK?
Regulation is crucial for safety. UK ETF platforms should be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and offer investor protection through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Choosing regulated providers ensures your assets are safeguarded against fraud, insolvency, and mismanagement risks.
My Final Thoughts on ETF Investing
Choosing the best ETF platform for your needs depends on your investment goals, experience level, and priorities. Spreadex leads for commission-free ETF trading with excellent tools, while IG offers the best combination of ISA access, platform features, and educational resources. Beginners may prefer eToro's social trading or XTB's simple interface, while experienced investors will appreciate Saxo's depth or Interactive Brokers' global reach. Hargreaves Lansdown remains the go-to for UK investors prioritising research-driven, long-term portfolio building.