Best Stock Trading Apps in the UK

Authored by:
Dom Farnell
Dom Farnell

Dom Farnell

Co-Founder

Dom, a Co-Founder at TIC, is an avid investor and experienced blogger who specialises in financial markets and wealth management. He strives to help people make smart investment decisions through clear and engaging content.

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Reviewed by:
Thomas Drury
Thomas Drury

Thomas Drury

Co-Founder

Seasoned finance professional with 10+ years' experience. Chartered status holder. Proficient in CFDs, ISAs, and crypto investing. Passionate about helping others achieve financial goals.

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Risk Warning

Please bear in mind that trading involves the risk of capital loss. 51% to 84% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with the providers below. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Last Updated 22/04/2025

Quick Answer: Which is the best App for Trading Stocks in the UK?

IG is a top pick, thanks to its easy-to-use platform and wide range of tools. It’s great for both newbies and seasoned traders. In 2025, Spreadex and eToro are also solid choices. 

Here are the top 7 Share Trading Apps in the UK:

  1. IG – Best Choice with Broad Market Access and Advanced Trading Tools 
  2. SpreadEX – Best Choice for Intermediate Traders 
  3. eToro – Great social trading app with copy-trading features
  4. XTB – Great Balance of Low-Cost Trading and Educational Tools 
  5. Saxo – Extensive global markets and investment products access 
  6. Plus500 – Intuitive app with a wide range of instruments 
  7. Pepperstone – Competitive pricing for Forex and CFD traders 

Featured Platform - eToro

CFDs are complex instruments with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 51% 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.

Rank Platform Best For Fees FCA Regulated Key Features Our Rating 
#1IG Broad market access, advanced tools Zero commission on global shares; tight spreads ✅ Yes MT4, ProRealTime, 17,000+ markets, DMA access, advanced charting tools 4.8/5 
#2SpreadEX Intermediate traders Competitive spreads; no commissions on spread bets ✅ Yes Proprietary platform, advanced charting tools, risk management features 4.7/5 
#3eToro Social trading, copy-trading 0% commission on UK stocks; 1% crypto fee ✅ Yes CopyTrader, Smart Portfolios, user-friendly interface, extensive social trading features 4.6/5 
#4XTB Low-cost trading, educational tools 0% commission on stocks/ETFs (limits apply) ✅ Yes xStation 5 platform, comprehensive educational resources, live webinars 4.5/5 
#5Saxo Global markets, investment product access From £3 per UK trade; 0.25% FX conversion fee ✅ Yes SaxoTraderGO platform, access to 40,000+ instruments, premium research tools 4.4/5 
#6Plus500 Intuitive app, wide range of instruments No commissions; spread-based pricing ✅ Yes User-friendly platform, access to 2,800+ CFDs, robust risk management tools 4.3/5 
#7Pepperstone Forex and CFD traders, competitive pricing Razor spreads; low commissions on CFDs ✅ Yes MT4, cTrader, fast execution, advanced trading tools 4.2/5 

Top 7 Stock Trading Apps

IG - Broad market access with advanced trading tools

IG offers a broad spectrum of markets to trade on and boasts excellent educational content, making it ideal for traders of all levels. It stands out with its extensive market access and robust trading tools.

Pros

Cons

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.

IG provides one of the most comprehensive trading apps, with access to over 17,000 markets, including stocks, indices, and Forex. It’s known for its state-of-the-art trading platform, advanced charting packages, and extensive market analysis. IG’s unique feature is its ProRealTime access, offering automated trading and advanced monitoring options.

IG earns top marks for market range and platform sophistication. Our analysts highlight its deep liquidity, responsive trade execution, and powerful research tools. We’ve found the value lies in its premium-grade infrastructure and FCA-backed reliability—making it a solid choice for serious traders

SpreadEX - Best Choice for Intermediate Traders

SpreadEX is a UK-based financial trading platform that offers a range of services, including spread betting, contracts for difference (CFDs), and fixed-odds betting across various markets. This comprehensive platform caters to different trading preferences and provides users with diverse opportunities in the financial markets.

Pros

Cons

81% 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.

SpreadEX combines multiple trading formats on one platform. It offers tight spreads, out-of-hours trading on major stocks, and guarantees best execution pricing—all of which give active UK traders flexibility and control.

SpreadEX stands out for its focus on active, experienced traders. Our experts appreciate its strong pricing, tailored risk tools, and tax-efficient spread betting model. SpreadEX is an excellent choice for UK traders who want speed, leverage, and market variety in a single FCA-regulated environment.

eToro - Social trading app with copy-trading features

eToro is best known for its social trading platform, allowing users to copy the trades of experienced investors. It’s a beginner-friendly hub for retail traders interested in stocks, cryptocurrencies, and other assets.

Pros

Cons

CFDs are complex instruments with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 51% 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.

eToro offers a wide variety of assets to trade, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs. It’s unique community-centric approach provides forums and discussion platforms for traders to share insights and strategies.

eToro is a powerful tool for beginners and passive traders. The copy-trading system is a standout for learning and diversifying without deep technical knowledge. The app excels in accessibility, asset variety, and community support, making it a top pick for those entering the world of investing.

XTB – Low-Cost Trading and Educational Tools

XTB combines low-cost trading with an intuitive platform, making it a strong choice for both beginners and experienced traders. It offers a good mix of CFDs on stocks, forex, indices, and commodities, backed by a wealth of educational content and in-depth market analysis. 

Pros

Cons

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.

XTB’s xStation app delivers a clean interface, lightning-fast execution, and an excellent educational environment. It’s especially attractive for traders who want low fees and strong market coverage without compromising on usability. I use XTB when I want to trade efficiently across CFDs and real stocks with minimal cost and solid insights.

Our experts see XTB as one of the best all-rounders in the market. It’s well-regulated, cost-efficient, and packed with tools that traders actually use—without the clutter. While it lacks some niche instruments and platform integrations, its value is clear: transparent pricing, excellent support, and a well-designed trading experience.

Saxo - Extensive global markets and investment products access

Saxo is a global leader in online trading, providing sophisticated investment tools and a vast selection of international markets. It’s known for its professional-grade technology and extensive research resources, making it a powerhouse for serious investors. 

Pros

Cons

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.

Saxo’s stock trading app offers a premium trading experience with access to global financial markets, including stocks, bonds, and ETFs. It boasts an intuitive user interface combined with professional-grade analytics and trading tools. Unique to Saxo, users can benefit from its comprehensive market research and portfolio analysis features, enhancing informed decision-making.

Saxo is a go-to choice for high-level traders and investors seeking global exposure and deep analytical insight. Our experts praise its institutional-grade platform, rich market research, and unmatched product range. Traders with ample experience will appreciate its depth, execution quality, and multi-asset access.

Plus500 - Intuitive app with a wide range of instruments

Plus500 is a streamlined CFD trading app that offers a wide range of instruments with a simple and clear interface. It caters to traders looking for a fuss-free experience with competitive spreads. 

Pros

Cons

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.

Plus500’s app is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it appealing to traders. It offers a broad selection of CFD trading options across various asset classes, including stocks, Forex, and commodities. A unique feature of Plus500 is its risk management tools, such as stop-loss and trailing stop orders, which help protect investments. 

Our experts recommend Plus500 for traders who value simplicity and speed. It’s ideal for those who want to focus on CFD trading. The app’s clean interface, low fees, and strong risk controls make it a practical choice for straightforward trading.

Pepperstone - Competitive pricing for Forex and CFD traders

Pepperstone is renowned for its lightning-fast execution and low-cost pricing in Forex and CFD trading. It’s favored by both new and experienced traders for its exceptional customer service and user-friendly interface. 

Pros

Cons

81.7% 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 is celebrated for its low spreads and fast execution, appealing to active traders and scalpers. The app integrates seamlessly with third-party trading platforms like MetaTrader 4 and 5, offering customisation and advanced charting tools. It also provides a diverse range of educational resources and trading strategies for traders at all levels.

Pepperstone is a strong choice for serious Forex and CFD traders. Our experts rate it highly for execution speed, tight spreads, and flexibility across platforms like MT4 and MT5. While it’s not ideal for those wanting to trade individual stocks, Pepperstone’s pricing structure, tech integration, and support make it a top-tier broker for active currency and CFD traders.

How to Choose the Right Stock Trading App in the UK

Picking the right stock trading app is about finding a platform that fits your unique trading style, goals, and comfort with risk. Here’s what to consider before you commit. 

1. Your Strategy Trading Strategy

Are you investing for the long term or trading more actively? Apps like Saxo offer advanced tools and broad market access for experienced investors, while XTB is better suited for beginners with its user-friendly layout. If you’re not sure where to start, eToro’s copy trading feature is great for learning from others while managing risk. 

2. Keep an Eye Out for Useful Educational Tools, Not Just a Pretty Interface

A good app should be intuitive but also functional. IG stands out for its clean design and efficient execution. If technical analysis is your thing, some platforms offer solid charting tools, real-time data, and plenty of indicators to support smarter trading decisions. 

3. Make Sure to Compare Costs and Value

Low fees are great, but they’re not the whole story. Apps like Plus500 and eToro are known for transparent pricing. Saxo might charge more, but it delivers top-tier tools and research in return. Always balance cost with the service you are receiving. 

4. Customer Support Matters — A Lot

When things go sideways, good customer support can be the difference between a quick solution and hours of troubleshooting. Pepperstone earns praise among users for responsive service, with live chat, phone, and email options. However, don’t just look at support hours—read real customer reviews. A helpful, knowledgeable team can save you time, money, and stress. 

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 is Leverage in Trading?

Leverage allows traders to amplify their exposure to financial markets using borrowed capital from their broker. While leverage can increase potential profits, it also magnifies losses, making risk management essential. 

Example: With 10:1 leverage, a trader with £1,000 can control a £10,000 position in the market. 

What are the ESMA Leverage Limits for UK & EU Traders?

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) enforces strict leverage caps on CFD trading to protect retail investors. These limits apply to UK traders using FCA-regulated brokers: 

Asset Class Maximum Leverage (Retail Traders) 
Major Forex Pairs 01:30 
Minor/Exotic Forex Pairs, Gold, Major Indices 01:20 
Commodities (Excl. Gold) & Minor Indices 01:10 
Stocks & ETFs 01:05 
Cryptocurrencies 01:02 

Professional traders (who meet broker criteria) can access higher leverage (e.g., 1:500), but this comes with fewer regulatory protections. 

Key Tip: Many unregulated offshore brokers offer higher leverage, but they lack FCA protection—exercise caution before choosing a high-leverage broker. 

Can I Access International Markets on These Apps?

Investing globally is a smart way to diversify and reduce risk. The right stock trading app gives you access to international markets—so you’re not tied to the UK economy alone. 

Which Apps Offer Global Market Access?

eToro and Saxo are solid options for international equities, indices, and forex. 

Before signing up, check that the app includes the asset classes and countries you want to trade—stocks, commodities, currencies, or all three. 

Trading internationally usually involves currency conversion. Apps like XTB offer competitive exchange rates, but don’t overlook conversion fees—they can quietly eat into profits, especially if you’re trading frequently.  

Global markets offer diversification and broader growth potential. You should choose a platform with wide access, transparent fees, and reliable support so you can trade internationally with confidence. 

Why Does Global Trading Matter?

Spreading your portfolio across different regions helps protect against local downturns. 

  • Saxo offers access to US, European, and Asian stocks, funds, and ETFs. 
     
  • IG also provides strong global coverage—ideal for tapping into growth in emerging and developed economies alike. 

How is Stock Trading Taxed and Regulated in the UK?

If you’re trading stocks in the UK, knowing how taxes and regulations work is essential for compliance—and smart portfolio management. 

Stock Trading Taxes: What You Need to Know

  • Capital Gains Tax (CGT) applies when you sell shares for a profit above the annual CGT allowance. 
     
  • Dividends are also taxable once they exceed the Dividend Allowance, with the rate depending on your income tax band. 

Who Regulates the Market?

  • The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates trading platforms, ensuring investor protection and fair practice. 

 

  • HMRC handles taxation. If you’re earning capital gains or dividends, you’re responsible for filing via Self-Assessment. 

Reporting and Optimising Your Taxes

  • Keep clear records of trades—losses can offset gains and reduce your tax bill. 
     
  • Tax-efficient investments like EIS or VCT shares may offer valuable reliefs. 

Quick tip: Stick with FCA-regulated platforms, stay organised with your records, and take advantage of available allowances. Smart compliance can boost your long-term returns. 

What Fees Are Charged by Stock Trading Apps?

Fees can make or break your trading performance—especially if you trade frequently. Knowing what to expect (and how to reduce costs) is key to protecting your profits. 

Common Trading App Fees

  • Commission Fees: Some apps offer zero-commission trades, while others charge a fixed amount or a percentage of your trade. 
     
  • Spreads: This is the hidden cost—it’s the gap between the buy and sell price. Platforms like Pepperstone offer tight spreads, but they vary by asset and market conditions. 
     
  • Overnight (Swap) Fees: If you hold a leveraged position overnight, you’ll often pay interest. These fees add up quickly if you’re not actively managing your trades. 

How Fees Impact Your Returns

Even small fees can snowball over time. Use built-in fee calculators where available to see how commissions, spreads, and swaps affect your overall performance—especially important for active traders. 

Tips to Reduce Fees

  • Choose a platform with a fee model that fits your strategy. 
     
  • Use limit orders to control entry points and avoid slippage during volatility. 
     
  • Look for fee-free offers or promotions—many apps run them. 
     
  • Use tax-efficient accounts like ISAs or SIPPs where available to reduce tax on gains. 

The best app isn’t always the cheapest—but the one that matches your trading style and keeps costs transparent. Being fee-aware is a simple way to boost your long-term returns. 

Fee Type Description Example Brokers How to Minimise Costs 
Commission Fees Charged per trade execution, either fixed or percentage IG, Saxo, Interactive Brokers Choose zero-commission brokers like eToro 
Spread Difference between bid and ask price Pepperstone, CMC Markets Use limit orders to avoid wider spreads during volatility 
Overnight Fees Charged for holding leveraged positions overnight Pepperstone, Plus500 Close trades before market close if possible 
Inactivity Fees Applied after a period of no trading IG, Saxo Bank Stay active or choose brokers with no inactivity fee 
Withdrawal Fees Fees for withdrawing funds from the platform eToro ($5), Saxo Bank Use brokers with free withdrawals 
Deposit Fees Charged for funding your trading account  Interactive Brokers Choose fee-free deposit methods 
FX Conversion Fees Applied when trading assets in a different currency IG, Interactive Brokers Trade in your base currency when possible 
Market Data Fees Subscription for real-time data Saxo Bank, Interactive Brokers Some brokers offer free real-time data 

What Account Types Are Available on UK Trading Apps?

Modern trading apps offer more than just one-size-fits-all accounts. Whether you’re just starting out or managing a high-volume portfolio, there’s likely an account tailored to your needs. 

Demo Accounts for Practice

Are you starting out on Trading Apps? Start with a demo account. Apps like eToro, Saxo and Plus500 let you trade with virtual funds in live market conditions — these tools are perfect for building confidence and testing strategies without risking real money. 

Standard and Professional Accounts

Most traders begin with a standard account, which gives access to core features and markets. For more experienced traders, professional accounts offer perks like higher leverage. However, these accounts come with extra risk and require proof of trading experience and financial stability. 

Margin and Retirement Accounts

Margin accounts let you trade with borrowed funds, amplifying potential gains—and losses. Brokers like Saxo and Pepperstone support margin trading, but make sure you understand the risks before using leverage. 

For long-term investors, some platforms offer SIPP accounts (Self-Invested Personal Pensions), which allow for tax-efficient retirement investing in shares, funds, and more. Tax relief and tax-free growth are key benefits here. 

How Safe Are Trading Apps in the UK?

UK trading apps are tightly regulated—especially those FCA-registered. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) enforces stringent rules to ensure platforms protect your personal and financial data. 

Trusted apps use industry-leading security measures like encryption, two-factor authentication, and secure login protocols. When choosing a provider, do your due diligence. Stick with reputable platforms that clearly state their regulatory status and prioritise a secure trading environment. 

So remember, whether you’re after a simple practice account, professional-level tools, or a retirement-focused portfolio, the trading apps available in the UK these days offer plenty of flexible options—just make sure the platform is safe, regulated, and aligned with your goals. 

How We Tested These Trading Apps

Test Category What We Assess Key Findings 
Platform Performance Speed, stability, device compatibility IG & eToro offer smooth multi-device transitions 
Demo Accounts Order execution, market accuracy, usability IG provide full demo access; Saxo limits demo use 
Research & Trading Tools Charting, news, AI insights, alerts IG & Saxo excel in deep market research 
Security & Regulation FCA licensing, 2FA, risk controls Pepperstone & Plus500 offer strong risk management 
Fees & Execution Speed Spreads, commissions, slippage Pepperstone provides low spreads; Plus500 has wider spreads despite zero-commission trading 

Detailed Breakdown of Our Testing Process

We evaluated each trading platform across five key categories to ensure performance, reliability, and user experience.  

  • Platform compatibility was tested on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, with IG and eToro standing out for seamless switching and speed, while some mobile apps lacked full desktop features. 
  • Demo accounts were reviewed for risk-free strategy testing—IG and eToro impressed with realistic market conditions, though Saxo limits access without funding.
  • Security and regulation were verified via FCA registration, FSCS protection, encryption, and two-factor authentication; Pepperstone and Plus500 ranked highest, though a few lacked guaranteed stop-loss options. 
  • Lastly, we analysed fees, spreads, and execution speed—Pepperstone delivered consistently low spreads and fast execution, while Plus500’s zero-commission model came with wider spreads, especially during high volatility. 

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. 

FAQs

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. 

Yes, investments made through UK stock trading apps are typically protected up to a certain limit under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). 

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). 

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. 

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

  1. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – Register of regulated firms
  2. GOV.UK – Capital Gains Tax
  3. GOV.UK – Dividend Tax
  4. IG Group – Share Dealing Overview 
  5. SpreadEX – Trading Platform Details 
  6. eToro – Social and Copy Trading Explained
  7. Saxo Markets UK – Product and Account Offering
  8. Plus500 – Fees and Market Access
  9. Pepperstone – Trading Conditions and Account Types
  10. London Stock Exchange – Accessing International Markets

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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.

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