Top Investing Platforms
Compare the best UK investing platforms for 2026.
- Copy top-performing traders automatically
- Fractional shares
- ISA available via Moneyfarm
- Build automated pies of stocks and ETFs
- Fractional shares from £1
- Stocks & Shares ISA available
- Stocks, ETFs, gilts and mutual funds
- SIPP and ISA both available
- Fractional shares from £1
- US stocks only
- Fractional shares from £1
- ISA available
- Stocks, ETFs, funds and mutual funds
- SIPP and ISA both available
- No fractional shares
- Stocks, ETFs, crypto, CFDs, futures and spread betting
- SIPP and ISA both available
- No fractional shares
- ETF-only portfolios
- SIPP and ISA both available
- No fractional shares
Investing Platforms Explained
An investing platform is where you buy, hold and manage your investments, whether that means individual shares, ETFs, funds or tax-efficient accounts such as a Stocks and Shares ISA. The right platform depends on what you want to invest in, how often you trade and the features you value most, from low fees and fractional shares to research tools and mobile apps.
Some platforms are designed for beginners who want a simple way to start investing, while others are aimed at more experienced investors who want access to wider markets, advanced tools or different account options.
Why we chose these investing platforms
The platforms in this list were chosen because they have built strong reputations among retail investors and offer features that make them stand out in a competitive market. We considered factors including regulatory status, customer feedback, platform reliability, investment choice, fees and the overall experience for investors.
Many of these companies have attracted large user bases because they have removed barriers that previously made investing feel complicated or expensive. Features such as commission-free trading, fractional shares, Stocks and Shares ISAs, automated portfolios and user-friendly mobile apps have helped bring investing to a wider audience.
We also looked at the different types of investors each platform suits. Some platforms are better suited to beginners who want a simple way to start investing, while others appeal to experienced investors looking for broader market access, research tools or more advanced features.
The list includes established investment companies alongside newer platforms that have gained popularity through technology-focused investing experiences. Each platform has been included because it offers something different, whether that is social investing, low-cost ETF portfolios, a strong mobile app experience or access to a wider range of financial products.
Top investing platforms
eToro↗︎ has become one of the most recognised investing platforms among retail investors, largely due to its social investing features and beginner-friendly approach. Users can buy shares, ETFs and other assets while also viewing what other investors are buying and how their portfolios are performing.
Its CopyTrader feature allows investors to follow and automatically copy selected traders, which has helped make the platform popular with people who want to learn from other investors or take a more hands-off approach. It also supports fractional shares, allowing users to invest smaller amounts into companies without buying a full share.
Trading 212↗︎ has built a strong following among UK investors thanks to its simple interface, commission-free trading and easy-to-use mobile app. It offers a Stocks and Shares ISA alongside a general investment account, giving investors different ways to build their portfolios.
One of its standout features is Pies, which allow investors to create portfolios made up of different shares and ETFs with chosen weightings. New deposits can then be automatically invested according to those allocations, while fractional shares make it easier to invest smaller amounts into higher-priced companies.
Freetrade↗︎ focuses on making investing straightforward for people who want to build long-term portfolios. It provides access to shares, ETFs and investment trusts, alongside a Stocks and Shares ISA and general investment account.
Robinhood↗︎ became one of the most recognised investing apps in the US after helping popularise commission-free investing. Its mobile-first platform allows users to buy shares, ETFs and fractional shares, making it easier for new investors to start with smaller amounts.
CMC Invest↗︎ combines the backing of an established financial services company with a newer investing platform aimed at everyday investors. It provides access to shares, ETFs and tax-efficient accounts such as a Stocks and Shares ISA.
IG↗︎ is one of the longest-established names in online investing and offers access to shares, ETFs, funds and ISAs alongside a wider range of financial products for more experienced investors.
InvestEngine↗︎ specialises in ETF investing, offering investors a simple way to build diversified portfolios. Users can either choose their own ETFs or use managed portfolios where investments are selected and maintained based on their chosen risk level.
