For many UK investors and traders, the phone is now the main way to invest, so the app itself matters as much as the broker behind it. Apps differ on how easy they are to use, how much you can do on a small screen, what they cost and how well they protect your account. Below, we compare the trading apps available in the UK and the features that separate them, so you can choose with confidence.
The best trading app is the one you can use quickly and confidently on your phone. For most people, three things decide it: how easy the app is to use day to day, what you can actually do in it, and what it costs. After that, security, funding, markets and support separate a good fit from a poor one.
Top Trading Apps in the UK Compared November 2026
Here are our current picks at a glance. These apps are presented for informational purposes and are not listed in order of preference. Features and fees change, so always confirm the details with the provider before opening an account.
Plus500 is a London-listed CFD broker and FTSE 250 constituent whose group companies are regulated by the FCA, CySEC, ASIC, the FMA, the FSCA, MAS, Estonia's EFSA and the Seychelles FSA. It keeps things simple: one proprietary platform on web and mobile, a single live account type with a free unlimited demo, spread-only pricing with no commission and a $100 minimum deposit, backed by risk tools such as guaranteed and trailing stops.
Supported Assets: CFDs on forex majors, minors and exotics, cryptocurrencies, commodities across metals, energy and agriculture, ETFs, global stocks, indices such as the S&P 500 and FTSE 100, and CFDs on options and futures.
Regulation and Licensing
FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), FMA (New Zealand), FSCA (South Africa), MAS (Singapore), EFSA (Estonia) and FSA (Seychelles). Plus500 is listed on the London Stock Exchange, client funds of the Cyprus subsidiary are held in segregated accounts and AML and KYC checks apply.
Platform Experience: Proprietary web platform and mobile app with push notifications, +Insights, instrument insights, trader sentiment and the +Me comparison tool; no MetaTrader.
Fee Structure:
Spread-only pricing with no commission
$100 minimum deposit
No deposit or withdrawal fees, though payment providers may charge
Inactivity fee after three months without activity
Overnight funding on positions held open and a currency conversion fee on non-base-currency trades
Guaranteed stop orders cost a wider spread
Where it excels
2800+ Traded Assets
Wide Range of Tradable CFD Instruments
Unlimited Demo Account
Competitive Spreads
Regulated by Reputable Authorities
Where it falls short
Limited Educational Resources
High Leverage Poses Risks
Best For: Traders who want a clean, single-platform CFD experience with built-in risk tools rather than third-party software.
eToro, founded in 2007, is built around a community of more than 30 million users who share insights and can copy each other's positions automatically, with Popular Investors paid by the platform for being copied. Smart Portfolios let investors mirror analyst-curated thematic baskets without portfolio management fees, many stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies trade commission-free, and the whole offer sits in one proprietary web and mobile interface with a free demo account.
Supported Assets: ETFs, commodities such as gold and oil, an extensive selection of currency pairs and popular cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum, alongside stocks, all managed in a single portfolio; futures are not offered.
Regulation and Licensing
ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), FCA (UK) and FSCA (South Africa). Client funds are held in segregated accounts with trusted financial institutions, and accounts are protected by encryption, two-factor authentication and continuous monitoring for suspicious activity.
Platform Experience: Proprietary web platform and iOS and Android apps with social feeds, CopyTrader, Smart Portfolios, advanced multi-instrument charts and one-click trading; no MetaTrader or cTrader support.
Fee Structure:
Commission-free trading on many stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies, with spreads that vary by asset
$50 minimum deposit, varying by region
No deposit fees; $5 fee on each withdrawal
$10 monthly inactivity fee after 12 months without trading
50 pip currency conversion fee on non-USD deposits
Overnight and weekend fees on leveraged CFD positions; guaranteed stop orders carry a fee
Where it excels
Customize Your Trading with eToro Edge
Over 7,000 Instruments to Trade
Enjoy Interest on Your Unused Balance
Intuitive, User-Friendly Platform
Advanced Trading and Analysis Tools
Social Features, Including Copy Trading
Smart Portfolios (Ready-Made Thematic Portfolios)
Free $100,000 Demo Account
Simple, Transparent Fee Structure
Where it falls short
Smaller number of assets than some brokers
Spreads are on the high end
Best For: Beginners and hands-off investors who want to learn from and copy a large trading community rather than trade alone.
Moomoo US is built for speed and depth: millisecond Level 2 data, one-tap execution, customisable hotkeys and a pro options chain with a one-click strategy builder, real-time Greeks and gamma exposure tools. Smart money tracking surfaces daily transaction details, 13F filings and insider and congressional activity, all with $0 commission on stock, ETF and options trades and no account minimum, from Moomoo Financial Inc., regulated by the SEC and a member of FINRA and SIPC.
Supported Assets: 10,000+ assets covering U.S. exchange-listed, OTC and Hong Kong-listed stocks and ADRs, ETFs, stock, ETF and index options, 50+ cryptocurrencies and IPO access, with fractional shares on certain U.S. stocks and ETFs; mutual funds, bonds, forex and futures are not offered.
Regulation and Licensing
SEC (USA), with FINRA membership and SIPC protection of securities customers up to $500,000, including $250,000 for cash claims. Client assets are held in segregated accounts, uninvested cash can be swept to partner banks for FDIC insurance eligibility up to $2 million per bank, and multi-factor authentication, biometric login and real-time monitoring protect accounts.
Platform Experience: Proprietary mobile and tablet app and desktop platform with multi-monitor support, plus TradingView integration and an Open API; there is no web trading, though accounts can be connected to TradingView.
Fee Structure:
$0 commission on stock, ETF and options trading
No account minimum; minimum deposit of $0.01
No account, inactivity, deposit, currency conversion or overnight funding fees
ACH withdrawals free in 3 to 5 business days; wire withdrawals carry a fee and settle in 1 to 3 business days
Margin trading available at a flat rate for certain balances
Where it excels
$0 Stock ETF and Options Trading
10000+ Tradable Assets
Free Level 2 Data and API Access
Where it falls short
No Mutual Funds Available
No Futures Trading Offered
No Forex Trading Available
Best For: Self-directed U.S. traders who prioritise execution speed, institutional-flow data and advanced options analytics over a simple interface.
These are the features that most affect your experience on mobile, ordered by how often you will notice them.
1. Ease of Use
A good app makes the common tasks quick: finding an investment, checking your portfolio, and placing or changing an order. Look for a clear layout, fast search, and an order screen that shows the cost before you confirm. App store ratings and recent reviews give a useful sense of how the app performs in everyday use.
2. Mobile Trading Features
Check how much you can do without a computer. Compare the order types available on mobile, whether charts are usable on a small screen with indicators and drawing tools, and whether you can set price alerts and manage open positions fully in the app.
3. Costs
App-based brokers often advertise low or free dealing, so check where they charge instead: foreign exchange fees on overseas shares, spreads, platform or subscription fees, and inactivity charges. Compare the total cost for the way you invest or trade.
4. Security
Your account is only as safe as your phone. Look for biometric or passcode login, two-factor authentication, login and transaction alerts, and the ability to freeze or log out of the app remotely.
5. Funding and Withdrawals
Check how easily you can move money in and out from the app, such as by debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay where offered, or Faster Payments, and how quickly withdrawals reach your bank.
6. Markets and Account Types
Confirm the app offers the investments you want, such as UK and US shares, ETFs, funds or leveraged products, and the accounts you need, such as a General Investment Account, Stocks and Shares ISA or SIPP. Some apps keep things simple by offering a narrower range.
7. Parity With Desktop
If you also use a computer, check whether the app and desktop or web platform share watchlists, layouts and alerts, and whether any features are missing from the app.
8. In-App Support and Education
Look for in-app chat or help that answers questions quickly, plus guides and market updates suited to your level. Fast support matters when a payment or order needs attention.
Which Trading App Is Best for Your Strategy?
Match your priorities to the profiles below, then compare the apps that fit.
How Did Investing.com Choose the Best Trading Apps?
Our review process evaluates trading apps on the features that matter most to UK users.
App Experience: Ease of use, speed, order entry and app store ratings.
Mobile Features: Order types, charting, alerts and position management on mobile.
Costs: Dealing charges, FX fees, spreads and subscriptions.
Security and Funding: Login security, alerts and in-app funding and withdrawals.
Trust: We only feature firms authorised and regulated by the FCA. Our regulation guide explains how to check a firm on the FCA register.
The best trading app is the one you can use quickly, safely and cheaply on your phone. Try the app before you fund it, check the full cost of the way you invest, and switch on every security feature it offers. Easy access can encourage overtrading, so set your own limits, and remember that the value of investments can fall as well as rise.
Prioritise ease of use, the trading features available on mobile and the total cost. Then check security features, funding options, the markets and accounts offered, and in-app support.
Are free trading apps really free?
Not always. Apps that charge nothing to deal often earn through foreign exchange fees, spreads, subscriptions or interest on cash. Check the full fee schedule to see how the app makes money.
Is it safe to trade on my phone?
It can be, with the right precautions. Choose an FCA-authorised provider, turn on biometric login and two-factor authentication, keep your phone's software up to date, and avoid trading on public Wi-Fi.
Can I hold an ISA on a trading app?
Many UK trading apps offer a Stocks and Shares ISA alongside a General Investment Account, and some offer a SIPP. Check that the app supports the accounts you need before you sign up.
Can I trade US shares on a UK trading app?
Most UK trading apps offer US shares. The main extra cost is usually the foreign exchange fee for converting pounds to dollars, which applies when you buy and when you sell.
Do trading apps have the same features as desktop platforms?
Not always. Many apps cover order entry, charts and alerts, but some advanced tools, such as complex order types or detailed research, may only be available on desktop or web.
How do I check if a trading app is regulated?
Search the provider on the FCA Financial Services Register and confirm the firm name, reference number and website match the entry. Download the app only from the official app store listing linked from the provider's website.
Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed. Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
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