Managing your portfolio on the move is easy with investment apps, but selecting the right one is harder as there are so many to choose from.
This page ranks and compares the cream of the investing apps crop. Find out below why eToro earned the top spot, as well as what your options are if you're looking for a cheaper or more advanced alternative.
Investing Apps: Our Top Picks
| Name | Score | Visit | Support | Mobile | Security | Commission | Disclaimer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 9.8 | Visitplus500.com | Live Chat, Email, WhatsApp | Android, iOS | 2FA, Biometrics | CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 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. Availability subject to regulations. FCA (FRN 509909). | ||
 | 8.7 | Visitetoro.com | Live Chat | iOS, Android | 2FA, Biometrics | From 1% | Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. | |
 | 7.6 | Visitfreetrade.io | Live Chat, Email | iOS, Android | 2FA, PIN, Biometrics | The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you invest. | ||
 | 4IG | 8.9 | Visitig.com | Email, Phone | Android, iOS | 2FA, Biometrics | From 0.5% | Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% 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. |
 | 9.1 | Visitinteractivebrokers.com | Email, Phone, Live Chat | Android, iOS, Web App | 2FA, Biometrics, PIN | |||
 | 8.8 | Visithome.saxo | Email, Phone | Android, iOS | 2FA, Biometrics | From 0.1% | CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs, FX or any of our other products work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Losses can exceed deposits on some products. | |
 | 8.4 | Visittrading212.com | Email, Live Chat | Android, iOS, Web App | 2FA, Biometrics, PIN | CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 83% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs 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. | ||
 | 8.4 | Visitdegiro.com | Email, Phone | Android, iOS, Web App | 2FA, Biometrics | |||
 | 8.3 | Visithl.co.uk | Email, Phone | iOS, Android | 2FA, Biometrics, PIN | |||
 | 7.6 | Visitii.co.uk | Phone, Email | iOS, Android | PIN, Biometrics, 2FA | |||
 | 8.7 | Visitfinecobank.com | Email, Live Chat, Phone | Android, iOS | 2FA, Biometrics | From 0.25% | ||
 | 12AJ Bell | 7.9 | Visitajbell.co.uk | Phone, Live Chat, Email | Android, iOS | 2FA, Biometrics |
Best Investing Apps in the UK Reviewed
Below are listed the mini-reviews of leading investment apps available in the UK.
1. eToro - Best Investing App Overall
eToro packs together traditional assets like stocks and commodities with newer digital assets like cryptocurrencies in a familiar and intuitive mobile app that appeals to investors of all levels of experience. The mobile app supports all the features included in eToro’s web workstation.
The platform’s most outstanding features include the highly regarded CopyTrader and Smart Portfolio functionalities. Using the social trading platform, users can exchange ideas and tips with each other, identify successful investors that match their goals and risk tolerance and automatically copy their portfolios. Alternatively, it’s possible to automate portfolio management by opting for eToro’s analyst-curated smart portfolios specifically designed for long-term investment strategies.
2. Freetrade - Best Investing App for SIPP Accounts
Launched in 2018, Freetrade fulfils its mission to democratise and commercialise investing through its accessible and easy-to-navigate mobile app. Its ease of use is partly due to its simplicity.
The platform lacks automated portfolio management and versatile research tools, yet it compensates for that with a wealth of educational material covering all the bases of investing along with a regularly updated market analysis section.
The higher tiers grant access to tax-wrapper investing accounts like stocks and shares ISAs and self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs). The platform is predominantly focused on stocks and shares and offers commission-free trading applicable for all types of accounts.
3. Fineco Bank - Best Investing App for Regular Investing Strategies
Originally a banking institution, this Italy-based firm has been growing its operations aimed at UK-based investors over the last few years. The sheer variety of trading instruments, stretching from stocks and ETFs to forex and CFDs, along with the exposure to international markets, are among Fineco’s greatest assets, but now UK investors can also invest in stocks and shares ISAs and opt for the Regular Investment Plan to automate their investments - starting with £50 monthly payments. Despite the number of moving parts, Fineco’s mobile app is surprisingly neat and easy to navigate.
4. IG - Best Investing App for Smart Portfolio Allocation
A globally-recognised brand, IG has a market value of over £2 billion and an excellent track record. Known for its harmony of quality and affordability, IG offers industry-level services for retail investors and manages to keep its services accessible to users.
Among its outstanding features is Smart Portfolio capability: It draws from BlackRock’s asset allocation models and is managed by experts at IG, which has over 40 years of experience under its belt. The portfolio library is categorised mainly to cater to five risk profiles, ranging from conservative to aggressive, and covers a range of asset classes and regions other than index funds, including commodities, bonds, emerging market securities, and tax-wrapper investment instruments like ISA and SIPP.
IG’s mobile platform includes all the services in its offerings, including every research and analysis tool, along with additional access to the MT4 platform for automated trading.
5. Saxo Markets - Best Investing App for Bonds
Denmark’s Saxo Markets is revered for the variety of assets it offers. These range from securities like stocks and bonds to leveraged products like options, futures, and CFDs. The platform offers exposure to over 5,900 government and corporate bonds with competitive commissions for high-volume investments.
Besides a wealth of trading instruments, Saxo ticks all the boxes in portfolio tracking technologies, fundamental and technical analysis tools, and quality market news coverage curated by Saxo's in-house team of financial professionals. The features offered on its main investing app, SaxoTraderGo, largely overlap with the desktop offerings. The major downside is that the more advanced SaxoTraderPro cannot be accessed through mobile devices. Nevertheless, SaxoTraderGo fares well against competitors. As it is geared towards casual and beginner traders, it's fairly intuitive and straightforward to use.
6. Trading 212 - Best Investing App for Stocks and Shares ISA
Trading 212 is a pioneer in zero-commission trading and has maintained its low-cost services since its entry to the UK market. The company has an outstanding track record and has been highly regarded as one of the best investment platforms in the UK as it has lowered the entry barrier to the markets.
Its mobile application has a modern design and has been ranked number one in the UK with over 15 million downloads. Like many investing apps, Trading 212 also offers tax-wrapper ISA products. Unlike many investing apps, it charges no platform or annual management fees. The account minimum deposit is £1 for ISA accounts and there's no deposit fee for the first £2,000.
7. Degiro - Best Investing App for Beginners
Degiro’s award-winning mobile application is fairly intuitive and straightforward. It packs outstanding research tools, including interactive charts, company financial profiles, other stock-specific information, an economic calendar, ESG ratings, real-time quotes, and more.
While the features show versatility, they lack depth. Yet, on the flip side, the simplicity of the capabilities makes the platform very appealing for novice investors who wish to learn more about the mechanisms of charting and other analysis features. Degiro users can only invest in equities including stocks, ETFs, and bonds, as the platform doesn’t include ISAs or SIPPs. Its exposure to over 50 international exchanges is almost unparalleled.
8. Hargreaves Lansdown - Best Investing App for Retirement Planning
Hargreaves Lansdown offers a well-rounded retirement planning service with a range of products from Junior SIPP (pension investment account for a child) to Annuity planning, topped up with helpful calculators for working out a pension or calculating expenses. Besides a wealth of educational materials, HL also features an advisory helpdesk where users can get one-off or ongoing financial advice about their investments.
The mobile app is user-friendly and intuitive. Users can get an overview of their portfolio and its performance at a glance and use research tools to generate investing ideas along with real-time news feeds.
9. Interactive Investor - Best Investing App for Low Cost Investing
Interactive Investor features a predominantly flat-fee pricing structure that applies to its tax-wrapper investing products (ISA and SIPP) along with other trading instruments. The products are subject to a tiered subscription system, and the trading fees remain flat regardless of the trading volume, making it more appealing for high-volume investors.
The broker’s mobile app is fully functional, allowing investors to access 40,000 products, award-winning research, expert insights, smart watchlists, and quick share quotes.
10. AJ Bell - Best Investing App for Funds
Established in 1995, this UK-based organisation has been engaged in providing investment services for almost three decades. Along with a variety of investment instruments, it maintains an impressive range of over 2,000 funds to invest in, including in-house managed AJ Bell funds which are free of charge to trade and are accompanied by AJ’s robust fund screener.
The mobile app, much like its web platform, is more geared toward experienced investors. Despite not being visually appealing, and if anything slightly outdated, the app is fairly robust and fully functional, including every service the platform has to offer.
How we rate & review investing apps in the UK
We provide unbiased reviews and scores to help you make informed decisions when it comes to choosing the right app to meet your needs. When reviewing and ranking UK investment apps, we evaluate them based on the criteria that matter most to users, as detailed below.
Safety and Regulation
This consideration is especially important for financial services, as you want to know that you and your money are protected. All the apps we shortlisted are regulated by the FCA (or BaFIN in the case of Degiro), so you can be sure they have high standards of security and consumer protection.
Fees and Costs
This is a top priority for many investors, as they don’t want high fees eating into their profit margins. We’ve evaluated the apps on a range of costs, from annual management fees to trading commissions, as well as how transparent they are about what they charge.
Functionality and Features
It’s important to ensure that your chosen app allows you to do everything you need from your mobile. Investment apps don’t necessarily provide the same functionality as their desktop counterparts. We therefore analyzed which features each app offers, as well as comparing user ratings and update frequency. All the apps reviewed are available for both iOS and Android.
Asset Variety
The types of instruments available for investment can vary from one app to the next. If you want to build a diversified portfolio, it’s wise to pick an app that provides access to a variety of different markets.
Portfolio Management
A solid investment app should provide you with all the tools you need to manage your portfolio effectively. Depending on your personal preferences, these might include risk analysis and tracking tools, automated purchases and rebalancing, or expert-managed portfolios.
What is investing?
Investing is putting your money into an asset with the hope that it will grow in value over time. The process is crucial to growing wealth and realising financial goals.
When investing, you should consider the following four factors:
Risk – Investing always carries some risk, and taking more risks could get you higher returns, but it also increases the chance of losing money.
Time horizon – The strategy you adopt may depend on whether you want to invest for the short or long term.
Diversification – Spreading your money across different assets, investment types, and sectors can help reduce your risk.
Compound interest – This is when you earn interest on your interest. It can make your investment grow faster over time.
Should You Save or Invest? A Breakdown of Risks and Benefits
INVESTING CAN BE A GOOD CHOICE BECAUSE: | SAVING CAN BE A GOOD CHOICE BECAUSE: |
|---|---|
Profits can outpace inflation | Predictable and low risk |
Wealth can compound through reinvestment | Doesn’t require time and research |
What is an investment app?
These mobile platforms enable users to invest and manage their holdings easily. Ideal for beginners and seasoned investors, they offer various features like account management, portfolio tracking, and notifications. They provide the convenience of managing your investments from anywhere.
How do investing apps work?
Investment apps connect users to financial institutions, allowing market access and easy funding thanks to open banking.
These apps offer diverse options, such as ready-made portfolios, DIY investing, robo-investing, and copy trading, tailored to individual needs and risk preferences.
Expert-managed investment apps
Expert-managed investment apps have a team of experts or a computer algorithm to handle your investments. They customise your portfolio based on your financial profile, making them perfect for hands-off beginners.
Benefits include convenience, expert decision-making, and risk reduction through diversification. However, they have drawbacks like higher fees and less user control.
Self-managed investment apps
These tools allow users to choose and trade diverse instruments independently.
Their benefits include the following:
Users have complete control over investments
They afford flexibility in choosing investments and timing trades
Users can access educational resources.
However, their drawbacks include
The risk of making uninformed decisions without proper research
They require time commitment
Some charge fees.
How much money do I need to start investing with an app?
The minimum amount of money you need to start investing with an app varies depending on the app. Some apps have no minimum investment requirement, while others require a minimum of £1, £50, or even £100.
When assessing your initial investment amount, it is essential to consider your short-term and long-term goals and your risk appetite.
Here are other considerations when investing:
Make sure to clear all your debts before investing: By eliminating the elements that drain your financial resources, it’ll be easier to assess how much you can allocate for investments.
Never invest more than you can afford to lose: Although there’s a common tendency to push in a huge pot in the hopes of grand returns, there’s always an inherent risk of capital loss with investing. So, it requires a wise allocation of income that doesn’t dip into fundamental costs like rent, bills, or groceries.
Invest regularly: While this depends on your specific strategy, investing small amounts regularly (a concept known as Dollar-Cost Averaging) can help to lower the entry barrier and make you a more disciplined investor.
How much money should a beginner invest using investment apps?
Figuring out how much to invest depends on your financial situation and goals. For beginners, a smart strategy is dollar-cost averaging – investing a fixed amount regularly, regardless of the asset's price. This helps spread the risk and avoids investing all your funds at once, potentially reducing losses.
If you’re just starting out, you might want to begin with the minimum deposit and get comfortable with the app and your strategy before gradually increasing your investment amount.
If you're new to investments, consider the following:
Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors, giving you diversification and professional management.
ETFs are similar but trade on exchanges, making them more liquid.
Bonds pay interest over time, which can reduce risk.
Stocks offer long-term growth potential but can be volatile.
Here is how beginners can invest different amounts using investment apps:
Investment Amount | Investment Type | Best App | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
£5,000 | Stocks and shares | ||
£10,000 | Funds | ||
£50,000 | ISA | ||
£100,000 | Diverse portfolio of assets |
What is the best way to invest small amounts of money in the UK?
Here are some of the best ways to invest small amounts of money in the UK:
Automatic Investing
Robo-investing
Low-cost index funds
High-yield savings accounts
Bonds
Ways to invest using investment apps?
Investing using investment apps is now easier than ever. Here are some of the ways you can use them to grow your wealth:
Automated investing
Automated investing employs computer algorithms for investment decisions. You can do so through robo-advisors, algorithmic, and AI investing apps. It can be passive or active and suits individuals lacking time or expertise for DIY investing.
AI investing apps & Robo advisors
A robo-advisor is a digital investment advisor utilizing algorithms to manage client portfolios. It typically follows a passive approach to investing in diversified assets. They suit new investors, those seeking cost-effective options, and busy individuals.
Here is a table of the best AI investing apps & Robo advisors:
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Moneyfarm | £1 | 0.75% annual management fee | |
Wealthify | £500 | 0.45% annual management fee | |
Nutmeg | £500 | 0.45% annual management fee |
The three apps are considered the best AI investing apps & robo-advisors as they offer low fees, a wide range of assets, user-friendly interfaces, and educational resources.
Algorithmic investing apps
Algorithmic investing uses computer algorithms to make trading decisions based on historical market data and price patterns. It can be passive or active and is ideal for hands-off investors.
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
IG | £0 for bank transfer, £250 otherwise | No commission on US shares, £3 on UK shares | |
Saxo Markets | £500 | Commissions from 0.05% | |
Trading 212 | £1 | 0% commission |
IG’s native APIs and integrations with MT4 and ProRealTime enable customers to build algorithms and refine them through backtesting, or use off-the-shelf solutions. Saxo Markets offers algorithmic orders for cash stocks and single stock CFDs through SaxoTraderPRO (though users need to place orders on their computers), while Trading 212 supports customisable automated investing plans.
Trading apps
Trading apps are mobile or web-based platforms enabling users to buy and sell financial assets actively. They provide greater investment control and offer real-time market data and quick order execution capabilities. That makes them ideal for those seeking easy and fast trading options.
Best trading apps in the UK
Here are some of the best trading apps in the UK for 2024:
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Price per trade | Fractional shares | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|
eToro | £40 | No commission on stocks & ETFs | Yes | |
Freetrade | £0 | Free basic trades | Yes | |
Interactive Investor | £0 | From £3.99 | No |
eToro is a user-friendly social trading app, appealing to both beginners and experienced traders. Freetrade's standout feature is commission-free trades, making it cost-effective. Interactive Investor offers advanced trading tools, making it an excellent choice for experienced traders.
Both traders and investors participate in the financial markets to make a profit by purchasing securities. The main difference between the two comes with the timescale: while traders hold assets for a day or the time until it reaches a short-term profit, investors hold on to their assets for years or potentially decades and seek out larger returns over time by selecting value investments that are likely to yield sustainable returns in the long haul.
An investor is likely interested in the company's financial growth rather than the share trends whereas a trader focuses mainly on the market value of the stock. Most traders sell off their stocks when they hit the target price or recover from losses since the risk is higher in trading. However, investors hold their assets for the long term and aim to sell them only when they reap significant profits.
Neo-brokers
Neo-brokers are digital investment service providers that often offer commission-free trading and low-cost investment products. They can facilitate both active and passive investment strategies, and are a popular option with new investors seeking a wide range of accessible and low-cost investment opportunities.
Best Neo-brokers in the UK
Here's a comparison of some of the best neo-brokers in the UK:
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
eToro | £40 | No commission on stocks & ETFs | |
Freetrade | £0 | Free basic trades | |
Fineco Bank | £0 | £2.95 per trade |
eToro offers social trading and a wide array of tradable assets. Freetrade stands out with its user-friendly interface, commission-free trades, and fractional shares support. Fineco Bank has competitive pricing and comprehensive investment options.
Smart portfolios
A smart portfolio is a curated automated investment portfolio. An algorithm and/or team of analysts periodically rebalance the portfolio to align with the investor's goals. Smart portfolios can be passive or active investments suitable for hands-off investors.
Best investment apps for smart portfolio management
Here are the top investment apps for your smart portfolio:
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
eToro | £40 | None for stock portfolios | |
IG | £0 for bank transfer, £250 otherwise | 0.72% per year | |
Saxo Markets | £500 | 0.95% per year |
Curated by analysts, eToro’s Smart Portfolios provide a convenient, long-term investment strategy with easy access to market trends and no management fees. IG Smart Portfolios are customised to suit your risk profile, providing expertly-managed, diversified exposure to a range of markets at low cost. Meanwhile, Saxo Markets’ managed portfolios are built by experts and automatically adjusted according to market opportunities.
Micro-investment & fractional investing apps
Micro-investing or spare change investing involves investing small amounts of money regularly, often just a few pounds. It is a passive investment strategy suitable for those with limited funds or looking to save on fees since micro-investing apps usually have low fees.
Best micro-investment apps
Here are UK's best micro-investment apps.
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Freetrade | £0 | Free basic trades | |
Trading 212 | £1 | 0% commission | |
eToro | £40 first deposit, £8 for subsequent deposits | 0% commission on stocks & ETFs |
Freetrade is the top app for micro-investing as it offers fractional shares and penny stocks with a minimum trade size of just £2 and no commission. Trading 212 and eToro also offer 0% commission on fractional shares, with the ability to invest as little as £1 on Trading 212 or £8 on eToro.
Social trading apps
Social trading is an investment approach where investors share information and ideas and can even copy the trades of others through specialized investment apps. It can be either passive or active, making it suitable for new traders, those with limited time, and individuals looking to learn from other investors' strategies and experiences.
Best investment apps for social investing
In the UK, several investment apps offer social trading options. Some of the most popular include:
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
eToro | £40 | 0% commission on stocks & ETFs | |
Freetrade | £0 | Free basic trades | |
IG | £0 for bank transfer, £250 otherwise | No commission on US shares, £3 on UK shares |
eToro, Freetrade, and IG are considered the best investment apps for social investing in the UK because they are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and have low fees. eToro provides personalised profiles and a social news feed akin to Facebook, while Freetrade and IG both have active community forums where users can discuss ideas.
Copy trading apps
Copy trading is a typically active social trading method where investors can automatically replicate the trades of experienced traders via investment apps. It suits new investors, those lacking time or expertise for independent trading, and those seeking portfolio diversification by copying various traders' strategies.
Best investment apps for copy trading
Here are the top copy trading apps in the UK that allow you to follow the trades of successful investors and copy their strategies.
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
eToro | £40 | 0% commission on stocks & ETFs | |
Trading 212 | £1 | 0% commission |
eToro is the go-to destination for copy trading—you can view the risk profiles and returns of other users and copy your favourites with the tap of a button. With Trading 212, you can view the pies (portfolios) of fellow investors and copy any that take your fancy.
Dividend investing apps
Dividend investing is when investors buy stocks that pay regular dividends. It can be passive or active and is a conservative strategy due to the stability of dividend stocks compared to growth stocks. It’s suitable for those seeking a steady income.
Best dividend investing apps
Find the top apps that allow you to invest in dividend-paying stocks and ETFs in the UK to generate passive income.
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Freetrade | £0 | 0% commission on stocks and ETFs. | |
Hargreaves Lansdown | £1 | 0.45% annual management fee. 0.25% FX fees for overseas shares | |
IG | £0 for bank transfer, £250 otherwise | No commission on US shares, £3 on UK shares |
Freetrade offers commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs, saving users money on spreads. Hargreaves Lansdown provides various investment products with research tools and automatic investing features. IG provides news and educational articles on the top dividend stocks.
What can I invest in using investment apps?
There are a variety of assets that you can invest in using investment apps. Some of the most common include:
Stocks and Shares (S&S)
Stocks and shares (S&S) investments involve buying a portion of a company, betting on its future success for increased share value. Investment apps support the trading of shares and offer tracking features.
S&S are ideal for long-term investing, offering potentially high returns, portfolio diversification, risk reduction, and tax advantages.
Best investment apps for buying stocks
You’ll be able to find the best stocks on the following apps.
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
IG | £0 for bank transfer, £250 otherwise | No commission on US shares, £3 on UK shares | |
Freetrade | £0 | 0% commission on stocks | |
eToro | £40 | 0% commission on stocks |
IG offers over 13,000 shares and longer market hours. Freetrade offers over 6,000 shares, including fractional shares. eToro has fewer shares but provides commission-free stocks trading through a user-friendly interface.
Bonds
Bonds are loans investors make to companies or governments, offering fixed interest rates for steady income. They are less volatile than stocks, making them suitable for investors seeking stable returns. Benefits include steady income, lower risk compared to stocks, and portfolio diversification.
Best investment apps for bonds
Find the top apps that allow you to buy and sell bonds in the UK, with low fees and various features.
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Saxo Markets | £500 | From 0.05% | |
Degiro | No minimum | €2 on bonds | |
Hargreaves Lansdown | £1 | £5.95 to £11.95 per deal |
Saxo Markets offers 5,900 bonds and very competitive fees, while Degiro aims to make bonds accessible through a user-friendly app and diverse trading possibilities. While Hargreaves Lansdown charges a bit more, it offers 150 bonds and educational resources.
Funds
Funds pool money into diverse assets like stocks and bonds, managed by professionals. Ideal for investors seeking diversification or lacking time/expertise, advantages include diversification, professional management, low fees, and accessibility. Common types are mutual funds, ETFs, and index funds.
Best investment apps for index funds
Index funds are portfolios of stocks or bonds constructed to track the performance of a financial market index, like the FTSE 100. Here are the top apps for investing in index funds.
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Saxo Markets | £500 | From $3 on ETFs, spreads from 0.85 on CFDs | |
IG | £0 for bank transfer, £250 otherwise | No commission on US shares, £3 on UK shares | |
Interactive Investor | £0 | £3.99 |
On Saxo Markets, you’ll find index fund ETFs, as well as 29 index CFDs. IG has a selection of over 80 index funds and a screener to help you choose between them. Meanwhile, Interactive Investor provides a range of index tracker funds and information on how to get started with them.
Best investment apps for mutual funds
Investing in mutual funds can be a great way to grow your money over time. Mutual funds pool money from investors to purchase stocks, bonds, or other assets managed by a professional fund manager. That makes them a relatively low-risk investment option for beginners.
Several investment apps offer mutual funds in the UK. Some of the best include:
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Saxo Markets | £500 | No commission on mutual funds | |
Hargreaves Lansdown | £1 | Up to 0.45% annual fee. No fund dealing charge | |
Degiro | No minimum | Up to €3.90 + service fee of up to 0.2% |
With over 17,000 mutual funds and no commission, Saxo Markets is a clear leader. Hargreaves Lansdown offers a range of funds to suit different goals and risk appetites, while Degiro provides easy access to funds from some of the top fund houses.
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies are decentralised virtual currencies that use cryptography for security. A growing number of apps enable you to buy, hold, and sell cryptocurrencies, or even earn interest on them. Due to high volatility, they suit risk-tolerant investors.
Best investment apps for cryptocurrencies
Here are UK’s top cryptocurrency trading apps:
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Device | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|
eToro | £40 | 1% per crypto trade | iOS, Android |
While there are many other apps (with varying levels of regulation) that offer just crypto, eToro is the place to go if you want to invest in crypto alongside traditional instruments. It supports 80 cryptocurrencies, plus you can benefit from crypto-focused smart portfolios and copy trading.
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
ETFs are exchange-traded baskets of securities, tradable like stocks. They track various assets, offering versatility for diverse investment goals. ETFs are beneficial for portfolio diversification, reduced risk, and frequent trading due to low fees and liquidity.
Best investment apps for ETFs
Find the top apps to buy and sell ETFs in the UK,
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Saxo Markets | £500 | From £5 commission on UK ETFs | |
Freetrade | £0 | 0% commission on ETFs | |
Trading 212 | £1 | 0% commission |
Saxo Markets provides access to over 7,000 ETFs along with ETF research and live market updates. Freetrade has a diverse selection of over 400 ETFs and the lowest trading fees, while Trading 212 also has no commission, plus the ability to earn interest through share lending.
REITs
REITs are companies owning income-generating real estate, but they are more liquid than real estate investments as you can trade them like stocks. They offer income, diversification, and liquidity, which is ideal for investors seeking real estate exposure without managing properties.
Best REITs & real estate investment apps
Find the top apps to invest in REITs in the UK.
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Freetrade | £0 | 0% commission | |
Hargreaves Lansdown | £1 | £5.95 to £11.95 per deal | |
AJ Bell | £0 | £9.95 or £4.95 per deal. 0.25% annual management fee |
These apps excel for REITs due to various reasons:
Freetrade: Commission-free trading with a diverse REIT selection, saving on fees.
Hargreaves Lansdown: Established platform with comprehensive REIT options and other investments.
AJ Bell: Low-cost platform offering a wide range of REITs, suitable for long-term investors seeking cost efficiency.
Different accounts for investing apps
The type of account you choose will depend on your individual needs and goals. If you are looking for a flexible account that allows you to buy and sell various securities, a general investment account may be a good option. A stocks and shares ISA is better for long-term saving, while a SIPP would suit you if you want to save for retirement.
General Investment Accounts (GIA)
A GIA is an investment account offering flexibility and a wide range of investment options. It allows testing different apps without committing to an ISA or pension.
It is easy to set up with most apps and requires a minimum of £100 to start investing. It differs from ISAs and SIPPs in that GIAs have no restrictions on contributions or withdrawals, but they also have no tax-free benefits.
Best GIA apps in the UK
Here is a table of the top three General Investment Account apps in the UK
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Freetrade | £0 | 0% commission | |
Hargreaves Lansdown | £1 | £5.95 to £11.95 per deal | |
AJ Bell | £0 | £9.95 or £4.95 per deal. 0.25% annual management fee |
Freetrade offers commission-free trading, diverse stocks and ETFs. Hargreaves Lansdown provides comprehensive offerings, including stocks, ETFs, and investments. Meanwhile, AJ Bell emphasizes low-cost, long-term investing with a wide range of stocks and ETFs.
GIAs and ISAs are both investment accounts but differ in tax treatment and contribution limits.
GIA:
No contribution limit
Profits are taxed
Can hold a wide range of investments, including shares, funds, bonds, and cash
Can be accessed at any time
ISA:
Annual contribution limit of £20,000
Profits are tax-free
Can hold a wide range of investments, including shares, funds, bonds, and cash
Can be accessed at any time
It is recommended to utilize your ISA limits before investing in a GIA, as this will save you money on capital gains tax.
Stocks and Shares ISAs (S&S ISAs)
An S&S ISA is a tax-efficient investment account in the UK. It enables investing in various assets up to a yearly contribution limit of £20,000, without paying capital gains tax and income tax on returns.
Best investment apps for S&S ISAs
Find the top apps to invest in Stocks and Shares ISAs in the UK.
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Saxo Markets | £500 | Commissions from 0.05% | |
Freetrade | £0 | 0% commission. Plans from £5.99/month | |
Interactive Investor | £0 | Commission from £3.99. Plans from £4.99/month |
Saxo Markets ISAs provide global market access with no fees for transfer, entry, or exit. Freetrade's user-friendly mobile app provides investment options and competitive fees for S&S ISAs. With Interactive Investor’s ISA, you’ll get flat fees and full control over your investments.
SIPPs
A SIPP (self-invested personal pension) is a tax-efficient retirement account offering more investment control. It allows diverse investment options like stocks, bonds, ETFs, and property. With tax relief on contributions up to £60,000 yearly, SIPPs provide flexibility and choice for investors managing their investments or using an advisor.
Best investment apps for SIPPs
Find the top apps for SIPPs in the UK.
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Hargreaves Lansdown | £100 | 0.45% annual fee. £5.95 to £11.95 per share deal. | |
AJ Bell | £1,000 | 0.25% annual fee. Commissions from £1.50 | |
IG | £0 for bank transfer, £250 otherwise | £210 annual fee. Commission from 0% |
Hargreaves Lansdown offers flexible payments and expert guidance, while AJ Bell offers competitive fees and ready-made portfolios. With an IG SIPP, you’ll get a huge range of investment options and it’s especially cost-effective for large investments.
How to invest using investment apps?
Investing using apps need not be a daunting task. You can do so using the following steps.
Choose an investment app
Sign up and set up your account
Explore investment options
Build and monitor your portfolio
Make trades
Stay informed
What to consider when choosing the best investment app?
When choosing an investment app, there are many factors to consider, such as your investment goals, your experience level, the fees charged by the app, and the features offered.
Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
Your experience level
Choose the best investment app based on experience level. Beginners seek ease of use, low fees, education, and investment variety. Experienced traders want advanced features, liquidity, and support.
Best investment apps for beginners in the UK
Find the top apps to help you get started with investing.
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
eToro | £40 | 0% commission on stocks & ETFs | |
Trading 212 | £1 | 0% commission | |
Freetrade | £0 | 0% commission |
eToro, Trading 212, and FreeTrade are top apps for UK beginner investors due to the following:
Low fees, low minimums, and fractional shares.
Wide investment variety for goal alignment.
User-friendly interfaces, educational content, and social features.
Automated investing for time-saving convenience.
Best investment apps for experienced traders
Here’s a look at the top investment apps for experienced traders:
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Saxo Markets | £500 | Commissions from 0.05% | |
IG | £0 for bank transfer, £250 otherwise | Commission from 0% | |
Hargreaves Lansdown | £1 | Up to 0.45% annual fee. £5.95 to £11.95 per share deal. |
With Saxo Markets and IG, you’ll get a huge range of investments to choose from, as well as advanced charting tools. Meanwhile, Hargreaves Lansdown offers a wide range of market news, insight, and research.
Best investment apps for regular investments
If you're a regular investor, here are the best apps to get you started on your journey:
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
eToro | £40 | 0% commission on stocks & ETFs | |
Trading 212 | £1 | 0% commission | |
IG | £0 for bank transfer, £250 otherwise | Commission from 0% |
Fees can add up fast for regular investors, which is why they prefer commission-free apps like the ones above. eToro and Trading 212 will let you automate regular investments, while IG supports algorithmic trading.
Your investing goals & strategy
When selecting an investment app, match your goals and strategies with its features. Consider your time horizon, risk tolerance, and investment objectives.
Various apps cater to different goals, such as long-term investing or active trading, so choose one that aligns with your needs.
Best investment apps for long-term investing
These tools could come in handy for the long-term investor:
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Hargreaves Lansdown | £1 | Up to 0.45% annual fee | |
AJ Bell | £0 | Up to 0.25% annual fee | |
Saxo Markets | £500 | Commissions from 0.05% |
Hargreaves Lansdown, AJ Bell, and Saxo Markets all offer managed portfolios designed for long-term investment, along with competitive yearly fees.
Best investment apps for short-term investing
Looking for the best apps for short-term investing? Here are the top picks:
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Trading 212 | £1 | 0% commission | |
eToro | £40 | 0% commission on stocks & ETFs | |
Interactive Investor | £0 | Commission from £3.99. Plans from £4.99/month |
Trading 212 offers commission-free trading and a user-friendly interface, ideal for short-term traders. Similarly, eToro's social trading feature with diverse assets and Interactive Investor's flexibility make them appealing for frequent short-term trading.
Best investment apps for active investing
For your active investments, you needn't look any further than the following three apps:
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
eToro | £40 | 0% commission on stocks & ETFs | |
Trading 212 | £1 | 0% commission | |
IG | £0 for bank transfer, £250 otherwise | Commission from 0% |
Commission-free trades and easy portfolio tracking make these apps perfect for active investors. What’s more, you can automate active strategies, such as through eToro’s CopyTrader feature.
Best investment apps for hands-off & passive investing
Passive investing is a good option for investors who want to keep their investments simple and don't want to spend much time managing their portfolios. Find the top apps to help you invest with minimal effort in the UK.
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Degiro | No minimum | Commissions from £0 | |
Trading 212 | £1 | 0% commission | |
eToro | £40 | 0% commission on stocks & ETFs |
Degiro and Trading 212 are ideal for buy-and-holders as they don’t charge any annual or inactivity fees. eToro, meanwhile, is popular with hands-off investors thanks to its CopyTrader and Smart Portfolios features.
Platform stability and reliability
The best way to assess a platform’s stability is to test out all of its features through a demo account and monitor the app to see whether it receives regular updates for bug fixes. Minimum downtime and seamless operation are crucial while using an investing app to minimise the risk of failure during payment and withdrawal requests.
Best investment apps for iOS (iPhone and iPad)
Here are your top picks for iOS investment apps in the UK:
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | App Store Rating | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hargreaves Lansdown | £1 | £5.95-11.95 per share deal. Up to 0.45% annual fee | 4.7 | |
AJ Bell | £0 | Up to £9.95 per deal. Up to 0.25% annual fee | 4.7 | |
IG | £0 for bank transfer, £250 otherwise | Commission from 0% | 4.6 |
These three apps provide iPhone users with advanced trading and charting tools. They offer biometric authentication and are updated at least once a month to iron out bugs and improve performance.
Best investment apps for Android
Here are the top investment apps for Android devices:
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Google Play Rating | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Saxo Markets | £500 | Commissions from 0.05% | 4.3 | |
Degiro | No minimum | Commissions from £0 | 4.2 | |
Fineco Bank | £0 | £2.95 per trade | 4.2 |
SaxoTraderGO provides access to tens of thousands of instruments, along with technical indicators, automated trade signals, and market analysis. Degiro and Fineco have each received over 1 million downloads from Android users thanks to their comprehensive functionalities.
Ethical investing support
Ethical investing involves investing in companies with favorable environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies. Ethical investment apps offer ESG frameworks and information on companies' practices to aid conscious decisions.
Additional features include screening options, customizable portfolios, and access to socially responsible funds. Fees vary based on app features.
Best apps for ethical investing in the UK
Here are the top ESG apps in the UK
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Interactive Investor | £0 | Commission from £3.99. Plans from £4.99/month | |
eToro | £40 | 0% commission on stocks & ETFs | |
AJ Bell | £0 | Commission from £1.50. Up to 0.25% annual fee |
Interactive Investor has over 200 sustainable investment options and has put together the ACE 40 list to highlight the best of them. eToro simplifies ethical investing with its user-friendly ESG scores. Finally, AJ Bell’s Responsible Growth fund provides a ready-made portfolio of ESG companies.
Regulations and safety
Investment apps are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, which requires organisations to segregate the accounts holding company assets and client investments.
This means that if the provider goes insolvent, client investments are not seized in the process and the provider can’t use client monies for their own expenses or investments.
Besides regulatory compliance, it’s important for investment apps to employ industry-standard security measures like 2FA or SSL encryption.
The FCA lists at least 600 unauthorised investing platforms. Make sure to confirm your preferred platform's authorisation before signing up.
Head to their home webpage, and scroll down to the footer. Most investment platforms display an FCA reference number there.
After copying the number, head to the FCA register and enter the details.
There, you can confirm that the investment platform is registered and that they have updated their details within the last year.
Full functionality and usability
While many investing platforms now embrace a mobile-first approach, service overlap between applications and web versions still varies. For a solid mobile experience, it’s crucial to investigate what features are accessible through the app and test its usability before opting in.
Some investing apps are geared more toward experienced investors while others are suitable for a larger audience. Before starting to move money around, investors are advised to play around with the application to see whether it’s intuitive enough for their level of experience.
Asset variety
Assets vary from stocks, bonds, and commodities to index funds, and every platform has its own set of offerings. A balanced and diversified portfolio constitutes the best scenario for investors, which can ultimately lead to diversified risk exposure, stabilised results, and potentially improved returns.
To bundle up all investments in a single platform, it may be wise to seek out an investment app offering a variety of assets.
Portfolio management
Investment apps in the UK offer various portfolio management features. Basic functionalities include portfolio tracking, risk analysis, rebalancing, and tax planning.
Some apps provide automated investing and advanced features like portfolio simulation, research access, and social features to connect with other investors. These tools can assist you in making informed investment decisions and managing your holdings effectively.
Customer support
Customer support is crucial for investors, especially beginners. Accessible and knowledgeable support can resolve issues quickly. Common channels include live chat, phone lines, and email.
Customer reviews offer insights into the app's overall experience and potential problems. Look for the frequency of negative reviews, specific issues raised, and the response times of customer support.
The cost of investment apps
The cost of investment apps can vary depending on the app, the type of investment you are making, and the frequency of your trades. You may encounter fees per trade and/or monthly/annual fees. These may be flat or percentage-based. An app may be better suited to long-term or short-term investors, depending on its fee structure.
How much do investment apps cost?
There are a variety of different types of fees that apps may charge. Below are the most common ones that you should be aware of before investing.
Trading costs
These are the fees you pay when buying or selling an investment. These fees can include commissions, spreads, and stamp duty.
Commissions
These are fees that the investment app or broker charges. They may be a fixed amount per trade or a percentage of the value of the trade. For example, IG charges a flat £3 commission on UK shares, while eToro charges no commission on stocks and 1% on crypto trades.
Spreads
Spreads are the difference between the buying and selling price of an investment. They are typically minimal, but they can add up over time.
Stamp duty
This is a tax that is charged on the purchase of shares. It is currently set at 0.5% of the value of UK shares.
Subscription and platform fees
Some investment apps charge a monthly or annual subscription fee. This fee covers the cost of providing the app and its features. There is no subscription fee for apps like eToro, while Interactive Investor offers a range of plans with monthly subscription fees from £4.99 to £12.99.
Fund management fees
If you invest in actively-managed funds, you will also pay fees to the fund manager. These fees are typically a percentage of the value of your investment. For example, Saxo Markets charges annual fees from 0.95% for its managed portfolios.
Inactivity fees
Some investment apps charge a fee if you do not trade for a certain period. This is to encourage people to use their accounts regularly. eToro, for example, charges £8 per month after one year of inactivity, while other apps like AJ Bell don’t charge inactivity fees.
Best investment apps with the lowest fees in the UK
Find the top apps to help you invest without breaking the bank.
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Freetrade | £0 | 0% commission | |
Trading 212 | £1 | 0% commission | |
eToro | £40 | 0% commission on stocks & ETFs |
Freetrade, Trading 212, and eToro offer commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs, as well as free deposits. With eToro, the main fee you need to be aware of is the flat £4 withdrawal fee, as well as the 1% fee on crypto trades.
Best free investment apps in the UK
Find the top apps to help you start investing without paying any fees.
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Freetrade | £0 | 0% commission | |
Trading 212 | £1 | 0% commission |
These apps offer free deposits, 0% commission, and free withdrawals, so you can use them without spending a penny.
What are the benefits of using investing apps?
Investing apps have advantages and disadvantages when compared to other methods of investing. Weigh up the pros and cons below.
- Easy to use
- Low fees
- Access to a wide variety of investments
- Real-time data
- Accessible anywhere
- Limited research tools
- Security risks
- Lack of human interaction
How can investment apps improve your trading experience?
Investment apps have transformed trading by providing real-time market data, user-friendly interfaces, low commissions, access to global markets, and educational resources—all from your mobile. They make investing far more accessible than traditional brokerages.
What are the differences between investing apps and investing platforms?
Investing apps are mobile applications designed for smartphones and tablets, offering ease of use and flexibility to manage investments on the go.
In contrast, investing platforms are web-based with comprehensive (and often more advanced) tools, a wide range of investment options, and extensive educational resources.
Investing Apps | Investing Platforms |
|---|---|
Mobile-Centric | Multi-Device Support |
Limited Functionality | Advanced Functionality |
Ideal for Beginners and Casual Investors | Ideal for Active and Experienced Investors |
Have low minimum investments | Require higher minimum investments |
Costs are typically low, with some free options available | Costs are higher than investing apps |
Can I make passive income with investment apps?
Yes, investment apps have various features for generating passive income. For instance, users can invest in dividend-paying stocks, use automated portfolios, and earn interest on their balances.
Likewise, they can access REITs and invest in bonds. Meanwhile, automated investing and managed or smart portfolios allow for a hands-on approach.
Why invest using investment apps
Investment apps could be a good choice for a range of financial goals, some of which are outlined below.
Retirement planning
Retirement planning is essential to ensure a comfortable lifestyle when you stop working. Many apps offer services and tools to help you prepare for retirement, such as SIPPs, LISAs, pension calculators, and retirement information.
Best investment apps for retirement planning
Retirement planning can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Find the top apps to help you plan for your golden years.
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Get Started |
|---|---|---|
Hargreaves Lansdown | £100 for a SIPP or LISA | |
AJ Bell | £1,000 for SIPPs | |
Interactive Investor | No minimum |
As well as SIPPs, Hargreaves Lansdown offers LISAs, a pension calculator, and information on drawdowns and annuities; AJ Bell offers LISAs, a retirement checklist, and video guides to pensions; and Interactive Investor provides a pensions and retirement hub full of guides and ideas.
Planning for your kids' future
Starting early with saving and investing for kids can significantly improve their financial future. Investment apps make it easy to start with small amounts and automate investing.
Custodial accounts, managed by parents or guardians, offer tax benefits and investment control. They also provide a platform to educate kids about investing and financial planning.
Best investment apps with custodial accounts (for kids)
Here are some of the best investment apps with custodial accounts for kids in the UK:
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Hargreaves Lansdown | £1 | £5.95-11.95 per share deal. Up to 0.45% annual fee | |
AJ Bell | £500 for ISAs | Up to 0.25% annual fee. Dealing charges from £1.50 | |
Interactive Investor | No minimum | JISA plans from £9.99/month |
These apps enable you to easily save for your children’s future through junior ISAs. Hargreaves Lansdown also offers junior SIPPs and junior investment accounts.
Starting your investment journey
Before investing, ensure financial readiness by setting clear goals and understanding your risk tolerance. Choose an appropriate investment platform from the variety available to suit your needs and objectives.
Best investment apps for teens & under 18s
Here are some of the top investment apps for young people
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
eToro | £40 | 0% commission on stocks & ETFs | |
Trading 212 | £1 | 0% commission | |
IG | £0 for bank transfer, £250 otherwise | Commission from 0% |
The apps above could be ideal for under 18s as they offer educational resources and virtual accounts, where teens could practice investing until they come of age.
Are investing apps safe?
UK investment apps are regulated by the FCA and so must uphold standards of security and consumer protection. To stay safe, you should ensure you use a regulated and reputable app, use a strong password, and enable 2FA.
Can you lose money with an investing app?
Investing apps come with potential financial risks depending on individual choices and investment types. Riskier options include individual stocks and cryptocurrencies, while safer ones involve bonds. You should only use investment types you understand, adopt risk management strategies, and never invest more than you could afford to lose.
Safest investment apps
Here’s a selection of the UK’s safest investment apps:
Investment App | Min. Deposit | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
Degiro | No minimum | Commissions from £0 | |
Interactive Investor | No minimum | Accounts from £4.99/month. Dealing charges from £3.99 | |
eToro | £40 | 0% commission on stocks & ETFs |
These apps are considered safe as they are regulated with a strong reputation. Degiro and Interactive Investor offer safer investments like bonds, while eToro provides information on risk management.
All FCA-regulated investment apps require users to register and verify their identity. Any app that doesn’t is unregulated and may be unsafe.
Other apps for successful investing
If you want to make well-informed investments, the apps below will help you build your knowledge.
Best investment apps for stock analysis
Evaluating instruments and markets through fundamental, technical, or sentiment analysis can be key to understanding their future potential. Here are some apps that will help you do just that.
Investment App | Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
Saxo Markets | Commissions from £5 on UK stocks | Equity research tools, analyst sentiment indicators, technical indicators and drawing tools |
eToro | 0% commission on stocks & ETFs | Earnings reports, sentiment indicator, analyst forecast |
AJ Bell | Up to 0.25% annual fee, dealing charges from £4.95 | Share screener, company profile, Shares magazine subscription, financial diary |
Saxo Markets’ advanced charting tools make it great for technical analysis, while eToro’s social trading features make it the go-to app for sentiment analysis. The wealth of company and sector information on AJ Bell make it perfect for fundamental analysis.
Best apps for investment news
Following stock news is vital for informed decisions, and identifying opportunities and risks. Timely information on earnings, trends, and geopolitics will help guide your strategies.
Investment App | Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
eToro | 0% commission on stocks & ETFs | Latest news, social investing, economic calendar |
Hargreaves Lansdown | Up to 0.45% annual fee. Dealing charges from £5.95 | Newsroom, HL podcast, HL insight, financial diary |
AJ Bell | Up to 0.25% annual fee. Dealing charges from £4.95 | Latest market news, podcasts, financial diary |
These apps all provide diaries or calendars to help you keep abreast of important financial events. You’ll also find news articles on markets, sectors, and specific companies.
Best investment apps for learning to invest:
It’s important to educate yourself if want to avoid losing money through mistakes. The apps below offer some of the best educational resources.
Investment App | Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
eToro | 0% commission on stocks and ETFs | Articles, videos, podcasts, and courses in eToro academy |
Degiro | Commissions from 0% | Investor’s academy, blog, strategy explainers, documentary |
Hargreaves Lansdown | Up to 0.45% annual fee. Dealing charges from £5.95 | Guides, investment glossary, expert advice, tools and calculators |
These apps all provide extensive learning resources, from the basics of investing to mastering advanced strategies.
Are there any alternatives to investing apps?
For those not keen on apps, there are alternatives to get into investing.
Traditional stockbrokers
These offer a personalized and hands-on approach to investing with face-to-face interactions and tailored advice from financial advisors, making them suitable for those seeking direct guidance and personalized recommendations in the UK.
Financial advisors
These are experts who provide personalized investment advice and comprehensive financial planning tailored to clients' situations and goals. They cover retirement planning, tax optimization, and risk management, ensuring investment decisions align with long-term objectives.
Managed investment accounts
These offer investors a personalized, hands-off approach to their holdings while excluding them from making individual decisions. Managed by professionals, they adjust holdings based on market conditions, suiting those seeking tailored portfolios and expert management.
Are investment apps worth it in the UK?
The commercialisation of investing apps came as both a blessing and a curse. While they democratised investing and significantly lowered the entry barrier for many, the sheer ease of using apps also led people to get into investing without properly understanding the risks involved.
Whether investment apps are right for you depends on individual preferences, financial goals, and risk tolerance. While they may lack the human interaction and personalised guidance of traditional brokerages, they can benefit those seeking easy, cost-effective access to financial markets, beginners, and small investors. They offer convenience, low fees, and user-friendly interfaces that appeal to tech-savvy and busy individuals.
