Best Stock Trading Apps in the UK 2025 Secure Platforms for Beginners and Advanced Traders

The London Stock Exchange has been a global financial hub for centuries, but the way Brits invest has undergone a radical transformation. Gone are the days of calling a broker; today, the power of the market rests in the palm of your hand. The UK has embraced mobile trading with fervour, with millions of new retail investors entering the fray, drawn by user-friendly apps and the promise of democratised finance.

This surge in accessibility is a double-edged sword. While it empowers individuals to build wealth and secure their financial futures, it also places a profound responsibility on the investor to choose their tools wisely. Your trading app is more than just software; it's your gateway to the markets, your research library, your risk manager, and the custodian of your capital.

In this comprehensive guide, we will dissect the UK's best stock trading apps for 2025. We'll move beyond marketing hype to deliver an honest, in-depth analysis of the platforms that are shaping how the UK invests. Whether you're taking your first steps into the world of stocks or you're a seasoned trader looking for an edge, this article will provide the actionable insights you need to select a platform that is not only powerful and cost-effective but, above all, secure and trustworthy.

Why UK Traders Need a Reliable Stock Trading App

In the fast-paced world of modern finance, a reliable trading app is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. It’s the foundation upon which successful investment strategies are built. But what exactly does "reliable" mean in this context?

For the UK investor, reliability is a multi-faceted concept. Firstly, it's about performance and uptime. The difference between a profitable trade and a significant loss can be a matter of seconds. An app that crashes during market volatility or executes orders slowly is a direct threat to your capital.

Secondly, and most critically, reliability means security and regulation. The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is one of the world's most stringent financial regulators. An FCA-regulated platform is obligated to adhere to strict rules regarding client fund segregation, operational transparency, and financial promotion. This means your money is held in separate, protected accounts (under the FSCS up to £85,000), and the platform must operate with integrity. Using an unregulated or offshore broker exposes you to unacceptable levels of risk.

Finally, reliability is about suitability. A beginner needs an intuitive interface, educational resources, and a supportive environment. An advanced trader requires sophisticated charting tools, direct market access, and low latency. A reliable app honestly communicates who it is built for and delivers a seamless experience for that target user.

The core advantages boil down to:

• Unprecedented Access: Trade from anywhere, at any time, responding to global market movements in real-time.
• Cost Efficiency: Mobile apps have driven down commission fees to unprecedented levels, with many platforms offering commission-free trades.
• Control and Empowerment: You are the decision-maker, with full control over your portfolio, research, and execution.
• Educational Onboarding: The best apps integrate learning directly into the user journey, helping you become a more informed investor.

Top Stock Trading Apps in the UK for 2025

After extensive research and analysis of user experience, fee structures, and feature sets, here are the top-tier stock trading apps dominating the UK market in 2025.

1. Interactive Investor (ii)

Best for Experienced Investors and Serious Portfolio Building

Interactive Investor, or ii, has cemented its position as the UK's premier flat-fee investment platform. It’s designed for investors who are serious about building long-term wealth and have outgrown the simplistic models of free-trading apps.

User Interface & Experience: The ii app is powerful and information-rich, but it has a steeper learning curve than some competitors. It’s not cluttered, but it presents a lot of data and functionality, which can be overwhelming for absolute beginners. For those familiar with investing, it’s a highly efficient and comprehensive tool.

Fees & Commissions: ii operates on a unique monthly subscription model. Its flagship ‘Investor’ plan costs £9.99 per month, which includes one free trade. Additional trades are £5.99 each. This model is exceptionally cost-effective for investors with larger portfolios, as the fee is fixed regardless of portfolio size, unlike percentage-based fees on other platforms.

Available Markets & Assets: A standout feature. ii offers a vast universe of investments: UK and international stocks, investment trusts, ETFs, bonds, funds, and even a SIPP. It’s a true all-in-one platform for a holistic investment strategy.

Educational Resources: ii excels here with its ‘ii Academy’, regular webinars, and a deep library of analysis and commentary from in-house experts and trusted sources like Reuters.

Mobile & Desktop Compatibility: A seamless experience across both. The desktop platform is particularly robust for deep research and portfolio analysis.

Pros: Cost-effective for large portfolios; vast range of assets; excellent research tools; includes a free SIPP with certain plans.

Cons: Monthly fee can be expensive for small, infrequent traders; interface less beginner-friendly.

2. Trading 212

Best for Commission-Free Investing and an Intuitive User Experience

Trading 212 has taken the UK by storm with its compelling offer of zero-commission trading on stocks and ETFs. Its user-friendly interface has made it a favourite among a new generation of investors.

User Interface & Experience: Arguably the best in the business for ease of use. The app is clean, visually appealing, and incredibly intuitive. Setting up an account, finding stocks, and executing a trade is a fluid and straightforward process. stock app uk

Fees & Commissions: The main draw is commission-free trading. However, it's crucial to understand they make money from other streams, such as the spread (the difference between the buy and sell price), a 0.15% FX fee on non-sterling trades, and its CFD platform.

Available Markets & Assets: Offers a wide selection of real stocks and ETFs, plus a separate CFD trading platform. While the selection is vast, it may not include every obscure foreign stock or complex fund that a platform like ii offers.

Educational Resources: The app includes a built-in ‘Academy’ with short, digestible videos and articles that are perfect for beginners.

Mobile & Desktop Compatibility: Primarily a mobile-first app, though a capable web platform is also available.

Pros: Truly commission-free share dealing; exceptionally user-friendly interface; fractional shares available.

Cons: Limited advanced tools for professional traders; revenue model based on spread can be less transparent than a straightforward fee.

3. eToro

Best for Social Trading and Copying Other Investors

eToro has pioneered the concept of social trading, creating an investment platform that feels like a social network. It’s ideal for those who want to learn from and mimic the strategies of other traders.

User Interface & Experience: The interface is built around its social feed. You can see what other users are buying and selling, discuss ideas, and most famously, ‘CopyTrade’ the entire portfolio of successful investors on the platform automatically.

Fees & Commissions: eToro offers zero-commission stock trading, but similar to Trading 212, it profits from the spread. Be mindful of withdrawal fees and inactivity fees after 12 months of no login.

Available Markets & Assets: Beyond stocks and ETFs, eToro provides access to cryptocurrencies, commodities, and forex, all from a single, unified account.

Educational Resources: The social element is its core educational tool. The ‘CopyTrader’ feature is a form of passive learning, and the platform also offers a virtual demo account with $100k in paper money to practice with.

Mobile & Desktop Compatibility: A consistent and social-focused experience across all devices.

Pros: Unique and powerful social trading features; wide range of assets including crypto; great for beginners who want to learn from others.

Cons: Not a pure stock trading platform (heavily geared toward CFDs for non-UK clients); the social aspect can encourage herd mentality.

4. Hargreaves Lansdown (HL)

Best for Comprehensive Wealth Management and Research

HL is a titan of the UK investment scene, long associated with high-quality service and extensive research. Its app brings this premium experience to mobile devices.

User Interface & Experience: The HL app is professional, trustworthy, and well-organised. It may feel a bit more formal than Trading 212, but it’s never confusing. It inspires confidence, which is crucial when managing significant wealth.

Fees & Commissions: HL is at the premium end of the cost spectrum. Share dealing is £11.95 per trade, and there are ongoing platform fees (capped at £45 per year for shares, but uncapped for funds). You are paying for the service, brand, and research quality.

Available Markets & Assets: Unparalleled depth in UK-focused investments, particularly funds and investment trusts. Its fund supermarket is one of the largest available.

Educational Resources: HL’s research is legendary. Its regular reports, analysis, and ‘Wealth Shortlist’ of recommended funds are invaluable resources for DIY investors.

Mobile & Desktop Compatibility: A polished and fully-featured experience on both app and desktop.

Pros: Top-tier research and analysis; excellent customer service; trusted brand for large portfolios; vast fund selection.

Cons: One of the most expensive platforms for frequent trading; not ideal for active day traders due to high fees.

5. IG Trading

Best for Advanced Traders and Technical Analysis

IG is the world’s No.1 CFD provider and a FTSE 250 company, offering a profoundly powerful platform for serious traders. Its IG Smart (share dealing) and main IG (CFD/Spread Betting) platforms cater to different needs.

User Interface & Experience: The IG app is a professional-grade tool. It’s highly customisable, allowing traders to set up their workspace with advanced charts, watchlists, and news feeds. It can be complex for beginners but is a dream for technical traders. Scalping Trading

Fees & Commissions: For its share dealing platform (IG Smart), fees are very competitive at from £3 to £8 per trade, with no platform fees. Its CFD platform uses spreads and commissions.

Available Markets & Assets: Immense. Access to over 17,000 markets, including shares, indices, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

Educational Resources: IG boasts an industry-leading education suite with IG Academy, featuring live webinars, courses, and trading seminars.

Mobile & Desktop Compatibility: The mobile app is powerful, but the desktop platform, IG’s ProRealTime charts, is where the platform truly shines for advanced analytics.

Pros: Unmatched range of markets; professional-grade charting and tools; strong regulatory standing and reputation.

Cons: Can be overwhelming for beginners; the focus on leveraged products (CFDs) carries high risk.

Comparison of UK Stock Trading Platforms

Table: At-a-Glance Comparison of Top UK Trading Apps

Feature Interactive Investor Trading 212 eToro Hargreaves Lansdown IG Trading

Best For Portfolio Builders Beginners / Free Trading Social Trading Research & Funds Advanced Trading

UK Share Fee £5.99 (after free trade) £0 £0 £11.95 from £3 (IG Smart)

Platform Fee £9.99/month (flat) £0 £0 (Inactivity fee may apply) Up to 0.45% (capped for shares) £0 (for share dealing)

ISA Available Yes Yes No Yes Yes

SIPP Available Yes No No Yes Yes

Intuitive UI Good Excellent Excellent Very Good Good (Complex)

Advanced Tools Very Good Limited Limited Good Excellent

Educational Resources Excellent Good Very Good Excellent Excellent

FSCS Protection Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Features to Look for in a UK Trading App

Choosing an app is about matching its features to your personal strategy. Here’s what to scrutinise:

Real-Time Data & Alerts: Free delayed data is common, but real-time price data is often a paid extra. Ensure the app allows you to set price and news alerts to stay on top of your holdings.

Advanced Charting Tools: Look for candlestick charts, the ability to draw trend lines, and a wide range of technical indicators (RSI, MACD, Moving Averages). The depth of charting is a key differentiator between beginner and pro apps.

Multi-Asset Trading: Do you want to trade just UK stocks, or are you interested in US stocks, ETFs, funds, or even forex? Ensure the platform offers the markets you care about.

Secure Payment Methods: Look for established, secure methods like bank transfers (Faster Payments), debit cards, and Open Banking integrations. Avoid platforms that pressure you into using obscure payment processors.

Commission-Free vs. Low-Fee: Understand the total cost of ownership. "Commission-free" often means costs are hidden in the spread. A low, transparent commission can sometimes be cheaper overall, especially for large orders.

Reliable Customer Support: Test their support. Are they responsive? Can you get them on the phone? Good support is priceless when you have an urgent issue with a trade or your account.

Beginner-Friendly Stock Trading Apps UK

If you're just starting out, your priorities should be education, simplicity, and low financial barriers to entry.

Trading Leverage

Our top picks for beginners are Trading 212 and eToro.

Step-by-Step Guide for a Beginner:

Open a Demo Account: Both Trading 212 and eToro offer practice modes. Use them extensively. Place dummy trades, get a feel for the interface, and make your mistakes with virtual money.

Consume the Educational Content: Work through the in-app academies. Learn the basics of what a stock is, what an ETF is, and the difference between a market order and a limit order.

Start Small with Real Money: Once comfortable, open a live account and fund it with a small, affordable amount. The goal is to learn the psychology of trading with real capital, not to get rich quickly.

Focus on Your ISA: Use a Stocks and Shares ISA from day one. This shelters your profits from Capital Gains Tax and dividend tax, a huge long-term advantage.

Build a Foundation: Consider starting with a low-cost global ETF to build a diversified core for your portfolio before branching into individual stock picks.

Advanced Stock Trading Platforms UK

For the professional or highly active trader, platform choice is a strategic decision that directly impacts performance.

Our top picks for advanced traders are IG and Interactive Investor.

Key Features for Pros:

Direct Market Access (DMA): Some platforms like IG offer DMA, which routes your orders directly to the exchange, providing better execution prices and transparency than dealing with a market maker.

Advanced Order Types: Beyond simple market orders, you need access to stop-loss, take-profit, trailing stops, and conditional orders to manage risk algorithmically.

Professional-Grade Charting: This is non-negotiable. You need fully customisable charts, backtesting capabilities, and a vast library of technical indicators and drawing tools.

Level 2 Data & Depth of Market: This shows the full order book for a stock—the list of live buy and sell orders—giving you insight into market sentiment and liquidity.

API Access: For the most sophisticated traders, API access allows you to connect your own algorithms and automated trading systems directly to the broker's platform.

How to Choose the Right Trading App in the UK

Follow this structured approach to find your perfect platform match:

Define Your Trading Goals: Are you a long-term "buy and hold" investor? An active swing trader? A day trader? Your strategy dictates your needs. A long-term investor will prioritise low custody fees and a SIPP, while a day trader needs advanced charts and low per-trade costs. Binary Options

Conduct a Fee Audit: Create a spreadsheet. Model your expected trading activity (e.g., 10 trades a month, £2,000 portfolio) and calculate the total annual cost for your shortlisted apps. Include all fees: trade commissions, FX fees, platform fees, and withdrawal fees.

Verify FCA Regulation & Security: This is step zero. Check the FCA register to confirm the platform is authorised. Ensure it offers FSCS protection. Read independent reviews about their security history and customer fund handling.

Test the User Experience: Download the apps! Most offer a demo or at least a guest login to browse the interface. Is it intuitive? Can you find the tools you need quickly? Does it feel stable and responsive?

Evaluate Customer Support: Send a pre-sales question via email and live chat. Gauge their response time and the quality of the answer. This is a good indicator of the support you'll receive as a paying customer.

Tips for Safe and Successful Online Trading in the UK

The right app is a tool; success comes from the user.

Implement Risk Management: Never risk more than you can afford to lose on a single trade. Use stop-loss orders religiously to define your maximum loss upfront. forex options trading

Diversify Your Portfolio: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your investments across different asset classes (stocks, bonds, ETFs), sectors, and geographical regions.

Stay Informed: Use the news and alert features within your app, but also consult external, reputable financial news sources. Understand the macroeconomic factors affecting your investments.

Avoid Scams and Unregulated Platforms: If an offer seems too good to be true, it is. Be wary of "guaranteed returns" or unsolicited contact from "investment managers." Only use FCA-regulated platforms. The FCA's warning list is a valuable resource to check.

Conclusion

The UK market for stock trading apps in 2025 is vibrant, competitive, and caters to every type of investor. For the beginner, Trading 212 offers a frictionless, cost-effective entry point. For those fascinated by the wisdom of the crowd, eToro’s social trading ecosystem is unparalleled. The serious, long-term portfolio builder will find Interactive Investor’s flat-fee model and comprehensive asset range ideal. For investors who rely on deep research, Hargreaves Lansdown remains the gold standard, albeit at a premium. And for the advanced trader, IG provides the powerful tools and market access needed to execute complex strategies.

Your journey is unique. The single most important takeaway is to choose an FCA-regulated, secure platform that aligns with your experience, your strategy, and your financial goals. Take your time, use the demo accounts, and make an informed choice. The right app will be a trusted partner on your path to financial growth. Now, the market awaits.