Best Investment Apps UK for Beginners in 2025

The best investment apps in the UK help you invest safely, keep fees low, and manage your money easily from your phone. 

This guide compares the top FCA-regulated platforms in 2025, focusing on costs, tools, and ease of use so you can choose the right app for your experience level and goals. 

It gives clear, people-first analysis aligned with UK regulations and trusted review standards.

Key takeaway: What’s the best investment app in the UK?

The best investment app in the UK is eToro for most beginners due to its simple interface, £0 commission on real stocks and strong social-copy features that help new investors learn quickly. For low-cost ETF investing, InvestEngine is the standout choice, while AJ Bell, IG, and XTB are excellent alternatives depending on whether you want full tax wrappers, advanced tools or ultra-low fees.

Best UK investment apps: how do they compare?

PlatfromFees & chargesAccount types availableEase of useAsset range
eToro£0 commission on real stocks; FX fees on non-GBP assets; $5 withdrawalGIAVery easy, beginner-friendly3,000+ stocks, 300+ ETFs, crypto, CFDs
IG£0 share dealing; FX 0.7%; £96 custody unless activeISA, SIPP, GIAModerate; advanced charting18,000+ markets including shares, ETFs, CFDs, spread betting
XTB£0 commission on stocks/ETFs up to €100k/month; no deposit/withdrawal feesISA, GIAEasy; fast xStation 510,900+ instruments including stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities
AJ Bell0.25% platform fee; £5 share dealing; £1.50 fund dealingISA, SIPP, LISA, JISA, GIAEasy but feature-rich6,000+ options including funds, ETFs, shares, bonds
InvestEngine£0 platform fee (DIY); 0.25% for managedISA, SIPP, GIAVery easy; clean ETF-only setup760+ ETFs only

Top 5 investment apps – best for

1. eToro – Best for beginners and social investing
2. IG – Best for advanced tools and global market access
3. XTB – Best for low-cost trading with strong education
4. AJ Bell – Best for long-term investing with full tax wrappers
5. InvestEngine – Best for ultra-low-cost ETF portfolios

UK investment apps reviews

These reviews highlight how each FCA regulated app performs on fees, usability, investment choice, and overall value for UK beginners.

1. eToro – Best for beginners and social trading

eToro UK investment app.

Should you use eToro as an investment app?

Yes, eToro is one of the most accessible investment apps in the UK, offering commission-free stock trading, an easy mobile interface, and its unique CopyTrader system for following experienced investors. It suits beginners who want a simple way to invest across stocks, ETFs, and crypto, but UK users should be aware of FX charges, no ISA option, and higher spreads on non-stock assets.

Key info table

FeatureDetails
Minimum deposit$50 (about £40)
Stock & ETF fees0% commission
Crypto fees1% per buy/sell
Withdrawal fee$5 (no fee when withdrawing via eToro Money in GBP)
Inactivity fee$10 after 12 months of no activity
FCA regulatedYes (FRN 583263)
FSCS protectionYes (cash only, not investments)
Account typesGeneral Investment Account only
Standout featureCopyTrader + Smart Portfolios

What fees and account costs does eToro charge?

eToro keeps stock trading costs low with 0% commission, but it charges several non-trading fees that matter for long-term users. FX conversion applies when converting GBP to USD, crypto trades carry a 1% fee, and withdrawals cost $5 unless using eToro Money. 

There’s also a $10 inactivity fee after 12 months. These costs mean active users benefit most, while long-term ISA investors may prefer platforms with UK tax wrappers.

How safe is eToro and what FCA protections do UK users get?

FCA regulation is essential for UK investors, and eToro holds FCA authorisation (FRN 583263) with segregated client funds. 

Cash held on eToro is protected by the FSCS up to £85,000, although investments themselves are not covered. eToro also uses two-factor authentication and strong encryption, giving users a safe environment to buy assets or copy traders.

What investment options and account types does eToro offer?

eToro’s range covers 3,000+ stocks, 300+ ETFs, 80+ cryptocurrencies, commodities, forex, indices, and CFDs, making it suitable for multi-asset investors. 

However, it only offers a General Investment Account, with no Stocks and Shares ISA or SIPP, which is a drawback for tax-efficient investing. Smart Portfolios provide a ready-made option for long-term themes like tech, renewable energy, and dividend strategies.

How easy is eToro to use on mobile?

eToro’s mobile app is highly intuitive, with clean design, fast onboarding, and an easy trading flow ideal for beginners. You can browse assets, track your portfolio, set alerts, and copy top traders with a few taps. 

Charting is more limited on mobile, but the web platform integrates TradingView for deeper technical analysis. Overall, it’s one of the smoothest mobile experiences in the UK market.

What tools, research features and automation does eToro provide?

eToro’s standout feature is CopyTrader, allowing you to replicate the strategies of experienced investors automatically.

Additional tools include a $100k demo account, Smart Portfolios, TradingView charts, market calendars, analysis tabs, social feeds, and detailed trader statistics (risk score, performance, holdings). Research depth is improving, but some premium tools sit behind eToro Club membership.

Who is the eToro app best for?

eToro is best for beginners, casual investors, and anyone who wants to learn by watching or copying others. It suits users who like social features, multi-asset investing, and a smooth mobile interface.

It’s less suited to tax-focused UK investors, advanced traders wanting deep research, or investors who prefer GBP-based accounts with no FX exposure.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Commission-free stock trading
  • CopyTrader for social and automated investing
  • Very beginner-friendly UX
  • Fractional shares and demo account
  • FCA regulated

Cons

  • No Stocks and Shares ISA or SIPP
  • All trades settled in USD (FX conversion fees)
  • $5 withdrawal fee outside eToro Money
  • Wider spreads on crypto and CFDs
  • Limited tools for advanced traders

2. IG – Best for pro-grade tools and broad market access

IG investment app

Should you use IG as an investment app?

Yes, IG is one of the most powerful investment apps in the UK, offering 18,000+ markets, industry-leading charting, and tax-efficient ISA/SIPP accounts. It’s ideal for experienced investors or active traders who want deep tools and global coverage, though beginners may prefer the simpler IG Invest app.

Key info table

FeatureDetails
Minimum deposit£0
Share dealing fees£8 per trade (or £3 with 3+ trades/month)
Platform/custody fee£96/year unless 3+ trades/quarter or £15k+ Smart Portfolio
FX fees0.7% on international shares
ISA/SIPPYes (flexible ISA, flat-fee SIPP)
FCA regulatedYes
FSCS protectionYes (cash only)
Assets18,000+ markets
Standout featureProRealTime + advanced charting

What fees and account costs does IG charge?

IG charges £8 per UK share trade, reduced to £3 if you make three or more trades in the previous month. International shares carry a 0.7% FX fee, and a £96 annual custody fee applies unless you make three+ trades per quarter or hold £15,000+ in a Smart Portfolio. 

IG offers 4–4.5% interest on uninvested GBP, a standout benefit for active investors keeping cash on hand.

How safe is IG and what FCA protections do UK users get?

IG is fully FCA regulated, holds client money in segregated bank accounts, and applies FSCS protection up to £85,000 on cash. It offers negative balance protection, guaranteed stop losses, strong encryption, and extensive risk controls. With 50+ years of UK trading history, IG remains one of the most established and trusted investment platforms.

What investment options and account types does IG offer?

IG offers 18,000+ markets, including UK, US, EU and Australian shares, ETFs, investment trusts, spread betting, CFDs, options, forex, and crypto (Uphold integration). You can invest through a General Investment Account, Stocks and Shares ISA, or SIPP. IG Smart Portfolios, built with BlackRock, give users ready-made diversified portfolios with competitive fees.

How easy is IG to use on mobile?

IG provides two apps: IG Trading for advanced users and IG Invest for beginners. The IG Trading app includes deep charting, screeners, alerts, and ProRealTime integration, while IG Invest offers a simplified, clean experience with lessons built into the interface. Beginners may find the main app overwhelming, but frequent traders will appreciate the power and speed.

What tools, research features or automation does IG provide?

IG’s standout tools include ProRealTime charting, stock screeners, advanced order types, analyst consensus, economic calendars, earnings dashboards, and market sentiment data. Education is industry-leading, with IG Academy, live webinars, Trade Live TV, and structured courses. Smart Portfolios also automate long-term investing using BlackRock ETFs.

Who is the IG app best for?

IG is best for experienced investors, active traders, and anyone who wants premium charting, broad market access, and tax-efficient accounts. It also suits long-term stock and ETF investors who want a flexible ISA or SIPP. Beginners may find IG Trading complex, but IG Invest softens the learning curve.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Access to more than 18,000 global markets
  • ISA and SIPP support for tax-efficient investing
  • Advanced tools including ProRealTime
  • Outstanding research and education
  • Flexible ISA and Smart Portfolios

Cons

  • Custody fee if you don’t trade frequently
  • Platform can overwhelm beginners
  • Crypto trading fees relatively high
  • No mutual funds or bonds directly
  • ProRealTime costs extra for light users

3. XTB – Best for free trades and top-tier education

XTB investment app.

Should you use XTB as an investment app?

Yes, you should use XTB if you want a low-cost, fast, and education-rich trading platform with commission-free stocks and ETFs. 

XTB is a low-cost UK investment app offering commission-free stock and ETF trading, excellent educational content, and the powerful xStation 5 platform.

It suits beginners and cost-conscious traders who want fast execution and strong learning support, but the lack of a SIPP and limited fund options make it less ideal for long-term retirement investors.

Key info table

FeatureDetails
Minimum deposit£0
Stock & ETF fees£0 commission up to £85k–£100k/month
ISA/SIPPISA only (no SIPP)
Withdrawal fees£0 above £50 (£5 if ≤£50)
Inactivity fee£10 after 12 months
FX fee0.5%
FCA regulatedYes
FSCS protectionYes (cash only)
Standout featurexStation 5 + class-leading education

What fees and account costs does XTB charge?

XTB offers commission-free stock and ETF investing up to £85k–£100k in monthly volume, with 0.2% (min £10) charged beyond that. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees unless withdrawing £50 or less, and FX conversions cost 0.5%. 

XTB charges a £10 monthly inactivity fee after 12 months. Interest rates on uninvested cash are highly competitive, with up to 4.5% on GBP balances.

How safe is XTB and what FCA protections do UK users get?

XTB is fully FCA regulated, publicly listed, and operates segregated client accounts to keep client money separate. UK users benefit from FSCS protection up to £85,000 on cash balances. 

The platform uses SSL encryption, strict verification processes, and transparent governance, making it a secure and reputable broker for both beginners and active traders.

What investment options and account types does XTB offer?

XTB offers over 10,900 instruments, including UK/US/EU stocks, 1,400+ ETFs, forex, indices, commodities, and stock CFDs. It provides a General Investment Account and a Stocks & Shares ISA, but no SIPP.

ETF-based accumulation plans and fractional shares make diversification easier, though long-term investors may miss options like mutual funds and bonds.

How easy is XTB to use on mobile?

The XTB mobile app and xStation 5 platform are designed for speed and simplicity, offering watchlists, charting tools, market sentiment heatmaps, earnings calendars, and fast execution. 

The layout is clear enough for beginners but powerful enough for more active traders. Some users note the interface can feel busy, but overall usability is strong across devices.

What tools, research features or automation does XTB provide?

XTB’s xStation 5 includes advanced charts, heatmaps, screeners, sentiment indicators, risk tools, and detailed post-trade analytics. 

Education is a major strength, with webinars, courses, video lessons, trading guides, and market analysis. Users can also earn interest on idle cash and create automated ETF savings plans, making XTB strong for both active traders and learners.

Who is the XTB app best for?

XTB is best for beginners who want top-tier education, cost-conscious investors focused on £0 commission share trading, and active traders who want a powerful platform without the complexity of MetaTrader. 

It’s also ideal for ISA investors looking for low fees. However, long-term pension investors or those wanting extensive funds/bonds may prefer IG or AJ Bell.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • £0 commission on stocks and ETFs up to the monthly limit
  • Excellent education via XTB Academy
  • Fast, user-friendly xStation 5 platform
  • Earn interest on uninvested funds
  • FCA regulated and no minimum deposit

Cons

  • No SIPP or lifetime ISA options
  • Focus on CFDs may overwhelm beginners
  • FX fees apply
  • Limited range of long-term funds/bonds
  • ISA currently app-only

4. AJ Bell – Best for long-term investors & full UK tax wrappers

aj bell investing app overview

Should you use AJ Bell as an investment app?

You should use AJ Bell if you want a reliable, competitively priced platform for long-term investing, full tax-wrapper flexibility, and access to one of the broadest investment ranges in the UK.

AJ Bell is one of the UK’s strongest all-round investment platforms, offering thousands of funds and shares, low fees, and the complete set of tax wrappers including ISA, LISA, JISA, SIPP, and Junior SIPP. It’s ideal for long-term investors who value choice, reliability, pensions expertise, and competitive pricing across portfolio sizes.

Key info table

FeatureDetails
Minimum investment£500 lump sum or £25/month
Platform fee0.25% up to £250k; 0.10% £250k–£500k; 0% above £500k
Fund dealing fee£1.50 per trade
Share dealing fee£5 per trade (£3.50 if frequent)
Account typesISA, LISA, JISA, SIPP, Junior SIPP, GIA
Investment range6,000+ options across shares, funds, trusts, ETFs, bonds, gilts
FCA regulatedYes
FSCS protectionYes
Mobile app rating4.6 (Google Play), 4.7 (App Store)
Standout featureFull tax-wrapper suite + strong research

What fees and account costs does AJ Bell charge?

AJ Bell charges a 0.25% platform fee for portfolios up to £250k, reduced to 0.10% between £250k and £500k, and 0% above £500k, making it highly cost-effective for larger investors. Share trades cost £5 (or £3.50 for frequent traders), while buying or selling funds incurs a £1.50 fee. 

FX fees range from 0.75% to 0.25% depending on trade size. Overall costs are competitive, though frequent fund traders may find the £1.50 charge frustrating.

How safe is AJ Bell and what FCA protections do UK users get?

AJ Bell is FCA regulated, publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange, and holds more than £76 billion in assets.

Client money is kept in segregated accounts and protected by the FSCS up to £85,000. As one of the UK’s most established investment platforms, AJ Bell offers strong operational security, clear regulatory governance, and long-standing stability for long-term savers.

What investment options and account types does AJ Bell offer?

AJ Bell offers over 6,000 investment options, including shares, ETFs, funds, investment trusts, bonds, gilts, and ready-made portfolios. It provides the full suite of account types: Stocks & Shares ISA, Lifetime ISA, Junior ISA, SIPP, Junior SIPP, and GIA.

Ready-made portfolios, Pension Builder funds, and managed options make it suitable for hands-off investors, while advanced users benefit from deep market choice.

How easy is AJ Bell to use on mobile?

AJ Bell’s mobile app is modern, secure, and reliable, allowing users to view portfolios, track live prices, set alerts, and trade UK, US, and Canadian shares easily. It supports biometric login and clear navigation.

While not quite as minimalist as newer apps, it is highly functional and consistently rated 4.6–4.7 stars, with strong performance for day-to-day investment management.

What tools, research features or automation does AJ Bell provide?

AJ Bell excels in research and guidance, offering Shares magazine, model portfolios, investment screeners, fund research, podcasts, webinars, educational articles, and in-house insights. 

Ready-made portfolios simplify investing for hands-off users. For retirement saving, the Pension Builder and ready-made SIPP portfolios provide diversified, long-term strategies with simple pricing.

Who is the AJ Bell app best for?

AJ Bell is best for intermediate to experienced investors, long-term savers, pension planners, and anyone needing the full suite of UK tax wrappers. It suits investors who want low fees, plenty of choice, strong research, and a provider built for long-term wealth building. Beginners can use it successfully, but those wanting an ultra-simple app may find platforms like Dodl, Trading 212, or InvestEngine more intuitive.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Full range of UK tax-efficient accounts (ISA, LISA, JISA, SIPP)
  • Huge investment choice with 6,000+ assets
  • Competitive platform fees for all portfolio sizes
  • Excellent research, guidance and educational content
  • Award-winning service and strong app ratings

Cons

  • £1.50 charge every time you buy or sell funds
  • User experience not as slick as some newer apps
  • Can feel complex for complete beginners
  • FX fees apply for international shares

5. InvestEngine – Best for ultra-low-cost ETF investing

InvestEngine investment app overview

Should you use InvestEngine as an investment app?

You should use InvestEngine if you want the lowest-cost ETF platform in the UK, a simple interface, and the choice between DIY control and ready-made portfolios. 

InvestEngine is one of the UK’s cheapest investment platforms, offering £0 platform fees, £0 trading fees, and access to 700+ ETFs through DIY portfolios or ready-made managed options. It’s ideal for investors who want a low-cost way to build an ETF portfolio, though beginners may want more hand-holding and advanced investors may miss individual shares or bonds.

Key info table

FeatureDetails
Minimum investment£100 for ISA/SIPP; £0 for DIY GIA
Platform fee£0 for DIY portfolios
Trading fees£0 on all ETF trades
Managed portfolios0.25% + ~0.12% average fund fee
Account typesISA, GIA, SIPP (no LISA/JISA)
Investment range700+ ETFs only
FCA regulatedYes
FSCS protectionYes
Standout featureZero-fee DIY ETF investing

What fees and account costs does InvestEngine charge?

InvestEngine charges no platform fees and no trading fees for DIY ETF investing across ISA, GIA, and SIPP accounts, making it the lowest-cost ETF platform in the UK. The only fees are the ETF’s internal fund costs (typically 0.10%–0.50%). 

Managed portfolios cost 0.25% annually, plus fund fees of around 0.12%. This makes total managed costs about 0.37%, still among the cheapest in the industry.

How safe is InvestEngine and what FCA protections do UK users get?

InvestEngine is FCA regulated and client funds are protected under the FSCS up to £85,000. 

Money is held in segregated accounts, and users rely solely on online verification and digital onboarding. While it is a younger and smaller platform than giants like AJ Bell or Hargreaves Lansdown, it meets all UK regulatory standards for custody and platform security.

What investment options and account types does InvestEngine offer?

InvestEngine specialises exclusively in ETFs, offering over 700 options including equity, bond, thematic, ESG, money market, and commodity ETFs. 

Users can invest via a General Investment Account, Stocks & Shares ISA (including Flexible ISA), and SIPP. There is no LISA or JISA. Choose between DIY ETF portfolios or managed portfolios, which rebalance automatically.

How easy is InvestEngine to use on mobile?

InvestEngine’s app and website are very simple and user-friendly, earning five-star ease-of-use ratings from customers. You can browse ETFs by theme, region or sustainability, view analytics for each ETF, and monitor performance over time.

The app is straightforward rather than feature-rich, making it ideal for long-term ETF investors rather than frequent traders who need advanced tools.

What tools, research features or automation does InvestEngine provide?

InvestEngine provides analytics pages for each ETF, performance charts, allocation breakdowns, and a clean discovery tool for filtering by theme, region, or risk. 

Managed portfolios automate asset allocation and rebalancing, while DIY offers full control. Tools are intentionally lightweight—there are no stock screeners, detailed research reports, or advanced trading tools.

Who is the InvestEngine app best for?

InvestEngine is best for cost-focused investors, ETF-only investors, and anyone wanting a simple, elegant way to build long-term portfolios at minimal cost.

It suits both beginners and confident investors who prefer ETFs. Those wanting shares, active funds, bonds, or deeper research tools may prefer AJ Bell, Trading 212, or Vanguard.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • £0 platform fees for ISA, GIA and SIPP (DIY)
  • Commission-free ETF investing
  • Flexible ISA available
  • Very easy to use with clean design
  • Excellent value for long-term investors
  • Ready-made portfolios available for hands-off users

Cons

  • ETF-only (no shares, bonds, trusts, or funds)
  • Limited research tools
  • No LISA or JISA accounts
  • No telephone support
  • Smaller platform than major incumbents

Understanding investment apps 

Investment apps let you buy, sell and manage investments directly from your phone or computer. 

They simplify access to shares, ETFs, funds and portfolios, offering low fees, fast setup and tax-efficient account options such as ISAs and SIPPs. Here’s what UK investors need to know before choosing one.

What is an investment app?

An investment app is a regulated digital platform that lets you invest in shares, ETFs or ready-made portfolios. It provides secure payments, real-time prices and tools to track and manage your investments.

Why use an investment app?

Investment apps offer low fees, flexibility and convenience. You can start with small amounts, diversify easily, automate your contributions and manage your money on the go.

How do you choose the right investment app?

  • Check the app is FCA regulated and offers strong security.
  • Compare fees, including trading costs and account charges.
  • Look for a simple, easy to use interface.
  • Review available account types such as ISA or GIA.
  • Check the range of investments offered.
  • Assess customer support quality and response times.
  • Make sure deposit and withdrawal methods suit your needs.

What type of account should you consider?

UK investors usually choose between a Stocks & Shares ISA for tax-free growth, a SIPP for retirement, a General Investment Account for flexibility or a Lifetime ISA for first-home or retirement saving.

How do you open an investment account?

Opening an account takes minutes: sign up, complete verification, choose your account type, deposit funds and make your first investment through the app.

What documents are needed for verification?

Most apps require a passport or driving licence, your UK address and your National Insurance number to meet FCA identity rules.

How do you fund your account safely?

Funding is usually done via bank transfer, debit card or Faster Payments. Always deposit from your own account and choose FCA-regulated apps for security.

Can you transfer assets from another broker?

Yes. Most apps support ISA, SIPP and GIA transfers as cash or sometimes as investments. Transfers typically take one to four weeks depending on your current provider.

What are the real costs of using investment apps?

Expect platform fees, trading charges, FX fees for foreign shares and ETF or fund costs. Even £0-commission platforms still apply FX and fund fees.

Which platforms are most cost-effective in 2025?

InvestEngine is cheapest for ETF-only investing. XTB provides low-cost share investing with no platform fees. AJ Bell is strong for ISA and SIPP users. IG suits advanced traders. eToro is best for beginners and social investors.

Which investment app should you choose?

Choose based on your goals:

  • eToro for beginners and social investing
  • IG for advanced global trading tools
  • XTB for low-cost share and ETF investing
  • AJ Bell for full tax wrappers and long-term investing
  • InvestEngine for ultra-low-cost ETF portfolios

Conclusion

The best investment apps in the UK make it simple to invest safely, keep fees low and choose the right account for your goals. For beginners, eToro stands out for its easy interface and social-copy features.

InvestEngine is the strongest low-cost option thanks to £0 ETF fees and simple portfolio tools. AJ Bell is ideal for long-term investors who want full tax wrappers, research and ready-made portfolios, while XTB suits cost-conscious traders who want a fast, modern app with great education.

If you want advanced tools and deep market coverage, IG remains one of the top choices. Whichever app you choose, prioritise low fees, FCA protection, and an account structure that supports your long-term investing strategy.

FAQs

What apps can I use to invest in the UK?

You can invest using FCA-regulated apps such as eToro, IG, XTB, AJ Bell, and InvestEngine. These platforms offer shares, ETFs and ready-made portfolios through ISAs, SIPPs or General Investment Accounts.

Is investing through an app safe?

Yes. FCA-regulated apps with FSCS protection such as eToro, IG, XTB, AJ Bell and InvestEngine are considered safe for UK investors when using secure payment methods and verified accounts.

Do investment apps charge fees?

Yes. Fees may include platform charges, trading fees, FX costs and ETF or fund charges. InvestEngine and XTB offer £0 platform fees, while AJ Bell and IG charge based on your balance or trading activity.

Can beginners invest using apps?

Yes. Beginner-friendly apps like eToro, InvestEngine and AJ Bell offer simple navigation, low minimums and ready-made portfolios ideal for new investors.

Do investment apps offer ISAs or SIPPs?

Yes. AJ Bell, IG, XTB and InvestEngine offer Stocks & Shares ISAs, while AJ Bell, IG and InvestEngine also offer SIPPs for retirement investing.

Can I transfer my ISA to a different investment app?

Yes. Most UK platforms allow tax-free ISA transfers, either as cash or sometimes as investments, depending on the provider.

References