Best Stock Trading Apps in the UK 2023

UK investors can invest in stocks from the comfort of their smartphones via stock trading apps. These apps get you trading in the live markets, in the UK, and across the globe. We have taken a look at the best stock trading apps in the UK and what they have on offer for users.

The Top 10 UK Stock Trading Apps Reviewed

Here are UK’s best stock trading apps:

	Name	Score	Visit	Disclaimer
	1eToro	8.7	Visitetoro.com					Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.
	2Freetrade	7.6	Visitfreetrade.io					Capital at risk.
	3Fineco Bank	8.7	Visitfinecobank.com
	4Trading 212	8.4	Visittrading212.com					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.
	5Hargreaves Lansdown	8.3	Visithl.co.uk
	6Interactive Investor	7.6	Visitii.co.uk
	7Capital.com	6.6	Visitcapital.com

1. eToro - Best Overall Stock Trading App

The eToro app is a bustling digital trading platform that offers traders a way to interact with others, share ideas, discuss decisions, and strategies on their personal feed. The app offers cutting-edge features like CopyTrader, enabling investors to replicate other traders' actions in real-time.

eToro's smart portfolios feature offers investment-ready strategies. These portfolios are thematic and great for traders interested in a specific cadre of stocks, such as tech companies.

Traders have real-time can access to over 2,000 stocks from 17 exchanges globally. The selections cut across US, UK, and European stocks. You’ll get to own the underlying asset and receive your dividends. It’s also possible to buy fractional shares of any stock on offer.

The eToro trading app is innovative, intuitive, and beginner-friendly. Investors can trade anywhere, at any time with the app, as it mirrors the features available on the web version.

The company is licenced and regulated by the FCA and other regulatory authorities globally. Client’s funds are segregated in leading banks while personal and trading data is encrypted. In case of any bad eventuality, eToro has an insurance plan for its diamond and platinum customers.

The app has over 10 million downloads on Android. Many reviews describe the app as an effective investment tool that's ideal for both beginners and experienced traders.

2. FreeTrade - Best App for Trading Fractional US Shares

The FreeTrade app makes investing in stocks simple for over a million customers. It provides access to more than 6,000 US, UK, and European exchanges, including the NYSE, London Stock Exchange, and NASDAQ.

The company runs a freemium model with a basic account for general investments. This account is, however, limited. With the standard and plus accounts, traders have a wide pool of markets and investment options.

Traders can start buying shares for as low as £2 on the app. Deposits to your account can be completed via bank transfer, e-wallet (Google and Apple Pay), or credit and debit card. The app also allows UK customers to buy fractional shares from major US companies.

With the FreeTrade app you can open a stock and share individual savings account (ISA). This account makes it possible to invest in stocks tax-free for up to £20,000/year without paying income or capital gains taxes.

FreeTrade does not have a web or desktop version. The app is therefore optimised for easy use. It features a simple modern design with great flexibility to serve traders with varying levels of experience.

3. Fineco - Best App for Experienced Stock Traders

The Fineco brokerage app excels at advanced tools, live feeds, trading insights, and dynamic charts for investors to manage risks and customise timeframes.

On mobile, customers can buy stocks from the UK, US, and EU markets.

Stocks are offered at a flat fee rate. However, experienced investors can speculate on thousands of stocks with Fineco’s CFDs.

Fineco serves over 1.4 million customers. It’s authorised and regulated by the FCA and is publicly listed on the Italian Stock Exchange. The company also manages £90 billion in financial assets.

The app allows both experienced and novice traders to access stock options from over 26 markets. On both Apple Store and Google Play Store the reviews for the Fineco app are consistantly positive over the last years.

4. IG - Best App for Leveraged Stock Trading

The IG mobile app is designed to let customers trade CFDs for over 8,000 shares globally. It offers access to the Asian, US, and European markets. Customers can discover unique opportunities on the market by trading out of hours on over 90 US stocks. With stock price alerts coupled with fast execution speeds, they can react to market volatility quickly.

The app is fast and simple to use. It’s packed with an array of functionalities such as open and close positions on thousands of markets, interactive charts, news, automatic trading alerts & real-time signals, etc., to help traders even when they are on the move. IG is famed for its multiple platforms such as ProRealTime, MetaTrader4, and L2Dealer.

IG deploys a 256-bit SSL encryption technology to ensure traders fund and deal securely. The company also has a solid reputation with over 45 years in operation. It’s regulated by the FCA and keeps its clients’ funds segregated in leading banks.

The mobile app has over a million downloads on Android with good reviews. Customers attest to its intuitive design and speed of trade execution.

5. SaxoTraderGo (Saxo) - Best App for Active Stock Traders

SaxoTaderGo provides access to over 19,000 stocks from the London, New York, and 36 other global markets. The app features a comprehensive account overview module, an in-depth research hub, and innovative risk management tools.

SaxoTraderGo is user-friendly and you can analyse, optimise and manage your trades with tailored tools. You can view trader sentiments, and market movers, and get trade signals through an auto charting tool.

The company offers a three-tier pricing system the classic, platinum, and VIP with different minimum account requirements for stock traders. However, prices vary depending on the stock exchange and markets.

Active stock traders can keep their fees minimal by selecting an account type that matches their investment goals.

Saxo has a banking licence and is regulated by the FCA. It has a solid reputation, having operated for over 30 years in 170 countries.

Customer reviews continue to appreciate the SaxoTraderGo for its intuitive design and functionality.

6. Trading 212 - Best App for Long Term Stock Trading

The Trading 212 mobile app helps investors to invest in over 12,000 stocks from the UK, US, and other international markets. It allows investors to buy fractional shares for as low as £1. There are also CFDs for those who want to speculate on stocks.

The app is innovative and beginner-friendly, with various features designed to help traders launch trades quickly. One of these are the easy-to-use charts powered by TradingView.

The Pie and AutoInvest features help customers build diversified portfolios based on their financial goals. These Pies are flexible, allowing for easy top-ups, adjustments, and interaction with other traders. You can copy trades from Pies made by other investors.

Trading 212 serves over 1.5 million clients and manages about £3.5 billion in clients' assets. Customers' assets are insured up to £1,000,000 per account and further covered up to £85,000 by FSCS.

The app boasts over 10 million downloads on Android. Reviews commend the app for its simplicity, ease of use, and customer service.

7. Degiro - Best App for European Stocks at Low Fees

The Degiro mobile app is a handy tool for stock traders. The app is user-friendly and provides abundant stock trading opportunities for beginners and experienced traders. You can easily monitor your account, get news, open and close positions on the app.

The app gives investors access to the UK and other international stock markets such as the NYSE, Euronext, and Xetra. It connects to over 50 markets across 30 countries globally.

Degiro serves over two million customers. It’s listed on SDAX and operates its banking license to ensure assets and fund security. A separate legal entity also holds assets to safeguard clients’ investments.

The app has over one million downloads on the app store, and boasts good reviews and ratings.

8. Hargreaves Lansdown - Best UK-Based Share Trading App

The Hargreaves Lansdown app (HL App) provides customers access to the UK, North America, and European stock markets. Investors can trade stocks through share dealing or the stocks and shares ISA.

This modern, fast, and easy-to-use app is packed with features to help you manage your accounts and launch stock orders effectively. You can scan a debit card on the app to deposit cash into your accounts. The app lets you create portfolios to track stocks on your watchlist.

The HL uses 128-bit encryption to ensure personal data and funds are safe. Hargreaves Lansdown has operated in the UK market for the last 35 years. The FCA regulates the platform, and funds are covered by the FSCS up to £85,000. Funds are segregated and held by an account trustee for protection.

The app has over 500,000 downloads on Google Play Store with great ratings. Investors commend the progression of the platform over the years, with features added occasionally.

9. Interactive Investor - Best App for Extensive Selection of Shares

The Interactive Investor app offers investors access to over 44,000 UK and global stocks. You can easily manage your account through easy login, smarter watchlists, and deposits.

This app uses a flat fee model which is beneficial for investors who trade huge amounts. Customers can easily align their financial goals due to the clear pricing structure.

The app features a suite of tools for risk management, news insights, trading, and research. These are all aimed at helping both beginners and experienced traders in their investment journey.

Interactive Investor is FCA regulated with FSCS protection. The broker has been operational for over 40 years, serving over 400,000 customers.

The app has great ratings on the iOS app store, with users appreciating the experience on the platform. However, ratings on the Google Play Store are average. The company continues to iterate the Android version for a better user experience.

10. Capital.com App - Best App for CFD Share Trading

The Capital.com app grants traders access to over 3,700 trading instruments including stocks. It’s armed with an EQ-patented intelligent system to improve the user experience.

The company offers an alternative app called ‘Investimate’ that helps prospective traders learn smart investing. It helps you level your stock trading knowledge through video tutorials, interactive courses, and financial definitions.

The app is easy to use, intuitive, and rich in information. It also boasts robust risk management controls, trading tools, news, and transparent pricing

Customers can speculate on over 5,000 stocks via the app. There are also 75 indicators and drawing tools to help investors identify market opportunities. Traders leverage different stocks on offer. It offers the flexibility to hedge position and negative balance protection for CFDs.

The app has over five million downloads on the Android app store. It has rave reviews, with many commending the app's simplicity.

How Do Stock Trading Apps Work?

Stock trading apps are downloadable programs for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, that help investors access the stock market. With these apps, you can run your portfolio, perform analysis, and manage your entire account.

The aim of mobile trading apps is for financial services brokers to bring their services closer to the people. Investors can download stock trading apps from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

You'll need a brokerage account before using a stock trading app. This investment account lets you buy stocks and other financial instruments like cryptocurrencies or options. You can also find the best options trading platforms in the UK to further expand your trading experience.

Many online brokers make apps to match the capabilities and functionalities of the web or desktop versions of their websites. However, there can be slight differences in the user interface and the tools available.

Apps by online stock brokers cater to multiple financial instruments. It’s therefore possible, to carry out small and large trades on a single app. However, some apps are tailored to handle larger and more advanced trades.

Pros and Cons of Using Stock Trading Apps

Stock trading apps allow investors to trade stocks digitally on the financial markets. The experience is drastically different from what traditional brokerages offer.

Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of using stock trading apps:

How Much Money Do You Need to Get Started with a Stock Trading App?

Many stock trading apps have scrapped the minimum deposit requirement. However, you’ll need some amount to kick-start your stock trading journey.

The amount you need to start will be influenced by the stock you want to buy. For example, blue chip stocks are more expensive compared to penny stocks.

Traders with minimal capital to buy blue chip stocks from the likes of HSBC Holdings or Unilever can settle on fractional shares. There’s also the possibility of margin and leverage trading which multiples your potential profits using derivative trading instruments.

Prospective stock traders can start with as little as £100 and can often benefit from stock trading apps that give away free stock. These apps run referral-based promotions to woo new users to their platform. In addtion, To get started with a stock trading app on some of the best ETF platforms, the amount of money you need can vary depending on the platform and your investment goals.

Best Free Trading Apps With Zero Commission.

Top trading apps offer zero commission as a standard. However, please note that other fees may apply.

What Can You Do With a Trading App?

Tradings apps by leading online brokers support a multitude of features. Basic features include buying and selling financial instruments such as stocks, monitoring portfolios, and viewing live feeds. More advanced apps allow investors to have watchlists, copy trade, discuss market activities, and more.

Some online brokers provide investing apps that also give you access to cryptocurrencies, indices, Forex, and commodities.

Other types of trading apps include live and automated trading features. Live trading apps provide investors with real-time market data, analysis, and the ability to execute trades. They allow traders to monitor the live market and make informed decisions.

Traders using automated trading platrorms allow the software to execute trades on their behalf. These apps allow you to input predefined rules that will be executed when conditions are met. These apps can automatically trade stocks, Forex, and other assets. Moreoever, By employing automated stock trading apps, investors gain a significant edge in the fast-paced financial markets, with access to the best day trading platforms for executing timely and strategic trades."

How Do I Choose the Best Stock Trading App?

Stock trading continues to be an attractive way to generate wealth. When choosing the best stocking trading app, consider the following:

• An easy-to-use user interface.

• An extensive selection of stocks

• Rich selection of tools and resources

• Integration with payments methods available in the UK

• Reputable and secure

• Low fees and commissions

• A demo account with virtual money

• Connection to different stock markets globally

• Good customer care

• Platform compatibility

• Good educational resources

Best Stocks and Shares Trading Apps for Beginners

Getting into the stock market can be intimidating for beginners. The best stocks and shares trading apps help demystify the complexity associated with stock trading. The app should be easy to use, carry educational materials, a demo account, minimal initial deposit, social and copy trading features.

Here are the best beginner-friendly stocks and shares trading apps in the UK:

Best Stock Trading Apps for iPhone and Mac

Stock trading apps give users great accessibility and convenience. iPhone and Mac users can download the stock trading app from the app store.

The best iPhone and Mac stock trading apps will provide a seamless and user-friendly experience without platform compatibility issues. Traders can trade, monitor portfolios, and get real-time updates. Here are the top four trading apps for iPhone and Mac.

Best Trading Apps for Windows PC and Android

The best trading platforms in the UK have compatibility to the Windows and Android platform. These two platforms are widely used globally. A good trading app should be fast, user-friendly, affordable, and have a wide selection of tradeable assets.

Here are the best trading apps for Windows and Android.

Are Stock Trading Apps Safe?

This is a fundamental question that every trader must ask themselves before using any trading app. Unsafe trading apps could lead to the loss of funds, assets, and personal data.

In the UK, users must ensure the broker they use is authorised and regulated by the FCA. The FSCS covers funds in the custody of regulated brokers to a limit of £85,000. Other apps have their own insurance schemes for clients’ funds.

Here are some safety measures reputable trading apps implement to secure data and funds:

• Encryption: End-to-end data encryption

• Funds segregation: Keeping clients’ funds securely in leading banks or trustee organizations.

• Firewalls: To limit malicious attempts by external parties.

• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Provides another layer of account protection.

• Backups: To prevent complete data losses

Saxo Markets and eToro are two of the safest stock trading apps. These platforms also subscribe to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which insures the clients' funds.

Are There Trading Apps to Stay Up to Date With the Market?

Yes, investors can use trading apps to stay updated on the latest market information. Many have inbuilt news live feeds and live prices alert functionalities.

Many apps also include learning material on different subjects for traders. Users can watch short clips, and read articles and guides about trading. Demo accounts also help beginners put market theories to the test.

For example, Capital.com has a great library of information packaged in the app, including videos, financial definitions, and guides to help customers in their investment journey.

Can You Use Trading Apps Everywhere in the World?

The availability of trading apps depends on local regulations. However, major countries worldwide allow traders to use these apps, although operational regulations may differ.

Here are some of the best trading apps in the US, Australia, and other countries:

FAQs