Top Tools
The Best Trading & Investment Platforms We Recommend
We’ve tested dozens of trading platforms, investment apps, and financial tools so you don’t have to. Here, we highlight the ones that deliver real results, save time, and help you make smarter financial decisions. Each platform includes key features, pros and cons, and fees to help you choose the right one.
Trading212
Trading 212 is a UK-based trading and investing platform designed for beginners and intermediate investors. It provides access to stocks, ETFs, and CFDs (contracts for difference) through an intuitive, easy-to-use interface on both web and mobile.
Key Features
Trading 212 offers commission-free investing in real stocks and ETFs for UK users, making it one of the most accessible platforms for new investors. The app’s clean design allows you to monitor your portfolio, place trades, and track market movements quickly.
It also includes a free demo account to practise strategies without financial risk, plus a wide range of educational resources.
For more advanced traders, Trading 212 provides access to CFD trading with detailed charting and analysis tools.
Pros:
– £0 commission on real stock and ETF trades
– Beginner-friendly layout with desktop and mobile apps
– Free practice (demo) account and strong educational materials
Cons:
– CFDs and forex are high-risk and may not suit all investors
– Fewer advanced research tools than some professional platforms
Pricing / Charges (GBP):
– Stock & ETF trades: £0 commission
– CFDs & forex: variable spreads (typically 0.1 – 0.5%)
– No deposit or withdrawal fee for UK bank accounts
eToro
eToro is a global investing platform known for its social trading features, allowing users to follow and copy the trades of experienced investors. It combines traditional stock investing with access to ETFs, cryptoassets, and CFDs, all in one platform.
Key Features
eToro offers commission-free trading on real stocks and ETFs for UK investors, as well as the ability to invest in cryptocurrencies and CFDs. Its CopyTrader™ feature lets you automatically replicate the strategies of top-performing investors. The platform also provides a free virtual account, educational materials, and a community-driven feed where users share insights and ideas.
Pros:
– £0 commission on real stock and ETF trading
– CopyTrader™ system for following successful investors
– Intuitive interface with strong social features
– Free demo account available
Cons:
– Wider spreads on some assets compared to traditional brokers
– Limited research tools for professional traders
– Crypto assets are highly volatile and not regulated by the FCA
Pricing / Charges (GBP):
– Stock & ETF trades: £0 commission
– CFD & crypto spreads: variable (typically 0.6%–4%)
– Withdrawal fee: £3.85 (approx.)
– Currency conversion fee: 0.5% on non-GBP deposits
Capital.com
Capital.com is a platform designed for traders who want powerful tools, competitive pricing, and a strong educational focus. It provides access to a wide range of markets, including shares, forex, indices, and commodities, all within an intuitive interface.
Key Features
Capital.com combines modern design with advanced trading technology. It offers more than 3,000 markets, real-time data, and AI-powered insights that help traders understand their behaviour and improve decisions.
The platform includes a free demo account, extensive educational resources through “Investmate”, and 24/7 customer support. Available on desktop and mobile, it’s suitable for both beginners and experienced traders who want a straightforward but capable platform.
Pros:
– Competitive spreads and no hidden fees
– Free demo account and strong educational content
– Clean, modern app design
Cons:
– Primarily focused on CFD trading, not long-term investing
– Limited research tools compared with full-service brokers
Pricing / Charges (GBP):
CFD spreads from 0.1%–0.5%, depending on the market
No deposit, withdrawal, or inactivity fees
Minimum deposit typically £20 (may vary by payment method)
TradingView
TradingView is one of the world’s most popular charting and analysis platforms, used by traders and investors to track markets, analyse data, and test strategies. It offers powerful tools for visualising market movements across stocks, forex, crypto, and indices — all accessible through a modern, browser-based interface.
Key Features
TradingView provides an extensive range of chart types, indicators, and drawing tools that cater to everyone from beginners to experienced analysts. Users can create watchlists, set alerts, and access real-time data across thousands of global markets.
It also hosts an active social community, where traders share analysis and discuss ideas. TradingView is web-based, with mobile and tablet apps that sync seamlessly across devices.
Pros:
– Powerful charting and analysis tools
– Access to global markets and data in one place
– Free plan available with generous features
– Large, engaged trading community
Cons:
– Some advanced features are only available on paid plans
– Can feel complex for absolute beginners
Pricing / Charges (GBP):
– Free plan available with basic tools and ads
– Paid plans from around £10 to £38 per month, depending on features
– 30-day free trial for new users