7 Best ETF Platforms in the UK in 2025
Dom Farnell
Co-Founder
An investor and blogger with a focus on financial markets and wealth management. He’s dedicated to helping others make informed investment choices through straightforward and engaging content.
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Last Updated 11/04/2025
Here are the Top 7 ETF Platforms Ranked:
- Spreadex – Best overall platform for trading ETFs
- IG – Best overall platform for investing in ETFs
- eToro – Social trading, user-friendly, broad asset range
- XTB – Excellent for beginners with commission-free ETFs and easy platform
- Saxo – Preferred for active traders and investors seeking engagement
- Interactive Brokers – Great for experienced investors
- Hargreaves Lansdown – Unmatched for a diverse fund portfolio offering
Featured Brokers
eToro - Best for Beginners
- Copy Trading
- User Freindly Platform
- Regulated & Trusted
- 30 Million+ Users
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
Spreadex
- Spread Betting
- Competitive Spreads
- Trade With Leverage
- User Friendly
72.3% of retail investors lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.
Open an account & deposit £500 to get a 6 month gift subscription to the Financial Times.
How Do These ETF Platforms Compare?
| Rank | Platform | Review Score | Mobile Score | Variety of Assets | ISA? | Trustpilot | Fee Score | ETF Availability | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spreadex | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Over 1,000 global ETFs, 3,000+ stocks, 15 major commodities, and more than 50 forex pairs for trading. | No | 4.6/5 | 4.2/5 | Excellent | FCA |
| 2 | IG | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 18,000+ markets: stocks, ETFs, commodities, currencies, bonds, funds | Yes | 4.1/5 | 4/5 | Excellent | FCA |
| 3 | eToro | 4.7/5 | 5/5 | ETFs, stocks, crypto, CFDs & social trading | Yes | 4.3/5 | 4/5 | Good | FCA |
| 4 | XTB | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 | 2,100+ global ETFs, stocks, commodities, indices | No | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 | Excellent | FCA |
| 5 | Saxo | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 | Invest in 7,000+ ETFs from tech, healthcare, environment and other major sectors | Yes | 3.9/5 | 4/5 | Limited | FCA |
| 6 | Interactive Brokers | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 13,000+ ETFs, global stocks, bonds, mutual funds, options, futures, forex, CFDs | Yes | 3.3/5 | 4.9/5 | Excellent | FCA |
| 7 | Hargreaves Lansdown | 3.9/5 | 3.5/5 | Stocks, shares, funds, bonds, ISAs, SIPPs | Yes | 4.1/5 | 3.5/5 | Excellent | FCA |
Looking to invest in ETFs but unsure which platform to use? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to lower fees and upgrade your tools, choosing the right ETF platform can make a big difference.
In this guide, I’ll cover the 7 best UK platforms for ETF investing in 2025, comparing costs, features, and ISA eligibility to help you find the best fit for your goals.
ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) are a simple, low-cost way to diversify your portfolio. Start by defining your goals—growth, income, or sector exposure—and look for ETFs with low fees and strong performance.
If you’re using a Stocks and Shares ISA, check that your chosen ETF is eligible for tax-free gains. And when in doubt, it’s worth speaking to a financial adviser to ensure your investments align with your long-term strategy.
The Top 7 UK ETF Platforms
Spreadex - Best overall ETF Platform for UK Traders
Pros & Cons
- Customisable Trading Platform: Spreadex offers a highly customizable platform, allowing users to tailor their trading environment to their specific needs, which is ideal for ETF traders looking for flexibility.
- Wide Range of ETFs: The platform provides access to a diverse selection of ETFs, enabling traders to build well-rounded and diversified portfolios.
- Advanced Charting Tools: Spreadex includes sophisticated charting and technical analysis tools, making it easier for traders to analyse ETF performance and make informed decisions.
- No Commission Fees: Spreadex does not charge commission fees on trades, making it more cost-effective for ETF investors.
- Limited Educational Resources for ETFs: While Spreadex provides some educational content, it may not be as comprehensive as other platforms specifically focused on ETF trading.
- Lack of Automated Trading Features: Unlike some competitors, Spreadex does not offer automated trading options, which might be a drawback for traders looking for algorithmic trading or robo-advisory services.
Why we like it?
Spreadex excels in providing a versatile and user-friendly platform tailored for traders who seek flexibility and control.
Their platform is designed with advanced charting tools and customizable layouts, allowing traders to analyse and execute trades with precision.
Spreadex also offers a wide range of ETFs, enabling investors to diversify their portfolios easily.
Their commitment to customer support and educational resources ensures that both new and experienced traders have the guidance they need.
Additionally, Spreadex’s platform is known for its speed and reliability, making it a strong choice for those looking to trade ETFs efficiently.
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.
Offer:
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IG – Market Coverage, Pro Tools, Educational Resources
Pros & Cons
- Wide ETF Selection: IG offers extensive access to ETFs across various markets, enabling diversified portfolio strategies.
- Advanced Trading Platforms: Features sophisticated platforms and apps suited for ETF trading, with tools like advanced charting.
- Comprehensive ETF Resources: Provides in-depth analysis and educational content focused on ETF trading to inform investment decisions.
- Complex Pricing for ETFs: The fee structure for ETF trading can be intricate, potentially confusing for new investors.
- Minimum Deposit for ETF Trading: Certain ETF trading accounts may have higher minimum deposit requirements, limiting accessibility.
- Daunting for ETF Beginners: The vast range of ETFs and advanced tools might overwhelm novices initially.
Why we like it?
IG is renowned for its broad market range and comprehensive additional services, catering to both casual investors and seasoned traders.
With access to over 17,000 markets, including a wide selection of ETFs, IG stands out for its trading technology and versatility.
The platform also offers extensive educational resources and analysis tools, making it suitable for those who seek to trade a variety of asset classes beyond ETFs, including stocks, indices, and forex.
71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.
eToro - Social Trading, User-Friendly, Broad Asset Range
Pros & Cons
- Social Trading Platform: eToro offers a unique social trading feature that allows users to follow and copy the trades of experienced investors, making it particularly accessible for beginners who wish to learn from seasoned traders.
- Diverse Investment Options: With access to over 300 ETFs covering various sectors, geographies, and industries, eToro provides ample opportunities for diversification, allowing users to spread their investments across multiple assets.
- User-Friendly Interface: eToro is designed with a focus on usability, making it easy for both novices and experienced traders to navigate its platform and manage their investments effectively.
- Withdrawal Fees: eToro charges a flat fee for withdrawals, which may deter smaller traders or those who wish to cash out small amounts frequently.
- Limited Advanced Tools for Technical Analysis: While eToro is great for beginners and intermediate traders, it may not meet the needs of advanced traders looking for complex technical analysis tools.
- CFD Trading Risks: A significant portion of trading on eToro involves CFDs (Contracts for Difference), which come with higher risk. This can be a drawback for those looking to invest in ETFs directly rather than speculating on their price movements.
Why we like it?
eToro caters to both novice traders and seasoned investors seeking a dynamic trading experience.
Renowned for its innovative platform, eToro offers a diverse array of investment options, including ETFs, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. It is uniquely designed to support users of all levels through an intuitive interface and social trading features.
With its competitive pricing structure and expansive social trading tools, eToro empowers its users to make informed trading decisions. The platform’s CopyTrader feature, in particular, allows investors to mirror the trades of experienced peers, making it a favored choice for those who value community insights and collaborative investment strategies.
CFDs are complex instruments with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 51% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFD’s 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.
XTB – A Top Choice for Beginners in ETF Trading
Pros & Cons
- User-Friendly Interface: Clean layout and simple tools make it ideal for beginner ETF traders.
- Low Trading Fees: Commission-free ETF investing helps lower costs; just watch for other charges.
- Advanced Features Available: Includes detailed charting tools and educational webinars as you grow.
- Limited Asset Range: Primarily focused on stocks and ETFs—no crypto or fund investing.
- No ISA or SIPP Accounts: Doesn’t support tax-efficient wrappers like Stocks and Shares ISAs.
- Not UK-Specific: While UK investors can use the platform, it's not tailored to UK tax products or pension planning.
Why we like it?
XTB is a standout platform for those new to ETF investing, offering a user-friendly experience that’s easy to navigate and designed with beginners in mind. What makes XTB especially appealing is its commission-free ETF trading, which helps reduce entry costs—although some other fees may still apply, it remains a budget-friendly option for new investors.
As a well-established broker with a strong European presence, XTB combines simplicity with professional-grade tools, giving investors access to a curated list of ETFs, intuitive charting features, and competitive spreads. While it doesn’t offer ISA or pension accounts, it makes up for that with fast execution, real-time data, and a sleek mobile app that makes trading feel accessible without being overwhelming.
73% 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.
Saxo - Best overall ETF Platform for UK Investors and Traders
Why we like it?
eToro caters to both novice traders and seasoned investors seeking a dynamic trading experience.
Renowned for its innovative platform, eToro offers a diverse array of investment options, including ETFs, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. It is uniquely designed to support users of all levels through an intuitive interface and social trading features.
With its competitive pricing structure and expansive social trading tools, eToro empowers its users to make informed trading decisions. The platform’s CopyTrader feature, in particular, allows investors to mirror the trades of experienced peers, making it a favored choice for those who value community insights and collaborative investment strategies.
Pros & Cons
- Extensive ETF Portfolio: Saxo offers an impressive range of over 7,000 ETFs, giving investors unparalleled access to a diverse spectrum of sectors globally.
- Advanced Trading Tools: Traders have access to sophisticated tools and analytics, making it possible to execute complex trading strategies and in-depth market analysis.
- Global Market Reach: Saxo provides a gateway to international markets, allowing for broader investment strategies and diversification.
- Complex Interface for Beginners: New traders might find Saxo's platform overwhelming due to its advanced features and detailed analytical tools.
- Fee Structure: While offering competitive fees, the costs can accumulate, especially for less active traders who might not fully benefit from the fee model.
- Minimum Deposit Requirement: Saxo typically requires a higher minimum deposit to start trading, which may be a barrier for investors with limited capital.
64% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Interactive Brokers - Great for Experienced Investors
Why we like it?
Interactive Brokers is renowned for its advanced trading technology and comprehensive range of investment products, making it a top choice for active traders and investors seeking a robust trading platform.
With access to over 13,000 ETFs, alongside a wide variety of global stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more, Interactive Brokers caters to a diverse clientele, from individual investors to institutional traders.
Its competitive pricing structure, combined with a vast array of sophisticated trading tools, positions Interactive Brokers as a leader in the industry, ensuring that investors have the resources they need to succeed.
Pros & Cons
- Exceptional Trading Tools: Interactive Brokers provides a wealth of advanced tools and technology, empowering investors to trade efficiently and effectively.
- Extensive Investment Options: With access to over 13,000 ETFs, global stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more, it meets the diverse needs of a wide range of investors.
- Competitive Pricing: Interactive Brokers offers a tiered pricing structure that benefits active traders and those with larger portfolios, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
- Costs for Infrequent Traders: The tiered pricing may be less advantageous for those who trade infrequently or maintain smaller balances.
- Learning Curve for Beginners: The platform's extensive tools and features might be overwhelming for new investors, requiring time to master.
- International Access Fees: While offering global markets, trading international assets might involve higher fees depending on the region and asset class.
62.5% 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.
Hargreaves Lansdown – Unmatched for a diverse fund portfolio offering.
Why we like it?
Hargreaves Lansdown is unmatched in the realm of diverse fund portfolio offerings, making it an exceptional choice for investors looking to access a broad range of ETFs and mutual funds.
As one of the UK’s leading investment platforms, Hargreaves Lansdown is renowned for its extensive research, comprehensive investment choices, and premium customer service.
This platform is ideal for investors seeking to build a diversified portfolio underpinned by expert insights and analysis.
Pros & Cons
- Extensive ETF Selection: Hargreaves Lansdown provides access to a wide array of ETFs, ideal for creating a diversified investment portfolio.
- High-Quality Research on ETFs: Offers detailed analyses and tools specifically for ETF investments, aiding in informed decision-making.
- User-Friendly Platform: Its intuitive interface makes it straightforward for investors to explore and manage ETFs.
- Higher ETF Trading Fees: The platform's trading fees for ETFs may be higher than some competitors, potentially impacting returns.
- Overwhelming for ETF Beginners: The breadth of ETF options and data available might intimidate new investors.
- Limited Global ETF Trading: While offering a range of ETFs, the platform may have restrictions on trading international ETFs compared to more global-focused brokers.
Trading and investing involve risk. The value of your investments can go up or down, and you may lose all or part of your capital. These products may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved.
What Do I Need to know about ETFs?
I’ve tried a range of investment strategies over the years, but ETFs—Exchange-Traded Funds—are the one option I keep coming back to. They’re simple, flexible, and ideal for beginners and seasoned investors. Traded like stocks, ETFs bundle together a group of assets, giving you instant diversification without the hassle of picking individual shares.
What Is an ETF?
An ETF is essentially a basket of investments—stocks, bonds, or other assets—designed to track a specific index like the S&P 500 or FTSE 100. I love them because they offer broad market exposure in one easy trade.
How do ETFs Work?
ETFs have been a really flexible and cost-effective way to invest. They’re built to follow the performance of a specific index—think FTSE 100 or S&P 500. What I really like is that, unlike traditional unit trusts or mutual funds, ETFs trade on the London Stock Exchange, so I can buy and sell them throughout the day just like regular shares.
Most of the ones I use are passively managed, which means they simply track an index and keep fees nice and low. That said, I’ve also looked into actively managed ETFs when I want more targeted exposure to certain areas. And because many ETFs are eligible for Stocks and Shares ISAs I can invest tax-efficiently while still keeping things simple and transparent.
Stocks and Shares
Most of my ETFs are equity-based. They give me exposure to everything from large global brands to fast-growing small caps. I also like targeting specific themes without needing to buy individual stocks.
Bonds
When I want to lower risk or steady my portfolio, I turn to bond ETFs. These invest in government or corporate debt and offer more stability than stocks.
Property
Sometimes, I would like the exposure to real estate without the hassle of owning property. That is where property ETFs—especially REIT-focused ones—came in. They’ve given me access to the real estate market without needing to be a landlord. Our expert guide on how to invest in REITs in the UK covers everything from the best REIT platforms to key tax considerations.
What Should I Look For in an ETF Platform?
When I started investing in ETFs, choosing the right platform was one of the biggest challenges. There are so many out there—some built for active traders, others for long-term investors. Over time, I’ve realised the best platform depends entirely on your goals. Whether you’re day-trading niche ETFs or building a hands-off ISA portfolio, your choice of platform can make a big difference.
What’s an ETF Trading Platform?
At its core, an ETF trading platform is an online broker that lets you buy and sell ETFs. But it is not just about placing trades. I look for platforms with real-time data, solid research tools, clean interfaces, and fair fees. If I can’t find or understand what I’m buying, that is a dealbreaker.
How I Trade ETFs
- Research: I use platform screeners to filter ETFs by sector, performance, and fees. I also double-check info where I can.
- Trading: I usually set limit orders to control my buy/sell prices, especially in volatile markets. Market orders work fine for high-volume ETFs.
- Monitoring: I review performance regularly and rebalance when needed. A good platform shows portfolio breakdowns by sector or region, which helps me stay on track.
What are the different ETF Types?
A lot of people ask me whether ETFs and index funds are basically the same. They’re similar in that both often track an index, but there are some important differences I’ve learned over the years:
- ETFs trade like stocks—meaning you can buy or sell them any time during the trading day. That flexibility has been really helpful when I want to react quickly to market news.
- Index Funds, on the other hand, only execute trades at the end of the day. They’re usually fine for passive investors, but I find them a bit rigid for my style.
- ETFs also tend to have lower minimums. You can usually start with the price of a single share, which is great for beginners or anyone dollar-cost averaging.
Passive vs Actively Managed Funds
I’ve mostly stuck with passive ETFs because of their low fees and consistent long-term performance. They’re great for tracking big indices like the S&P 500 or FTSE 100. But I have dabbled in actively managed ETFs too—especially in sectors where I believe active management can add value, like emerging markets or thematic plays (think AI or green energy).
That said, actively managed ETFs usually come with higher fees and more risk, so I always make sure they fit within my broader strategy and that I’m not overweighting one theme too heavily.
ETF Investment Strategies
When it comes to building my ETF portfolio, I’ve found there are a few solid strategies to choose from. I usually stick with passive investing—it’s simple, low-cost, and gives me broad exposure to markets like the FTSE 100 or MSCI World without needing to constantly adjust my holdings.
That said, I’ve explored actively managed ETFs, where fund managers pick and manage the assets in an attempt to beat the market. These can be interesting, but they often come with higher fees, so I use them sparingly.
Lately, I have also been looking into thematic ETFs—ones that focus on things like clean energy, tech innovation, or emerging markets. They’re a great way to invest in trends I believe in.
How Can I Maximise ETF Flexibility and Tax Benefits?
One reason I love ETFs is their flexibility—they work for almost any goal, whether it’s short-term savings or long-term retirement. But picking the right ETF is only part of the equation. Where you hold it matters too, especially when it comes to taxes.
Can You Buy ETFs in a Stocks & Shares ISA?
Yes. ISAs are one of the most tax-efficient ways to invest in the UK. Any gains or dividends from ETFs inside an ISA are tax-free—no capital gains tax, no income tax. I aim to max out my ISA allowance annually, filling it with a mix of global ETFs and income-focused funds. It’s a simple, hands-off strategy that grows quietly over time.
Can You Buy ETFs in a Pension?
You can also hold ETFs in a pension, like a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). That’s what I use for my long-term retirement strategy. Contributions get tax relief, and everything grows tax-free until withdrawal. It’s ideal if you are thinking long-term, though keep in mind your money is locked away until retirement age.
Which Platform Fees Should I Pay Attention To?
Let’s be honest—fees aren’t the most exciting part of investing, but they really matter. Over the years, I’ve learned that even small percentage differences can have a big impact on long-term returns. So when I’m choosing an ETF platform, I take a close look at the full cost picture—not just the headline rates.
Here’s How I Break Down ETF Fees:
- Platform Fee: This is the yearly charge some platforms apply just for using their service. It’s usually a percentage of your portfolio value. Some platforms charge a flat fee, while others scale based on how much you’ve invested. I always calculate this against my expected returns to make sure it’s worth it.
- ETF Fees (Expense Ratios): This is the built-in annual cost of the ETF itself, and it covers things like fund management and admin. I try to keep this as low as possible—most of the ETFs I invest in have expense ratios below 0.20%, which adds up to real savings over time.
- ETF Trading Fees: These are the costs of buying or selling ETFs. Thankfully, many platforms now offer commission-free ETF trading (especially for popular funds), but not all of them do. If you trade frequently, this can eat into your returns—so I always check.
- Currency Conversion Fees: This one caught me off guard early on. If you’re buying a US-listed ETF from a UK platform, for example, you’ll likely be charged a currency conversion fee. Depending on the platform, this can range from 0.3% to over 1%. It’s fine for occasional trades, but if you’re investing abroad regularly, look for a provider with a competitive FX rate.
Pros & Cons of ETF Investing
- Diversification: One ETF can give me exposure to hundreds of stocks or bonds. It’s one of the easiest ways I’ve found to spread risk without building a huge portfolio from scratch.
- Liquidity: Since ETFs trade like stocks, I can jump in or out of a position quickly during market hours. That flexibility is something I really value—especially when markets move fast.
- Lower Costs: Compared to actively managed mutual funds, ETFs are usually much cheaper to hold. And for me, every saved pound goes back into my investments.
- Transparency: Most ETFs publish their holdings daily, so I always know exactly what I’m investing in. No surprises.
- Market Risk: Like any market-based investment, ETFs can (and do) go down in value. I’ve had my fair share of red days, but that’s part of the game.
- Over-Trading Temptation: Because ETFs are so easy to trade, it’s tempting to buy and sell too often. I’ve learned the hard way that this can rack up fees and hurt long-term growth.
- Niche Risk: I’ve dabbled in thematic ETFs—like ones focused on blockchain or clean energy. While exciting, these can be very volatile. Now I keep niche ETFs as a small slice of my overall portfolio.
Is It Safe to Invest in ETFs?
People often ask if ETFs are safe. My answer is that they are safer than individual stocks if you invest smartly. It is important to keep in mind:
Diversification: Most ETFs hold a wide mix of assets, so one poor performer won’t tank your entire portfolio.
Liquidity: Well-known ETFs are easy to buy and sell.
Market Risk: Like any investment, ETFs rise and fall.
Fees: ETF costs are lower than most mutual funds
Interest Rate Risk: My bond ETFs can be sensitive to rate changes. When rates rise, prices drop.
Currency Risk: Some of my ETFs are in dollars or euros. I’ve learned to account for currency swings—they can boost or hurt returns.
My Final Thoughts on ETF Investing
ETFs have been a reliable, cost-effective part of my investment journey. They’re not a silver bullet, but they offer a smart, accessible way to build a diversified portfolio—especially when paired with a clear strategy and a long-term mindset.
I always say: Do your homework, keep your fees low, and stay the course. If you choose the right ETFs and use a platform that suits your goals, ETF investing can be one of the safest and most rewarding paths in your financial toolkit.
At the end of the day, I choose strategies based on my goals, risk tolerance, and how hands-on I want to be.
FAQ
The best ETF platform in the UK for beginners offers user-friendly interfaces, educational resources, and low-cost options. Platforms like eToro and XTB are often recommended for their comprehensive services and support for beginners.
ETF brokers specialise in offering a wide range of exchange-traded funds with lower fees and often provide tools specifically designed for ETF trading. Traditional brokers, on the other hand, offer a broader range of investment products but may have higher fees for ETF transactions.
Yes, you can find specialised ETF brokers in the UK that cater to investors looking to focus exclusively on ETF investments. These brokers typically offer extensive ETF selections, competitive pricing, and specialised trading tools.
Yes, you can find specialised ETF brokers in the UK that cater to investors looking to focus exclusively on ETF investments. These brokers typically offer extensive ETF selections, competitive pricing, and specialised trading tools.
Trading tools on ETF platforms can enhance your investment strategy by providing real-time market data, analytical tools, and the ability to set up alerts. These tools help you make more informed decisions, manage your portfolio efficiently, and identify potential investment opportunities.
FAQ
Top 5 ETF Platforms
1
Spreadex
81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
2
IG
71% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
3
eToro
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
4
XTB
73% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
5
Saxo
Your capital is at risk.
- Low fees for active traders
- Access to global markets
- Advanced trading tools included
- Trusted, FCA-regulated platform
81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
