Claire Maumo has experience in investment banking, strategic consultancy, and journalism. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s in finance. She has a knack for making complex concepts easy to understand. Her primary focus is on crypto, blockchain, and financial instruments. Follow her for expert insights on trading and investment.
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With the increasing demand for trading apps in the UK, many traders are looking for the best options for managing their activities. The best element about trading with apps is that they make it easier for you to create a work-life balance. You can still focus on other personal activities while exploring the financial market on the go. But, how do you make a suitable choice among hundreds of options available?
Since conducting research can be overwhelming, especially for newbies. In this case, we decided to manage all procedures for you. Our tests and analysis were thorough, and we list below the best trading apps in the UK 2024 approved by our experts. Plus, this guide enlightens you on what mobile trading is, how to make the best choice, and more.
List of the Best Trading Apps in the UK
- AvaTrade – Overall Best Trading app in the UK
- FxPro – Top Trading App For Forex Traders
- IG Markets – Best Trading App For Professional UK Traders
- eToro – Beginner-Friendly Trading App in the UK
- FP Markets – Top Stock Trading App in the UK
- Plus500* – Best CFD Trading App in the UK
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
UK Trading Apps: Comparison Table
Our research process for identifying and recommending the best trading apps UK took hours to complete. We started by collecting hundreds of apps, prioritising their regulatory status. We only considered those that were licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Besides conducting multiple tests, we compared the brokers we sampled based on various elements. These include fees, platform performance, demo accounts, support services, and more. We then combined our test results with the findings we gathered from user testimonials.
Here is a table we share highlighting the main features we discovered on our top UK trading apps. We encourage you to compare them and make a suitable choice.
Best Trading App UK | Licence | Support Service | Software | Payment | Demo Account | Money Insurance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AvaTrade | CBI, CySEC, ASIC, BVIFSC, FSA, SAFCSA, ADGM, ISA | 24/5 | MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, DupliTrade, Capitalise.ai | Credit/debit cards, Wire transfer, Paypal, Skrill, NETELLER, WebMoney | Yes | Yes (up to $1,000,000) |
FxPro | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB | 24/5 | FxPro Mobile App, MT4, MT5, cTrader, FxPro WebTrader | Credit/debit cards, Bank wire transfers, Neteller, Skrill, PayPal | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
IG Markets | FCA, BaFin, MiFID, CySEC, FINMA, DFSA, FSCA, MAS, JFSA, ASIC, CFTC, BMA | 24/5 | Online platforms, Mobile apps, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, US options and futures | Credit/debit cards, Bank wire transfers, Neteller, Skrill, PayPal | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
eToro | ASIC, CySEC, FCA, FSAS | 24/5 | eToro investing platform, Multi-asset platform, Copy Trader | Credit/debit cards, PayPal, Bank transfer, Neteller, Skrill, eToro Money, Online Banking | Yes | Yes (up to $250,000) |
FP Markets | FCA, FSCA, ASIC, CMA, CySEC, FSA | 24/7 | MT4, MT5, TradingView, cTrader, WebTrader, Mobile App, Copy Trading | Credit/debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, Bank transfer, Google Pay, Apple Pay | Yes | Yes (up to $500,000) |
Plus500* 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS, FSA | 24/7 | Plus500 Webtrader | Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/debit cards, Paypal, Skrill | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
Apps Short Overview
When choosing the best trading app in the UK, it is crucial to prioritise your trading requirements. From our analysis, many traders will consider regulatory status, fees, and asset offerings. However, making comparisons can be a lengthy process. That is why we share the tables below showing brief overviews of the fee structures and assets offered by our top UK trading apps.
Fees
Best Trading App UK | Fees | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Transaction | Inactivity |
---|---|---|---|---|
AvaTrade | 0.09 pips | £100 | Free | £50 quarterly |
FxPro | From 0.0 pips | £100 | Free | £10 one-off account maintenance fee after 6 months |
IG Markets | From 0.6 points | £0 | Free | None |
eToro | From 2 pips | £100 | £5 withdrawal | £10 monthly |
FP Markets | From 0.0 pips | £100 | Free | None |
Plus500* | From 0.0 pips | £100 | Free | £10 monthly |
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Assets
Best Trading App UK | Forex | Cryptos | Stocks | Commodities | ETFs | Options |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AvaTrade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
FxPro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
IG Markets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
eToro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
FP Markets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Plus500* (CFDs) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Our Expert Opinion about Trading Apps in the UK
We find these tradings listed here the best for various reasons, which we will share in our mini reviews below. We hope you also find them intriguing and choose what’s best for you after making comparisons.
1. AvaTrade – Overall Best Trading app in the UK
We had one of the most exciting experiences trading at AvaTrade. No wonder the majority of users on Google Play and the App Store highly rate it. It has a user-friendly platform with a modern design. The app is also customisable, which allows you to trade long-term even as you continue advancing your skills. Plus, we discovered robust security measures, including face and touch IDs, passcodes, and more.
When it comes to asset offerings, AvaTrade’s app gives you access to more than 1250 options. These include forex, shares, commodities, indices, cryptos, and more, all of which you get to trade as CFDs. We also like its low trading charges and the ability to support social and copy trading. For those looking for advanced resources, this app partners with third-party platforms like the MT4 and MT5 to ensure you get everything you need.
Pros
- Low minimum deposit requirement of £100 for UK clients
- Low spreads from 0.9 pips on major currency pairs
- A highly rated and secure app
- Features quality learning and market analysis materials
Cons
- Only CFD trading supported
- It has a £50 quarterly inactivity fee that kicks in after only three months
Our experts investigated the AvaTrade broker’s fees and charges. We first noticed that the platform has a modest minimum deposit requirement of $100. What’s more, its users pay no additional costs while depositing funds or cashing out. That makes AvaTrade an ideal broker for both cost-conscious and newbie traders who want to test their waters with small capital before going all in.
That said, AvaTrade requires dormant account holders to pay $50 after every 3 consecutive months of inactivity. Moreover, if you let your account remain inactive for over successive months of inactivity, the broker will charge you a $100 administration fee. Not to forget, AvaTrade requires traders who hold positions overnight to cover a premium.
Here’s a breakdown of the fees you should expect to encounter while trading with this service provider:
Fees and Charges | Amount |
---|---|
Spreads | From 0.9 pips |
Administration fee | $100 |
Inactivity fee | $50 |
Overnight premium | Yes |
2. FxPro – Top Trading App For Forex Traders
FxPro is a suitable trading app for UK forex traders, thanks to its support for quality resources for forex trading. Besides listing more than 70 currency pairs, we like its ultra-low forex fees, which start from 0.0 pips on major currency pairs. Moreover, this app hosts third-party platforms, including cTrader, MT4, and MT5, known to host advanced resources. We also recommend FxPro for forex trading due to its micro lot trading services, thus offering an opportunity to low-budget traders.
Besides forex, FxPro is home to over 2100 securities, including shares, indices, futures, energy, and more. Moreover, it has a low minimum deposit requirement of £100, and you get to transact without incurring any additional cost. With a fast trade execution speed and plenty of learning materials, any trader can try FxPro. The best part is that it has a demo account for testing it before making a commitment.
Pros
- A user-friendly mobile app for Android and iOS devices
- Low minimum deposit requirement of £100 for UK clients
- Hosts quality trading tools on its FxPro web, cTrader, MT4, and MT5 platforms
- Lists over 70 currency pairs
Cons
- Offers only CFD trading
- No EA trading on its FxPro proprietorship platform
Admittedly, FxPro isn’t the cheapest broker today. The company requires first-time users to make a $100 initial deposit to use a standard account, which is reasonable but can’t be termed as the lowest threshold. Also, Raw+ account holders must make an initial deposit of $500 or more. Additionally, anyone interested in the company’s Elite account offering must be ready to meet the $30k minimum deposit mandate. Please review and understand FxPro minimum deposit requirements before registering a live account.
When it comes to spreads and commissions, FxPro has juicy offerings. Everyone who opts for Raw+ or Elite gets the opportunity to enjoy sharp spreads starting from 0 pips. The numbers are higher for Standard Account owners, with the lowest spreads starting from 1.2 pips.
We have some good news for those worried about transaction fees inflating costs. FxPro doesn’t charge additional deposit or withdrawal fees. However, you may have to cover charges inflicted by financial institutions, depending on your preferred funding method.
Here’s an overview of the FxPro broker fees and charges:
Fees and Charges | Amount |
---|---|
Minimum deposit | $100 |
Spreads | From 0 pips |
Transaction fees | $0 |
Currency conversion fee | Yes |
3. IG Markets – Best Trading App For Professional UK Traders
From our tests and comparisons, we primarily recommend IG Markets to professional clients. Its fast trade execution speed makes it easier for professional clients to manage multiple trades within a day. Moreover, we like that it has incorporated share and ETF investment in its portfolio. This allows you to alternate between CFD trading and long-term investing anytime you see fit within a single platform. IG Markets also hosts US-listed options and futures, which you get to trade with commissions starting from £1 per contract.
Overall, we discovered over 17,000 instruments to trade and invest in. CFD trading and spread betting are supported, which attracts all types of traders. And when it comes to the availability of market analysis tools, there is a vast selection that will leave you spoilt for choice. These resources are offered on its Web, ProRealTime, L-2 Dealer, and MT4 platforms. On top of that, you can rely on IG Markets’ 24/7 support service, which has proven efficient and reliable in managing users’ concerns.
Pros
- Hosts a demo account with £10,000 virtual funds for beginners to get started with
- It recently introduced US-listed options and futures, giving UK users an opportunity to expand their portfolios
- No minimum deposit requirement for UK clients
- Hosts 17,000+ securities across various classes
- Multiple trading platforms for all types of traders
Cons
- High trading and investing fees compared to its peers
- It has plenty of advanced tools that can confide beginner traders
Both low-budget and high-budget individuals can trade on IG Markets since this broker has no minimum deposit requirement. You can top up your account with whatever is within your budget limitations after signing up with this terrific service provider. Note that IG Markets charges spreads and commissions that vary from one asset to another. For instance, the spreads for currency pairs like AUD/USD and EUR/USD start at 0.6 points. On the other hand, the charges for shares start at 0.08% commission per side. You can also trade spot gold and other commodities, whose spreads start at 0.3 points.
We’ve highlighted some of the fees and charges that our experts discovered while exploring and evaluating IG Markets.
Fees and Charges | Details |
---|---|
Account opening charge | $0 |
Spreads and commissions | Starting from 0.1 points/ 0.08% commission per side |
Overnight funding | Yes |
Guarantee stop premiums | Yes |
Direct Market Access | Variable commission |
Live price data fees | Variable monthly fee |
Currency conversion fee | 0.8% |
Account inactivity fee | $0 |
4. eToro – Beginner-Friendly Trading App in the UK
eToro is an excellent choice for beginners not only because of its user-friendly interface but also plenty of learning materials on its eToro Academy platform. We discovered many articles, guides, recorded videos, webinars, and more. Plus, the app has a £100,000 virtually funded demo account, which will help any new trader become familiar with the UK’s financial market free of charge. It is also among the most highly rated apps by users.
Note that eToro has an award-winning CopyTrader platform supporting social and copy trading. Through this platform, newbies will mingle with other traders and discover new trading tips and ideas. They are also free to follow the professional ones so they will mirror their potentially profitable positions. When it comes to asset offerings, over 6,000 options are available. You can engage in both long-term and short-term trading and investing at eToro with as little as £100.
Pros
- Low minimum deposit requirement for UK clients
- Plenty of learning resources and a virtually funded demo account
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
- Fractional share purchases are supported
Cons
- A £5 withdrawal fee applies
- High trading charges compared to its peers
eToro has a transparent fee structure that is easy to understand and helps you plan accordingly. From our analysis, we discovered the following trading and non-trading eToro fees.
Trading and Non-Trading Charges | Details |
---|---|
Account Opening | $0 |
Management Fee | $0 |
From $50, depending on your jurisdiction | 0.6 |
Commission | From 0% on stocks and ETF trading |
Spreads | From 1 pip on major currency pairs |
Deposits and Withdrawals | $5 withdrawal |
Inactivity | $10 monthly |
Currency Conversion | 1.5% or 3.0%, depending on the currency or payment method |
Overnight Funding | Varies based on global market conditions |
Copy Trading | Free |
5. FP Markets – Top Stock Trading App in the UK
We had an amazing experience trading stocks at FP Markets’s app. Although stock trading is only supported as CFDs, there are numerous market analysis tools for strategy development. The app is also one of the most easy to use and has a fast trade execution speed. We efficiently participated in day trading without experiencing any technical glitches. The third-party platforms on which we traded stocks include MT5, MT4, cTrader, and TradingView.
There are more than 10,000 stocks on global exchanges listed at FP Markets. While there are multiple trading accounts, share trading at its Iress was amazing. Leverage limits go up to 20:1 for retailers and 500:1 for professional traders. Additional assets are also at your disposal for portfolio diversification. These include forex, indices, commodities, ETFs, and more.
Additionally, the FP Markets stock trading app offers a seamless experience for those looking to trade on the go.
Pros
- £100 minimum deposit requirement, which we find low
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- Quality learning and research materials
- Multiple trading platforms to choose from
- Features social and automated trading
Cons
- Stocks are offered for CFD trading only
- Accessing the Iress account requires a £1,000 minimum deposit, which in our opinion, is high
We reviewed the applicable FP Markets fees, and like that the broker has a transparent structure. This allows users to efficiently plan for their activities without worrying about incurring additional costs. There are no hidden charges and no price manipulation with this broker.
Trading and Non-Trading Charges | Details |
---|---|
Account Opening | $0 |
Management Fee | $0 |
Minimum Deposit Requirement | From $50, depending on your jurisdiction |
Commission | From 0% |
Spreads | From 0.0 pips on major currency pairs |
Deposits and Withdrawals | Free deposits. Withdrawal fees apply based on the payment method used |
Inactivity | $0 |
Overnight Funding | Varies based on global market conditions |
Copy Trading | Free |
6. Plus500 – Best CFD Trading App in the UK
CFD trading has been made easy with Plus500. From our analysis, Plus500 is among the most highly rated by users. Plus, it supports over 2,000 CFD assets across multiple classes, including shares, forex, commodities, indices, ETFs, and more. All these are available to trade commission-free with spreads starting from 0.0 pips. We also like that Plus500 supports free transactions across multiple payment methods like credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.
We started trading at Plus500 app with a minimum deposit of £100. We consider this low compared to other apps with higher requirements. Note that Plus500 has the interest of beginner traders at heart. Besides hosting quality learning materials, there is a virtually funded demo account to get started with. For advanced traders, there is a “Professional Trading” platform with advanced unique resources. These include higher leverage limits up to 1:300.
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Pros
- Low minimum deposit requirement
- An easy-to-use and customisable platform
- Diverse CFD assets to explore
- Commission-free trades
Cons
- No social trading
- Charges a £10 monthly inactivity fee that kicks in after only three months
Many traders prioritize brokers they can afford. Since fees vary with a broker, we decided to go through Plus500’s fee structure. Here are some of the trading and non-trading charges to expect when you commit to this broker.
Trading and Non-Trading Charges | Details |
---|---|
Account Opening | $0 |
Minimum Deposit Requirement | $100 |
Commission | $0 |
Spreads | From 0.0 pips on major currency pairs |
Deposits and Withdrawals | $0 |
Inactivity | $10 monthly |
Currency Conversion | Up to 0.7% |
Overnight Funding | Varies based on trade size |
Mobile Trading in the UK
Mobile trading in the UK has transformed the way traders manage their positions. Gone are the days when traders used to be glued to their desktop screens the whole day or find physical locations to trade. With mobile trading, it’s now easier for you to access the financial market anytime using your tablet or smartphone. Plus, mobile trading allows you to access market analysis resources, receive alerts and notifications, and more.
There are many trading apps in the UK, thanks to the high demand and advancing technology. Every broker wants to stand out, thus creating apps with cutting-edge technologies for iOS and Android mobile devices. Mobile trading works just like desktop trading, and all you have to do is make a suitable choice for your requirements.
The financial market in the UK is overseen by the FCA. This means that every broker offering mobile trading must be licensed and regulated by this authority. Having an FCA-regulated app secures your funds, thus keeping you away from fraudsters and scammers. The FCA strives to maintain the integrity of the UK’s financial market and ensure all traders enjoy favourable trading conditions and environment.
Like any other business venture, mobile trading in the UK is subject to tax deductions. This means that any profits you earn from the activity must be taxed and reported to the HMRC. Plus, trading using a mobile device doesn’t guarantee profits. You must conduct extensive market research and be familiar with the asset you are trading for an increased potential. It is also advisable to alternate between desktop and mobile trading, considering the wider screens desktop devices have.
Mobile Trading vs Desktop
There is no huge difference between mobile and desktop trading. This is because they both require an internet connection to give you access to the financial space. Plus, the best desktop and mobile trading platforms offer quality resources for skills and strategy development. The only difference is their screen size, which desktop devices shine on. Mobile trading also allows you to manage your positions while on the move.
Many UK traders prefer alternating between mobile and desktop trading. You can consider desktop trading if you are not always mobile, and spend most of your time at home or the office. It is perfect for long-term investments, as this venture doesn’t require frequent monitoring.
However, mobile trading is for those who are always on the move, as it offers more flexibility than its desktop counterpart. You can use mobile trading for strategies like day trading or scalping, as they require constant monitoring and should be closed within a day.
Overall, both desktop and mobile trading have their benefits. Regardless of your preference, be knowledgeable about an asset you plan to trade and conduct extensive research for solid strategies. Most importantly, apply risk management controls, especially on volatile assets whose price constantly changes.
How to Choose the Best Trading App UK
Trading with the best app in the UK exposes you to diverse opportunities. Not only are you guaranteed a secure platform but also quality resources. Simply put, the best trading app will maximise your potential and experience. To identify the best app, various elements must be looked into, including the following:
The security of a trading app you commit to must be looked into keenly. Besides being highly encrypted, ensure the app is offered by an FCA-regulated broker. This guarantees your funds’ safety since they will be stored in segregated accounts that are only accessible to you. Note that some apps have licences from multiple jurisdictions. This proves that global traders trust it, and you will enjoy your experience.
The app you trade with should be affordable. While many do not have account sign-up charges, other trading and non-trading costs apply. These include commissions/spreads, deposit and withdrawal charges, currency conversion fees, financing costs, and more. It is also crucial to confirm the minimum deposit requirement and decide whether you can afford it. Overall, the best trading app UK should have a transparent fee structure with no hidden charges.
While trading apps UK simplify your trading activities, the best must be easy to use and customisable. It is advisable to stick to an app long term than keep switching, which can end up confusing you. Plus, the app should host quality resources for strategy and skills development. It should also have a demo account to help you understand its performance in a risk-free environment before risking your hard-earned money.
The financial market hosts numerous assets, including stocks, forex, commodities, indices, cryptos, and more. Therefore, choose an app hosting the options you prefer and are familiar with. Having plenty of offerings means it will be easier for you to explore new ventures and easily diversify your portfolio.
A reliable and reputable support service is what you need when trading using an app in the UK. You see, challenges are bound to occur, and even the most professional traders have their bad days. In this regard, you should gauge the responsiveness of an app’s support service. Plus, ensure they can be contacted via convenient channels and are accessible within your trading hours. This is whether it’s 24/7 or five days a week.
You should confirm what previous and current users have to say regarding their experiences with a trading app you are considering. To get honest comments and ratings, visit Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot. Sample as many reviews as possible to understand what makes an app stand out from a user perspective. Of course, there will be negative comments as well. But make a decision based on what intrigues you most.
Mobile Trading Risks
Like desktop, mobile trading is risky, and you must approach the venture strategically. But before you do, understand these risks so you can make the best decisions that will maximise your profitability. Some of the mobile trading risks include:
- Security risks
Trading using mobile devices exposes you to cyber attacks. If you do not trade with a highly encrypted app, your personal details may fall into the hands of hackers. Moreover, technical glitches and unstable internet may affect your open position. This may lead to you incurring losses in the long run.
- Cash management risks
Mobile trading exposes you to the financial market 24/7. Therefore, if you do not have a cash management plan, you may find yourself spending more than you had planned for. Emotions like fear, excitement, greed, and more, may cloud your decisions. It is essential to have a plan and stick to it while trading.
- Liquidity risks
In the financial market, many assets are highly liquid while others aren’t. Trading illiquid assets can sometimes put you at risk of losing money. This is especially if you want to sell the asset but do not have any market at your disposal. Liquid assets are also risky, as their prices may drastically fluctuate, thus confusing you with the right decisions to make.
- Leverage risks
Mobile trading comes with leverage, which is like a double-edged sword. Leverage trading allows you to manage larger positions with a small capital. It can magnify your gains as well as amplify your losses. With this risk, you must conduct market research for solid strategies. Most importantly, understand everything about leverage and only risk amounts you are comfortable losing.
- Volatility risks
The financial market is volatile, and assets’ value frequently fluctuates. This makes it challenging for mobile traders to analyse prices and identify the best entry and exit points. Being familiar with an asset and tracking its performance will help you increase your chances of managing profitable trades in this landscape.
Take a look at our additional article discussing Investment Apps in the UK.
Pros & Cons of Mobile Trading
Mobile trading has encouraged many UK traders to join the online trading bandwagon. It has numerous benefits and a few pitfalls to note. These include:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Ability to trade from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet. | Smaller screens and low processing power compared to desktop devices. |
It offers streamlined transactions, as orders can be executed quickly and effortlessly. | Mobile trading confines traders to a single screen, unlike desktop, which allows users to manage multiple screens. |
Access to live data 24/7, enabling you to make the best decisions. | |
You can track your activities anytime, making it easier for you to benefit from frequent but short-term opportunities. | |
Instant trade execution with a few taps on your screen. |
Conclusion
Mobile trading in the UK has been one of the best additions in the financial landscape. However, regardless of the top-notch resources and tools introduced, there is no profit guarantee. You still need to conduct extensive market research and develop solid strategies before. For beginners, get started on your app provider’s demo account and risk only funds you are comfortable losing. Risk management controls like stop-loss, and take-profit orders will also help mitigate losses. This is if a trade fails to work out in your favour. Overall, our top trading apps UK have excellent resources and services. Choosing from the list guarantees maximum security and an exciting experience.