Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
7 Best ETF Platforms in the UK for Beginner Investors
Ruby Layram
9th Apr 2025
So, you’re thinking about getting into ETFs? Good shout. They’re basically the all-you-can-eat buffet of the investing world- giving you a taste of everything without putting all your eggs in one basket. Whether you want a slice of the tech pie or a nibble of global markets, ETFs make it easy to spread your money smartly.
But here’s the thing: choosing where to invest in them can be a bit of a minefield. There are loads of platforms out there, each promising low fees, top-notch tools, and all the bells and whistles. If your head’s already spinning, don’t worry- I’ve done the legwork for you.
Let’s run through the 7 best ETF platforms in the UK that are beginner-friendly, cost-conscious, and simple to get started with.
1. InvestEngine
Let’s kick things off with a gem: InvestEngine. If you’re looking for a platform that’s easy on the fees and your stress levels, this one’s a strong contender.
InvestEngine is all about ETF investing made simple. Whether you’re a DIY investor who wants to pick your own ETFs, or someone who’d rather hand it over to the pros with a managed portfolio, this platform’s got your back.
The DIY option is completely free of account management fees (yes, really), and that’s a big deal if you want to keep more of your money growing instead of lining someone else’s pockets.
They’ve also got one of the widest selections of ETFs in the UK, which makes building a diversified portfolio super straightforward- even if you’re just starting out.
A few standout perks:
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No platform fees for DIY investors
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Managed portfolios available for 0.25% per year (still pretty cheap)
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Fractional investing, so you don’t need hundreds to get started
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SIPP and ISA accounts available—so you can keep things tax efficient
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And if you’re transferring in from another provider? They often run bonuses of up to £4,000. Not too shabby!
The interface is slick, the process is smooth, and the educational content is surprisingly solid for a free platform. It’s ideal for beginner investors who want to dip their toes into ETF investing without getting swamped by jargon or fees.
Best for: Cost-conscious beginners, ISA and SIPP holders, and anyone who wants to keep things simple
Fees: 0% platform fee for DIY investors (ETF fees apply); 0.25% for managed portfolios
Great if you want: A straightforward, no-fuss way to start investing in ETFs without paying through the nose
2. eToro
If you like your investing with a side of social networking, eToro is the platform for you. Think of it as the Instagram of investing- scrollable, swipeable, and surprisingly easy to use.
What makes eToro perfect for beginners is its super user-friendly interface. Even if you’ve never placed a trade in your life, navigating eToro feels a bit like browsing your favourite app.
No scary spreadsheets or finance-speak here.
One of its big selling points? Commission-free trading. Yep, you can invest in ETFs without coughing up fees every time you buy or sell. That means more of your money stays put, doing what it’s supposed to- growing.
But the real showstopper is CopyTrader, their social trading feature. You can literally follow and copy the moves of more experienced investors. It’s like having a money-savvy mate doing the work for you (without them knowing).
Things to keep in mind: eToro does charge withdrawal and inactivity fees, so if you’re planning to let your account gather digital dust, you might want to check the small print.
Also, while it’s fab for placing trades, the platform’s research tools are a bit light, so it might not suit hardcore market analysts.
Best for: Newbies who love a good interface and want to learn from others
Fees: Commission-free trading on ETFs, but withdrawal/inactivity fees apply
Great if you want: An easy, engaging way to invest and copy others while you learn
3. Interactive Investor
Interactive Investor is ideal for those planning to invest a more sizeable amount or build a serious portfolio over time.
What makes it beginner-friendly? For one, the flat-fee model is brilliantly transparent. You know exactly what you’re paying each month (starting at around £4.99), which can be a win if your investments are on the larger side. The more you invest, the better value it becomes.
They also offer a massive range of investment choices, including ETFs, investment trusts, funds, and even ready-made portfolios if you’d rather let the experts take the wheel.
Plus, their educational hub is packed with useful guides, videos, and webinars. Perfect for brushing up on the basics without feeling overwhelmed.
On the flip side, that monthly fee might feel a bit steep if you’re only investing a few hundred quid. And the platform has a few more bells and whistles, so there’s a bit of a learning curve. But once you’ve found your groove, you’re golden.
Best for: Investors with medium to large portfolios and a long-term view
Fees: Flat monthly fee starting around £4.99; trading fees apply
Great if you want: Choice, support, and value as your portfolio grows
4. IG
If you’re the type who likes to swot up before making moves, IG might just be your new best friend.
This platform boasts a massive range of ETFs, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to diversifying. But the real magic lies in their IG Academy- a brilliant educational hub full of tutorials, quizzes, and courses designed to help you level up your knowledge.
New to the game? Try their demo account, where you can practice with virtual funds before putting real money on the line. It’s a great way to dip your toes in without the risk.
That said, IG does charge commission on ETF trades, which isn’t ideal if you’re watching your pennies. And while the platform has a lot to offer, some beginners find the interface a tad intimidating at first.
But hey, stick with it and you’ll soon feel like a pro.
Best for: Curious minds and future investing pros
Fees: Commission applies to ETF trades
Great if you want: A platform that helps you learn as you go
5. XTB
XTB is a bit of a dark horse in the UK investing world- but it’s one worth knowing about.
Why? Because it offers commission-free ETF trading- yes please! That means more of your cash stays invested, working away quietly in the background. And as you get more confident, XTB’s advanced trading tools give you the power to go deeper with your strategy.
If you’re big on learning, they’ve got you covered there too. Expect regular webinars, market updates, and a pretty hefty education section that makes even complex topics feel manageable.
One thing to note: the platform’s a bit more geared toward intermediate users, so there’s a bit of a learning curve. Also, they don’t offer ISAs or pension accounts, so if you’re looking for tax-wrapped investments, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
Best for: Confident beginners and those ready to level up
Fees: 0% commission on ETF trading; other fees may apply
Great if you want: A cost-effective platform with room to grow
6. Freetrade
If you’re after something straightforward, Freetrade is about as clean and simple as it gets. Designed for mobile-first investors, this app strips away the fluff and focuses on what matters: commission-free investing.
You can start investing in ETFs with just a few quid thanks to their fractional share feature- perfect if you’re working with a smaller pot. The app itself is intuitive, slick, and designed with beginners in mind. No jargon, no waffle.
However, if you’re hoping for a web-based platform or lots of research tools, this isn’t it. Freetrade is all about the essentials. And while they cover the main investment types, you won’t find a huge range of exotic ETFs or niche funds.
Best for: Absolute beginners who want a simple start
Fees: Commission-free trades; optional ISA costs £5.99/month
Great if you want: A no-fuss, app-based investing experience
7. Hargreaves Lansdown
Last but certainly not least is the heavyweight of UK investing: Hargreaves Lansdown. It’s a bit like the Marks & Spencer of platforms- reliable, well-known, and just that bit more polished.
They’ve been around forever and have a glowing reputation, especially when it comes to customer service. Got a question? Their support team is just a phone call away, which can be a real comfort when you’re just starting out.
Their research and analysis tools are top-notch, with loads of expert insights, stock reports, and market updates. It’s a dream for those who want to understand what they’re investing in.
On the downside, Hargreaves Lansdown isn’t the cheapest option on the block. Their platform fees can add up, especially if you’re only investing a small amount. But if service and trust are at the top of your list, it’s a worthy choice.
- Best for: Investors who value customer service and in-depth research
- Fees: 0.45% platform fee, plus ETF fund charges
- Great if you want: A premium experience with all the support you need
Choosing the right platform is the key to a positive investing experience. I recommend taking some time to research each of the platforms that we have shared in this guide to learn more about what they offer and how they might fit into your investing strategy.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. When investing your capital is at risk.
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