Best ETF Platforms UK 2025

In a nutshell, the best ETF platforms in the UK are eToro, XTB, and IG. eToro provides a user-friendly platform with commission-free ETF trading, while XTB offers a range of ETFs alongside advanced tools tailored for active traders. IG provides access to a broad selection of ETFs with features suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.

Looking for your perfect ETF platform?

I’ve tested, scored, and ranked the best ETF platforms in the UK.

Whether you’re looking for user-friendliness, safety, or extensive trading options, I’ve got you covered.

This article was reviewed by Tobi Opeyemi Amure, a trading expert and writer at Investopedia, Investing.com, and Trading.biz.

Our top pick

eToro – Best ETF platform in the UK

4.8

30 million users globally trust eToro for their social investing needs, benefiting from a vast array of ETFs.

Pros:

• 300+ ETFs to choose from
• ETF data insights & tools

Visit eToro

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

Top ETF Platforms UK Ranked

Here is a quick list of the best ETF platforms to use in the UK based on my hands-on analysis:

Your capital is at risk.

1. eToro – Overall best ETF platform & great for copy trading
2. XTB – Best for low-cost ETF trading
3. IG – Best for comprehensive ETF selection
4. Plus500 – One of the best for ETF CFD trading
5. InvestEngine – Best ETF platform UK for beginners

Best ETF Platforms Compared for UK Investors

Here I’ve compared the ETF platforms based on five key factors you must consider and compare:

What are the best UK ETF platforms? Ranked

Best ETF Platform & Broker UK Reviews

“Assets invested in global exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have hit a record of $10.32tn off the back of rallying stock markets and resilient inflows”¹.

Choosing the best ETF platform is crucial for newcomers in the market.

Having worked in the retail investment sector in London over the last four years, I had the opportunity to experience the rise in ETFs first-hand.

Additionally, in my role working for one of the UK’s leading financial companies, “a trustworthy and respected provider of news, education and market analysis for the everyday investor”, I was able to work with and test some of the biggest ETF trading platforms on the market.

Using my experience in this field, I’ve compiled a list of the best ETF platforms in the UK based on five key criteria:

1. Number of ETFs available
2. Minimum deposit
3. ETF account fees
4. ETF dealing fees
5. ISA/pension availability

Factors such as usability, research tools, education materials, and additional features were also considered.

All the ETF brokers I’ve reviewed below are regulated by the UK’s financial watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

1. eToro – Overall best ETF platform & great for copy trading

The overall winner on my list of the best ETF platforms and what I recommend is eToro.

With zero commission or fees on ETFs and over 300 to choose from, eToro is a top pick.

If you’re not sure how to invest in ETFs or which ones to choose, its CopyTrader feature allows you to automatically replicate the trades of successful investors on the platform.

They also have over 40 pre-constructed Smart Portfolios available where you can access long-term investment portfolios without paying management fees, these include ETFs.

If you consider yourself a more DIY investor, their platform is one of the easiest to use.

eToro just improved it for ETFs specifically, with three new data resources that are now on all ETF pages (Expense ratios, prospectus links, and annualised return charts).²

The expense ratio is the annual fee you pay for owning an ETF. Displayed as a percentage of the fund’s assets. It lets you determine the fund’s cost and compare various options.

Knowing fees aids in making investment choices. Typically, lower expense ratios lead to higher net returns over time.

An ETF prospectus, given by the company that offers the ETF, shares crucial details for potential investors. Clicking the link shows the ETF’s goals, strategies, risks, costs, and more. Reviewing this helps you grasp the ETF’s strategy, risks, and fees, guiding better investment choices.

An ETF annualised return table shows the ETF’s yearly returns over various periods. It helps you check the ETF’s past results, match them against benchmarks or similar funds, spot trends, and set your investment goals.

The data resources are pictured below:

I would recommend eToro as a top ETF trading platform if you plan to utilise its copy and social trading features. It’s also perfect for investing in other assets such as stocks, forex, CFDs, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

Key rating criteria:

Read my complete eToro review.

Zero commission means that no broker fee will be charged when opening or closing the position and does not apply to short or leveraged positions. Other fees apply including FX fees on non-USD deposits and withdrawals. Your capital is at risk. For more information, click here.

2. XTB – Best for low-cost ETF trading

XTB takes the second spot on the list of the best ETF platforms in the UK, especially for those seeking low-cost ETF trading solutions.

With access to over 1,350 ETFs (1,335 real ETFs and 209 ETF CFDs), XTB caters to a wide range of investors, from beginners to experienced traders.

What sets XTB apart is its commission-free trading on ETFs for UK residents up to a certain volume, making it a cost-effective choice for those just starting their investment journey.

Additionally, XTB offers an ISA option, which adds further appeal for tax-efficient investing.

From personal experience, I found XTB’s xStation 5 platform incredibly user-friendly and packed with features.

The real-time analytics, advanced charting tools, and an intuitive interface make it easy to track and execute trades.

Whether you’re using the web-based platform or the mobile app, the seamless navigation ensures an efficient trading experience.

One feature I particularly appreciated was the free access to XTB’s rich library of educational resources, including webinars and trading guides.

As someone who values continuous learning, these materials were instrumental in helping me refine my trading strategies.

XTB also shines in transparency, providing clear and detailed breakdowns of trading fees.

For example, I noticed that their spreads are competitive, especially for ETFs, which made managing costs more predictable.

Key rating criteria:

73% of retail investor accounts

3. IG – Best for comprehensive ETF selection

The third choice on my list of the best ETF platforms, and what I recommend for investors seeking a wide selection of ETFs, is IG.

With access to over 2,000 ETFs from various global markets, IG stands out as a top pick for investors looking to diversify their portfolios extensively.

IG offers commission-free trading on U.S. shares and ETFs, and competitive fees on UK and European ETFs, making it a cost-effective choice for ETF investing.

The platform provides advanced trading tools and charting features, catering to both beginners and experienced investors.

Its user-friendly interface is optimised for both web and mobile devices, ensuring a seamless trading experience.

For those interested in long-term investing, IG offers a Stocks and Shares ISA, allowing you to invest in ETFs within a tax-efficient wrapper.

They also provide a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) option for retirement planning.

Additionally, IG offers extensive educational resources, including webinars, tutorials, and market analysis, helping you make informed investment decisions.

While IG has many benefits, it’s important to note that there is an £8 commission on UK ETF trades unless you make three or more trades in the previous month, which then reduces the commission to £3 per trade.

Moreover, the platform may seem complex for absolute beginners due to its advanced features.

Overall, I recommend IG for investors seeking a comprehensive ETF selection, competitive pricing, and robust trading tools.

Key rating criteria:

Read my full IG review.

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

4. Plus500 – One of the best for ETF CFD trading

Coming in fourth on my list of the best ETF platforms* is Plus500, which specialises in trading ETFs through Contracts for Difference (CFDs).

With zero commissions on ETF CFDs and over 95 ETF CFDs available, Plus500 is an excellent choice for traders looking to speculate on ETF price movements without owning the underlying assets.

From my experience, the platform’s intuitive and user-friendly interface makes navigating both web and mobile applications seamless. Plus500 offers advanced charting tools and real-time market data, enhancing the trading experience for both beginners and seasoned traders.

For those interested in short-term trading strategies, Plus500 allows you to leverage your trades, potentially amplifying profits—but also risks. The platform provides risk management features like stop-loss and take-profit orders, which I’ve found helpful in managing positions effectively.

It’s important to note that since you’re trading CFDs, you won’t own the actual ETFs or receive dividends. Instead, you’re speculating on the price movements of the ETFs.

While Plus500 doesn’t offer features like copy trading or pre-constructed portfolios, it provides a streamlined and efficient platform for ETF CFD trading.

As of 2025, Plus500 continues to expand its global presence, serving millions of customers worldwide. It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, ensuring a secure trading environment.

Key rating criteria:

Read my complete Plus500 review.

80% 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.

5. InvestEngine – Overall best ETF platform UK for beginners

Coming in at a close fifth, I’d rate InvestEngine as the best ETF platform UK for beginners.

InvestEngine is great for getting the most bang for your buck when it comes to investing in ETFs.

For a fully managed service, you’ll pay a management fee of 0.25% a year. If you’re confident with a DIY portfolio, there is no fee.

If you’re worried about getting started, the robo-advisory service is perfect. While the DIY platform is a great option for experienced investors to diversify their portfolios and risk.

With InvestEngine’s free Stocks and Shares ISA, you can use your annual ISA allowance to invest and shield returns from tax.

The allowance for the 2024/2025 tax year is £20,000. You may want to use your ISA allowance before considering the general investment account (GIA). However, you can also invest in both.

If you’re thinking of switching, InvestEngine provides a free ISA transfer service. Unfortunately, access to Lifetime ISA (LISA) and pensions (SIPPs) is not available.

If you’ve got a business with some extra cash, it may be beneficial to utilise InvestEngine’s business account (depending on interest rates). A unique feature nonetheless.

InvestEngine offers a “Savings Plan” for automated weekly, fortnightly, or monthly investments, reducing your manual input.

If you need guidance on ETF investing, their blog, and educational articles are top-notch.

The robo-advisors will customise your portfolio based on your risk comfort and the platform uses your answers to certain questions to suggest an appropriate portfolio for you.

InvestEngine adjusts your portfolio to align with your goals. Their team ensures your portfolio is set up for the latest market shifts.

With the DIY portfolios, you have access to over 550 ETFs including ESG options.

Keep in mind that the funds themselves charge ongoing fees, but InvestEngine doesn’t control these.

For managed portfolios, these are an ETF charge of around 0.15% per year and a market spread of around 0.07% per year.

For DIY investors, you’ll just pay ETF charges between 0.05% and 0.75%, averaging around 0.24%.

InvestEngine is regulated by the FCA and covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

I recommend InvestEngine. It’s one of the simplest ways to get started with ETFs at a competitive price, difficult to fault.

Key rating criteria:

Read my complete InvestEngine review.

How to Choose the Best ETF Trading Platform & Broker in the UK?

Choosing an ETF platform is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your investing experience and success.

Along with the key rating criteria I used to rank the platforms, here’s what to look for:

• Regulation and Security:
  • Make sure the platform is regulated by a recognised authority, such as the FCA.
  • Check if the platform uses advanced encryption methods and two-factor authentication.
• Range of ETFs Available:
  • The platform should offer a wide variety of ETFs, including those that track major indices, commodities, sectors, or themes.
• Fees and Costs:
  • Understand the fee structure: Are there trading fees, account maintenance fees, or inactivity fees?
  • Look for hidden fees, such as withdrawal fees or fees for receiving paper statements.
• Trading Tools and Research:
  • A good platform provides analytical tools, real-time data, and research reports.
  • Look for platforms that offer educational resources on ETFs, especially if you’re a beginner.
• User Interface and Experience:
  • The platform should be user-friendly, intuitive, and suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.
  • Consider if they offer a mobile trading app and how it’s rated by users.
• Account Types:
  • Check if they offer different account types, such as Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) or Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), which have tax benefits.
• Deposit and Withdrawal Methods:
  • Ensure the platform supports a range of funding methods, such as bank transfers, credit cards, or e-wallets.
  • Check the speed of withdrawals and if there are any associated fees.
• Customer Support:
  • Reliable customer support can be crucial. Check if they offer multiple channels (phone, email, chat) and their response time.
  • Look for customer reviews regarding their support experience.
• Reviews and Reputation:
  • Read reviews from other users on independent review sites.
  • Consider the platform’s overall reputation in the industry.
• Additional Features:
  • Some platforms offer additional features like robo-advisory services, social trading, or demo accounts for practice.

What Is an ETF?

If you’re looking to get into investing, you may have heard of ETFs – but what are they?

An ETF, or Exchange Traded Fund, is a type of security that tracks underlying assets such as stocks, bonds, commodities, and index funds. It is traded on a stock exchange, like a regular stock, and is designed to passively replicate the performance of a particular index or asset.

ETFs are typically cheaper than mutual funds, and they’re also more tax-efficient and easier to trade. They’re popular among investors due to their low cost and the ability to diversify their portfolios.

They can be used to gain exposure to a wide range of assets and markets, and they can be bought and sold like stocks. ETFs also provide investors with exposure to different sectors, regions, and strategies.

They’re a great way for investors to gain diversification and exposure to different markets and asset classes.

How Do ETFs Work?

ETFs are a great way to diversify your investments and get exposure to different markets and asset classes, and they’re relatively easy to trade and manage.

Essentially, ETFs track an index, such as the FTSE 100 or S&P 500, and are traded on exchanges. They can also track a commodity, such as gold, or a basket of securities, such as foreign exchange.

ETFs are typically passively managed, meaning the fund manager doesn’t actively trade the underlying securities, but instead, the fund is managed to match the performance of the index or basket of securities it tracks.

ETFs offer advantages such as low costs and tax efficiency, and they can be bought and sold in real-time throughout the day.

The liquidity of ETFs makes them attractive to investors, and they can be used in a variety of strategies, such as hedging risk and diversifying a portfolio.

ETFs also have the advantage of allowing investors to gain exposure to a broad range of asset classes, without having to buy multiple stocks or funds.

ETF vs Index Fund

An ETF and an index fund are similar in that they both aim to track the performance of a specific market index, such as the S&P 500.

However, there are some key differences between the two:

1. Structure: ETFs are traded on stock exchanges, just like individual stocks, and their prices can fluctuate throughout the trading day. Index funds, on the other hand, are mutual funds that are bought or sold at the end of the trading day at the net asset value (NAV) price.
2. Trading Flexibility: ETFs can be bought or sold at any time during market hours, allowing for intraday trading and the use of various order types. Index funds, being mutual funds, can only be bought or sold at the end of the trading day at the NAV price.
3. Cost: ETFs often have lower expense ratios compared to index funds, as they typically have lower operating expenses. This can make ETFs a more cost-effective option for investors.
4. Minimum Investment: Some index funds may have minimum investment requirements, while ETFs usually have no or very low minimum investment thresholds, making them accessible to a wider range of investors.
5. Tax Efficiency: ETFs are generally considered to be more tax-efficient than index funds due to their unique structure, which allows for in-kind creation and redemption of shares. This can help minimise capital gains distributions and potential tax liabilities.

While ETFs and index funds have similarities and differences, both can be effective investment options depending on an individual’s investment goals, preferences, and trading style.

How Do I Buy ETFs in the UK?

To buy ETFs in the UK, you can follow these general steps:

1. Choose an Investment Platform: Select a reputable investment platform or brokerage that offers access to a wide range of ETFs. Examples of popular platforms in the UK include InvestEngine, eToro, and interactive investor.
2. Open an Account: Sign up for an account with the chosen ETF platform. This typically involves providing personal information, completing verification processes, and agreeing to the platform’s terms and conditions.
3. Fund Your Account: Deposit funds into your investment account using a bank transfer or other supported funding methods.
4. Research and Select ETFs: Take time to explore the available ETFs on the platform and conduct research to find ETFs that align with your investment goals, risk tolerance, and investment strategy. Consider factors such as the underlying index, expense ratio, historical performance, and any specific investment criteria.
5. Place an Order: Once you have selected the ETF(s) you wish to invest in, place a buy order through the investment platform. Specify the number of shares or the amount you want to invest. Take note of any associated trading fees or commissions.
6. Monitor and Manage: After your purchase, keep track of your ETF holdings and regularly review their performance. You may also consider setting up portfolio alerts or using the investment platform’s analysis tools to monitor your investments.

Each investment platform may have its specific processes and features, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the platform’s guidelines and support resources.

How to Choose ETFs

Choosing an ETF involves several considerations to ensure that it aligns with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment strategy.

Here are some tips:

• Objective and Strategy: Determine your investment objective and how the ETF will fit into your overall portfolio. Are you looking for income, growth, or diversification?
• Asset Class and Sector: Decide on the asset class (stocks, bonds, commodities) and specific sector (tech, healthcare, etc.) you want exposure to.
• Expense Ratio: Look for an ETF with a low expense ratio as higher costs can eat into your returns over time.
• Liquidity: Check the ETF’s average trading volume. A higher trading volume generally means better liquidity, which can result in smaller spreads and lower transaction costs.
• Tracking Error: Consider how closely the ETF tracks its underlying index. A lower tracking error is typically better.
• Tax Efficiency: ETFs are usually tax-efficient, but it’s a good idea to consult a tax advisor for implications specific to your situation.
• Dividend Yield: If you’re interested in income, consider the ETF’s dividend yield and payment frequency.
• Historic Performance: While past performance isn’t indicative of future results, it can give you an idea of the ETF’s volatility and potential returns.
• Provider Reputation: Choose an ETF from a reputable provider known for good customer service and strong management.
• Read the Prospectus: Always read the ETF prospectus for detailed information on the investment objectives, risks, fees, and other crucial details.

After evaluating these factors, you’ll be better equipped to select an ETF that aligns with your investment needs.

Pros & Cons of ETFs

Here are the pros and cons of investing in ETFs³:

Pros:

1. Diversification: ETFs often contain multiple assets, reducing the risk associated with investing in single stocks.
2. Lower Costs: ETFs generally have lower fees compared to actively managed mutual funds.
3. Liquidity: ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the trading day, offering flexibility.
4. Tax Efficiency: The structure of ETFs often results in fewer taxable events for investors.
5. Transparency: Most ETFs disclose their holdings daily, allowing investors to know exactly what they own.

Cons:

1. Trading Costs: Some brokerages may charge commissions for buying and selling ETFs.
2. Market Risk: While diversified, ETFs are still subject to market volatility.
3. Tracking Error: Some ETFs may not perfectly track the performance of the underlying index.
4. Complexity: Specialty or leveraged ETFs⁴ can be complex and may not be suitable for all investors.
5. Dividend Payment: Some ETFs may not pay dividends, depending on the underlying assets Accumulation ETFs do not pay a dividend.

Final Thoughts

ETFs can be a great way to diversify your portfolio and get exposure to different asset classes.

With a trusted ETF trading platform, you’ll get access to a wide range of ETFs at a low cost.

eToro, Plus500, and InvestEngine are all great options for investing in ETFs, each offering unique features and benefits as discussed above.

No matter which platform you choose, understanding how ETFs work and doing your research is essential.

Our top pick

eToro – Best ETF platform in the UK

4.8

30 million users globally trust eToro for their social investing needs, benefiting from a vast array of ETFs.

Pros:

• 300+ ETFs to choose from
• ETF data insights & tools

Visit eToro

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

FAQs

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Sources:

1. https://www.ft.com/content/23b3c88a-3e76-47c1-bda7-0e5bd53b03c6 ↩︎
2. https://www.etoro.com/news-and-analysis/etoro-updates/investing-etfs-check-out-data-points/ ↩︎
3. https://www.bayes.city.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2023/june/exploring-the-pros-and-cons-of-index-funds-and-etfs ↩︎
4. https://www.sec.gov/investor/pubs/leveragedetfs-alert ↩︎