The Best UK Trading Brokers, Reviewed.
We Review the UK’s Best Trading Platforms, Seriously.
Trusted by 15,000+ Traders Monthly.
The Best Trading Platforms in the UK
The Best Trading Brokers Ranked, Reviewed and Tested.
The best trading platform for UK traders in December 2024 is IG. They offer low spreads, 17,000+ assets to trade, and a great platform suitable for beginners and advanced traders.
£500 Recommended Deposit
Best Overall
IG offers 17,000+ trading instruments and combines robust regulation with cutting-edge platforms like ProRealTime, TradingView, and L2 Dealer.
69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs 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.
£500 Recommended Deposit
Best for Forex
Forex.com is a leading FX & CFD trader in the UK for good reason, backed by StoneX group, trading with them feels fun and enjoyable.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs 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.
£500 Recommended Deposit
Best Platforms
Pepperstone is a Melbourne-based broker that offers an excellent range of assets in the financial trading markets, including CFD's for commodities, shares, ETFs and more.
75.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading on margin with this provider
£500 Recommended Deposit
Best for Service
Vantage Markets in a seasoned provider of both CFD & Spread Betting tools with a range of over 1000+ instruments to trade
70.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs and Spread Bets with this provider.
£500 Recommended Deposit
Best to Spread Bet
City Index is a historic spread betting & CFD Trading brand in the UK, backed by StoneX group, a publicly traded broker in the UK.
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 CFDs 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.
£250 recommended deposit
Best Security
Founded in 2001, ActivTrades is a globally regulated and widely-recognised broker offering incredible educational materials.
83% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs 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.
£250 Recommended Deposit
Best for Investing
XTB offers a proprietary platform with incredible trading resources & educational material in an easy-to-use, low cost trading environment. Perfect for currency traders.
76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with XTB Limited. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
£250 Recommended Deposit
Best for Beginners
Plus500 is a great mobile-first, beginner-friendly trading platform for UK traders looking to get started with CFD trading.
80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
£200 Recommended Deposit
Best TradingView
EightCap is our favourite TradingView broker for CFD trading. No spread betting yet, but great for CFD trading on TradingView.
70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs 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.
Popular Trading Guides
Explore the UK’s Most Popular Trading Broker Guides
Best Stock Trading Brokers
View all the best UK stock brokers.
Best Forex Trading Brokers
View all the best UK forex brokers.
Best TradingView Brokers
View all the best TradingView brokers.
Match with a Trading Broker
Explore the Best Trading Platforms for UK Traders
Find a Trading Broker
Answer the questions below to receive a personalized recommendation. No e-mail required!
Your Broker Recommendations
Latest Articles & Market News
Learn more about Trading & Investing with the Best UK Trading Platforms.
-
Can I Make a Living from Trading in the UK?December 26, 2024 0 11
-
How Trading Platforms Make MoneyDecember 26, 2024 0 11
-
Best MT4 Brokers for UK TradersDecember 20, 2024 0 54
-
Forex Lot Size Calculator UK TradersDecember 18, 2024 0 78
-
Vantage Markets vs Pepperstone: UK Broker ComparisonDecember 17, 2024 0 72
About Trading Brokers
Impartial & Informed Trading Broker Comparisons
The UK’s Best Trading Brokers Compared.
Trading Brokers is dedicated to finding the best trading platforms for UK traders.
We compare the fees, features and functionality of top trading platforms to bring you informed, impartial advice for trading in the UK.
In some cases, we may receive compensation if you decide to trade with a broker but unlike other sites, we do not rank or compare any of the brokers on our site based on commission – we rate spread betting brokers only based on our transparent criteria below & our personal experience.
What We Do
Free Trading Guides & Broker Reviews for Beginners and More Advanced Traders.
Broker Reviews
Need to choose a UK trading broker or trading platform? We provide the best trading platform reviews.
Trading Guides
Want to know the best trading platforms or best TradingView brokers? Our guides will help you get there.
Beginner’s Guides
Want to know the best trading brokers for casual trading or beginners? We provide deep research & analysis.
How We Review Trading Brokers
Important Trading Platform Features for UK Traders
Broker Review Criteria.
Market range: We believe that the depth of the markets offered is an extremely important factor in choosing a broker. Can you trade popular US stocks? Can you trade crosses in FX? All of this is captured in this criteria. Trading Platforms: Whilst unique and proprietary platforms aren’t explicitly a good thing, we do assess whether, and to what extent, brokers have invested in making the platform trading experience exciting and easy-to-use. Customer Service: Want to get in touch to withdraw your money same-day? Have a query about the broker platform and need immediate assistance? All of this will feed into our customer service ratings. Fees: Last but certainly not least, the price paid per lot while trading or on trading accounts matters – all of this adds up and will either hit or reward your bank balance.
All of our reviews are conducted with the highest integrity & review standards – we have actively used all products we review and have shared impartial knowledge on each.
Best Trading Broker in December 2024: IG
UK Trading Platform of the Month
IG has been awarded the “Spread Bet Broker of the Month” having consistently over-performed in our rankings for the range of spread betting markets and tools they offer. With over 17,000+ markets to choose from and a combination of both proprietary and third-party platforms, IG has all bases covered. They provide excellent customer service and fantastic tools to get you started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some Commonly Asked Questions
What are Trading Brokers?
- Trading brokers or sometimes referred to as ‘trading platforms’ are online brokerage services that provide retail traders with access to the financial markets allowing them to speculate on price movements of stocks, commodities and currencies.
What Makes a Good Broker?
- A good broker is hard to define based on one single factor as there are often many factors that go into analysing and selecting a broker including: market range (what you can trade), fees (how much does it cost you to trade), customer service, platforms they offer (cTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView) etc. that’s why we have created Trading Brokers to allow you to see each broker’s strengths and weaknesses.
What is a Trading Platform?
- Trading platforms are not the same as trading brokers, despite their interchangeability in conversation. Trading brokers provide access to the financial markets and deal with the processing of your trades. Trading platforms on the other hand are the actual physical platform that you will be trading on – TradingView, MT4, MT5, cTrader, for example. Some brokers even offer their own proprietary platforms that they have developed in-house.
Best Trading Platforms in 2024
Best Trading Brokers Overall
The best trading platform for UK traders according to our research and criteria is IG. Although, after thorough testing, Pepperstone, Forex.com, and Vantage Markets emerged as top choices for UK traders in 2024.
With over 17,000+ markets, tight spreads, fantastic tools for beginner, intermediate and advanced traders, IG is ideal for both new and seasoned traders. Their reliable execution, trusted FCA regulation and comprehensive educational resources make them an excellent choice for UK traders. However, there may be other factors that you might want to consider when choosing a trading broker. Here are some other considerations:
Wide Market Access
Access to diverse instruments is crucial. IG leads with over 17,000 tradable assets, including exclusive weekend indices like the FTSE 100. City Index offers an impressive 12,000+ markets, while Pepperstone shines with forex pairs and Vantage Markets specialises in CFD trading across global equities and commodities.
Great Proprietary Platforms
When it comes to proprietary platforms, IG sets the benchmark again, with several proprietary platforms offering advanced charting tools and fast execution. City Index’s Web Trader keeps things simple for new traders while providing robust functionality for more experienced users. For those who prefer flexibility, Pepperstone supports integration with cTrader and TradingView, giving you access to powerful third-party tools.
Advanced Analysis and Automation
Experienced traders demand cutting-edge analytics. ProRealTime on IG and TradingView on Pepperstone are standout tools for algorithmic strategies and custom indicators. Meanwhile, IG’s platform integration allows seamless switching between manual trading and automation, perfect for diversifying approaches.
Transparent Fees & Costs
Low spreads and competitive fees define the top 3 brokers. Pepperstone’s Razor account starts at 0.0 pips with a small commission, while IG balances slightly higher spreads with superior tools and a transparent fee structure. Vantage Markets appeals to cost-conscious traders with tight spreads and no deposit fees.
Why Compare Trading Brokers?
Benefits of Comparing Trading Platforms & Brokers
With a combined trading experience of 15+ years and as full-time traders ourselves, we know that it can be difficult to choose the right broker but it’s essential to a successful trading experience. Here’s why comparing trading brokers is important and what you should look for:
Customer Support: Great customer support can be a lifesaver, especially when you’re trading around the clock and require fast assistance.
Cost of Trading: Different brokers use varied pricing structures. Some offer tighter spreads on specific markets, while others might waive commission fees entirely. For spread betting, low spreads directly translate to lower costs and greater potential profits.
Market Variety: Whether you’re interested in forex, indices, stocks, or commodities, the range of markets a broker offers can significantly impact your trading flexibility.
Platform Usability: A broker’s trading platform can enhance your trading experience. User-friendly, intuitive platforms with advanced tools can make a big difference in executing timely trades.
Popular Trading Platforms for UK Traders
What Are The Best Trading Platforms for UK Traders?
Trading platforms are the heart of your trading experience, so it’s important to choose one that fits your trading style and skill level. Most spread betting brokers provide several options, each with its own strengths:
TradingView: Many brokers offer integration with TradingView, a powerful charting tool favoured by technical analysts. If you’re keen on charting and want to combine it with quick trade execution, look for brokers that support TradingView.
MetaTrader 4 (MT4): Known for its simplicity and vast library of indicators, MT4 is ideal for beginner and intermediate traders. It supports automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs), making it popular with traders focused on forex and indices.
MetaTrader 5 (MT5): An enhanced version of MT4, MT5 provides more advanced order types, timeframes, and analytical tools. If you’re interested in trading a diverse range of assets, MT5 is a robust choice.
cTrader: Built with transparency in mind, cTrader offers Level II pricing and customisable charting tools, making it a favourite for scalpers and high-frequency traders. Its intuitive design is also friendly for traders who are new to advanced platforms.
Proprietary Platforms: Some brokers offer their own platforms, which may include unique tools and features. These can be ideal for traders seeking specialized functionalities or a simplified interface for ease of use.
Why Does FCA Regulation Matter?
What Are The Benefits of an FCA-Regulated Trading Broker?
Choosing an FCA-regulated broker is essential in ensuring a safe trading experience. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the UK’s primary financial regulatory body, setting standards for brokers operating within the region. Here’s why it’s important for traders when choosing a trading platform:
Fair Market Practices: The FCA mandates fair play in financial services, enforcing penalties on brokers who engage in fraudulent or manipulative practices. When you choose an FCA-regulated broker, you have peace of mind knowing the broker operates transparently and fairly.
Security and Transparency: FCA-regulated brokers must follow stringent rules to protect traders’ funds, including segregating client funds from their operational funds. This means your money is protected and accessible, even if the broker faces financial difficulties.
Negative Balance Protection: FCA regulation requires brokers to offer negative balance protection, which ensures that traders won’t lose more than their initial investment. This rule is especially beneficial for new traders who might otherwise be vulnerable to significant losses.
Best Trading Platforms for Beginners in the UK
Best Trading Brokers for Beginner UK Traders.
The best trading platform for beginners in the UK according to our research and criteria is Plus500. Plus500 has a fantastic mobile and desktop experience designed for casual and more serious traders alike. They are perfect for beginners, FCA-regulated and provide a seamless, simple way to get started. Feel free to check out our full ‘Brokers for Beginner Traders Guide‘ whenever you want but here are some other considerations for beginner traders in the UK:
User-Friendly Platform Experience
Beginners benefit from intuitive platforms that simplify the trading process. Look for brokers offering MT4, MT5, or a well-designed proprietary platform. Brokers like Pepperstone and ActivTrades provide user-friendly platform options that make navigating trading charts and tools straightforward.
Low-Deposit Requirements
As a beginner, you’ll likely want to start with smaller trades. Brokers with low or no minimum deposits, like Vantage Markets or XTB, are excellent choices for traders looking to ease into the market without a significant financial commitment.
Good Educational Material
Brokers like City Index and IG offer a wealth of educational materials, including tutorials, webinars, and demo accounts, which are invaluable for learning trading basics. Choosing a broker with comprehensive educational content can fast-track your learning and build your confidence as a trader.
Demo Accounts
Demo accounts allow beginners to practice with virtual funds, gaining practical experience without risking real money. Brokers like Pepperstone and IG provide free demo accounts, making it easy to experiment and develop strategies in a risk-free environment.
What Are the Risks of Trading?
Risks Involved when Trading in the UK.
While trading offers access to financial markets and the ability to trade on leverage, it’s essential to understand the associated risks.
Leverage and Amplified Losses: Leverage allows you to control larger positions with a smaller deposit but it also amplifies losses. For example, if you’re trading with 10x leverage, a 1% market move against your position means a 10% loss of your deposited capital. This can quickly deplete your account so it’s crucial to manage leverage carefully.
Market Volatility and Price Movements: While volatility offers profit potential, it also increases the risk of sudden, large losses. UK traders need to be aware of market-moving events and adjust their positions or use risk management tools, like stop-loss orders, to limit exposure.
Overnight and Rollover Costs: Holding positions overnight incurs daily rollover or financing fees, which can add up if you’re holding positions long term. This is especially important for traders who plan to hold positions for several days or weeks. Understanding and factoring in these fees is essential.
Margin Calls and Account Liquidation: Trading on leverage means that only a small deposit (margin) is required to open positions, but if the market moves against you, your broker may issue a margin call. This requires you to add funds to maintain your position, and failure to do so may result in your broker liquidating your trade.
Overtrading: The fast-paced nature of spread betting can lead to emotional trading. Managing emotions and sticking to a trading plan is critical to avoiding unnecessary risk and maintaining a disciplined approach.
