Best Trading Apps in the UK 2025

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James Barra

James is a UK-based writer and investor with consultancy experience at some of Britain's largest financial organisations. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a row of investing websites.

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Jemma Grist

Jemma is an investment writer located in the UK. She covers forex, stocks, and cryptocurrency markets, providing detailed research and in-depth analysis on different brokers and investment trends in the UK and further afield.

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Explore the best UK trading apps, informed by our years of personal experiences and feedback from millions of British investors on the App Store and Google Play. Many of our top apps cater specifically to British traders with convenient mobile deposits using GBP accounts and regulation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

When brokers rely on third-party apps like MT4 or MT5 instead of proprietary trading software, we’ve displayed those apps’ store ratings. Please note app store ratings may change.

Comparing Trading Apps

In recent years, we’ve seen a shift towards mobile investing, with trading app downloads in the UK doubling to 8.5 million from September 2020 to September 2023, according to Fintech Global.

Trading apps have also evolved. Gone are the days when you could simply buy and sell shares, the leading applications today cater to investors at every level with integrated research tools, price alerts, in-app support, and mobile wallet deposits.

Yet despite millions of pounds pouring into app development, the hallmarks of an exceptional trading app remain consistent:

We unpack our app testing methodology in more detail below.

They Are User-Friendly And Smooth To Operate

It’s key to choose an app that’s easy to use and navigate, focusing on smart decision-making amidst the growing number of applications in the UK introducing distractions like perks for frequent deposits, such as Stash.

Therefore, we rate online trading apps by their mix of helpful features against information overload and needless extras, only suggesting those that offer a superior mobile trading experience for investors of every level.

XTB iOS trading app

They Have A Wide Investment Offering

Downloading an app that provides access to the markets you want to trade is essential. For UK traders, this could include shares on the London Stock Exchange, the FTSE 100 index, and currency pairs with the British Pound like the GBP/USD.

IBKR App

However, we also look for apps that provide access to a wide range of global markets, such as US, European, Asian and Australian equities, ensuring a diverse range of trading opportunities across different sectors and industries.

Moreover, we recognise the needs of different traders. Short-term traders may prefer platforms like CMC Markets for CFDs and spread betting in a fast and dependable app, while long-term investors might prefer XTB for share dealing and its new Investment Plans which are available exclusively in the app, and allow you to build tailored portfolios from 390 ETFs.

They Offer Excellent Pricing

Choosing an app with low fees is crucial for both active and casual traders to maximise returns. That’s why we regularly assess fees across key markets like stocks, indices, commodities and cryptos to find low-cost apps for all types of traders.

IC Markets Spreads

We also factor in the needs of different traders. For example, new stock investors might lean towards the increasing number of commission-free apps like XTB, which offer straightforward pricing with no deposit fees, whereas advanced forex traders may prefer Pepperstone with its Razor account that features raw spreads from 0.0 pips and a £2.25 commission per side, per lot.

They Provide Outstanding In-App Tools

Picking an app with intelligent tools to identify and capitalise on opportunities is crucial. Our years in the industry also show that mobile features are increasingly what sets a trading app apart.

As a result, we prioritise apps with essential tools like mobile-optimised charts with multiple indicators, drawing tools and timeframes, through to push notifications with price alerts, integrated signals and social investment networks so traders can share ideas on the go.

Forex.com App

It’s also an area brokers are focusing on. For example, XTB upgraded its xStation app in 2023, providing 5,400 instruments on mobile and tablet devices.

They Are Regulated In The UK

Opting for a trading app regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will provide the best safeguards for British investors, notably access to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) with coverage up to £85,000 if the firm goes bankrupt.

That’s why as part of our exhaustive reviews we check whether firms are regulated by the FCA or another reputable body.

IG FCA License

However, we also consider a firm’s years in the industry, whether they are listed on a stock exchange, and their reputation to determine whether they can be trusted.

For instance, both IG and Robinhood are FCA-regulated, but IG boasts over 30 years more experience, is listed on the London Stock Exchange, and has a fantastic reputation, contrasting with Robinhood’s controversial trading practices that have cost investors millions of pounds.

They Offer Convenient Deposits In The App

A smooth mobile trading experience hinges on secure and easy deposits and withdrawals directly via the app. That’s why our evaluations include investigating the availability of popular payment methods in the UK.

Over 50% of transactions in the country use debit and credit cards according to UK Finance, with Apple Pay and Google Pay leading as the top digital wallets increasingly accepted on trading apps, such as Plus500.

FAQ

Article Sources

Apple App Store

Google Play Store

Fintech Global – UK Trading App Download Data

London Stock Exchange (LSE)

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)

FCA Ban On Retail Crypto Derivatives