People who want to open an investment account dedicated to ETFs usually care about the following information: Does the broker have a good reputation? What’s the minimum deposit, is it FCA regulated, does it have a demo account, and does it offer educational materials? In order to rank the 10 best trading platforms for ETFs in 2025, we have analyzed this exact data and compiled a ranking of brokers.
| Broker | Founded | Minimum Deposit | FCA Regulated | Demo Account | Educational Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XTB | 2002 | £0 | Yes | Yes | Extensive |
| Lightyear | 2020 | £0 | Yes | No | Limited |
| Interactive Brokers | 1978 | £0 | Yes | Yes | Extensive |
| Trading212 | 2004 | £1 | Yes | Yes | Basic |
| Freetrade | 2016 | £1 | Yes | No | Limited |
| CMC Invest | 2022 | £0 | Yes | No | Basic |
| eToro | 2007 | $100 (~£80) | Yes | Yes | Extensive |
| Hargreaves Lansdown | 1981 | £1 | Yes | No | Comprehensive |
| Saxo | 1992 | £0 | Yes | Yes | Extensive |
| Plus500 | 2008 | £100 | Yes | Yes | Basic |
1. XTB
Founded: 2002
Minimum Deposit: £0
FCA Regulated: Yes
Demo Account: Yes
Educational Materials: Extensive
XTB is considered the best trading platform for ETFs, as it runs at 0% commission on equivalent up to €100,000 monthly turnover. Above that, trades cost 0.2% with a £10 minimum. The xStation platform feels fast and clear, with access to 1600+ ETFs, strong screeners, and robust learning through a Trading Academy. General accounts and Flexible ISAs are available, with competitive rates on uninvested cash. FX conversion can add 0.5% where currency differs. The brand is well established, and has worked with many well-known ambassadors such as Iker Casillas and Zlatan Ibrahimović. The platform offers over 10,800 instruments giving investors the opportunity to build well diversified portfolios. You can also earn 4.25% interest on your GBP univested funds whilst you wait for the perfect investment opportunity.
Your capital is at risk. XTB Ltd. is not a bank. Deposits should be made for investment purposes only. T&Cs apply. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and ISA regulations which may change. Investment platforms are not a bank. Deposits should be made for investment purposes only. T&Cs apply.
2. Lightyear
Founded: 2020
Minimum Deposit: £0
FCA Regulated: Yes
Demo Account: No
Educational Materials: Limited
Lightyear targets low-cost ETF investing with a clean interface and multi-currency balances. Commission-free trades pair with a 0.35% FX fee. Coverage extends to 4,000+ stocks and ETFs across the UK and EU. Uninvested cash can earn up to 4.38% APY. Education remains light, while pricing transparency and simplicity stand out.
3. Interactive Brokers
Founded: 1978
Minimum Deposit: £0
FCA Regulated: Yes
Demo Account: Yes
Educational Materials: Extensive
IBKR brings global market depth and pro tooling. Access stretches to 13,000+ ETFs. UK ETF orders typically cost £3 per transaction up to £6,000 notional. TWS delivers advanced analytics, real-time data, and broad research. Power users thrive here, though the learning curve can feel steep for newcomers.
4. Trading212
Founded: 2004
Minimum Deposit: £1
FCA Regulated: Yes
Demo Account: Yes
Educational Materials: Basic
Trading212 offers commission-free ETF trading with fractional shares and AutoInvest for disciplined allocations. More than 2,000 ETFs are available through a mobile-first interface. ISA support with no platform fee increases appeal for tax-efficient plans. Advanced research tools are limited compared with pro suites.
5. Freetrade
Founded: 2016
Minimum Deposit: £1
FCA Regulated: Yes
Demo Account: No
Educational Materials: Limited
Freetrade uses a freemium model for commission-free basics and fractional US shares. The app lists 580+ ETFs and keeps the workflow minimal. ISA access sits behind a £5.99 monthly plan. DIY investors who prefer a streamlined experience will appreciate the focus, though research depth is modest.
6. CMC Invest
Founded: 2022
Minimum Deposit: £0
FCA Regulated: Yes
Demo Account: No
Educational Materials: Basic
CMC Invest comes from the CMC Markets group on the FTSE 250. Stocks and ETFs trade at zero commission for UK and US markets, with a 0.5% FX fee on non-GBP orders. Accounts include ISA, SIPP, and GIA. Interface design favors simplicity, while advanced features continue to expand.
7. eToro
Founded: 2007
Minimum Deposit: $100 (~£80)
FCA Regulated: Yes
Demo Account: Yes
Educational Materials: Extensive
eToro blends commission-free ETF trading with social features and CopyTrader. Users follow experienced investors and replicate strategies, supported through feeds and community posts. Coverage includes 260+ ETFs. Costs include a $5 withdrawal fee and 1.5% FX on currency conversions.
8. Hargreaves Lansdown
Founded: 1981
Minimum Deposit: £1
FCA Regulated: Yes
Demo Account: No
Educational Materials: Comprehensive
HL delivers deep research, strong service, and broad ETF access. Trades on ETFs cost £11.95, while ISA platform charges cap at £45 a year. The platform suits investors who value high-touch research, model portfolios, and guidance.
9. Saxo
Founded: 1992
Minimum Deposit: £0
FCA Regulated: Yes
Demo Account: Yes
Educational Materials: Extensive
SaxoTraderGO and SaxoTraderPRO offer institution-grade charting, screeners, and order control. Access spans 7,000+ ETFs worldwide. Commissions start from 0.08% with market-specific minimums. Active traders gain from tooling and market reach, while casual investors might prefer simpler apps.
10. Plus500
Founded: 2008
Minimum Deposit: £100
FCA Regulated: Yes
Demo Account: Yes
Educational Materials: Basic
Plus500 focuses on ETF exposure through CFDs rather than direct ownership. The platform is straightforward, with tight spreads and leverage up to 1:5 on ETF CFDs. Short-term traders who want derivatives and a simple interface will find a clean path to execution.
What to consider for ETF platforms
Regulation and protection matter for platform selection. All platforms listed hold FCA authorization, with FSCS coverage up to £85,000 where eligible. Pricing structure drives long-run returns. Commission-free options such as XTB and Trading212 often win for frequent, smaller orders. Tooling and education shape decision quality. XTB and eToro stand out for structured learning. Account wrappers affect net outcomes. ISA availability differs across platforms and can change the tax picture.
UK investors can choose between ultra-low-cost apps, research-heavy incumbents, and pro-grade workstations. XTB sets the pace for most ETF investors through zero-commission tiers, strong education, and a polished platform. To me, that blend hits the sweet spot for beginners and seasoned investors alike. If you made it here, you just saved your future a few headaches.
ISA RW
Your capital is at risk. The value of your investments may go up or down. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and ISA regulations which may change. Investment platforms are not a bank. Deposits should be made for investment purposes only. T&Cs apply.