Best investing platforms

The best investing platforms strike a balance between low fees, a broad choice of investments and a service that's genuinely easy to use. Strong options tend to offer competitive platform charges, a wide selection of shares, funds and ETFs, plus tax-efficient accounts like a Stocks and Shares ISA or SIPP.

Beyond the numbers, the best providers back this up with reliable apps, clear research tools and responsive customer support. The right platform for you ultimately depends on how often you trade and what you're investing towards.

Reputable investing platforms in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which sets strict standards on how your money and investments are looked after. Client assets are typically held separately from the provider's own funds, so they remain protected even if the platform runs into trouble.

On top of this, eligible investments are usually covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per provider. Bear in mind that the value of investments can still rise and fall, so you may get back less than you put in.