In today’s digital era, investment apps have become increasingly popular for managing investments and building wealth. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can buy and sell stocks, funds, and other assets, track your portfolio performance, and make investing more accessible.
But with so many investment apps now available in the UK, how do you choose the right one for your needs? In this comprehensive guide, we compare and review the top 9 best investment apps in the UK based on features, fees, offerings, ease of use and more. Read on to find the best investing app to download.
Top 9 Investment Apps in the UK
1. Freetrade
Freetrade is one of the most popular and widely-used investment apps in the UK. It offers commission-free stock trading on UK and US stocks and ETFs with easy to use mobile and web apps.
Key features:
– £0 commission stock trading
– Access to UK, US and European markets
– Intuitive mobile app
– Stocks, funds and ETFs
– ISA and general investment account options
– No account minimums
Freetrade provides an excellent option for beginner investors to start building a diversified portfolio. The app is easy to use with a simple sign up process. The free plan offers basic stock and ETF trading, while the Freetrade Plus paid plan unlocks additional features. Overall, Freetrade is one of the top investment apps, ideal for low cost stock trading.
2. Trading 212
Trading 212 is a commission-free trading platform with mobile and web-based apps. It offers stock and ETF trading access to UK, US and European markets.
Key features:
– £0 commission stock trading
– Access to UK, US, European and Asian markets
– Web trading platform and mobile app
– Stocks, ETFs, forex and CFDs
– ISA, Invest and CFD account options
– Demo trading account
Trading 212 provides free stock trades with an extensive range of markets and asset classes to invest in beyond stocks and funds. It’s easy to use platform makes Trading 212 suitable for beginner and experienced investors alike seeking commission-free trading.
3. eToro
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform with social trading features. It offers commission-free stock and ETF trading alongside cryptocurrencies, forex and CFDs.
Key features:
– Commission-free stocks and ETFs
– Social trading and portfolio copying
– Access to stocks, crypto, ETFs, forex and CFDs
– Web and mobile trading platforms
– Virtual portfolio functionality
– Educational resources for beginners
With its social trading features, eToro provides a unique approach to investing. You can interact with other traders, follow high performing portfolios, and copy trades. eToro also has an extensive educational hub, making it an ideal app for beginners.
4. Nutmeg
Nutmeg provides digital discretionary investment management. Rather than picking individual stocks and funds, you answer questions about your goals and risk tolerance and Nutmeg builds and manages a diversified ETF portfolio.
Key features:
– Fully managed ETF portfolios
– Digital wealth management
– Automated rebalancing and tax-efficiency
– Socially responsible portfolios
– ISAs and pensions options
– Minimum investment £500
For hands-off investing, Nutmeg creates fully managed portfolios tailored to your investment goals. With digital wealth management and automated services, Nutmeg is a convenient option for investors seeking professional portfolio management.
5. Moneyfarm
Moneyfarm offers digital wealth management services with personalized ETF portfolios, ISAs, pensions and more. Like Nutmeg, Moneyfarm handles portfolio management based on your investment profile.
Key features:
– Managed ETF portfolios
– Personalized investment plans
– ISAs, SIPPs and general investment accounts
– Starting investment £500
– Mobile app with dashboard
– Free financial planning tool
Moneyfarm combines digital portfolio management with financial planning support. The investment management fees are competitive and portfolios are automatically rebalanced. If you want professional management of your investments, Moneyfarm is a top choice.
6. Wealthify
Wealthify provides low cost managed investment plans built from ETFs. It offers five risk-rated plans from cautious to adventurous based on your risk appetite.
Key features:
– 5 risk-rated investment plans
– Managed passive ETF portfolios
– Low management fees from 0.6%
– Ethical options available
– ISAs and general investing accounts
– Initial investment £1
For hands-off investing on a budget, Wealthify delivers well-diversified managed plans with ultra-low account minimums. It’s easy to set up an account online and start passive investing in minutes.
7. InvestEngine
InvestEngine combines DIY investing with managed portfolios. You can build your own portfolio or invest in ready-made thematic and risk-rated plans.
Key features:
– Choose self directed or managed investing
– Access to stocks, funds and ETFs
– Pre-built portfolios and plans
– ISA, SIPP and general account options
– No trading fees
– Premium plan from £7.50/month
InvestEngine provides investment flexibility. Based on your preference, you can pick individual assets or have portfolios professionally managed. With £0 trading and low fees, InvestEngine suits active and passive investors.
8. Plum
Plum is best known for its automated saving and investing tool, but also offers stocks and ETFs. You can invest spare change, set saving rules and build an investment portfolio.
Key features:
– Automated saving and investing
– Access to selected stocks and ETFs
– Intelligent recommendations
– ISA investing option
– No trading fees
– Minimum £1 to get started
For automatic, hassle-free investing, Plum makes it easy to start small and build up your money over time. The app helps you effortlessly save and invest towards your goals.
9. Fidelity International
Fidelity International offers low-cost trading, funds and wealth management. It provides access to UK and international stocks, ETFs, investment trusts and more.
Key features:
– Stock trading from £10 per trade
– Large fund selection
– Managed portfolios available
– Pensions and ISAs options
– Sophisticated web and mobile apps
– Tools and research
With a wide range of investments and flat-fee trading, Fidelity International suits active investors who want portfolio management capabilities alongside DIY investing. It’s a robust option for building and managing wealth.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Investment App
When picking an investing app in the UK, here are some key factors to consider:
– Fees – Compare commission fees, account charges, platform fees and any other costs.
– Investment choice – The types of assets and markets you can access e.g. UK, US, global stocks, funds, ETFs.
– Account types – Can you open ISAs, SIPPs and general investment accounts.
– Minimum investment – Apps offer different account minimums from £1 to £500+.
– Hands-on or managed – Do you want DIY control or managed portfolios?
- Trading costs – For stock trading, apps charge anywhere from £0 to £10 per trade.
- User experience – Assess the app’s interface, ease of use and mobile experience.
- Customer support – Review availability and quality of customer service channels.
- Security – Check how your money and data is protected.
- Brand reputation – Consider established, reputable providers for investing.
By comparing across these factors, you can determine the best investing app aligned with your preferences, needs and goals.
Choosing the Right Investment App for You
With so many investing apps now available, take time to research your options before deciding. Weigh up the key features and factors that matter most to you.
Here are some examples to illustrate how investors with different priorities might select an app:
– For completely hands-off investing, Nutmeg and Moneyfarm offer fully managed portfolios.
– For commission-free stock trading, Freetrade and Trading 212 give you free trades.
– For social trading, eToro lets you connect with other investors and copy trades.
– For automatic saving and investing, Plum helps build your money without effort.
– For sophisticated trading and research, Fidelity International caters to active investors.
– For low cost access to managed funds, Wealthify and InvestEngine provide simple pre-built plans.
By aligning an app’s strengths with your investment approach, needs and goals, you can determine which is the right fit for you before signing up.
How to Get Started with an Investment App
Once you’ve chosen the best investment app for your requirements, here are some tips for getting started:
– Download the app and complete the signup process – This usually involves providing personal details and verifying your identity.
– Deposit funds – Most apps allow instant deposits via bank transfer or debit card to start investing.
– Set investment goals – Define your objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance so you pursue a suitable strategy.
– Browse investment options – Explore the stocks, funds or pre-built portfolios available to you.
– Build a portfolio – Either construct your own portfolio of assets or invest in a managed plan.
– Set up automatic transfers – Many apps let you schedule regular deposits from your bank to steadily build investments.
– Download relevant reports and statements – Keep records of your investment activities for tax purposes.
– Monitor performance – Review your portfolio periodically and rebalance when necessary.
By following these steps, you can get your investment app set up and start putting your money to work in the markets.
Conclusion
Investment apps make investing accessible, affordable and convenient right from your smartphone. Selecting the right app that suits your investment approach and needs can empower you to effectively grow and manage your wealth.
This guide has compared the top investment apps in the UK across key features, fees, offerings and ease of use. Leading options include Freetrade, Trading 212, eToro, Nutmeg, Moneyfarm, Wealthify, InvestEngine, Plum and Fidelity.
Take time to research each app and sign up for the one that best meets your requirements and preferences as an investor. The right app can provide you with a simple, low-cost way to achieve your investment goals.
