Looking for a reliable trading platform this year?

We’ve thoroughly researched and compared the top UK trading platforms in 2025, focusing on what actually matters — regulation, platform quality, asset range, pricing, and overall user experience. Each platform was reviewed independently, with no shortcuts or templated praise.

We examined everything from spreads and commissions to platform tools and mobile usability. Whether you’re trading full-time or building a long-term portfolio, you’ll find clear, detailed overviews that help you make informed decisions.

1. XTB

Our Rating: 5.0
Access: Mobile App, Desktop, Tablet
Platform and Trading Fees: 0% commission on stocks and ETFs up to €100,000/month; 0.2% thereafter; 0.5% currency conversion fee may apply
Minimum Deposit: £0
Types of Assets: Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, ISAs, Real Stocks & ETFs

UK: FCA Regulated

XTB is a UK-registered trading platform operating since 2015. It provides access to over 7300 instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, stock CFDs, and ETF CFDs. However, the firm does not offer cryptocurrency trading in the UK due to FCA regulation. XTB’s proprietary xStation platform is available across desktop, mobile, and tablet, offering direct access to pricing, live charts, integrated market analysis, and trade execution. With no minimum deposit requirement, the platform appeals to both new and seasoned traders.

Users may also open a Flexible Stocks & Shares ISA with interest on uninvested funds. Educational material and platform guidance are accessible via embedded tutorials, scheduled webinars, and market briefings. Remember, 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.T&Cs apply.

Note: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75% 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.

Key Features:

• Proprietary xStation platform across all devices
• Over 7300 instruments (excluding crypto)
• Transparent rollover fees visible in charts
• Customer support 24/5
• Demo account
• Free deposits & withdrawals over £50
• Micro-lot trading and commission-free stock CFDs
• XTB academy on YouTube, webinars, live market analysis, eBooks
• User-friendly interface
• Simple account opening
• Flexible Stocks & Shares ISA support (4.5% interest on uninvested funds for tax-efficient investing)

Verdict: Best for active traders seeking a direct platform and broad market coverage without crypto.

2. Halifax Share Dealing

Our Rating: 4.9
Access: Web, Mobile
Platform and Trading Fees: £9.50 per trade; 1.25% FX fee
Minimum Deposit: £0
Types of Assets: UK & US Stocks, ETFs, Funds

Halifax Share Dealing is a legacy platform under Lloyds Banking Group, providing access to UK and US-listed stocks, ETFs, and a range of funds. Its biggest strength lies in account variety, offering General Investment Accounts, Stocks & Shares ISAs, and SIPPs within a simple interface, making it one of the top UK trading platforms in 2025. However, the fixed per-trade fee makes it less cost-effective for high-frequency trading. The platform doesn’t support derivatives, forex, or automation tools, and its research offering is minimal. Halifax primarily caters to buy-and-hold investors prioritising ISA access and brand familiarity.

Key Features:

• Part of Lloyds Banking Group
• Available ISA, GIA, and SIPP options
• Fixed £9.50 trading fee structure
• Suitable for basic equity investing
• Platform stability and FSCS protection

Verdict: Best for UK investors seeking basic, tax-wrapped equity exposure without advanced trading tools.

3. Charles Schwab

Our Rating: 4.8
Access: Desktop, Web, Mobile (Schwab.com and thinkorswim)
Platform and Trading Fees: $0 commission on US-listed stocks and ETFs
Minimum Deposit: £0
Types of Assets: US Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds

Charles Schwab UK offers access to the US market for British residents, primarily serving experienced investors and those holding USD assets. Through Schwab.com and thinkorswim, users can analyse, screen, and trade US-listed equities and funds with commission-free pricing. The platform does not support ISAs or SIPPs, and all accounts are denominated in USD, which may expose clients to currency risk.

Key Features:

• $0 commissions on US-listed stocks and ETFs
• Access to extensive research and third-party analyst reports
• thinkorswim platform with advanced technical analysis tools
• Schwab Intelligent Portfolios for passive investors
• No UK-regulated wrappers or GBP account options

Verdict: Best for UK investors committed to US market exposure and comfortable with USD-denominated accounts.

4. NinjaTrader

Our Rating: 4.7
Access: Desktop (Windows), Web-based futures interface
Platform and Trading Fees: Low commissions on futures; platform license required for advanced features
Minimum Deposit: £0
Types of Assets: Futures, Options, Forex

NinjaTrader is tailored to professional traders focused on futures and options markets. The desktop terminal is highly customizable and supports automation using NinjaScript, its proprietary C#-based language. Traders can develop, backtest, and deploy algorithmic strategies with precise control. Futures data feeds are offered through partner brokerages, and the platform includes direct market access, advanced charting, and depth-of-market (DOM) tools. The lack of broader asset classes and a learning curve make it unsuitable for casual or first-time users.

Key Features:

• Professional-grade futures and options interface
• Supports scripting and automation with NinjaScript
• Deep charting, volume profile, and custom indicators
• Direct market access and integrated brokerage partners
• No access to stocks, ETFs, or tax-efficient UK accounts

Verdict: Best for seasoned futures traders building custom technical setups and algorithmic systems.

5. Pepperstone

​​

Our Rating: 4.7
Access: MetaTrader 4/5, cTrader, TradingView, Mobile
Platform and Trading Fees: Spread-based pricing; no commissions on standard account
Minimum Deposit: £0
Types of Assets: Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto CFDs, Share CFDs, ETFs

Pepperstone has gained a strong reputation among retail and institutional clients for low spreads and ultra-fast execution. The broker offers access to over 1,200 CFDs, including forex, commodities, and crypto CFDs. Clients can choose between third-party platforms such as MetaTrader 4/5, cTrader, and TradingView, all of which support algo trading and technical strategies. The broker does not offer ISA or SIPP accounts and lacks support for physical stock purchases. Nevertheless, it is one of the top UK trading platforms in 2025 for offering multiple execution models and access to a wide CFD library.

Key Features:

• Negative balance protection
• MT4/MT5, cTrader, and TradingView compatibility
• Low latency execution with raw and standard spread options
• Wide instrument selection across asset classes
• Access to crypto, stock, and ETF CFDs

Verdict: Best for active traders and scalpers using third-party tools and CFD leverage.

6. IronFX

Our Rating: 4.6
Access: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), Desktop, Web, Mobile
Platform and Trading Fees: Spreads from 0.0 pips (ECN accounts); most accounts commission-free
Minimum Deposit: $50
Types of Assets: Forex, Metals, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Shares

IronFX is a trading platform and brokerage brand offering CFDs across multiple asset classes. It supports MT4 and MT5, giving traders access to a wide range of tools and customisable features. The company provides account types with variable or fixed spreads, as well as ECN connectivity for lower latency execution. The firm offers segregated accounts and investor protection aligned with regulatory requirements.

Key Features:

• Over 500 CFDs across 6 asset categories
• Variable and fixed spread account structures
• Platform access through MT4, MT5
• Learning tools via IronFX Academy

Verdict: Best for traders looking for multiple account formats and asset class breadth.

7. Admirals

Our Rating: 4.6
Access: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), WebTrader, Mobile
Platform and Trading Fees: Variable spreads; commission on equity and ETF CFDs; inactivity fees apply
Minimum Deposit: $100
Types of Assets: Forex, Indices, Commodities, Shares, ETFs, Bonds, Cryptocurrencies

Admirals is a multi-licensed brokerage operating under the former Admiral Markets brand. It provides leveraged trading through CFDs and direct investing across several regions. The platform integrates MT4 and MT5 and supplements these with proprietary analytics, volatility alerts, and market heatmaps. Clients can open accounts under FCA, CySEC, or ASIC-regulated entities. The product catalogue includes spot and CFD exposure on major global markets.

Key Features:

• Coverage of traditional and digital assets
• MT4/MT5 integration with custom indicators
• Multiple regulatory licences
• Investment and trading account types
• Access to portfolio analytics tools

Verdict: Best for users balancing leveraged trading with long-term investment instruments.

8. OANDA

Our Rating: 4.5
Access: OANDA Trade Web, Mobile, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), TradingView
Platform and Trading Fees: Spread-based pricing from 0.6 pips; no commissions on core accounts
Minimum Deposit: $0
Types of Assets: Forex, Indices, Commodities, Metals, Bonds, Cryptocurrencies

OANDA is a London-based financial services firm and trading platform offering access to global markets through both proprietary and third-party tools. It provides a multi-platform environment, combining in-house software with integrations such as TradingView and MT4/MT5. The firm operates a no-minimum deposit model and publishes live spread data for transparency. Risk management tools include customizable stop orders and real-time pricing alerts, positioning OANDA among the top UK trading platforms in 2025.

Key Features:

• Native platform with open API access
• Global reach
• Transparent spread-only pricing
• Multi-platform compatibility
• Extensive charting and data overlay functions

Verdict: Best for traders who want cost visibility and platform flexibility.

9. Tickmill

Our Rating: 4.4
Access: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), Tickmill WebTrader, TradingView
Platform and Trading Fees: Spreads from 0.0 pips (Pro account); commissions on raw pricing tiers
Minimum Deposit: $100
Types of Assets: Forex, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Shares

Tickmill is a CFD broker supporting high-speed execution and low-spread trading environments. The platform suite includes MT4, MT5, and browser-based terminals. It provides access to core global markets and is structured around a low-cost, high-efficiency model. Features include VPS hosting, margin calculators, and access to TradingView charting. Most account types are tailored for experienced or volume-based trading.

Key Features:

• Raw pricing with commission or spread-only models
• Regulated operations
• Scalping, hedging, and EA-friendly
• Web-based platform support
• VPS availability for algo deployment

Verdict: Best for experienced traders focused on fast execution and cost control.

10. City Index

Our Rating: 4.1
Access: Advantage Web, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), AT Pro, Mobile
Platform and Trading Fees: Competitive spreads; commission-free forex and index trading
Minimum Deposit: £100
Types of Assets: Forex, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies

City Index is a UK-based brokerage offering CFD and spread betting services across more than 12,000 markets. It’s also worth noting that the company is part of the StoneX Group. It offers proprietary trading software alongside MetaTrader 4 and AT Pro, its downloadable professional terminal. Account types include standard CFD trading, ISA-eligible investment options are not provided. Tools include integrated Reuters news, advanced order types, and automated trading support.

Key Features:

• Multi-platform access including AT Pro
• Over 12,000 global instruments
• Advanced charting and indicator tools
• Optional spread betting for tax efficiency

Verdict: Best for users seeking wide market access with a preference for platform variety.

How to Choose the Right Trading Platform?

Choosing between the top UK trading platforms in 2025 means weighing features against your trading goals.

A strong platform should meet both your technical needs and personal risk tolerance. Before opening an account, take a closer look at the factors that directly affect your trading outcomes.

Here’s what to consider:

• Regulation and safety. Make sure the provider is authorised by the FCA or an equivalent Tier-1 regulator.
• Asset coverage. Choose a platform offering the instruments you plan to trade, whether that’s equities, forex, indices, or ETFs.
• Fee structure. Compare spreads, commissions, and currency conversion fees — especially for high-volume trading.
• Platform access. Confirm support for mobile, desktop, or API-based trading depending on how you operate.
• Execution quality. Look for platforms with fast order routing, minimal slippage, and transparency around rollovers.
• Account types. ISAs, CFDs, spread betting, or SIPP compatibility can make a difference depending on your strategy.
• Education and support. Especially useful for newer traders or those testing advanced tools for the first time.

Final Thoughts

Each platform on this list serves a distinct type of trader, from those prioritising cost efficiency to others who need deeper market access or automation support.

The best choice isn’t the one with the most features — it’s the one that matches how you trade, what you trade, and the level of control you want.

Take time to compare, focus on structure and reliability, and make sure the platform fits your workflow before committing real capital.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75% 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.