Best Online Brokers for ETFs

ETFs are a really great investment instrument if you want to be invested in several different assets without having to pick them all on your own.

These work similarly to mutual funds, but they trade like stocks. You can purchase ETFs that coordinate with just about any type of investment strategy or asset category that you are interested in. 

But in order to start trading, you need a really great trading platform to do it on! You can probably find ETFs on the majority of trading platforms, but there are some that won’t have as many options for you. We’ve put together a simple guide that walks you through a few of the best online brokers for ETFs to help you out.

What Is an ETF?

 An ETF is an exchange traded fund. Just like mutual funds, they hold a variety of different assets that are centred around the strategy or the type of fund that you select. For example, a real estate ETF might hold real-estate related stocks as well as REITs and other investments in that market. 

Unlike mutual funds, an ETF is traded on the stock exchange.

They track against a specific index and typically try to beat the index. There are tons of different ETFs out there to choose from so you can look around and find what’s right for you. 

This pool of investments offers you a variety and some diversity in even just one fund. 

The Top ETF Online Trading Platforms

What you will find is that many of the best online trading platforms offer you access to many different assets, one of which is ETFs. What ETFs are available to you will depend on the compatible exchanges that your trading platform allows you to utilize. This will be a detail to remember. We’ve picked some of the top ETF online trading choices, so check these out.

*eToro Disclaimer: Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.

**IG Disclaimer: Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

***Plus500 Disclaimer: 81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

1. Freetrade

One of the top choices in the ETF industry for the UK market is Freetrade. This is a simple investment app that makes trading easy and affordable.

The platform has more than 1 million users already and is steadily growing. You can set up their basic account at no cost, but they also offer standard and plus accounts that have some additional features for a monthly fee. In the ETF market, they have at least 400 to choose from that are all free of commissions.

Visit Freetrade

They have other options that do charge commissions so you have a wide variety of selections to work with. Their ETF categories range from common equity and bond ETFs to other choices like commodity, international, and even sustainable ETFs. 

One unique thing about this online broker is that you can even trade fractional shares, which is a nice change from most trading platforms.

Pros

✔️ Purchase fractional shares

✔️ 400+ commission-free ETFs

✔️ Simple to use

✔️ Several plan options to choose from

Cons

❌️ Only access is through a mobile app, aside from the Plus membership

2. eToro

While the UK market for eToro (review) is slightly limited in some capacities, ETFs is not one of those areas. In fact, the UK is one of the few markets that this online platform allows to trade ETFs for no commissions.

The platform is simple and use-friendly so you can trade ETFs your way without any issues. In addition to no commissions on ETFs, they also have a lot of great options that have low minimums, which is nice for beginners or someone who just wants to try it out.

eToro is a top choice in the trading industry for just about any type of investment, including crypto assets.

Visit eToro

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.

Their low fees and simple platform make them famous in many ways. 

This online trading platform can be access from your mobile app or you can use any compatible browser online. They have worked very hard to have a ton of compatibility so just about anything works. 

Pros

✔️ ETFs in the UK are zero commission

✔️ Wide variety of assets

✔️ Mobile app or desktop-friendly

✔️ Simple to use for everyone

✔️ Copycat trading available

Cons

❌️ Must remain active to avoid fees

❌️ Customer support has limited availability

3. Invest Engine

Invest Engine was a platform designed for ETFs. Because of this, they have access to tons of different ETFs and you can trade them without paying a commission in most cases.

It’s powerful, it’s convenient, and you can choose from a DIY or managed portfolio that integrates ETFs. Create a portfolio that works your way.

Visit Invest Engine

When it comes to costs, this is going to be one of the cheapest choices for ETFs. They don’t charge commissions or fees for trading, but there can be a minimal assessed platform fee. It’s not much and it’s very reasonable.

Here, you can also buy fractional shares, putting in small amounts and building up over time if needed. The platform has more than 500 ETFs to choose from. 

Pros

✔️ 500+ ETFs

✔️ No commissions or trading fees

✔️ One of the cheapest options around

✔️ Low minimums for trading

Cons

❌️ Limitations to ethical investing options

4. Saxo Markets

Saxo Markets is another great platform, particularly if you want something that specializes in a broad range of marketable assets. This online platform is accessible via mobile or a browser and they offer more than 70,000 different investments instruments.

This includes ETFs, as well stocks, bonds, forex, CFDs, futures, and more. That’s an incredibly broad range, which is something that sets this company apart in the industry.

Visit Saxo Markets

You can also opt for a managed portfolio if you prefer and the fees are reasonable in doing so. The company has been granted many awards, including the 2022 best trading platform by BrokerChooser. Their trading tools are very helpful so that you can trade with education and assistance. 

They do have higher fees here, which may be worth it for some considering how robust and intuitive the platform is. 

Pros

✔️ Tons of ETS

✔️ More than 70,000 assets 

✔️ Awesome customer support

✔️ Platform is user-friendly

Cons

❌️ Fees are higher than most competitors

5. Interactive Investor

Interactive Investor (review) has a lot of great features and they are an affordable choice when it comes to ETFs. They have a wide variety of ETFs that trade on low or no commissions, with more than 1,000 total assets in the ETF market to choose from.

This makes them more substantial than most of their ETF competitors. You may have to pay some account fees, but they are still affordable.

Visit Interactive Investor

One thing that sets Interactive Investor apart is that they focus heavily on education and trading tools. They want to provide their users with resources and assistance to take care of their needs and ensure you have everything you could possibly need at your fingertips. They’ve gone to great lengths to build this up and it’s one of their best features. 

There are no minimum balances and the monthly fee is not bad at all. 

Pros

✔️ Reasonable monthly fee

✔️ More than 1,000 ETFs

✔️ Tons of education and tools

✔️ Low minimum deposit

Cons

❌️ Since this has a fixed fee, you need to be an active trader for it to be worth it

6. IG Investments

IG Investments is one of the leading online trading platforms in the UK because they have so much to offer their customers.

This platform has one of the broadest ranges of exchanges for you to access, which means you can invest in just about any type of asset your heart desires. This includes more than 5,000 ETFs, which is incredibly sizable.

They provide screener and search tools so that their expansive markets aren’t too overwhelming. This makes them user-friendly for beginners as well as experienced traders.

IG Markets themselves are listed on the London Stock Exchange, which means they have some security and regulation guaranteed as a business.

You will pay trading fees here and they have a slightly higher minimum balance, but considering the platform capacity, it’s well worth it.

Pros

✔️ More than 5,000 ETFs

✔️ Wide variety of exchanges and assets

✔️ Excellent trading platform

✔️ ETF trading fees are low

Visit IG

Disclaimer: Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Cons

❌️ Minimum account deposit of £250 

7. AJ Bell

AJ Bell seems like one of the lesser-known platforms when you’re checking out all the trading platform guides and reviews. But the truth is that they have a lot to offer the investment industry and they’ve won a number of awards along the way.

They have a wide variety of ETFs to choose from and they share a favourite funds list to all their customers who want some recommendations.

Visit AJ Bell

While their ETF platform isn’t as big as names like IG, they still have more than 1,500 ETFs to choose from. Online, they do charge fees for some ETF trading, but most of the dealer fees are for other types of trades. The fees are reasonable overall. 

The platform is easy to use and takes a classic approach to trading with the best access being on a browser. You can use their app though, and it’s just fine for trading ETFs. 

Pros

✔️ Fees are low

✔️ Platform is easy to use

✔️ No minimum deposit 

✔️ Superior customer service

Cons

❌️ Most research tools are based on company opinion

8. Hargreaves Lansdown

Hargreaves Lansdown is yet another “lesser-known” company, but they are really one of the top ETF brokers out there. They have a lot of different investment instruments and more than 2,500 ETFs to choose from.

They also provide their customers a lot of really great research and trading tools so you can be fully informed in everything you do.

They offer self-managed portfolios, managed portfolios, or choosing from a ready-made portfolio. This gives you some variety so you can pick what works for you.

Visit Hargreaves Lansdown

Their fees are reasonable. There are no annual or monthly fees, but you will pay some commissions on your trades. This company publishes a list with the most popularly traded ETFs, which could be helpful for some. They also have a low minimum balance. 

Pros

✔️ Low minimum balance

✔️ Intuitive research and tools

✔️ Simple platform design

✔️ No annual fees

Cons

❌️ Commissions can get high with high volumes of trading

9. Plus500

If you’re looking for an ETF online broker that trades with CFDs, this is a great choice. They are not your everyday stock or ETF platform, but focus primarily on CFDs so they have a bit of a different niche.

They are highly regulated, making them a top broker choice for security and compliance purposes. They are labeled as a high trust broker and listed on the London Stock Exchange themselves.

Since they focus on CFDs, you will find that most of their qualities relate to this market.

They have a desktop trading platform that is highly intuitive to support the CFD markets. They also have a nice mobile trading app that works well.

Visit Plus500

81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Their unique niche makes them stand out and gives you access to ETFs in the market. Get real time quotes, plenty of leverage, and no commissions for tight spreads. 

Pros

✔️ CFD focused trading for ETFs

✔️ Intuitive trading platform

✔️ Tons of research and tools 

✔️ Leverage up to 1:30

Cons

❌️ Not your typical trading experience with a focus on CFDs

10. Interactive Brokers

Last, but certainly not least, Interactive Brokers is another top platform for trading of any kind. This includes ETFs. They have a wide variety of assets, with access to more than 13,000 marketable ETFs.

Most are charged a trading commission, but they have around 100 options that are fee free so you can always check into those.

Visit Interactive Brokers

This platform is more advanced. Beginners can use it, but it will take a bit of a learning curve to get used to. Advanced traders love it because it has the tools and research they want. Start small and build on your ETF trading game. 

This app is highly recommended for advanced traders and anyone who wants access to loads of research. 

Pros

✔️ Advanced platform design

✔️ Tons of provisional research

✔️ Reasonable fees and prices

✔️ Tons of ETF options available

Cons

❌️ Some limitations to the UK market

❌️ Beginner investors may struggle

Choosing an ETF Online Broker

As you take a look at the options, you find a wide variety of choices. Many online brokers have a unique niche of some sort. Some focus on education, while others want a simple and easy to use platform for everyone.

It’s important to note the varying details and make an informed choice. 

These are some details you may want to consider. 

Fees

Every app is going to charge fees somewhere. The question is how and where are those fees charged. Will you pay a monthly fee or will you pay trading commissions? Could you end up paying both? Depending on how much you trade, one type of fee may be better than another. 

For example, a high volume trader may be better paying a monthly fee, but paying no commissions on their trades. For others who don’t trade very often, it might be better to pay a commission and not worry about monthly fees. 

This simply depends on your needs. 

Available ETFs

Another thing to consider might be the ETFs that are available to you. All of these online brokers shared here have a wide variety of options. And yet the available ETFs still vary considerably from broker to broker. 

Do you want access to the highest number of ETFs or are you ok with a quality app that keeps it simple and still has plenty of choices? 

Tools & Education

You might want to consider the tools and education available to you as well. Whether you are an advanced trader or a beginner, you’re going to need resources for your trading. The type or extent of tools and education may depend on your trading expertise, but it’s important to know that you have resources and can find information when you need it. 

Final Thoughts

ETFs are a great investment vehicle for having some variety and a focus while also adding diversity. Not all trading platforms offer ETFs, so if this is an asset you’re interested in, be sure to choose a platform that does.

You can’t go wrong with any of these top choices here. Just be sure to check out the details to find what will be the best fit for your trading needs. 

Happy trading!

Related Guides:

• Best Gold ETFs
• Best Vanguard ETFs to Buy (2023)
• What are Bond ETFs?