Top platforms for building your wealth from your phone
The digital era has transformed how we invest, and the best investment apps in 2025 make it easier than ever to start growing your money from anywhere.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned investor, today’s platforms offer tools for automation, diversified portfolios, and low fees—all from your smartphone.

Best Budgeting Apps for 2025
Find the perfect app to take control of your finances, reduce overspending and make money management easier than ever before.
From fractional shares to tax-efficient ISAs, these apps offer features that used to require financial advisors or complex trading platforms.
In this guide, we’ll compare the best investment apps for UK users based on performance, usability, cost, and long-term value.
What Makes an App Great for Investing?
With dozens of platforms available, choosing the right one comes down to your goals, experience level, and how hands-on you want to be with your investments.
Below, we highlight the key criteria that separate a solid investment app from a poor one.
User Experience and Simplicity
A well-designed interface helps users invest with confidence. The top apps offer intuitive dashboards, clear explanations, and streamlined account setup to eliminate technical or emotional barriers.
Whether you’re buying ETFs or setting up recurring contributions, frictionless usability makes the journey smoother and helps you stay consistent with your investing habits.
Investment Options Available
Great apps give access to a wide range of assets: UK and global stocks, ETFs, bonds, funds, and even crypto on some platforms.
If you’re serious about choosing from the best investment apps, look for ones that let you diversify without needing multiple accounts or services.
Fees and Charges
Transparent, low-cost structures are essential. Even a 1% fee can erode returns over time—especially for long-term investors or those with modest monthly contributions.
Compare trading fees, platform charges, and withdrawal costs to understand the true price of using an app. Small differences can have big financial consequences over decades.
Top Picks for 2025
We’ve selected eight standout platforms for UK investors based on usability, cost-effectiveness, features, and long-term potential. Each app serves a unique profile—from beginner to advanced.
Explore the detailed breakdown below to find out which platform fits your investing style and financial goals. All of them are available to UK users in 2025.
1. Freetrade – Among the Best Investment Apps for Simplicity
Freetrade makes commission-free investing accessible, especially for beginners. You can buy UK and US shares, ETFs, and even open a Stocks and Shares ISA directly from your phone.
As one of the best investment apps, it stands out for simplicity and cost-efficiency. There are no trading fees, and the user-friendly interface keeps investing easy and approachable.
2. Trading 212 – Ideal for Active DIY Investors
Trading 212 offers a powerful mobile experience with access to thousands of global stocks, ETFs, and forex. It’s perfect for users who enjoy hands-on investing and research tools.
You can invest commission-free, use fractional shares, and set price alerts. The app suits intermediate investors looking for more control without paying for premium trading platforms.
3. Moneybox – Best Investment Apps for Beginners with Automation
Moneybox is ideal if you’re new to investing. It helps you build a habit through automated round-ups, goal-based portfolios, and helpful education built right into the app.
When reviewing the best investment apps, Moneybox consistently ranks high for ease of use, long-term planning tools, and its inclusion of Lifetime ISA and ethical investing options.
4. Plum – Best for Budgeting + Investing Together
Plum combines smart budgeting with investing. The app analyses your spending and automates deposits into personalised portfolios, making it easy to save and invest in one place.
It’s ideal for those who want hands-off management. Plum helps build wealth gradually while teaching users how to balance everyday spending with long-term financial goals.
5. eToro – Social Investing and Copy Trading
eToro lets you mirror the strategies of top investors. It’s perfect for beginners who want to learn through observation or experienced users seeking performance transparency and community.
In addition to UK stocks, you can explore crypto, commodities, and forex. eToro’s social tools and detailed metrics encourage engagement and real-time learning throughout your journey.
6. InvestEngine – Great for ETF-Only Portfolios
InvestEngine specialises in low-cost ETF investing. You can build DIY portfolios or use managed options based on your risk profile, with no platform fees for self-directed users.
It’s one of the most affordable ways to access broad diversification. The platform is simple, transparent, and perfect for long-term investors who prefer a passive approach.
7. Wealthify – One of the Best Investment Apps for Set-and-Forget Investors
Wealthify offers managed portfolios tailored to your risk level. You set your goals, and the app handles the rest—ideal for anyone preferring simplicity over constant management.
Among the best investment apps, Wealthify excels at automation, clarity, and accessibility. It also offers ethical plans and Junior ISAs, giving families and new investors helpful starting points.
8. Interactive Brokers – Professional Tools for Advanced Users
Interactive Brokers brings a global, professional-grade platform to your phone. With access to advanced analytics and global markets, it’s built for serious, experienced investors.
Its robust tools and competitive rates make it popular with traders who demand more depth. While not for beginners, it’s ideal for scaling complex investment strategies effectively.
Features to Prioritise in 2025
The best investment apps evolve quickly. In 2025, certain features are becoming must-haves for users who want more control, smarter tools, and clearer oversight of their investments.
Let’s explore the key features worth prioritising this year.
Fractional Shares and Low Minimums
Not everyone starts with large amounts. Fractional investing allows users to buy a portion of expensive stocks like Amazon or Tesla with just a few pounds.
This opens the door to diversification even for beginners. It’s especially helpful for those using the best investment apps to build consistent habits with limited budgets.
In-App Education and Tools
The top platforms offer learning modules, investment simulators, or clear explanations about risk and returns. This empowers users to make smarter choices.
Whether you’re tracking market news or building long-term portfolios, educational tools increase confidence and reduce mistakes among both new and experienced users.
Real-Time Tracking and Notifications
Live updates on performance, dividend payments, and portfolio movements are critical. Alerts help users act quickly or adjust strategies based on new developments.
Apps that offer granular data alongside simple summaries strike the right balance—providing control without overwhelming users with complex charts or market jargon.
Things to Watch Out For
Not every app is as polished as it appears. Some platforms charge hidden fees, limit investment options, or lack essential support when you need help.
Knowing the red flags can protect your money and prevent early frustrations.
High or Hidden Fees
Some apps charge platform fees, trading commissions, or withdrawal costs that eat into returns. Always read the fine print before depositing funds.
The best investment apps prioritise transparency. You should know exactly what you’re paying—and what you’re getting—in exchange for any fee or membership tier.
Limited Asset Selection
If you can only access a narrow range of funds or stocks, you’ll struggle to diversify. A limited menu reduces your ability to build a resilient long-term portfolio.
Choose apps that offer global access or at least a broad mix of asset classes. Otherwise, your growth potential may be unnecessarily restricted.
Weak Customer Support
When issues arise, quick support is vital. Some apps have long response times or no live assistance. Others only offer FAQs or bots—not ideal for real problems.
Look for platforms with dedicated UK support, responsive service, and reviews that confirm users feel heard. Your peace of mind matters.
Best Fit Based on Your Investor Profile
Your ideal app depends on your investing style, experience, and goals. While all options mentioned are strong, some suit certain types of users better than others.
Let’s match the best investment apps with different investor profiles so you can make the right choice from the start.
Beginners
Look for apps with guided portfolios, automated options, and strong educational support. Tools like Moneybox or Plum help build habits and reduce complexity from day one.
They simplify decision-making and build confidence gradually—ideal for those just starting out and looking to avoid risky or overly technical platforms.
Intermediate Investors
If you’ve already invested before, look for apps offering stock research tools, broader market access, and more control. Freetrade and Trading 212 offer great value here.
They combine flexibility with ease of use. You can explore sector trends, diversify globally, and make informed decisions without needing to be a full-time trader.
Advanced Users
Experienced investors might want detailed analytics, international markets, and more customisation. eToro and Interactive Brokers cater to this group with advanced options and deeper insights.
These platforms let you track performance closely, adjust strategies in real time, and build complex portfolios without limitations—perfect for long-term planners or higher net-worth individuals.
Recommended Reading: Start Investing With Just £10
If you’re excited about using one of the best investment apps but don’t know where to begin, starting small might be your best move.
Even £10 can teach you the fundamentals of investing. With fractional shares and automation, you can test strategies and build discipline gradually—without taking big risks.
Digital tools now allow anyone to begin investing without needing thousands in capital. You just need the right plan and platform to take your first steps.
Read our full article on Start Investing With Just £10 to discover how to begin today—confidently, affordably, and with long-term goals in mind.

Start Investing With Just £10
Don’t let a tight budget stop you. With the right strategy, £10 is enough to start building real financial growth.