Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Barclays vs Robinhood UK, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
Your capital is at risk.
Alongside the cost per trade, most UK online brokers also charge a monthly, quarterly, or annual management fee, which varies based on the account type and balance. Based on our thorough review, Barclays offers better pricing than Robinhood UK for share dealing.
What type of trader are you?
New to the world of investing? See our picks for the Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners. More experienced traders should read our guide to the Best UK Trading Platforms for Active Traders.
For UK investors comparing Barclays and Robinhood UK, the standout difference is investment choice. Both offer share trading, and neither supports crypto or CFD trading. On investment choices, UK.StockBrokers.com rates Barclays 5 stars and Robinhood UK 3 stars.
Barclays offers a broad menu: ETFs, funds, corporate bonds, government bonds (gilts), investment trusts, and optional adviser services. Robinhood UK focuses on straightforward share dealing only, with no ETFs, funds, bonds, investment trusts, or adviser services. If you want more choice, Barclays fits the bill; if you only need basic share trading, Robinhood UK may suit.
| Feature |
Barclays
|
Robinhood UK
|
|---|---|---|
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes |
| CFD Trading | No | No |
| ETFs | Yes | No |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | Yes | No |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | No |
| Spread Betting | No | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | No |
| Advisor Services | Yes | No |
| Investment Choices |
|
|
Low-cost US and UK shares.
Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.
When comparing the trading tools of Barclays and Robinhood UK, both platforms provide a browser-based trading experience and allow users to set alerts for stock price updates, making it easier to keep track of market movements. However, Barclays and Robinhood UK both lack the ability to display corporate events such as earnings, splits, and dividends on charts, and neither offers drawing tools, index overlays, or stock overlays, nor the ability to add notes to charts.
Where Robinhood UK stands out is its inclusion of three technical indicators for charting, offering users additional insight into market trends. Furthermore, Robinhood UK provides real-time market data, allowing traders to respond swiftly to changes. In contrast, Barclays does not offer real-time market data, which may be a decisive factor for traders who prioritise immediacy and precision in their trading activities.
| Feature |
Barclays
|
Robinhood UK
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 0 | 3 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 0 | 0 |
| Charting - Notes | No | No |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | No | No |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
When considering online brokers for retirement savings in the UK, Barclays and Robinhood UK present distinct differences in their offerings for individual savings accounts (ISAs) and self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs). Barclays stands out by providing both ISAs and SIPPs, offering UK investors a comprehensive choice for tax-efficient investing and retirement planning. In contrast, Robinhood UK does not currently offer ISA or SIPP options, limiting its appeal for those seeking such accounts for long-term savings strategies. Opting for Barclays may offer more flexibility for individuals aiming to maximize their retirement savings through tax-advantaged accounts.
Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.
For UK investors comparing Barclays and Robinhood UK mobile apps: both provide iPhone and Android apps. UK.StockBrokers.com rates Barclays’ app 2.5 out of 5 stars and Robinhood UK’s app 4 out of 5 stars. While rankings out of 21 brokers aren’t available for either, the star ratings indicate Robinhood UK currently offers the stronger mobile experience.
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.
Barclays vs Robinhood UK for beginner investor education: neither broker runs client webinars or offers on-demand replays, but both provide guides on share trading. Barclays goes further with learning content on funds and retirement, which Robinhood UK doesn’t currently cover. Reflecting this broader coverage, UK.StockBrokers.com rates Barclays 4.5/5 for beginner education versus 3.5/5 for Robinhood UK; rankings among the 21 brokers reviewed were not available.
| Feature |
Barclays
|
Robinhood UK
|
|---|---|---|
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Funds) | Yes | No |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | No |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.
When comparing the market research features for UK investors, Barclays stands out as a more comprehensive choice over Robinhood UK. Barclays provides extensive research reports for funds, giving users access to valuable insights that Robinhood UK lacks. Both platforms offer research for shares and ETFs, yet only Barclays offers detailed analysis on bonds, a significant advantage for those interested in diverse investment opportunities. Additionally, Barclays enables users to view their portfolio allocation by asset class, a feature Robinhood UK does not provide. This makes Barclays a potentially better option for investors seeking in-depth market analysis and detailed portfolio management tools.
| Feature |
Barclays
|
Robinhood UK
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Bonds | Yes | No |
| Research - Funds | Yes | No |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | Yes | No |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | No |
Which broker is better overall, Barclays or Robinhood UK? After collecting more than 900 data points over a 10-week period, we found Barclays to be a better trading platform overall.
Barclays Smart Investor offers a wide range of investments and accounts and is a good value for those with a midsize portolio who like flat fees. On the downside, it can be complicated to open an account as a non-Barclays bank customer, and you can’t buy or sell investments through the app if you don’t have a Barclays bank account.
| Feature |
Barclays
|
Robinhood UK
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Charges & Fees |
|
|
| Investment Choices |
|
|
| Mobile App |
|
|
| Website |
|
|
| Ease of Use |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
Both Barclays and Robinhood UK do not offer cryptocurrency trading, making them similar in this aspect for investors seeking platforms without crypto trading options.
The best UK mobile trading apps appeal to all levels of trading skill — beginner, active trader, and longer-term investor. Check out our top picks here.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 4, 2022
Choosing the best broker can be crucial to your success as a day trader in the U.K., as the needs of active traders can be drastically different from those of passive investors. See our top picks, based on hands-on testing and analysis.
Steven Hatzakis Aug 26, 2020
We reviewed and compared over 20 of the top U.K. brokerage firms to create our list of the best U.K. investment platforms for beginner investors.
Elizabeth Anderson Dec 5, 2023
Fidelity offers thousands of investments and also offers financial advice for those wanting direction. My view is that Fidelity is most suited to traditional investors who hold a range of accounts through the platform.
Elizabeth Anderson Dec 5, 2023
Hargreaves Lansdown offers top research and a quality app but higher fees. Learn more about its features and if it’s right for your portfolio.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 5, 2022
Review Lloyds’ investing platform, ISA fees, SIPP costs, and investment options. See if Lloyds is the right low-cost choice for your portfolio.
Elizabeth Anderson Dec 5, 2023
XTB’s low fees and solid education make it ideal for new investors. Learn more about its features and drawbacks in our full XTB review.
Elizabeth Anderson Sep 26, 2023
Barclays Smart Investor is an investment platform offered by Barclays Bank that offers a wide range of investments and accounts. Non-Barclays customers may find it complicated to open an account. Barclays is good value whether you are a beginner investor or have a large portfolio as its fees are, overall, very low.
Elizabeth Anderson Dec 5, 2023
Trade U.K. and U.S. shares commission-free with CMC Invest. Backed by CMC Markets. Explore if it’s the right app for your portfolio today.
Elizabeth Anderson Apr 19, 2023
Robinhood is great for trading US stocks and for beginners who want to learn the basics without worrying about small trades being swallowed up by hefty fees.
Elizabeth Anderson Jul 22, 2024
Review Freetrade’s fees, ISA costs, and investment options. Learn whether Freetrade’s commission-free trading is the right choice for your portfolio.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 4, 2022
Saxo review: Compare ISAs, fees, and trading tools. Discover if Saxo’s global platform is right for your investing goals today.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 4, 2022
Compare eToro’s ISA fees, trading costs, social trading tools, and investment options. Read our review to decide if eToro is right for you.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 4, 2022
Webull has a good app, desktop platform, and low fees, but is limited in the UK by offering only US stocks with no products offered from other markets.
Elizabeth Anderson Jul 20, 2024
IG is a trading platform for experienced investors, offering shares, ETFs, spread betting, and CFDs on an easy-to-use interface.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 4, 2022
Interactive Investor offers flat fees, wide investment choice, and strong research tools. See who ii is best for and whether it’s the right platform for you.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 4, 2022
Bestinvest appeals to a wide range of investors. Fees are competitive, particularly if you invest in funds or US shares, and investment options are extensive.
Elizabeth Anderson Jul 22, 2024
Explore Halifax Share Dealing’s flat fees, ISA options, and ready-made portfolios. Find out whether Halifax offers good value for your investing style.
Elizabeth Anderson Dec 5, 2023
Trading 212 offers commission-free trading, but lacks mutual funds. See if it’s the right low-cost platform for your investing goals.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 4, 2022
Capital.com is a U.K. broker primarily known for CFDs (contracts for difference) and spread betting. While it previously offered the chance to buy and sell shares commission-free, you can no longer buy shares directly through Capital.com. Trading is limited to an unleveraged CFD account.
Elizabeth Anderson Oct 4, 2022
Review Vanguard’s low fees, ISA and SIPP options, and simple long-term investing funds. See if Vanguard is the right low-cost platform for your portfolio.
Elizabeth Anderson Dec 5, 2023
Revolut offers easy app-based investing with commission-free trades and a new stocks & shares ISA. See whether Revolut is the right platform for your portfolio.
Elizabeth Anderson Jul 22, 2024
AJ Bell review 2025: Explore ISAs, SIPPs, fees, app features, and ratings. Find out if AJ Bell is the best UK investing platform today.
Elizabeth Anderson Dec 5, 2023
Charles Stanley Direct is an online investment platform where you can invest in a wide range of products, including stocks and ETFs, using various accounts like tax-advantaged ISAs and SIPPs.
Elizabeth Anderson Aug 20, 2024Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | Barclays | Robinhood UK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Charges & Fees |
|
| |
| Investment Choices |
|
| |
| Mobile App |
|
| |
| Website |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Review | Barclays Review | Robinhood UK Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
| Investments | Barclays | Robinhood UK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISA | Yes | No | |
| SIPP | Yes | No | |
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| CFD Trading | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | No | |
| ETFs | Yes | No | |
| Bonds - Corporate | Yes | No | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | Yes | No | |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | No | |
| Spread Betting | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading | |||
| Advisor Services | Yes | No |
| Trading Fees | Barclays | Robinhood UK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £0 | £0 | |
| Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month | £6 | £0 | |
| Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month | £6 | £0 | |
| Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month | £6 | £0 | |
| 5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £0 - £250,000 | £0 - £525 | £0 | |
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £250K-£500K | £525 - £650 | £0 | |
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £500,000 - £1m | £650 - £850 | £0 | |
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £1m and over | £850 and up | £0 | |
| Bonds - Corporate - Fee | £6 | N/A | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee | £6 | N/A | |
| ETFs - Fee | £6 | £0 | |
| Investment Trusts - Fee | £6 | N/A | |
| Telephone Dealing Fee | £25 | N/A |
| Broker Screenshots | Barclays | Robinhood UK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| Platforms & Tools | Barclays | Robinhood UK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 0 | 3 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 0 | 0 | |
| Charting - Notes | No | No | |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No | |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | No | No | |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
| Research | Barclays | Robinhood UK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - CFDs | |||
| Research - Funds | Yes | No | |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | Yes | No | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Bonds | Yes | No | |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | No |
| Education | Barclays | Robinhood UK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Funds) | Yes | No | |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Overall Summary | Barclays | Robinhood UK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Charges & Fees |
|
| |
| Investment Choices |
|
| |
| Mobile App |
|
| |
| Website |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Review | Barclays Review | Robinhood UK Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
Trading 212 Review
IG Group Review
Interactive Brokers Review
Freetrade Review
XTB Review
Hargreaves Lansdown Review
Saxo Review
eToro Review
Halifax Review
Vanguard Review
CMC Invest Review