Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Bestinvest vs Vanguard UK Investor, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
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, Bestinvest offers better pricing than Vanguard UK Investor for share dealing.
Assuming a £30,000 portfolio size, here are the total annual costs for share dealing with both brokers, given different monthly activity scenarios.
5 trades per year - Bestinvest would cost £144.75 per year, while Vanguard UK Investor would cost N/A per year.
12 trades per year - Bestinvest would cost £119.40 - £179.40 per year, while Vanguard UK Investor would cost N/A per year.
36 trades per year - Bestinvest would cost £238.20 - £357.60 per year, while Vanguard UK Investor would cost N/A per year.
120 trades per year - Bestinvest would cost £654 - £714 per year, while Vanguard UK Investor would cost N/A per year.
3 fund trades per year - Bestinvest would cost £50 per year, while Vanguard UK Investor would cost £500 per year.
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.
Bestinvest and Vanguard UK Investor offer a range of investment options tailored for UK investors, yet they differ significantly in some key areas. Bestinvest provides the flexibility of share trading, something not available with Vanguard. Both platforms allow trading of ETFs and funds, supporting a diverse investment portfolio. However, when it comes to trading investment trusts, Bestinvest provides this opportunity, whereas Vanguard does not. Neither service offers options like crypto trading, spread betting, CFD trading, or trading of corporate and government bonds. Additionally, Bestinvest stands out by offering advisor services, which are absent from Vanguard's offerings.
In terms of ratings, Bestinvest receives a 4.5-star score for its investment choices from UK.StockBrokers.com, ranking 10th out of 18 brokers, signifying commendable satisfaction among investors. Conversely, Vanguard UK Investor, rated 3.5 stars and ranking 18th, presents fewer options, which might influence investors seeking a variety of trading choices. Overall, Bestinvest might appeal more to individuals looking for comprehensive investment options and the added benefit of professional advice.
| Feature |
Bestinvest
|
Vanguard UK Investor
|
|---|---|---|
| Share Trading | Yes | No |
| CFD Trading | No | No |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Funds | Yes | Yes |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | No |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | No |
| Spread Betting | No | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | No |
| Advisor Services | Yes | No |
| Investment Choices |
|
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Low-cost US and UK shares.
Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.
When comparing the online trading tools of Bestinvest and Vanguard UK Investor, there are notable differences in features and capabilities. Bestinvest stands out with nine drawing tools and 36 technical indicators for charting, allowing a more detailed analysis. In contrast, Vanguard UK Investor offers no drawing tools or technical indicators, making it less equipped for those seeking in-depth chart analysis. Bestinvest also allows users to add notes and stock overlays to their charts and offers a browser-based trading platform with the ability to create alerts for stock price updates. Vanguard UK Investor, while also featuring a browser-based platform, lacks these advanced functionalities and does not support alerts for stock price updates.
Both platforms share some commonalities, such as the inability to display corporate events on charts and the lack of real-time market data. Neither platform supports index overlays, which some investors may find limiting. However, if you're an investor who values a comprehensive set of tools for detailed chart analysis and the flexibility to create alerts, Bestinvest might be the more suitable option. Vanguard UK Investor, on the other hand, may appeal to those with simpler trading needs, given its more basic toolset.
| Feature |
Bestinvest
|
Vanguard UK Investor
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 36 | 0 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 9 | 0 |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | Yes | No |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
When comparing retirement-focused online brokers in the UK, Bestinvest and Vanguard UK Investor both present attractive options for Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) and Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs). Bestinvest offers a comprehensive suite of services, enabling investors to make informed choices with their ISAs and SIPPs. Similarly, Vanguard UK Investor provides appealing ISA and SIPP options, emphasizing user-friendly investment solutions. Both platforms cater to individuals seeking efficient and convenient ways to manage their retirement savings online. Whether you are considering Bestinvest or Vanguard UK Investor, you’ll find essential tools for growing your financial future through these popular account types.
Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.
When comparing Bestinvest and Vanguard UK Investor for UK investors seeking mobile app options, both provide apps available for iPhone and Android users. However, according to UK.StockBrokers.com, both brokers share a mobile app rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, indicating similar performance levels. Despite this, Bestinvest slightly edges out Vanguard UK Investor in rankings, securing the 16th position among 18 brokers, while Vanguard UK Investor sits at 19th. These rankings provide insight into user experiences and the competitive landscape within the mobile trading sphere.
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.
When comparing the beginner investor educational resources of Bestinvest and Vanguard UK Investor, Bestinvest stands out significantly. Bestinvest offers a wide range of educational webinars, both live and archived for on-demand viewing, while Vanguard UK Investor only archives webinars. For those interested in learning about share trading, Bestinvest provides dedicated resources, unlike Vanguard UK Investor. Both platforms cover topics on funds and retirement. Bestinvest receives high praise from UK.StockBrokers.com with a 5-star rating, ranking 6th out of 18 brokers, indicative of its comprehensive educational content. In contrast, Vanguard UK Investor scores a lower 3.5 stars and ranks 17th, suggesting its educational offerings may not be as beginner-friendly.
| Feature |
Bestinvest
|
Vanguard UK Investor
|
|---|---|---|
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | No |
| Education (Funds) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | Yes |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.
When evaluating the market research features of Bestinvest and Vanguard UK Investor, both provide research reports for funds and let users view portfolio allocation by asset class, making them suitable for UK investors interested in in-depth fund analysis. However, Bestinvest distinguishes itself by offering research on shares in addition to ETFs and funds, while Vanguard UK Investor only covers ETFs and funds. Neither platform offers research on CFDs or bonds, which may limit investors looking for insights into these instruments. Overall, Bestinvest's broader research offerings, particularly in share analysis, could appeal to those seeking a wider range of investment insights.
| Feature |
Bestinvest
|
Vanguard UK Investor
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | No |
| Research - CFDs | No | No |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Bonds | No | No |
| Research - Funds | Yes | Yes |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | Yes |
Which broker is better overall, Bestinvest or Vanguard UK Investor? After collecting more than 900 data points over a 10-week period, we found Bestinvest to be a better trading platform overall.
Bestinvest is a very good broker that should appeal to a wide range of investors. Fees are competitive, particularly if you invest in funds or US shares, and the investment options are extensive. The Bestinvest platform is relatively easy to use and the offer of a free 45 minute session with a financial coach can be a useful starting point for newer investors. Bestinvest is also a great option for a Junior SIPP, as it is one of very few UK brokers offering children’s pensions and with a low entry point.
| Feature |
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Vanguard UK Investor
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Both Bestinvest and Vanguard UK Investor do not offer crypto trading options for investors.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Bestinvest | Vanguard UK Investor | |
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| Review | Bestinvest Review | Vanguard UK Investor Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
| Investments | Bestinvest | Vanguard UK Investor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISA | Yes | Yes | |
| SIPP | Yes | Yes | |
| Share Trading | Yes | No | |
| CFD Trading | No | No | |
| Funds | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Bonds - Corporate | No | No | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | No | |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | No | |
| Spread Betting | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading | No | No | |
| Advisor Services | Yes | No |
| Trading Fees | Bestinvest | Vanguard UK Investor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £50 | £500 | |
| Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month | £0 - £4.95 | N/A | |
| Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month | £0 - £4.95 | N/A | |
| Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month | £0 - £4.95 | N/A | |
| 5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £144.75 | N/A | |
| 12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £119.40 - £179.40 | N/A | |
| 36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £238.20 - £357.60 | N/A | |
| 120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £654 - £714 | N/A | |
| 3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £60 or £120 | £108 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £0 - £250,000 | Up to £500 or £1,000 | Under £32,000: £48 / Over £32,000: 0.15% | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £250K-£500K | £500 - £1,000 | £375 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £500,000 - £1m | £100 - £1,000 | £375 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £1m and over | £0 | £375 | |
| Bonds - Corporate - Fee | £4.95 | N/A | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee | £4.95 | N/A | |
| ETFs - Fee | £4.95 | 0.02% to 0.14% | |
| Investment Trusts - Fee | £4.95 | N/A | |
| Telephone Dealing Fee | £30 | N/A |
| Broker Screenshots | Bestinvest | Vanguard UK Investor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website Gallery (click to expand) |
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| Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand) |
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| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
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| Platforms & Tools | Bestinvest | Vanguard UK Investor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 36 | 0 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 9 | 0 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No | |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
| Research | Bestinvest | Vanguard UK Investor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | No | |
| Research - CFDs | No | No | |
| Research - Funds | Yes | Yes | |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Bonds | No | No | |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Bestinvest | Vanguard UK Investor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | No | |
| Education (Funds) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Overall Summary | Bestinvest | Vanguard UK Investor | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Review | Bestinvest Review | Vanguard UK Investor Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
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