UK.StockBrokers.com is committed to the highest ethical standards and reviews services independently. Learn How We Make Money

Hargreaves Lansdown vs Saxo 2025

StockBrokers.com

Written by StockBrokers.com

April 17, 2025

In this head to head comparison of Hargreaves Lansdown vs Saxo, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

Hargreaves Lansdown
4.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: £1
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: Yes
Saxo
4.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: £0
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: Yes

Fees

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, Hargreaves Lansdown offers better pricing than Saxo 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 - Hargreaves Lansdown would cost £59.75 / £104.75 if in ISA. per year, while Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £51 per year.

12 trades per year - Hargreaves Lansdown would cost £143.40 / £188.40 if in ISA. per year, while Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £72 per year.

36 trades per year - Hargreaves Lansdown would cost £430.20 / £475.20 if in ISA. per year, while Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £144 per year.

120 trades per year - Hargreaves Lansdown would cost £1,074 / £1,119 if in ISA. per year, while Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £396 per year.

3 fund trades per year - Hargreaves Lansdown would cost £1 per year, while Saxo would cost £0 per year.

query_stats 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.

Investment Choices

Both Hargreaves Lansdown and Saxo offer a wide range of investment choices for UK investors, making it easier to diversify your portfolio. Share trading, ETFs, funds, corporate and government bonds, and investment trusts are accessible through both platforms, ensuring a broad selection of traditional investment options. However, if you're looking for more niche markets, Saxo stands out by including CFD trading in its offerings, a feature that Hargreaves Lansdown does not provide. On the other hand, Hargreaves Lansdown offers advisor services, which could be beneficial for investors seeking personalized guidance.

When it comes to ratings and rankings, both platforms receive high praise for their investment options, each earning a five-star rating from UK.StockBrokers.com. Despite this shared acclaim, Saxo takes the lead, being ranked first out of 21 brokers for investment choices, while Hargreaves Lansdown follows closely at fourth place. With both platforms excelling in various categories, your choice may come down to specific needs, such as the necessity for advisor services or access to CFD trading.

Feature Hargreaves Lansdown logoHargreaves Lansdown
Saxo logoSaxo
Share Trading info Yes Yes
CFD Trading info No Yes
ETFs info Yes Yes
Funds info Yes Yes
Bonds - Government (Gilts) info Yes Yes
Investment Trusts info Yes Yes
Spread Betting info No No
Crypto Trading info No No
Advisor Services info Yes No
Investment Choices 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars

Featured Offers


4.5/5 Stars

Low-cost US and UK shares.

4.5/5 Stars

Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.

Trading Tools

When comparing the trading tools of Hargreaves Lansdown to those of Saxo, UK traders will notice several key differences. Hargreaves Lansdown gives users the ability to display corporate events like earnings and dividends directly on charts, which Saxo does not. However, Saxo outshines Hargreaves Lansdown with a more extensive selection of charting tools, providing 20 drawing tools and 64 technical indicators, compared to Hargreaves Lansdown's 11 drawing tools and 15 indicators. Additionally, Saxo users can add notes to charts, a feature not available with Hargreaves Lansdown.

Both online brokers support adding index and stock overlays to charts and offer browser-based trading platforms equipped with real-time market data. Furthermore, they allow users to set up alerts for stock price updates. Whether prioritizing chart annotations or the inclusion of corporate events, UK investors can find unique benefits with both Hargreaves Lansdown and Saxo to enhance their trading experience.

Feature Hargreaves Lansdown logoHargreaves Lansdown
Saxo logoSaxo
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Stock Alerts info Yes Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 15 64
Charting - Drawing Tools info 11 20
Charting - Notes info No Yes
Charting - Display Corporate Events info Yes No
Charting - Stock Overlays info Yes Yes
Charting - Index Overlays info Yes Yes

ISAs and SIPPs

When comparing online brokers Hargreaves Lansdown and Saxo for UK investors seeking retirement account options, both platforms offer Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) and Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs). This means you can choose either broker if you want to invest tax-efficiently through an ISA or take control of your retirement savings with a SIPP. While both options provide similar account types, it's crucial to weigh aspects such as fees, customer support, and platform usability to determine which broker aligns best with your investment goals and preferences.

Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.

Mobile App

When comparing the mobile app offerings of online brokers Hargreaves Lansdown and Saxo, both provide apps for iPhone and Android users, ensuring accessibility across major devices. However, Saxo takes the lead with a perfect 5-star rating from UK.StockBrokers.com, clinching the top spot among 21 brokers for its mobile app. In contrast, Hargreaves Lansdown holds a respectable 4.5-star rating and ranks 10th. UK investors seeking the best mobile trading experience may be inclined towards Saxo due to its superior app ranking and rating.

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.

Beginners and Education

When it comes to beginner investor educational resources, both Hargreaves Lansdown and Saxo have their strengths for UK readers. Hargreaves Lansdown offers education on share trading, funds, and retirement, complemented by live webinars, though these are not available on demand. On the other hand, Saxo provides webinars that can be accessed anytime, enhancing convenience, but lacks specific content on share trading, funds, and retirement. Both brokers receive a perfect 5-star rating for beginner education from UK.StockBrokers.com, with Saxo ranking slightly higher at third place compared to Hargreaves Lansdown's fourth out of 21 brokers evaluated.

Feature Hargreaves Lansdown logoHargreaves Lansdown
Saxo logoSaxo
Client Webinars info Yes Yes
Client Webinars (Archived) info No Yes
Education (Share Trading) info Yes No
Education (Funds) info Yes No
Education (Retirement) info Yes No
Education 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.

Market Research

For UK investors seeking in-depth market research through online brokers, both Hargreaves Lansdown and Saxo provide a wide array of features. Each platform offers research reports for funds, allowing users to make informed investment choices. They both provide tools to view portfolio allocation by asset class, maintaining a clear overview of your investments. Hargreaves Lansdown and Saxo both cater to shares, ETFs, funds, and bonds research, ensuring a broad spectrum of market insights. However, only Saxo extends its research to CFDs, making it a more versatile choice for those interested in exploring contract for difference investments. With these features, both platforms support investors in making informed decisions tailored to their financial goals.

Feature Hargreaves Lansdown logoHargreaves Lansdown
Saxo logoSaxo
Research - Shares info Yes Yes
Research - CFDs info No Yes
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Research - Bonds info Yes Yes
Research - Funds info Yes Yes
Fund Research - Research Reports info Yes Yes
Portfolio Allocation Breakdown info Yes Yes

Hargreaves Lansdown vs Saxo Winner

Which broker is better overall, Hargreaves Lansdown or Saxo? After collecting more than 900 data points over a 10-week period, we found Hargreaves Lansdown to be a better trading platform overall.

As the U.K.’s biggest investment platform for individual investors, Hargreaves Lansdown offers a wide range of investment choices for either beginners or seasoned investors. However, its fees are generally more expensive than rival brokers, which can become an issue for large investment pots.

Feature Hargreaves Lansdown logoHargreaves Lansdown
Saxo logoSaxo
Overall Rating 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Charges & Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Investment Choices 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Mobile App 4.5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Website 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with Hargreaves Lansdown or Saxo?

While both online brokers Hargreaves Lansdown and Saxo offer a range of investment services, neither provides options for crypto trading.

Popular Guides

Popular Stock Broker Reviews

More Guides


Select Brokers

×
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxAJ Bell
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxBarclays
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxBestinvest
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCharles Stanley Direct
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCMC Invest
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxeToro
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFidelity International
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFreetrade
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxHalifax
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxHargreaves Lansdown
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIG
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxInteractive Brokers
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxInteractive Investor
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxLloyds Bank
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxRevolut
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxRobinhood UK
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxSaxo
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxTrading 212
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxVanguard UK Investor
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxWebull
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxXTB

Compare

0 of 5
Overall Rating Hargreaves Lansdown Saxo
Overall Rating 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Charges & Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Investment Choices 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Mobile App 4.5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Website 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Review Hargreaves Lansdown Review Saxo Review
Winner check_circle
Investments Hargreaves Lansdown Saxo
ISA info Yes Yes
SIPP info Yes Yes
Share Trading info Yes Yes
CFD Trading info No Yes
Funds info Yes Yes
ETFs info Yes Yes
Bonds - Corporate info Yes Yes
Bonds - Government (Gilts) info Yes Yes
Investment Trusts info Yes Yes
Spread Betting info No No
Crypto Trading info No No
Advisor Services info Yes No
Trading Fees Hargreaves Lansdown Saxo
Minimum Deposit info £1 £0
Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month info £11.95 From £3 or 0.08%
Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month info £8.95 From £3 or 0.08%
Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month info £5.95 From £3 or 0.08%
5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) info £59.75 / £104.75 if in ISA. 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £51
12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) info £143.40 / £188.40 if in ISA. 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £72
36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) info £430.20 / £475.20 if in ISA. 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £144
120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) info £1,074 / £1,119 if in ISA. 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £396
3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) info £135 0.4% + 0% commission: £120
Annual Custody Fee: £0 - £250,000 info Up to £1,125 Up to £800 info
Annual Custody Fee: £250K-£500K info Up to £625 £500 to £1,000
Annual Custody Fee: £500,000 - £1m info Up to £1,250 Up to £1,998
Annual Custody Fee: £1m and over info Up to £1,000 £1,000
Bonds - Corporate - Fee info £20 - £50 €20 minimum
Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee info £20 - £50 €20 minimum
ETFs - Fee info £5.95 - £11.95 From $1
Investment Trusts - Fee info £5.95 - £11.95 From $1 / £3 / €10
Telephone Dealing Fee info £20 - £50 info £50
Broker Screenshots Hargreaves Lansdown Saxo
Website Gallery (click to expand)
Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand)
Education Gallery (click to expand)
Platforms & Tools Hargreaves Lansdown Saxo
Web Platform info Yes Yes
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Stock Alerts info Yes Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 15 64
Charting - Drawing Tools info 11 20
Charting - Notes info No Yes
Charting - Display Corporate Events info Yes No
Charting - Stock Overlays info Yes Yes
Charting - Index Overlays info Yes Yes
Research Hargreaves Lansdown Saxo
Research - Shares info Yes Yes
Research - CFDs info No Yes
Research - Funds info Yes Yes
Fund Research - Research Reports info Yes Yes
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Research - Bonds info Yes Yes
Portfolio Allocation Breakdown info Yes Yes
Education Hargreaves Lansdown Saxo
Education (Share Trading) info Yes No
Education (Funds) info Yes No
Education (Retirement) info Yes No
Client Webinars info Yes Yes
Client Webinars (Archived) info No Yes
Overall Summary Hargreaves Lansdown Saxo
Overall Rating 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Charges & Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Investment Choices 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Mobile App 4.5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Website 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Review Hargreaves Lansdown Review Saxo Review
Winner check_circle
arrow_upward

close