How We Test

Overall

The Overall category winner is determined by our proprietary formula that calculates the sum of rankings from our other core categories, including Charges & Fees, Investment Choices, Mobile App, Website, Education, and Ease of Use. Weightings across each category can change from year to year; you can find more information by checking out our how we test page.

Beginners

This award considers several factors important to new investors, such as a wide range of available assets, quality and breadth of educational material, ease of use, and a highly competitive pricing structure.

Charges & Fees

This award recognizes the brokerage with the lowest share dealing costs, which vary significantly among U.K. platforms. Factors considered include trading commissions, transaction fees, custody fees, and other account fees.

Ease of Use

This award goes to the brokerage that scored the highest in the Ease of Use category. Navigation, task efficiency, layout fluidity, responsiveness, and overall design were assessed to determine the overall usability of each broker’s website and mobile app.

Education

This award recognizes the brokerage that scored the most points for the Education category, which factors in the availability and quality of articles, webinars and other materials surrounding various aspects of share dealing and investing.

Investment Choices

This award recognizes the broker that scored the most points for the Investment Choices category, which considers availability of instruments such as stocks, bonds, CFDs, funds, and trusts.

Junior ISA

This award recognises the U.K. investment platform offering the best Junior ISA. We considered fees, investment choice, and ease of use when deciding the winner. We prioritised providers with no management charges or trading fees, and a wide range of investment choices such as mutual funds, shares, ETFs and bonds – as well as ready-made portfolios for those who feel less comfortable with making their own choices. We also looked at how easy it is to access and pay money into the account.

Mobile App

The Mobile App award recognizes the best mobile app for everyday investors. Key criteria included tools, research availability, ease of use, design, and responsiveness.

Research

This award recognizes the broker that the UK.StockBrokers.com editorial team regards as providing the best research and market commentary experience. Elements considered include quality and quantity of research and ease of use.

SIPP Provider

For the #1 SIPP provider award, we prioritised platform fees and trading charges, investment choice (including whether there are ready-made portfolios to choose from), ease of use, the mobile and desktop experience, the educational material and research available, and whether you have the option to pay for financial advice through the platform.

Stocks and Shares ISA

For the best stocks and shares ISA in the UK, we considered platform and trading fees, investment choice, ease of use, and whether the broker offers a straightforward experience for new investors. We also gave bonus points to platforms that pay interest on cash and offer a flexible ISA.

Website

The #1 Website award recognizes the best web-based trading platform for the everyday investor. Key criteria include availability of tools, learning materials and data, as well as ease of use, design and responsiveness.

#1 Lifetime ISA

This award recognises the U.K. investment platform offering the best Lifetime ISA. We considered platform and trading fees, investment offerings, minimum deposit, and ease of use. We focused on the investment version of the Lifetime ISA, but also took into account any interest paid by providers on cash held in the account.

#1 Junior SIPP Provider

This award recognises the U.K. investment platform offering the best Junior SIPP. We considered platform and trading fees, investment choice, minimum deposit, and how easy it is to set up, pay money in, and manage the account online.