Hargreaves Lansdown vs InvestEngine: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | Hargreaves Lansdown | InvestEngine | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | £6.95/trade (£3.95 frequent) | £0 platform fee (DIY) | InvestEngine |
| Regular investing | Free via direct debit | Free, from £1 (AutoInvest) | InvestEngine |
| Platform | 8/10 | 7/10 | Hargreaves Lansdown |
| Market coverage | 9/10 | 5/10 | Hargreaves Lansdown |
| Customer support | 9/10 | 6/10 | Hargreaves Lansdown |
The verdict
Hargreaves Lansdown has a clear edge on market coverage, while InvestEngine is stronger on fees. If market coverage matters most to you, Hargreaves Lansdown is probably the right choice; if you prioritise fees instead, InvestEngine is the better fit.
Why choose Hargreaves Lansdown
- Widest range of account types among major UK platforms, including Junior SIPP and Lifetime ISA
- Share/ETF platform fee capped at £150/year (SIPP) or £45/year (ISA), competitive for larger portfolios
- Free regular investing via direct debit
- Access to personal financial advice and an FX service
Why choose InvestEngine
- Genuinely 0% platform fee on DIY portfolios across ISA, SIPP and GIA
- SIPP platform fee removed in December 2024, one of the lowest-cost DIY pensions available
- Fractional investing from £1 across around 800 ETFs
- Free in-specie transfers where InvestEngine offers matching ETFs
Frequently asked questions
Hargreaves Lansdown or InvestEngine: which is cheaper?
InvestEngine is generally cheaper: £0 platform fee (DIY), versus £6.95/trade (£3.95 frequent) for Hargreaves Lansdown.
Hargreaves Lansdown or InvestEngine: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: Hargreaves Lansdown — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; InvestEngine — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
Hargreaves Lansdown or InvestEngine: which is better for beginners?
Hargreaves Lansdown tends to be more beginner-friendly, thanks to a stronger platform and customer support. InvestEngine remains a solid choice if you're already familiar with the markets.
Can I set up regular investing on Hargreaves Lansdown and InvestEngine?
On Hargreaves Lansdown: Free via direct debit. On InvestEngine: Free, from £1 (AutoInvest).
Hargreaves Lansdown or InvestEngine: which is safer?
Hargreaves Lansdown: Hargreaves Lansdown is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Client cash is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per person, per authorised firm, and investments are held separately from HL's own assets, meaning they remain yours even if the firm were to fail. InvestEngine: InvestEngine is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and only accepts UK residents. Client cash and investments are held in line with FCA client money rules, with FSCS protection applying up to the standard limits in the event the firm were to fail.
Read the full Hargreaves Lansdown review →
Read the full InvestEngine review →
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Information on fees and features is accurate at the time of publication but may change: always check current terms on the broker's official website before opening an account. This is not financial advice.