Hargreaves Lansdown vs Trading 212: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | Hargreaves Lansdown | Trading 212 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | £6.95/trade (£3.95 frequent) | £0 commission | Trading 212 |
| Regular investing | Free via direct debit | Free (Pies/AutoInvest) | Trading 212 |
| Platform | 8/10 | 8/10 | Draw |
| Market coverage | 9/10 | 7/10 | Hargreaves Lansdown |
| Customer support | 9/10 | 6/10 | Hargreaves Lansdown |
The verdict
Hargreaves Lansdown has a clear edge on customer support, while Trading 212 is stronger on fees. If customer support matters most to you, Hargreaves Lansdown is probably the right choice; if you prioritise fees instead, Trading 212 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 Trading 212
- Genuinely £0 commission and £0 platform fee across Invest, ISA and SIPP accounts
- One of the lowest FX fees of any UK broker at 0.15%
- Pies and AutoInvest for automated, weighted regular investing
- Fractional shares from £1
Frequently asked questions
Hargreaves Lansdown or Trading 212: which is cheaper?
Trading 212 is generally cheaper: £0 commission, versus £6.95/trade (£3.95 frequent) for Hargreaves Lansdown.
Hargreaves Lansdown or Trading 212: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: Hargreaves Lansdown — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; Trading 212 — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
Hargreaves Lansdown or Trading 212: which is better for beginners?
Hargreaves Lansdown tends to be more beginner-friendly, thanks to a stronger platform and customer support. Trading 212 remains a solid choice if you're already familiar with the markets.
Can I set up regular investing on Hargreaves Lansdown and Trading 212?
On Hargreaves Lansdown: Free via direct debit. On Trading 212: Free (Pies/AutoInvest).
Hargreaves Lansdown or Trading 212: 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. Trading 212: Trading 212 UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Eligible deposits are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per person, per authorised firm. Investments are ring-fenced in your name, held separately from the firm's own assets, so they remain yours if the firm fails, with FSCS cover of up to £85,000 for any shortfall. EU clients are served by the CySEC-regulated entity, with €20,000 ICF protection instead.
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.