Hargreaves Lansdown vs Vanguard UK: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | Hargreaves Lansdown | Vanguard UK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | £6.95/trade (£3.95 frequent) | 0.15% (capped £375/yr) | Vanguard UK |
| Regular investing | Free via direct debit | Free (no dealing fees) | Draw |
| Platform | 8/10 | 6/10 | Hargreaves Lansdown |
| Market coverage | 9/10 | 3/10 | Hargreaves Lansdown |
| Customer support | 9/10 | 6/10 | Hargreaves Lansdown |
The verdict
Hargreaves Lansdown has a clear edge on market coverage, while Vanguard UK is stronger on fees. If market coverage matters most to you, Hargreaves Lansdown is probably the right choice; if you prioritise fees instead, Vanguard UK 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 Vanguard UK
- One of the lowest percentage platform fees in the UK, at 0.15% capped at £375/year
- No dealing fees at all on Vanguard funds or ETFs, no transfer or exit fees
- LifeStrategy and Target Retirement funds are exclusive to Vanguard, genuinely "set and forget"
- One combined account fee across ISA, SIPP and other Vanguard accounts
Frequently asked questions
Hargreaves Lansdown or Vanguard UK: which is cheaper?
Vanguard UK is generally cheaper: 0.15% (capped £375/yr), versus £6.95/trade (£3.95 frequent) for Hargreaves Lansdown.
Hargreaves Lansdown or Vanguard UK: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: Hargreaves Lansdown — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; Vanguard UK — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
Hargreaves Lansdown or Vanguard UK: which is better for beginners?
Hargreaves Lansdown tends to be more beginner-friendly, thanks to a stronger platform and customer support. Vanguard UK remains a solid choice if you're already familiar with the markets.
Can I set up regular investing on Hargreaves Lansdown and Vanguard UK?
On Hargreaves Lansdown: Free via direct debit. On Vanguard UK: Free (no dealing fees).
Hargreaves Lansdown or Vanguard UK: 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. Vanguard UK: Vanguard Investor is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Eligible money and investments held with Vanguard UK are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 if the firm were to fail — the standard level of protection for any FCA-regulated UK investment platform.
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.