interactive investor vs InvestEngine: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | interactive investor | InvestEngine | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | £3.99/trade + monthly fee | £0 platform fee (DIY) | InvestEngine |
| Regular investing | Free on eligible funds/ETFs | Free, from £1 (AutoInvest) | InvestEngine |
| Platform | 8/10 | 7/10 | interactive investor |
| Market coverage | 8/10 | 5/10 | interactive investor |
| Customer support | 8/10 | 6/10 | interactive investor |
The verdict
interactive investor has a clear edge on market coverage, while InvestEngine is stronger on fees. If market coverage matters most to you, interactive investor is probably the right choice; if you prioritise fees instead, InvestEngine is the better fit.
Why choose interactive investor
- Flat monthly fee, ideal for medium-to-large portfolios where percentage fees would cost more
- £3.99 dealing fee, lower than Hargreaves Lansdown's £6.95
- ISA, SIPP and Trading Account can sit under one subscription
- Family plans allow multiple accounts under a single fee
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
interactive investor or InvestEngine: which is cheaper?
InvestEngine is generally cheaper: £0 platform fee (DIY), versus £3.99/trade + monthly fee for interactive investor.
interactive investor or InvestEngine: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: interactive investor — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; InvestEngine — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
interactive investor or InvestEngine: which is better for beginners?
interactive investor 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 interactive investor and InvestEngine?
On interactive investor: Free on eligible funds/ETFs. On InvestEngine: Free, from £1 (AutoInvest).
interactive investor or InvestEngine: which is safer?
interactive investor: interactive investor is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Client cash is protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per person, per authorised firm, and investments are ring-fenced separately from the company's own assets. 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 interactive investor 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.