InvestEngine vs AJ Bell: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | InvestEngine | AJ Bell | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | £0 platform fee (DIY) | £5.00/trade (shares) | InvestEngine |
| Regular investing | Free, from £1 (AutoInvest) | Free (since May 2026) | Draw |
| Platform | 7/10 | 9/10 | AJ Bell |
| Market coverage | 5/10 | 9/10 | AJ Bell |
| Customer support | 6/10 | 8/10 | AJ Bell |
The verdict
InvestEngine has a clear edge on fees, while AJ Bell is stronger on market coverage. If fees matters most to you, InvestEngine is probably the right choice; if you prioritise market coverage instead, AJ Bell is the better fit.
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
Why choose AJ Bell
- SIPP share cap of £120/year, among the cheapest full-service SIPPs for share/ETF investors
- Regular investing now completely free, removing the last major pricing gap
- Offers Lifetime ISA and Junior SIPP, account types many rivals lack
- Eight consecutive years of Which? Recommended Provider status
Frequently asked questions
InvestEngine or AJ Bell: which is cheaper?
InvestEngine is generally cheaper: £0 platform fee (DIY), versus £5.00/trade (shares) for AJ Bell.
InvestEngine or AJ Bell: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: InvestEngine — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; AJ Bell — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
InvestEngine or AJ Bell: which is better for beginners?
AJ Bell 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 InvestEngine and AJ Bell?
On InvestEngine: Free, from £1 (AutoInvest). On AJ Bell: Free (since May 2026).
InvestEngine or AJ Bell: which is safer?
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. AJ Bell: AJ Bell 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 AJ Bell's own assets. With a market capitalisation exceeding £1.5 billion and eight consecutive years of Which? Recommended status, AJ Bell is considered one of the more institutionally stable platforms in the UK market.
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.