InvestEngine vs Trading 212: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | InvestEngine | Trading 212 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | £0 platform fee (DIY) | £0 commission | Draw |
| Regular investing | Free, from £1 (AutoInvest) | Free (Pies/AutoInvest) | Draw |
| Platform | 7/10 | 8/10 | Trading 212 |
| Market coverage | 5/10 | 7/10 | Trading 212 |
| Customer support | 6/10 | 6/10 | Draw |
The verdict
Overall, Trading 212 comes out slightly ahead in this comparison, but the difference depends heavily on what you're looking for: check the table above to see which criterion matters most for you.
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 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
InvestEngine or Trading 212: which is cheaper?
Costs are broadly comparable: InvestEngine charges £0 platform fee (DIY), Trading 212 charges £0 commission.
InvestEngine or Trading 212: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: InvestEngine — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; Trading 212 — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
InvestEngine or Trading 212: which is better for beginners?
Trading 212 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 Trading 212?
On InvestEngine: Free, from £1 (AutoInvest). On Trading 212: Free (Pies/AutoInvest).
InvestEngine or Trading 212: 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. 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.