Best Stocks and Shares ISA in the UK 2025

Finding the best stocks and shares ISA can feel overwhelming, especially with so many platforms, funds, and fees to navigate. The problem is, not all ISAs are created equal. Some charge high management fees, while others offer limited investment options. In a changing landscape, picking the wrong provider could cost you thousands over time.

Whether you're a first-time investor or looking to optimise your ISA allowance, the fear of making the wrong choice can hold you back from growing your wealth efficiently. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you.

In this guide, we break down the best stocks and shares ISAs for 2025, comparing fees, features, and funds. Whether your goal is long-term growth, ethical investing, or low-cost simplicity, we’ll help you find an ISA to fit your needs. Interested in other types of ISA? Then read our Best Lifetime ISA and Best Cash ISA guides.

Now, let’s take a look at 3 of the best stocks and shares ISAs, comparing fees, features, and performance to help you find the ideal solution.

Our expert score: 4.8/5

Pros

Cons

InvestEngine’s (IE) stocks and shares ISA provides access to over 790 ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds), offering an affordable and diversified way to invest in stocks, bonds, and commodities.

You can either build and manage your own ETF portfolio for free, or let IE’s team match you with a managed portfolio, based on your risk tolerance and investment goals—though bear in mind this comes with a 0.25% annual fee. However, it’s a great option for beginners, and there are also no buying or selling charges on any of the accounts.

With detailed insights, you can track exactly which companies, sectors, and regions are in your portfolio, providing a fully informed approach to growing your wealth. It’s also easy to get started; you can open an account directly on the website with a deposit of £100.

Why buy? Expert verdict

InvestEngine is a solid choice for both beginner and experienced investors. As a Which? Recommended Provider, IE boasts a 5-star rating for ease of use and value for money, and a 4-star rating for overall customer service. With phone support available 7 days a week, it’s clear to see why.

The platform includes powerful automation tools to help you grow your wealth effortlessly. For example, AutoInvest can automatically invest any unused cash in your account—though you can switch this off if you prefer manual control. InvestEngine also makes diversification easy through fractional investing, allowing you to buy small portions of ETFs from as little as £1, rather than purchasing whole shares or units.

In addition, transferring existing ISAs to InvestEngine is simple and is even incentivised as of May 2025 with a cash bonus of up to £4,000.

Overall, the IE platform is easy to use and quick to sign up for. This, coupled with the no-fee and low-fee account options, makes InvestEngine a strong contender for the best stocks and shares ISA for beginners in our opinion.

Our expert score: 4.8/5

Pros

Cons

Hargreaves Lansdown (HL) has built a strong reputation over 40 years as one of the UK’s most trusted investment platforms. It offers a junior stocks and shares ISA with no platform fee—though bear in mind that you may still pay charges for the funds or ETFs you invest in, but this varies by product.

HL also caters to hands-on and hands-off investors, offering a wide range of investment choices from professionally managed funds to individual UK and international shares, bonds, investment trusts, and ETFs. It’s easy to get started by setting up a £25 monthly direct debit or depositing a £100 lump sum.

While HL doesn’t offer fully automated portfolios, its user-friendly platform, educational resources, and UK-based customer support make it relatively beginner-friendly—especially for those managing multiple ISAs in one place.

Why buy? Expert verdict

With over 200 industry awards—including Boring Money’s Best Buy Junior ISA and Best for Customer Service 2025—HL continues to be a trusted favourite.

The low minimum deposit and broad range of investment options make HL’s junior stocks and shares ISA an attractive and accessible choice for parents and guardians investing in their child’s future. For those wanting a hands-off approach, HL offers expertly curated, ready-made portfolios, making investing simple and accessible. Transferring existing junior ISAs or Child Trust Funds from other providers is straightforward, too—ideal for those looking to switch.

You can open an account in just 10 minutes online, or by phone or post if you prefer. If you already have a personal HL account, you’ll also benefit from the convenience of managing both your own and your child’s ISAs together through HL’s user-friendly app. Its UK-based customer service team is also available 6 days a week, offering award-winning support whenever you need it.

✍️ Have you used this stocks and shares ISA provider? Share a rating and review for Hargreaves Lansdown on Review Centre.

Our expert score: 4.5/5

Pros

Cons

Trading 212’s stocks and shares ISA is a flexible, beginner-friendly option with no platform or trading fees, making it cost-effective for new investors.

You can start with as little as £1 and gain access to over 10,000 stocks, ETFs, and investment trusts from UK and global markets. The ISA also offers a competitive 4.9% interest on uninvested cash, helping your money work even when not invested.

Its intuitive mobile app and commission-free trading make it easy to manage your investments on the go. With a low entry point and user-friendly features, Trading 212 is ideal for those just starting their investment journey.

Why buy? Expert verdict

Trading 212 is a standout choice for both novice and experienced investors seeking a flexible, low-cost platform. With access to over 10,000 global stocks, including fractional shares, you can invest in high-value companies, such as Netflix or Amazon, with minimal capital.

Trading 212 also uses a similar AutoInvest tool, which supports reinvestment and helps you build wealth over time without active management. However, beginners should be aware that there’s no fully managed option—AutoInvest is execution-only, automating the investment process without providing personalised advice or ongoing portfolio management.

Nevertheless, Trading 212’s demo account is a brilliant feature that allows beginners to practice and familiarise themselves with the platform without pressure. The user-friendly mobile app and educational resources also offer a supportive environment to learn and grow your portfolio.

Similarly, the 4.9% interest rate on uninvested cash is a brilliant way to ensure any idle funds earn while awaiting investment, presenting a compelling option for building long-term wealth.

There are two main types of stocks and shares ISAs:

As the name suggests, self-select (or ‘DIY’) accounts allow you to pick your own investments.

These types of ISAs offer a more ‘hands-off’ approach. Usually, there are 2 options:

Within both of these types of accounts, some providers also allow you to opt for a ‘thematic stocks and shares ISA.’ These typically offer more ethical investing, focusing on themes such as green energy or socially responsible companies, and are often built around ETFs or funds tracking specific sectors.

When determining which type of stocks and shares ISA is right for you, consider the following:

A stocks and shares ISA, also known as an investment ISA, allows you to invest in shares and other assets while shielding any gains or income from tax. Below, you’ll find more information about how they work.

Any UK resident aged 18 or over with a valid National Insurance number can open an adult stocks and shares ISA, including Crown employees working overseas and their spouses or civil partners.

Only a parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 can open a junior stocks and shares ISA on their behalf.

You can invest up to £20,000 in total across all adult ISAs: stocks and shares, cash, innovative finance, and lifetime. The amount that you put into each ISA is very much up to you. For instance, you could allocate £10,000 to a cash ISA and deposit £10,000 into your stocks and shares ISA. Alternatively, you might want to invest the full £20,000 into 1 or 2 different stocks and shares ISAs.

The exception here is for junior stocks and shares ISAs—these have an annual limit of £9,000, and funds are locked until the child turns 18, when they receive full control of the account.

Stocks and shares ISAs let you invest in the following:

Stocks and shares ISAs offer access to a wide range of investments and typically allow withdrawals at any time (though check each provider’s terms carefully before investing).

The higher risk that comes with investing also allows for higher long-term growth, making it a powerful tool for building wealth over time.

Unlike other types of ISA—such as cash or fixed rate ISAs—stocks and shares ISAs come with risk. Investment values can go down as well as up, and higher platform fees can chip away at profits.

Because of this, it’s recommended that you invest for the long term (5+ years) to ride out any market dips. If you don’t feel this is feasible, it’s worth looking into other types of ISA—especially if you’re over 60 and may need the money sooner.

First, choose a provider—compare platforms such as those discussed above, based on fees, features, and investment options. Decide between a self-managed or a managed ISA before submitting an application. You’ll typically need to provide personal details such as your National Insurance number and UK address, along with proof of ID.

Once your account is open, you’ll need to fund your ISA. You can transfer money from your bank or move an existing ISA via a transfer form. After this, you’re ready to start investing.

Some of the UK's largest stocks and shares ISA providers include:

These providers offer a range of features to suit different investment preferences and often feature among the top choices for best stocks and shares ISAs in the UK.

When choosing your ISA, be sure to consider the following:

Consider whether you want to manage your own investments (DIY) or have a managed portfolio tailored to your risk profile.

Choose a provider with a strong track record, positive customer reviews, and reliable service. Well-known platforms such as Hargreaves Lansdown are trusted for a reason.

Compare platform fees, trading charges, and fund costs. Some charge flat fees, others a percentage—be sure to compare based on how much you plan to invest.

Check if the platform allows easy transfers, portfolio rebalancing, and fractional investing.

Explore the range of available investments—for example, funds, shares, and thematic portfolios. A wider choice gives you more flexibility to build a portfolio that fits your goals.

Check what support is available from the provider, including customer service and opening days/times, and whether there are any educational resources you can rely on. Additional automation features (such as AutoInvest) and management apps are also useful.

We considered the following factors when curating our list:

Choosing the best stocks and shares ISA ultimately comes down to your individual needs, goals, and confidence as an investor. Whether you're looking for low-cost, hands-off investing through a managed provider or prefer the flexibility and control of a DIY platform, there’s an option to suit every style.

Before opening an ISA, think about how involved you want to be, how much risk you’re comfortable with, and what tools or guidance you may need. While past performance can be a useful indicator, remember that it doesn’t guarantee future results. So, take your time, compare options carefully, and choose a provider that aligns with your long-term financial goals.