What are the best alternatives to Vanguard in the UK?
We explore the best Vanguard alternatives comparing investment options and charges, to help you select the right platform for you.
Vanguard is a low-cost investing platform that focuses on its own range of funds - it does not provide a trading option for individual stocks or shares.
Some Vanguard alternatives offer a wider range of investments, including DIY options.
Unbiased can match you with a financial adviser to help you build a strategy tailored to your financial goals.
What is Vanguard?
Vanguard is a popular investment platform known for its low-cost index funds and straightforward approach to investing.
Its focus on low fees and simplicity makes it a favourite for those seeking affordable, easy-to-manage, portfolios.
That said, some investors look for Vanguard alternatives as its offerings are fairly limited.
The platform provides a narrower selection of funds than other providers, nor does it offer trading options for individual stocks.
It also has a basic user interface that frustrates some more experienced investors.
Vanguard’s no-fuss approach and reputation for reliability are major draws, but it can feel limited for investors who want to be more actively involved in running their portfolio.
So, if you’re searching for a Vanguard alternative, you’re in the right place.
What are the best alternatives to Vanguard?
When searching for alternatives to Vanguard, UK investors will find many platforms that cater to different needs.
To identify the best options, we’ve considered factors like fee structure, investment selection, account types, user experience, and additional features.
Here’s a breakdown of the alternatives:
| Company | Founded | Headquarters (UK) | Assets under management (Global) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hargreaves Lansdown | 1981 | Bristol | £172 billion |
| InvestEngine | 2019 | London | £1 billion |
| Wealthify | 2014 | Cardiff | £1 billion |
| Charles Stanley Direct | 1792 | London | £3.8 billion |
| Dodl by AJ Bell | 2022 | Manchester | £8.9 billion |
| Moneybox | 2015 | London | £16 billion |
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Overview
Known for its wide variety of investments and extensive research tools, Hargreaves Lansdown is popular among investors who want more control over their portfolios.
Fees
Vanguard’s platform fee is 0.15%, capped at £375 a year for accounts over £32,000 or £4 a month for smaller portfolios.
Hargreaves Lansdown’s charges are tiered: 0.45% annually on the first £250,000, 0.25% on £250,000–£1 million, 0.1% on £1 million–£2 million, and no charge above £2 million.
Trading fees range from £5.95 to £11.95 per trade for shares.
Key features
Hargreaves Lansdown offers individual savings accounts (ISAs), self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs), and general investment accounts (GIAs), with access to stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and a vast range of funds.
The mobile app is intuitive and ideal for independent research.
Pros
Extensive investment options.
Advanced research tools.
Cons
It may be overwhelming for beginners due to its extensive features.
Higher fees than other investment platforms.
Who it’s best for
Hargreaves Lansdown is suitable for investors who need in-depth research tools and a wide range of investment choices.
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Overview
InvestEngine is a cost-effective platform known for its focus on ETF portfolios, offering both managed and DIY options.
Fees
InvestEngine offers no platform fees for DIY portfolios, a 0.25% fee for managed portfolios, and no trading fees.
Vanguard charges a 0.15% platform fee for accounts over £32,000 and may charge ongoing costs or fund transaction fees. Its fee for smaller portfolios is £4 a month.
Key features
InvestEngine offers ISAs and general investment accounts with a focus on ETF portfolios.
The platform is highly accessible, with an easy-to-navigate app.
Pros
No trading fees.
Low-cost structure for both DIY and managed options.
Cons
Limited investment options outside ETFs.
Who it’s best for
Ideal for budget-conscious investors focusing on ETFs with a mix of managed and DIY options.
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Overview
Wealthify provides a user-friendly experience with low-cost robo-advisory services designed for beginner investors who prefer ready-made portfolios.
Fees
Vanguard charges an all-in-one fee of 0.15% on portfolios over £32,000 (£4 a month below) while Wealthify charges 0.6%, plus underlying fund costs, which vary between 0.16% and 0.7%.
Key features
Wealthify offers ISA, SIPP, and general investment accounts with access to pre-made, diversified portfolios and an easy-to-use app for tracking investments.
Pros
User-friendly app.
Ethical investment options.
Cons
Minimal customisation for hands-on investors.
Who it’s best for
This alternative is ideal for new investors seeking a hands-off approach and preferring ethical investment options.
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Overview
Charles Stanley Direct caters to hands-on investors with a range of fund and stock choices.
Fees
Charles Stanley Direct has a 0.3% management fee for funds, higher than Vanguard’s 0.15% on portfolios over £32,000 (it’s £4 a month for smaller portfolios).
Trading charges are set at £4 for online funds and £10 for online shares.
Key features
Charles Stanley Direct’s platform supports ISA, SIPP, and general investment accounts, with a wide selection of funds, ETFs, and stocks, plus extensive resources for investors managing their own portfolios.
Pros
Wide investment range.
Strong customer service.
Cons
Limited educational resources.
Who it’s best for
Suited to investors who value customer service and want professional support while managing their portfolios.
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Overview
Dodl by AJ Bell is an app-based investment platform designed for beginners, emphasising simplicity and low fees.
Fees
Dodl charges a 0.15% platform fee, which is aligned with Vanguard’s, although this fee is not capped. Dodl does have ongoing charges for all funds.
Key features
Dodl provides access to ISAs and general investment accounts, featuring ready-made portfolios and single-fund options within an easy-to-navigate app.
Pros
Ready-made portfolios.
Easy-to-use app.
Cons
Limited investment options.
Who it’s best for
Beginner investors seeking low-cost, app-based investments without complex features may prefer this alternative to Vanguard.
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Overview
Moneybox is known for its innovative approach to saving and investing, especially through round-up features that make investing accessible to beginners.
Fees
Moneybox charges a 0.45% annual platform fee and a £1 monthly subscription, which is higher than Vanguard.
As Moneybox is a savings and investment platform rather than a trading platform, there are no trading fees.
Key features
Moneybox offers ISAs, lifetime ISAs, and general investment accounts, with an innovative round-up feature that helps users invest spare change, targeting new investors with low entry barriers.
Pros
Accessible for beginners.
Round-up investing.
Cons
Less suited to active investors that want to manage a portfolio.
Who it’s best for
It is ideal for young investors or those new to investing who want to start small with a straightforward app.
Get expert financial advice
UK investors have a range of investment platforms to choose from, each offering distinct advantages. Whether you’re after lower fees, more diverse investment options, or advanced tools, there’s a platform suited to your needs.
Take the time to weigh each alternative’s unique features and costs to find the right fit for your financial goals.
Let Unbiased match you with a professional financial adviser to guide you in making informed investment decisions.
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