Robinhood vs Trading 212: Comparison

Robinhood’s UK arrival brings bold features, but Trading 212’s maturity and ISA support still give it the edge for most investors. This overview sets the scene for a full comparison of what each platform does best—and where they fall short.

The UK investment scene has shifted dramatically in recent years, with commission-free trading no longer a rare perk but an industry standard. Two platforms often thrown into the spotlight are Robinhood, which recently launched its UK service, and Trading 212, a homegrown favourite that’s made a name for itself by offering easy access to the markets without the traditional fees.

So, if you’re stuck choosing between the two, this guide will help clear things up. We’re exploring all the details that matter: fees, usability, trust, and more, to help you decide where to park your money. Here’s the ultimate comparison of Trading 212 vs Robinhood UK.

Pros and Cons

Main Features

Robinhood enters the UK with a sharp interface and a laser focus on US stocks, while Trading 212 brings breadth, flexibility, and a platform tailored to British investors. Looking at the essentials, Trading 212 vs Robinhood UK already shows a contrast in priorities; one leans minimal and US-centric, the other leans broad and UK-friendly.

👉 For more information read our Trading 212 review.

Safety

Robinhood UK is regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under Robinhood U.K. Ltd (FRN 823590), ensuring it adheres to strict financial standards and consumer protections. Client funds are segregated from company assets and held in safeguarded accounts. However, Robinhood UK is not currently covered by the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which means your cash or investments are not insured in case the company fails. That said, Robinhood maintains robust internal controls and is part of a publicly listed U.S. company with strong transparency obligations.

👉 For more information on this broker, read our Robinhood review.

Trading 212 is also FCA-regulated in the UK and offers additional investor protection via the FSCS, which covers up to £85,000 of client funds in the event of firm insolvency. Client assets are held in segregated custodial accounts, and the company operates under multiple regulatory frameworks (UK, EU), adding to its stability. Trading 212 has been operating since 2004 and has a solid safety record, making it a reliable choice for UK-based investors looking for long-term account security.

Fees & charges

When it comes to choosing a platform, costs can make or break your profits. So, it’s not just about the headline “£0 commission” promise. It’s about what’s hidden behind the curtain.

Robinhood UK lives up to its commission-free tagline, but there’s a small catch for UK traders: all trades are in US dollars. That means a currency conversion fee of around 0.03% applies when moving from pounds to dollars, and that adds up if you're frequently trading. There are no account or inactivity fees, which is a definite plus.

Trading 212, on the other hand, also offers commission-free trades with no minimums and no inactivity charges. The difference is that its FX fee is slightly steeper at 0.15%. But if you’re mostly investing in UK-listed assets or using their ISA account, you might avoid currency conversions altogether. Plus, Trading 212 offers CFD trading with different fee models for those who want leveraged exposure.

If your goal is long-term investing in big-name US stocks, Robinhood could be the cheaper entry point. But if you’re planning a diversified portfolio or want tax-efficient tools like ISAs, Trading 212 vs Robinhood UK swings in favour of Trading 212.

Available Investment Products

This is where the two platforms really start to part ways.

Robinhood UK has brought its core US offering across the pond, giving users access to US stocks and ETFs only. That’s fine if you’re laser-focused on Wall Street, but it also means you’re shut out from UK shares, bonds, mutual funds, or crypto. For now, it’s strictly US exposure, nothing more, nothing less.

Trading 212, meanwhile, is all about choice. You get access to UK and US shares, ETFs, and even CFDs if you’re into leveraged trading. With a tax-efficient Stocks & Shares ISA, it’s clear this platform is geared toward UK investors who want more than just the usual suspects.

In short, if you’re looking for variety, to build a diverse and long-term portfolio, Trading 212 wins this round. The platform’s wider asset access and built-in tax perks offers the kind of flexibility Robinhood UK is still working toward.

Interface & user experience

User experience can make or break your relationship with a trading app, and here, both Robinhood and Trading 212 bring different vibes to the table.

Robinhood keeps things simple by design, with a strong focus on ease of use. The app feels clean and streamlined, making it easy to get around, with basic charts and smooth trade execution. There’s no clutter, no heavy menus, just you and your investments.

Trading 212, on the other hand, finds a nice balance between simplicity and control. The app (and its web platform) offers an intuitive design but layers in tools like interactive charts, detailed stock breakdowns, and custom watchlists. It’s just as friendly for beginners but gives you more depth if you want to get hands-on.

While Robinhood keeps things lightweight, Trading 212 invites you to grow into a more informed investor. If you value substance alongside style, you’ll find Trading 212’s setup more rewarding long-term.

Customer support & platform trust

When you’re trusting a platform with your money, peace of mind matters. Trading 212 is regulated by the FCA and offers FSCS protection, which covers eligible funds up to £85,000, so there’s a solid layer of reassurance built in. That’s a serious tick for trust. While customer support is mostly available via in-app chat, responses are generally helpful, even if a bit slow during peak times.

Robinhood UK is also FCA-regulated, which is good news, but it currently does not offer FSCS protection. While that might raise eyebrows, it’s worth noting that the platform has made significant improvements in transparency and stability since its US controversies in 2021. Still, many UK investors may prefer the safety net Trading212 provides.

When comparing Trading 212 vs Robinhood UK, this is a key differentiator. One has the track record and deposit protection; the other is still proving itself on UK soil.

Which one’s for you?

If your trading ambitions are simple, you want to grab a few US stocks, ride the market, and keep things mobile-friendly, Robinhood UK might be just enough. It’s lean, quick, and perfect for beginners who aren’t fussed about market variety. Plus, if you’re curious about when the US stock market opens, Robinhood’s extended and after-hours trading gives you more flexibility.

But if you're looking for something more well-rounded, with UK stocks, ISAs, and the flexibility to grow into more advanced investing, Trading212 comes out on top. It's built for investors who want choices without sacrificing usability.

So, when it comes to Trading212 vs Robinhood UK, it’s not about which is better overall; it’s about which is better for you, right now.

Final thoughts

Robinhood has landed in the UK with style, but style alone doesn’t win over investors. Trading212 offers a more complete package, from tax-efficient accounts to broader market access and regulatory protection. If Robinhood expands its offering, things could change. But for today’s UK investor, Trading212 remains the stronger all-rounder.

FAQs

Does Robinhood UK have FSCS protection?

No, Robinhood UK is regulated by the FCA but does not offer FSCS deposit protection. Trading212 does, covering eligible funds up to £85,000.

Do either platforms offer access to IPOs?

Robinhood UK doesn’t offer IPO access yet. Trading 212 occasionally provides access to new listings, but availability is limited and not guaranteed. Neither platform focuses heavily on IPO participation.

Can I open a joint or business account?

Both Robinhood UK and Trading212 only support individual accounts. Joint, corporate, or business accounts aren’t currently available on either platform, so you’ll need to look elsewhere for those options.