Find the best trading platforms for UK traders in 2025
Welcome to Tradingplatforms.co.uk, your trusted resource for finding FCA-regulated online brokers serving UK traders. Explore in-depth reviews of forex, stock, commodity, and CFD brokers, along with unbiased rankings and detailed comparisons. We also offer practical trading calculators and expert guides to help you sharpen your skills and deepen your market knowledge.
Best Trading Brokers by Asset Type
Compare the Top UK Trading Platforms
| Feature | MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | TradingView | cTrader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform vendor | MetaQuotes (offshore, software vendor only) | TradingView Inc. (US-based data/tech provider) | Spotware Systems (Cyprus-based software vendor) |
| Official website | metatrader5.com | tradingview.com | ctrader.com |
| App Store link |  | | |
| Google Play link |  | | |
| Primary use case | Broker-connected trading + algorithmic systems | Charting, analysis, social sharing, broker/API | Broker-connected trading + algorithmic systems |
| Platform type | Desktop app (Windows/macOS), web, mobile | Web-based platform, desktop app, mobile apps | Desktop app (Windows), web, mobile apps |
| Typical asset classes | Forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, some stocks | Forex, CFDs, stocks, crypto | Forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, some shares/ETFs |
| Execution model | market/ECN/STP/dealing desk | Execution via connected brokers | Focus on ECN/STP style execution |
| Order types | Market, limit, stop, stop-limit, trailing stop | Market, limit, stop, stop-limit | Market, limit, stop, stop-limit, trailing stop, server-side protection |
| Depth of market (DOM) | Available, but varies by broker/liquidity | Basic L2/DOM with some brokers | Advanced DOM with price ladder and volume info |
| Charting quality | Good, traditional; many chart types/timeframes | Very strong, multi-timeframe, multi-layout | Strong, modern charts; less flexible than TradingView but cleaner than MT5 |
| Supported timeframes | From tick to monthly (21+ presets) | From seconds to monthly | From tick to monthly with multiple presets |
| Indicators – built-in | 80+ built-in technical indicators | 100+ built-in indicators | ~60+ built-in indicators |
| Indicators – custom | Custom via MQL5 | Custom via Pine Script | Custom via cAlgo (C#); growing but smaller ecosystem than MT5 |
| Drawing tools | Standard set: trendlines, fibs, channels, etc. | Very rich set: fibs, pitchforks, patterns, notes | Good set of drawing tools, slightly fewer than TradingView |
| Multi-asset watchlists | Yes, with symbol groups and custom lists | Very flexible watchlists | Watchlists with grouping, symbol linking to charts |
| Multi-chart layouts | Multiple charts in one workspace | Highly flexible grid layouts | Multiple undockable charts, profiles and layouts |
| Custom scripts / algorithms | MQL5 (proprietary C-like language) | Pine Script (proprietary, designed for indicators/strategies) | C# via cAlgo / cTrader Automate |
| Ease of coding | Moderate; more complex but powerful | Designed for traders first; easy learning curve | Uses C#; very powerful but requires programming background |
| Algorithmic trading | Native, integrated in terminal (EAs and scripts) | Strategy backtesting on charts; auto-trading only via broker/API | Native automated trading with cBots integrated in platform |
| Backtesting | Robust; single and multi-symbol, multi-threaded | On-chart backtesting for strategies | Robust tick-based backtesting with visual results |
| Optimisation of strategies | Yes, with genetic algorithms and parameter sweeps | Limited parameter optimisation in Pine | Yes, optimisation for cBots with parameter sweeps |
| Market / app store | Very large Marketplace (indicators, EAs, signals) | Public scripts library + paid indicators | cTrader store is smaller but has third-party cBots/indicators |
| Copy / social trading | Built-in signal service; many third-party providers | Strong social layer: idea publishing, comments, scripts | cCopy / built-in copy trading plus some third-party services |
| News and economic calendar | Integrated news and calendar (depends on broker feeds) | Built-in economic calendar and news widgets | Built-in news/calendar (depends on broker integration) |
| Broker integration | Very wide; almost all MT5 brokers | Limited list of direct brokers + integrations via APIs/bridges | Growing but smaller list than MT5; focused on ECN/STP brokers |
| Order management tools | One-click trading, partial closes, multiple TPs | Web order tickets, bracket orders | One-click trading, advanced TPs, SL in pips/money |
| Risk management tools | SL/TP, trailing stops, margin monitoring | SL/TP, alerts, position size tools via scripts | SL/TP, advanced order protection, built-in volume and risk controls |
| Alerts | Price, indicator, and trading alerts (terminal-based) | Very flexible alerts (price, indicator, drawing object) | Price and trade alerts |
| UI/UX style | Older, more utilitarian; extremely familiar in forex | Modern, web-first, highly polished user experience | Modern, clean, intuitive; feels more like a pro trading terminal |
| Performance on many charts | Can become heavy with many charts/EAs | Browser-dependent; can be heavy with many layouts | Generally smooth; depends on hardware and broker feed |
| Mobile apps | iOS/Android apps for trading and basic charts | iOS/Android apps with strong charting and alerts | iOS/Android apps; good for order management and charts |
| Offline use | Desktop can run without internet for testing/backtests | Requires internet (cloud-based) | Desktop can run locally for backtesting; live trading needs connection |
| Pricing / licensing | Platform free via brokers; pay only for add-ons/EAs | Free tier with ads/limits; paid Pro plans for more charts | Free via supported brokers; pay only for third-party add-ons |
| Data sources | Broker’s data feed only | Multiple data vendors/exchanges | Broker’s data feed only |
| DOM / scalping suitability | Reasonable for scalping; depends on broker latency | Less used for high-frequency scalping; more for analysis | Very good for scalping, with fast DOM and hotkeys |
| Hedging and netting | Supports both hedging and netting modes | Depends on broker/account via integration | Supports hedging; designed with multi-position control |
| Best strengths | Huge broker support, massive algo ecosystem, deep backtesting | Elite charting, social community, best for multi-asset analysis | Great execution tools, clean UI, strong algo via C#, |
| Main limitations | Dated interface; proprietary language; broker-locked data | Not a broker; actual execution depends on third-party brokers/APIs and plan limits | Smaller ecosystem and broker list than MT5 |
| Best suited for | Traders who want wide broker choice, EAs, and deep algo/backtest tools | Traders who prioritise charting, idea sharing | Active forex/CFD traders wanting ECN-style execution |
Compare the 15 Best Forex Brokers in the UK
Read our comprehensive reviews of various FCA-regulated forex brokers to learn more about their commissions, spreads, non-trading fees, and supported deposit methods. We also provide extensive information about each broker’s product lineup, available trading platforms, and other vital aspects required for fully informed decision-making when selecting a trusted forex trading site in the UK.
Browse the 12 Best CFD Brokers for UK Traders
All CFD brokers on our list hold licences by the FCA and comply with local regulatory requirements, including imposing retail leverage caps and offering negative balance protection to non-professional traders. The recommended brokers deliver competitive CFD trading conditions, such as tight spreads, low commissions, and transparent swap fees on overnight leveraged positions.
Find the Top 10 Crypto Exchanges in the UK
Our reviewers evaluate UK-friendly crypto exchanges based on several crucial factors, including compliance with FCA regulatory requirements, security measures, range of available cryptocurrencies, maker/taker fees, staking rewards, overall user experience, and more.
Compare the Top 12 Stock Brokers in the UK
Find the best FCA-licensed brokers for trading and investing in domestic or international stocks where you will benefit from low commissions, competitive dividend payment structures, and transparent pricing.
- Customer Review and Experience: We look into what other members of the online trading community have to say about each broker, comparing consumer ratings on review platforms like Trustpilot.
- Regulation and Licensing: We ensure all listed brokers carry licences from the FCA or other reputable EU regulatory authorities like CySEC, FINMA, and CBI.
- Execution Speed: Our reviewers only recommend brokers with seamless and ultra-fast order execution, low latency, and minimal risk of slippage.
- Available Trading Instruments: We assess the breadth of a broker’s product offering, which should include popular asset classes like forex, stocks, indices and commodities as well as more specialised products like ETFs and bonds. A diverse enough selection enables customers to build versatile portfolios.
- Trading Fees: We carefully consider the costs associated with trading with each broker, comparing spreads, commissions, swap rates, inactivity fees, and more.
- Withdrawal Processing Speed: Most of the shortlisted brokers ensure fast, cost-effective, and hassle-free withdrawals processed within no more than 72 hours.
- Trading Platforms Available: Our team only recommends brokers running on intuitive and highly functional platforms like MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader.
- Educational Materials: Our experts evaluate the quality and depth of the educational resources provided, including webinars, video tutorials, articles, podcasts, platform and trading guides. The best brokers offer content suitable for both new and experienced traders, helping them to expand their knowledge and gain a better understanding of the financial markets.
We only list brokers with solid licences and compliance track records, competitive fees, and favourable trading conditions. Our algorithm analyses all these factors to provide an unbiased perspective on the brokers’ offerings. We favour brokers with robust platforms, lightning-fast execution, and reliable withdrawals, preferably at no additional cost. The range of available markers also bears consideration, especially for UK traders seeking portfolio diversification. Considering all these aspects enables you to find reliable UK-friendly brokers geared towards your unique needs and investment goals.