Degiro vs Hargreaves Lansdown

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Category: Broker Guides | Author: Trading Brokers | Date: April 18, 2026

Introduction

The landscape of online investing has evolved rapidly over the past decade, with several platforms offering a variety of services catering to different types of investors. Two of the most prominent names in the UK investment industry are Degiro and Hargreaves Lansdown. Each has developed its own niche in the market, offering distinct features, pricing models, and investment opportunities. Choosing between these two platforms requires a deeper understanding of what each offers, including their fees, available tools, customer support, and general user experience.

This article will compare Degiro vs Hargreaves Lansdown across multiple factors, helping investors make an informed decision based on their personal preferences and investment goals.

If you are interested in trading online, you can take a look at our best trading brokers for some options.

Overview of Degiro

Degiro is a European-based online brokerage that has gained popularity for its low-cost approach to investing. Originally founded in the Netherlands, it has expanded its presence across several countries, including the UK. Degiro’s platform is aimed primarily at self-directed investors who are looking to trade a wide range of assets, such as stocks, bonds, ETFs, and options.

One of the standout features of Degiro is its emphasis on cost-effective trading. The platform offers competitive fees and low commissions, which can make it an attractive choice for active traders or those who want to minimize the cost of investing. Degiro also provides access to global markets, allowing users to trade in various international exchanges, including the US, Europe, and Asia.

Degiro is known for its straightforward and user-friendly interface. While the platform is often praised for its simplicity, it may not offer as many advanced trading tools as some other brokers, such as Hargreaves Lansdown.

Overview of Hargreaves Lansdown

Hargreaves Lansdown, on the other hand, is a UK-based investment platform that caters to a broader range of investors. Established in the early 1980s, it has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading investment services providers. Unlike Degiro, Hargreaves Lansdown is known for offering a wide range of services, including investment advice, pensions, and ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts), in addition to brokerage services.

Hargreaves Lansdown is aimed at both beginner and experienced investors. It offers a more comprehensive suite of tools and resources compared to Degiro, including in-depth research, educational content, and access to a vast range of investment products. The platform provides access to a variety of markets, including UK and international stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Additionally, it is particularly noted for its robust customer service, which includes dedicated support for more complex investment inquiries.

The platform is designed for investors who may be looking for more hand-holding and advisory services alongside their investment options.

Trading Costs and Fees

Degiro

One of Degiro’s key selling points is its low-cost structure. The platform’s fee model is based on a commission per trade, with lower fees for major markets and higher fees for more niche exchanges. Degiro’s fees are generally considered to be much lower than traditional brokers and even some online brokers.

For stock trading, Degiro typically charges a flat fee, which can vary depending on the market. For example, trading in major European and US markets is relatively inexpensive, making it a great choice for investors looking to minimize costs. However, investors should be aware that while the platform offers low commissions on trading, there are other fees that may apply, such as fees for certain account services or currency conversions.

Hargreaves Lansdown

In contrast, Hargreaves Lansdown operates under a more traditional commission structure, charging a flat rate for trades. For most UK shares, there is a fixed fee per trade, with additional charges applying for international stocks. Hargreaves Lansdown’s fees are generally higher than those of Degiro, particularly for frequent traders. The platform also offers a tiered pricing model for users based on how frequently they trade.

For investors who are less active in their trading or who use the platform for long-term investments, the higher fees may be less of a concern. However, active traders might find Hargreaves Lansdown’s commission structure to be a limiting factor, particularly when compared to Degiro’s more affordable pricing.

Investment Products

Degiro

Degiro offers a wide range of investment products to its users. This includes access to equities, ETFs, options, bonds, and more. The platform supports investments in both major and niche markets, allowing users to diversify their portfolios. Additionally, Degiro provides access to a selection of international exchanges, which is a strong advantage for global investors looking to trade foreign assets.

One notable feature is the option for investors to access low-cost ETFs. The platform provides a wide selection of commission-free ETFs, which can be especially appealing for long-term investors or those looking to build a diversified portfolio with minimal fees.

Hargreaves Lansdown

Hargreaves Lansdown, being a larger platform, offers a broader array of investment products. In addition to UK and international stocks, the platform also provides access to a wide variety of mutual funds, unit trusts, ETFs, and even investment trusts. Hargreaves Lansdown is particularly strong in offering an extensive selection of funds, which can be particularly beneficial for those looking to invest in managed funds or funds with a specific investment strategy.

The platform also allows for pension and ISA investments, providing more options for tax-efficient investing. In addition, Hargreaves Lansdown offers more extensive research tools for investors, including fund research, market analysis, and educational content, which may appeal to those looking for additional resources to support their decision-making process.

User Experience and Platform Interface

Degiro

Degiro’s platform is known for being clean, straightforward, and easy to use. It is designed to cater to self-directed investors who prefer a simple interface with all the necessary trading tools. The platform is available on both desktop and mobile devices, ensuring that users can trade on the go.

However, while the platform is easy to navigate, it does lack some of the more advanced tools and research features offered by competitors like Hargreaves Lansdown. Investors who are seeking extensive analysis, real-time news, or detailed charts may find Degiro somewhat lacking in this regard.

Hargreaves Lansdown

Hargreaves Lansdown offers a more robust platform with a wide range of tools for both beginners and experienced investors. The platform’s interface is designed to be user-friendly while also providing more advanced features such as detailed fund research, comprehensive charts, and educational resources. Hargreaves Lansdown also offers a dedicated mobile app, allowing users to manage their investments on the go.

For those who prefer a more comprehensive service with integrated research and analytical tools, Hargreaves Lansdown’s platform may offer a better user experience compared to Degiro.

Customer Support

Degiro

Degiro offers customer support through online channels, including email and phone support. While it provides a satisfactory level of service, its support may not be as comprehensive or readily available as that offered by Hargreaves Lansdown. Additionally, as Degiro’s platform is primarily aimed at self-directed investors, the support is often limited to addressing technical or operational issues, rather than offering in-depth investment advice.

Hargreaves Lansdown

Hargreaves Lansdown excels in customer support. The platform provides a wide array of resources, including live chat, phone support, and email assistance. Hargreaves Lansdown also offers dedicated support for more complex queries, such as investment advice, portfolio management, and retirement planning. This makes it a better choice for investors who may require more personalized support throughout their investing journey.

Conclusion

Choosing between Degiro vs Hargreaves Lansdown ultimately depends on an investor’s individual needs and preferences. For those who are looking for low-cost trading with access to international markets and a simple interface, Degiro offers an attractive solution. On the other hand, Hargreaves Lansdown is better suited for investors who are looking for a more comprehensive service, including advanced research tools, broader investment options, and personalized support.

Investors should carefully consider their trading frequency, desired features, and overall investment strategy before making a decision. While Degiro offers lower fees and a straightforward platform, Hargreaves Lansdown provides more in-depth tools, support, and access to additional investment products.

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