Investment Platforms UK 2026/27 — How to Choose a Broker, App or Robo-AdvisorRobo-Advisors Compared UK — Best Platforms Reviewed
Compare robo-advisors available in the UK. How they work, fees compared, performance, and which robo-advisor is best for your situation.
Robo-advisors make investing simple. Here’s how they compare and which might suit you best.
If you want the wider platform comparison before deciding between managed investing and DIY, use the Investment Platforms hub.
What Is a Robo-Advisor?
The Basics
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| What it does | Builds and manages your portfolio automatically |
| How it works | Algorithm-based, not human stock picking |
| You provide | Goals, time horizon, risk tolerance |
| They do | Asset allocation, rebalancing, dividends |
| Cost | Lower than traditional advisers |
How It Works
| Step | Process |
|---|
| 1 | Sign up and answer questionnaire |
| 2 | System assigns risk profile |
| 3 | You’re matched with a portfolio |
| 4 | Deposit money |
| 5 | Robo buys investments automatically |
| 6 | Ongoing rebalancing happens |
| 7 | You check in occasionally |
Major UK Robo-Advisors
Comparison Table
| Provider | Minimum | Fee | Fund Costs | Total Cost |
|---|
| Nutmeg | £500 (£100 for Junior ISA) | 0.25-0.75% | 0.17-0.35% | 0.42-1.10% |
| Wealthify | £1 | 0.35-0.60% | 0.14-0.16% | 0.49-0.76% |
| Moneyfarm | £500 | 0.45-0.75% | 0.20% | 0.65-0.95% |
| InvestEngine | £100 | 0% (managed) | 0.15% | 0.15% |
| Vanguard LifeStrategy | £500 | 0.15% (platform) | 0.22% | 0.37% |
Fees may vary — check current rates.
Feature Comparison
| Provider | ISA | Pension | GIA | Junior ISA | Ethical Option |
|---|
| Nutmeg | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wealthify | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moneyfarm | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| InvestEngine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No | ✓ |
Provider Deep Dives
Nutmeg
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Established | 2011 (UK pioneer) |
| AUM | £5+ billion |
| Portfolio types | Fixed, Managed, Socially Responsible |
| Fee structure | 0.25% (>£500k), 0.35% (>£100k), 0.45% (>£25k), 0.75% (under £25k) |
| Owned by | JPMorgan |
Best for: Established track record, range of options, ISA and pension integration.
Wealthify
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Established | 2016 |
| Minimum | £1 |
| Fee structure | 0.35% (ISA), 0.60% (pension) |
| Portfolio types | Original, Ethical |
| Owned by | Aviva |
Best for: Starting small, ethical investing, Aviva integration.
Moneyfarm
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Established | 2012 (Italy), UK 2016 |
| Fee structure | 0.45% (>£100k), 0.55% (>£50k), 0.65% (>£20k), 0.75% (under £20k) |
| Unique feature | Human financial consultants available |
| Portfolios | 7 risk levels |
Best for: Personal touch, phone support, European approach.
InvestEngine
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Established | 2019 |
| Fee structure | 0% (managed portfolios) |
| Fund costs | ~0.15% |
| Portfolio types | ETF-based managed and DIY |
| Catch | Earn money from ETF providers |
Best for: Lowest fees, ETF investors, cost-conscious.
Costs Explained
Fee Structure
| Fee Type | What It Is |
|---|
| Platform/management fee | Robo’s charge |
| Fund costs (OCF) | Underlying investment fees |
| Trading costs | Usually included |
| Total cost | Add them together |
Cost Comparison: £50,000 Invested
| Provider | Management | Fund | Annual Total |
|---|
| Nutmeg | £225 (0.45%) | £100 (0.20%) | £325 |
| Wealthify | £175 (0.35%) | £75 (0.15%) | £250 |
| Moneyfarm | £325 (0.65%) | £100 (0.20%) | £425 |
| InvestEngine | £0 | £75 (0.15%) | £75 |
| Vanguard | £75 (0.15%) | £110 (0.22%) | £185 |
Long-Term Fee Impact
| £50,000 over 20 years at 6% growth | End Value |
|---|
| 0.15% total fees (InvestEngine) | £152,000 |
| 0.40% total fees (Vanguard-like) | £144,000 |
| 0.75% total fees (mid-tier robo) | £133,000 |
| 1.00% total fees (higher robo) | £126,000 |
£26,000 difference between cheapest and most expensive.
Robo-Advisor vs DIY Investing
Comparison
| Factor | Robo-Advisor | DIY Investing |
|---|
| Effort | Very low | Some learning needed |
| Decisions | Made for you | You decide |
| Rebalancing | Automatic | Manual |
| Fees | 0.25-0.75% + funds | 0-0.15% platform + funds |
| Knowledge needed | Minimal | Some |
| Emotional discipline | Built in | Up to you |
When Robo Is Better
| Situation | Why Robo Works |
|---|
| Don’t want to learn investing | It’s all done for you |
| Would panic in downturn | Algorithm doesn’t panic |
| Value convenience | Set and forget |
| Don’t enjoy finance | No decisions required |
When DIY Is Better
| Situation | Why DIY Works |
|---|
| Want to learn | Educational |
| Enjoy control | Your choices |
| Fee-conscious | Can be cheaper |
| Simple needs | One global fund is enough |
| Factor | Reality |
|---|
| All robos similar | Most use similar ETF mix |
| Performance varies by risk level | Higher risk = more volatile |
| Past performance | No guarantee of future |
| Fees matter more | Than small performance differences |
What Affects Returns
| Factor | Impact |
|---|
| Your risk level | Biggest impact |
| Market conditions | Same for all investors |
| Fees | Predictable drag |
| Fund selection | Minor differences |
Choosing the Right Robo
By Your Situation
| If You… | Consider |
|---|
| Have small amount to start | Wealthify (£1 minimum) |
| Want lowest fees | InvestEngine (0%) |
| Want established provider | Nutmeg |
| Want human support | Moneyfarm |
| Want simple all-in-one | Any major provider |
| Are ethical investor | Wealthify, Nutmeg, InvestEngine |
Questions to Ask
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|
| What’s the total cost? | Management + fund fees |
| What’s the minimum investment? | Can you start? |
| What accounts are offered? | ISA, pension, GIA |
| Is there ethical option? | If that matters to you |
| What support is available? | When you have questions |
Getting Started
Application Process
| Step | What Happens |
|---|
| 1 | Verify identity (ID upload) |
| 2 | Answer risk questions |
| 3 | See recommended portfolio |
| 4 | Agree or adjust risk level |
| 5 | Fund account |
| 6 | Money invested within days |
What to Expect
| Timeline | Activity |
|---|
| Day 1 | Sign up, fund account |
| Day 2-5 | Money invested |
| Monthly | See statements |
| Quarterly | Portfolio rebalanced |
| Annually | Review risk level |
Summary: Robo-Advisor Selection
Quick Guide
| Priority | Best Choice |
|---|
| Lowest cost | InvestEngine |
| Lowest minimum | Wealthify |
| Most established | Nutmeg |
| Human support | Moneyfarm |
| All-in-one simplicity | Any of the above |
Robo-Advisor Checklist
| Check | Details |
|---|
| Total fees | Management + fund costs |
| Minimum investment | Matches what you have |
| Account types | ISA, pension, etc. |
| Risk levels | Enough options |
| Ethical options | If needed |
| Reviews | Check user feedback |
| Supported | UK FCA regulated |
Robo-advisors make investing accessible. They’re not the absolute cheapest option, but the convenience and discipline they provide can be worth the small extra cost. Pick one and start — that’s what matters most.