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
Performance
Understanding Performance
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.