Hargreaves Lansdown vs Plus500 2026: Which Broker is Better?
In the financial brokerage landscape, Hargreaves Lansdown and Plus500 stand out for their distinct offerings tailored to different types of traders. Hargreaves Lansdown, with its 40+ year legacy and a strong UK focus, appeals to long-term investors seeking comprehensive investment services, including ISAs and SIPPs, but may deter active traders due to higher share dealing charges and limited market access. In contrast, Plus500 attracts those interested in leveraged CFD trading across a diverse range of instruments, offering commission-free trades and a user-friendly platform, making it ideal for beginner to intermediate traders looking for a broader market exposure. The key difference lies in asset ownership and trading strategy, with Hargreaves Lansdown focusing on real asset investments and Plus500 specialising in CFD trading.
Hargreaves Lansdown
Plus500
80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Plus500 offers CFDs only — CFDs on forex, indices, stocks, commodities & crypto. You trade on price movements and do not own the underlying assets. Maximum leverage up to 1:30 for retail clients; additional fees may apply.
| Hargreaves Lansdown | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 2.8/5 | 4.0/5 ✓ |
| Min. Deposit | $0 ✓ | $100 |
| Spread from | 0 pips ✓ | 0.6 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:1 | 1:30 ✓ |
| Regulation | FCA | FCA, CySEC, ASIC ✓ |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
Plus500 is the better choice overall, scoring 4.0/5 vs 2.8/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Hargreaves Lansdown offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowHargreaves Lansdown vs Plus500: Key Differences
Hargreaves Lansdown
Plus500
WinnerFees Comparison
Hargreaves Lansdown
Plus500
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
Hargreaves Lansdown
2.8/5
Choose Hargreaves Lansdown if you want…
- Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
- No minimum deposit
- More established (est. 1981)
Plus500
4.0/5
Choose Plus500 if you want…
- Higher overall rating (4.0/5)
- No per-trade commission
- Higher leverage (up to 1:30)
- More regulatory licences (4)
Also consider
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Both Hargreaves Lansdown & Plus500 are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is Hargreaves Lansdown better than Plus500?
Plus500 scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Hargreaves Lansdown holds a 2.8/5 rating vs Plus500's 4.0/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, Hargreaves Lansdown or Plus500?
Hargreaves Lansdown offers spreads from 0 pips, while Plus500 starts at 0.6 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for Hargreaves Lansdown vs Plus500?
Hargreaves Lansdown requires a minimum deposit of $0. Plus500 requires $100.
4Which broker is safer, Hargreaves Lansdown or Plus500?
Hargreaves Lansdown is regulated by FCA, while Plus500 holds licences from FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS.
5What trading platforms do Hargreaves Lansdown and Plus500 support?
Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Plus500 supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both Hargreaves Lansdown and Plus500?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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BrokerRank Research
Only 26% of Brokers Are Truly Fee-Free
BrokerRank Research — Hidden costs across our broker database
58% of Brokers Hold a Single Licence
BrokerRank Research — Regulation quality analysis
71% of Retail Traders Lose Money
BrokerRank Research — Loss rates across 50 EU brokers
76% of Brokers Use Proprietary Platforms
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Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.
Higher Rated
Plus500
80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.