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Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Oct 2, 2026

Hargreaves Lansdown vs ThinkMarkets 2026: Which Broker is Better?

In the broker comparison between Hargreaves Lansdown and ThinkMarkets, the key difference lies in their target audience and market offerings. Hargreaves Lansdown, with its long-standing reputation and focus on UK investments, primarily appeals to investors seeking robust research tools and tax-efficient investment options like ISAs and SIPPs, albeit with higher share dealing charges. Conversely, ThinkMarkets caters to a broader spectrum of traders, including those with an interest in forex and CFDs, offering a diverse range of markets and competitive trading conditions, making it suitable for active traders seeking higher leverage and advanced trading platforms.

Hargreaves Lansdown

ThinkMarkets

Higher ratedThinkMarkets logo

ThinkMarkets

3.9/ 5
Visit ThinkMarkets →Full review
VS
Hargreaves LansdownThinkMarkets
BrokerRank Score2.8/53.9/5 ✓
Min. Deposit$0$0
Spread from0 pips0 pips
Max Leverage1:11:500 ✓
RegulationFCAFCA, ASIC ✓
PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary MobileMT4, MT5, Proprietary Web
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
Hargreaves LansdownThinkMarkets
Best for Low Fees
Hargreaves LansdownThinkMarkets
Best for Regulation
ThinkMarketsHargreaves Lansdown
Best Overall
ThinkMarketsHargreaves Lansdown
Quick Answer

ThinkMarkets is the better choice overall, scoring 3.9/5 vs 2.8/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Hargreaves Lansdown offers lower spreads (0 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

Hargreaves Lansdown vs ThinkMarkets: Key Differences

Feature

Hargreaves Lansdown

ThinkMarkets

Winner
Our Rating
2.8 / 5
3.9 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0 pips
0 pips
Commission
$11.95/lot
$3.5/lot
Regulated By
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Markets
Stocks, Indices
Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Founded
1981
2010
Headquarters
Bristol, UK
London, UK
Score
0 / 3
3 / 3

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Fees Comparison

Fee

Hargreaves Lansdown

ThinkMarkets

Lower fees
Spread From
0 pips
0 pips
Commission
$11.95/lot
$3.5/lot
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None

BrokerRank Verdict

In the comparison between Hargreaves Lansdown and ThinkMarkets, ThinkMarkets emerges as the better choice for professional traders due to its broader market offerings, lower commission rates starting at 3.5, and advanced trading platforms like MT4 and MT5. Hargreaves Lansdown, with its user-friendly proprietary platforms and focus on UK market investments, is more suited for beginners, particularly those interested in long-term investment products like ISAs and SIPPs. When it comes to fees, ThinkMarkets is the winner, offering more competitive pricing with lower commissions and a wider variety of trading options.

Who Should Choose Which?

Hargreaves Lansdown

Hargreaves Lansdown

2.8/5

Choose Hargreaves Lansdown if you want…

  • More established (est. 1981)
ThinkMarkets

ThinkMarkets

3.9/5

Top pick

Choose ThinkMarkets if you want…

  • Higher overall rating (3.9/5)
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:500)
  • More regulatory licences (2)
  • More market types (6)

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Both Hargreaves Lansdown & ThinkMarkets are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is Hargreaves Lansdown better than ThinkMarkets?

ThinkMarkets scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Hargreaves Lansdown holds a 2.8/5 rating vs ThinkMarkets's 3.9/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.

2

Which has lower fees, Hargreaves Lansdown or ThinkMarkets?

Hargreaves Lansdown offers spreads from 0 pips, while ThinkMarkets starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for Hargreaves Lansdown vs ThinkMarkets?

Hargreaves Lansdown requires a minimum deposit of $0. ThinkMarkets requires $0.

4

Which broker is safer, Hargreaves Lansdown or ThinkMarkets?

Hargreaves Lansdown is regulated by FCA, while ThinkMarkets holds licences from FCA, ASIC.

5

What trading platforms do Hargreaves Lansdown and ThinkMarkets support?

Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. ThinkMarkets supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

6

Can I use both Hargreaves Lansdown and ThinkMarkets?

Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.

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