A practical comparison for European investors choosing between a traditional ETF broker workflow and a simpler fractional-investing app.
Use the fee snapshot and key differences before opening an account.
Check entity, product type and investor protection before funding.
Use winner by category and choose-if sections to avoid brand-only decisions.
DEGIRO is usually a better fit for investors who want a traditional stock and ETF broker with exchange-based access and are comfortable reading fee schedules. Trading 212 is usually easier for beginners who want fractional shares, recurring investing and a simpler app-led portfolio workflow.
Best for self-directed European stock and ETF investors who want broad exchange access and will verify country-specific costs.
Read full reviewBest for beginners and recurring stock or ETF investors who want a simple app.
Read full reviewThis is StockTrade editorial comparison data, not live market data. Use it to narrow the broker fit, then verify current fees, products and account terms with the broker before opening an account.
European investors who mainly buy stocks and UCITS ETFs and want a traditional broker workflow.
Beginners and smaller-account investors who value fractional shares, recurring investing and mobile-first portfolio building.
Both require reading the current local fee terms instead of relying on headline pricing.
DEGIRO is usually clearer for investors who want exchange-based stock and ETF access.
DEGIRO feels more like a traditional broker, while Trading 212 optimizes for app simplicity.
Both can fit long-term investors if product type, fees, entity and tax reporting are understood.
DEGIRO is usually clearer for investors who want exchange-based stock and ETF access.
Trading 212 is stronger for fractional shares, Pies and recurring investing.
Trading 212 is generally easier for a first portfolio habit.
Both require reading the current local fee terms instead of relying on headline pricing.
Both can fit long-term investors if product type, fees, entity and tax reporting are understood.
DEGIRO feels more like a traditional broker, while Trading 212 optimizes for app simplicity.
European investors who mainly buy stocks and UCITS ETFs and want a traditional broker workflow.
Beginners and smaller-account investors who value fractional shares, recurring investing and mobile-first portfolio building.
8.3/10
8.2/10
Stocks / ETFs / Options / Futures
Stocks / ETFs / CFDs available
Web / iOS / Android
Web / iOS / Android
UK schedule: US shares EUR 1 + EUR 1 handling; LSE shares GBP 1.75 + GBP 1 handling; taxes and external costs may apply
Free in Invest ISA and SIPP
Usually no stated general minimum; country and product rules apply
Low minimum with fractional investing; exact order and funding minimums vary
flatexDEGIRO Bank Dutch Branch is the Dutch branch of flatexDEGIRO Bank SE; BaFin is the primary bank supervisor, and the branch is registered with DNB and supervised by AFM and DNB
FCA 609146; BaFin 10109603; CySEC 398/21; ASIC AFSL 541122; Bulgarian FSC RG-03-0237 by assigned entity
Separate SPV custody; eligible Cash Account money under the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme up to EUR 100,000; eligible non-returned assets under the German Investor Compensation Scheme at 90% up to EUR 20,000; UK FSCS does not apply
Entity-specific and distinct from partner-bank deposit protection; market losses are not covered
Price the trades you will actually place. Include FX conversion, spreads, custody or platform charges, transfer-out fees and any margin or overnight funding costs before calling either broker cheaper.
Confirm whether the account gives you real stocks and ETFs, CFDs, options, cash products or another instrument. The safer-looking brand can still be the wrong choice if the product type does not match your plan.
Choose the platform that makes your intended behavior easier. If extra charts, leverage, social feeds or options prompts would push you into unnecessary trading, a simpler broker may be the better fit.
The better beginner choice depends on what would help you invest consistently without taking products you do not understand. Compare account type, real stocks and ETFs, fees, FX conversion, investor protection and platform complexity before choosing between DEGIRO and Trading 212.
There is no universal cheapest broker. The real cost depends on your country, trade size, asset currency, ETF availability, inactivity rules, transfer fees and whether the instrument is a real asset or a CFD. Always compare the fee schedule for the trades you actually plan to make.
No. This comparison is editorial research to help you ask better questions. It is not personal financial advice, and broker terms can change. Check official broker documents before opening or funding an account.
Last checked: May 2026. Ratings weigh fees, regulation, investor protection, platform quality, asset access, usability and reliability. Affiliate relationships do not affect ratings.