A focused comparison for European investors choosing between app-led investing and a more traditional low-cost broker.
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.
Trading 212 usually feels simpler for beginners and recurring investing. DEGIRO may appeal to investors who prefer a more traditional brokerage setup and broad European ETF access, but fee schedules and country availability must be checked carefully.
Best for beginners and recurring stock or ETF investors who want a simple app.
Read full reviewBest for self-directed European stock and ETF investors who want broad exchange access and will verify country-specific costs.
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.
Beginners, mobile-first investors, fractional shares and recurring portfolio habits.
Cost-aware European investors comparing ETF access, exchanges and traditional broker workflow.
DEGIRO may involve transaction, handling, connectivity and FX layers.
DEGIRO can suit investors who want broader exchange and ETF venue choice.
Trading 212 is usually simpler and more mobile-first.
Both require entity-specific protection checks.
Trading 212 is usually simpler and more mobile-first.
DEGIRO can suit investors who want broader exchange and ETF venue choice.
Pies and AutoInvest are core Trading 212 strengths.
DEGIRO may involve transaction, handling, connectivity and FX layers.
Both require entity-specific protection checks.
Beginners, mobile-first investors, fractional shares and recurring portfolio habits.
Cost-aware European investors comparing ETF access, exchanges and traditional broker workflow.
8.2/10
8.3/10
Stocks / ETFs / CFDs available
Stocks / ETFs / Options / Futures
Web / iOS / Android
Web / iOS / Android
Free in Invest ISA and SIPP
UK schedule: US shares EUR 1 + EUR 1 handling; LSE shares GBP 1.75 + GBP 1 handling; taxes and external costs may apply
Low minimum with fractional investing; exact order and funding minimums vary
Usually no stated general minimum; country and product rules apply
FCA 609146; BaFin 10109603; CySEC 398/21; ASIC AFSL 541122; Bulgarian FSC RG-03-0237 by assigned entity
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
Entity-specific and distinct from partner-bank deposit protection; market losses are not covered
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
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 Trading 212 and DEGIRO.
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.