Two very different approaches face off: Vanguard targets long-term, low-cost index investing in the UK ISA/SIPP framework, while easyMarkets stocks a CFD-based offering with fixed spreads and risk tools.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose easyMarkets if you want broad exchange access and robust support. It offers four exchanges and 24/5 live chat.
Choose if…
Choose Vanguard if your priority is long-term investing with low costs. It provides ISA and SIPP wrappers plus dividend reinvestment.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 3.4/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $25▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
| Deposit fee |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | easyMarkets | Vanguard |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Vanguard rates 4.1/5 versus 3.4/5 for easyMarkets. Vanguard edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
easyMarkets starts from 0.7. Current spread data is not available for Vanguard. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
easyMarkets has $25, while Vanguard requires at least $100. This makes easyMarkets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both easyMarkets and Vanguard hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
easyMarkets stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
easyMarkets lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while Vanguard lists up to 1:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
easyMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Vanguard supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. easyMarkets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
Neither easyMarkets nor Vanguard is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both easyMarkets and Vanguard are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
Vanguard wins for safety and regulation, with FCA oversight and FSCS protection.
Vanguard wins for long-term investors thanks to ISA/SIPP access and dividend reinvestment.
easyMarkets wins for active traders due to fixed spreads and higher leverage options.
easyMarkets wins for beginners with a $25 minimum and simpler share CFDs.
easyMarkets wins for global market access with four exchanges.
Vanguard wins for low cost trading due to low platform fees and fund expenses.
| Free |
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | No |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC MNB HCMC CNV | FCA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Vanguard edges easyMarkets on the editorial score overall, driven by stronger trust/regulation and lower fees; easyMarkets offers fixed spreads and risk-management tools but trails.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.4 / 5
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