The matchup contrasts a UK-focused retail platform with strong regulation against a global multi-asset broker with real stock access. It probes which strengths matter most for investors.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Hargreaves Lansdown if you want a UK-focused universe with ISA and SIPP drawdown and FCA protection.
Choose if…
Choose RoboForex if you want real stock ownership with dividend entitlement and access to thousands of instruments via MT4/MT5 and R Trader.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $1▼ lower | $10 |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $20/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Hargreaves Lansdown | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Fail | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
Hargreaves Lansdown rates 4.3/5 versus 3.8/5 for RoboForex. Hargreaves Lansdown edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
RoboForex starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for Hargreaves Lansdown. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Hargreaves Lansdown has $1, while RoboForex requires at least $10. This makes Hargreaves Lansdown more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Hargreaves Lansdown holds top-tier regulation (FCA), providing stronger investor protections. RoboForex may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Hargreaves Lansdown requires a lower minimum deposit ($1), lowering the barrier to entry, and RoboForex provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Hargreaves Lansdown lists maximum leverage of 1:1, while RoboForex lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
RoboForex charges $20 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Hargreaves Lansdown are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while RoboForex supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. RoboForex has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
Neither Hargreaves Lansdown nor RoboForex 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.
Hargreaves Lansdown scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
Hargreaves Lansdown is FCA-regulated with FSCS protection.
Hargreaves Lansdown provides ISA and SIPP with drawdown and dividend reinvestment.
Hargreaves Lansdown delivers a regulated, beginner-friendly UK platform.
RoboForex expands access to US stocks and thousands of instruments.
RoboForex offers competitive spreads and no inactivity fee.
| N/A |
| 2 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyPerfect MoneyCrypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyPerfect MoneyCrypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | Yes | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | No | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA | CySEC FSCA IFSC |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile | cTrader MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Hargreaves Lansdown edges RoboForex on the editorial score. It benefits from higher trust and regulation and a broader UK investment universe.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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