Hargreaves Lansdownvs
VanguardStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits two UK retail platforms with different aims. HL emphasizes breadth and reliability, while Vanguard prioritizes ultra-low costs.
Key Differences
- 1Exchanges covered: HL lists 20, Vanguard offers 1.
- 2Research tools: HL provides proprietary research; Vanguard offers none.
- 3Share dealing pricing: HL charges £11.95 per trade; Vanguard caps platform fees at £375.
Who should choose Hargreaves Lansdown vs Vanguard?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Hargreaves Lansdown if you want the broadest UK investment universe, including AIM shares inside ISA, plus in-house research and a drawdown-capable ISA or SIPP. The platform is FCA-regulated and regarded for reliability during market stress.
Hargreaves Lansdown vs Vanguard: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $1▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | N/A | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
| Deposit fee |
Hargreaves Lansdown vs Vanguard Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- UK's largest retail investment platform with over £150bn AUA
- Broadest UK investment universe including AIM shares inside ISA
- Stocks & Shares ISA and SIPP with full drawdown capability
- Proprietary research team covering UK equities and funds
- FTSE 100-listed, FCA-regulated with FSCS protection
- Proven platform reliability during market stress events
Cons
Hargreaves Lansdown vs Vanguard: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
Hargreaves Lansdown
criteria win
0
Vanguard
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Hargreaves Lansdown | Vanguard |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Fail | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Hargreaves Lansdown vs Vanguard: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Hargreaves Lansdown rates 4.3/5 and Vanguard rates 4.1/5. Hargreaves Lansdown has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Hargreaves Lansdown has $1, while Vanguard requires at least $100. This makes Hargreaves Lansdown more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Hargreaves Lansdown 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.
For beginners, Hargreaves Lansdown requires a lower minimum deposit ($1), lowering the barrier to entry. Both brokers otherwise share similar beginner-facing criteria in our data. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each brokers's site.
Hargreaves Lansdown lists maximum leverage of 1:1, 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.
Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Vanguard supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither Hargreaves Lansdown 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 Hargreaves Lansdown 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.
