Broker comparison

Directa vs.
Hargreaves Lansdown

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Updated: October 2026

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Summary

Your goal decides.

Hargreaves Lansdown has a higher rating of 4.4/5 compared to Directa (4/5). Directa offers 6 instrument types, while Hargreaves Lansdown offers 5. The minimum deposit is lower at Directa with 0 €. Directa offers options trading, while the other does not. Hargreaves Lansdown has been in the market since 1981, making it the more experienced provider.

Italian online broker with direct market access since 1995

UK premium broker with comprehensive investment advice since 1981

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsdLite, Darwin2, Directa WebHL App, HL Web Platform
Product typesStocks, ETFs, Futures, Options, Bonds, CFDsStocks, ETFs, Funds, Bonds, REITs
Options tradingYes, IDEM optionsNo
Fee modelfrom €1.50 (Fixed), 0.19% (Variable) or Degressive£11.95 per stock trade, ETFs from £0 (savings plan)
Minimum deposit0 €1 £
RegulationCONSOBFCA
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

Directa

dLite, Darwin2, Directa Web

Hargreaves Lansdown

HL App, HL Web Platform

Product types

Directa

Stocks, ETFs, Futures, Options, Bonds, CFDs

Hargreaves Lansdown

Stocks, ETFs, Funds, Bonds, REITs

Options trading

Directa

Yes, IDEM options

Hargreaves Lansdown

No

Fee model

Directa

from €1.50 (Fixed), 0.19% (Variable) or Degressive

Hargreaves Lansdown

£11.95 per stock trade, ETFs from £0 (savings plan)

Minimum deposit

Directa

0 €

Hargreaves Lansdown

1 £

Regulation

Directa

CONSOB

Hargreaves Lansdown

FCA

More information

Directa

Details

Hargreaves Lansdown

Details

Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.

Detailed comparison

Comparing fees

Compare total costs, not just the order fee.

from €1.50 (Fixed), 0.19% (Variable) or Degressive

Published fee
from €1.50 (Fixed), 0.19% (Variable) or Degressive
Minimum deposit
0 €
See terms at provider

£11.95 per stock trade, ETFs from £0 (savings plan)

Published fee
£11.95 per stock trade, ETFs from £0 (savings plan)
Minimum deposit
1 £
Spread figure
Stocks from £11.95 per trade (volume-tiered: from £5.95 above 20 trades/month), 0.45% p.a. platform fee for funds
See terms at provider

The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.

Execution quality

Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Product range

StocksETFsFuturesOptionsBondsCFDs
StocksETFsFundsBondsREITs

Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.

Trading platforms

dLite · Darwin2 · Directa Web

Directa offers three platforms: dLite (simple web interface for beginners), Darwin2 (professional desktop software with advanced charting tools and real-time data), and Directa Web (browser-based platform). The platforms offer direct market access, various order types, and detailed market data, though they appear somewhat visually outdated.

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HL App · HL Web Platform

Hargreaves Lansdown offers a web platform and mobile app for iOS and Android. The platform excels through comprehensive research tools, detailed fund analyses, the Wealth Shortlist, and portfolio management features. Users can trade stocks, funds, and ETFs, set up savings plans, and track their portfolio with detailed performance reports. The user interface is professional but not as modern as neobrokers.

Explore platform

Regulation & security

FCA

Regulatory information

Regulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

Italian online broker with direct market access since 1995

  • Instant tax settlement (Regime Amministrato)
  • Three different fee models to choose from
  • Direct market access to Italian exchanges
  • Platform visually outdated
  • Mainly focused on Italian market

UK premium broker with comprehensive investment advice since 1981

  • One of the most established brokers in UK since 1981
  • Excellent research and analysis tools
  • ISA, SIPP and junior accounts available
  • Comparatively high trading fees
  • Mainly focused on UK market

Find the broker that fits

Directa oder Hargreaves Lansdown?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.

Directa4.0
  • Instant tax settlement (Regime Amministrato)
  • Three different fee models to choose from
  • Direct market access to Italian exchanges
Hargreaves Lansdown4.4
  • One of the most established brokers in UK since 1981
  • Excellent research and analysis tools
  • ISA, SIPP and junior accounts available
VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
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Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between Directa and Hargreaves Lansdown?
Directa: from €1.50 (Fixed), 0.19% (Variable) or Degressive. Hargreaves Lansdown: £11.95 per stock trade, ETFs from £0 (savings plan). Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Directa or Hargreaves Lansdown?
Directa offers Stocks, ETFs, Futures, Options, Bonds, CFDs. Hargreaves Lansdown offers Stocks, ETFs, Funds, Bonds, REITs.
How are Directa and Hargreaves Lansdown regulated?
The broker profiles list CONSOB for Directa and FCA for Hargreaves Lansdown. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Directa or Hargreaves Lansdown better for beginners?
Directa lists a 0 € minimum deposit and offers dLite, Darwin2, Directa Web. Hargreaves Lansdown lists 1 £ and offers HL App, HL Web Platform. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Directa vs Hargreaves Lansdown: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Directa (4/5, 450 reviews) and Hargreaves Lansdown (4.4/5, 2200 reviews) depends on your needs. Directa: Italian online broker with direct market access since 1995. Hargreaves Lansdown: UK premium broker with comprehensive investment advice since 1981.

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Before you pick a broker

The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.

Options taxes in GermanyFlat-rate tax, loss offsetting and allowances.Options trading basicsStrike, expiry, underlying: the building blocks of every option.Regulation: BaFin, ESMA & investor protectionWho supervises your broker and what that protects.
Terms in the glossary:PremiumCall optionMarginExercisePut option