There is no definitive "better" between LPL Financial and Vanguard. LPL is a full-service brokerage that provides access to securities trading, investment advice, and financial planning. Vanguard is more focused on buy-and-hold mutual fund investing and passive index fund strategies with minimal advice. Vanguard offers very low-cost index funds, while LPL provides more personalized service and broader investment product access. Each firm suits different types of investors.