Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of E*TRADE vs Ally Invest, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
Overall, E*TRADE edges out Ally Invest on range of investments. E*TRADE earns 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #4 of 14 brokers on StockBrokers.com for Range of Investments, while Ally Invest scores 4 stars and ranks #11. Both brokers cover the basics—stocks, options, mutual funds, OTC stocks, margin, IRAs, and advisor services—but E*TRADE sets itself apart by offering futures. Neither supports crypto or forex, and neither offers fractional shares.
Side by side, the trading menus look similar for most needs: both E*TRADE and Ally Invest let you trade stocks (including OTC), options, and mutual funds, and both support margin trading. The key difference is futures—available at E*TRADE and not at Ally Invest. Crypto trading isn’t available at either broker (0 coins each), and forex trading isn’t offered by either. Fractional share trading is also not available at both.
For account types and guidance, both brokers offer Traditional and Roth IRA accounts and provide advisor services, so retirement savers and hands-off investors can use either. If you want access to futures alongside stocks, options, and mutual funds, E*TRADE is the only choice here; if you don’t need futures or fractional shares, both online brokers deliver similar core investment options for everyday trading.
| Feature |
E*TRADE
|
Ally Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | No | No |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Futures Trading | Yes | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | No |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 0 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2026, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2026
Bottom line: For trading platforms and tools, E*TRADE outpaces Ally Invest. E*TRADE earns 4 stars and ranks #6 of 14 brokers on StockBrokers.com, while Ally Invest scores 1.5 stars and ranks #10. If you want desktop software, paper trading, and richer on-chart controls, E*TRADE is the stronger pick. If you just need a simple, browser-based setup, Ally Invest can work, but power users will notice the gaps.
E*TRADE offers downloadable platforms for both Windows and Mac, plus a browser platform; Ally Invest is browser-only. E*TRADE includes paper trading, while Ally Invest does not. Watch lists are far more detailed with E*TRADE (43 fields) versus Ally (10). You can also adjust open orders directly on E*TRADE’s charts; Ally Invest lacks this. Neither broker provides a built-in trading journal. Both let you save multiple chart profiles.
Charting depth is similar at first glance—E*TRADE has 121 technical indicators and 37 drawing tools, while Ally Invest provides 120 and 36, respectively. Both support chart notes, automated pattern recognition, and eight customization fields for an SMA study, and neither supports custom studies. Where E*TRADE pulls ahead is control and context: you can show historical trades, display corporate events, and set custom date ranges—features Ally Invest does not offer.
| Feature |
E*TRADE
|
Ally Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | Yes | No |
| Paper Trading | Yes | No |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 43 | 10 |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 121 | 120 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 37 | 36 |
| Advanced Trading |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Brokers for 2026, Best Paper Trading Apps & Platforms for 2026
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E*TRADE and Ally Invest both cover the basics for beginner investors, offering education on stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, and bonds. Where they differ is in hands-on and multimedia support: E*TRADE includes paper trading, educational videos, and webinars, while Ally Invest does not. Neither broker offers quizzes or tools to track your learning progress.
For education quality, E*TRADE earns 4 stars and ranks #5 out of 14 brokers at StockBrokers.com, while Ally Invest holds 3 stars and ranks #12. If you want to practice trades and learn through videos and live sessions, E*TRADE is the stronger pick. If you just need straightforward reading on core topics, Ally Invest can cover the essentials.
| Feature |
E*TRADE
|
Ally Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (ETFs) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Fixed Income) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos | Yes | No |
| Webinars | Yes | No |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2026
Bottom line: E*TRADE is the stronger pick for most mobile traders. StockBrokers.com rates E*TRADE 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks it #5 of 14 for stock trading apps, while Ally Invest earns 3 out of 5 stars and ranks #14. Choose E*TRADE if you want broader mobile features and deeper charting; choose Ally Invest if you only need basic trading with streaming quotes and options on a simpler app.
Both brokers offer iPhone and Android apps. E*TRADE also supports Apple Watch, while Ally Invest does not. Mobile after-hours trading is available on E*TRADE; Ally Invest’s status isn’t specified in the information provided. Both apps support options trading and streaming quotes. Only E*TRADE streams live TV, and neither app provides videos on demand. For price alerts, E*TRADE says yes; Ally Invest says no.
For charts and watchlists, both let you create custom watch lists, but only E*TRADE lets you customize watch list columns. E*TRADE adds after-hours charting, landscape chart views, and stock-to-stock comparisons on charts. While both apps allow multiple time frames, E*TRADE offers 107 technical studies versus none listed for Ally Invest, giving E*TRADE a clear edge for technical analysis on mobile.
| Feature |
E*TRADE
|
Ally Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch App | Yes | No |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | No |
| Charting - After-Hours | Yes | No |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 107 | 0 |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2026
When choosing between E*TRADE and Ally Invest, both platforms offer fee-free stock trades and no minimum deposit requirement, making them accessible for investors of all levels. However, they diverge in their pricing structures for options trading and other charges. Ally Invest generally offers more competitive rates on options contracts and margin balances. On the other hand, E*TRADE provides a slightly more cost-effective solution for certain account transfer fees, and it eliminates fees for IRA closures, setting it apart in those specific areas.
Both E*TRADE and Ally Invest charge no fees for regular stock trades, enhancing their appeal to cost-conscious investors. While both do not require a minimum deposit, Ally Invest leads with a slightly lower fee per options contract at $0.50 compared to E*TRADE's $0.65. When it comes to margin balances, Ally Invest consistently offers lower rates across all tiers, including 12% for balances below $25,000 and 11% for balances ranging from $50,000 to $99,999. E*TRADE's respective rates are 12.95% and 12.2%, which may impact decision-making for those engaging in margin trading.
For account-related fees, both brokers offer fee-free IRA accounts, though Ally Invest charges $25 for IRA closures, unlike E*TRADE which charges nothing. Additionally, Ally Invest has a $50 fee for partial account transfers, whereas E*TRADE does not charge for this service. Conversely, for full account transfers, E*TRADE's fee stands at $75, while Ally Invest once again charges $50. Despite slight differences in fees, both platforms eliminate options exercise and assignment fees, reflecting a user-friendly approach to options trading.
| Feature |
E*TRADE
|
Ally Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.65 | $0.50 |
| Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 | $25.00 |
Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2026
When comparing E*TRADE and Ally Invest for day trading, E*TRADE emerges as a stronger platform with several valuable features. E*TRADE provides streaming time and sales, streaming live TV, and direct market routing for stocks, which are crucial for active traders who need up-to-the-minute data and flexibility in executing trades. Additionally, E*TRADE offers trading hotkeys and level 2 quotes, further enhancing its appeal to day traders seeking advanced tools and efficient trade execution.
On the other hand, Ally Invest falls short in these areas, as it does not offer streaming time and sales, streaming live TV, or direct market routing. Furthermore, Ally Invest lacks trading hotkeys and level 2 quotes, which might limit the experience for those who require rapid and informed decision-making during trading sessions. While neither platform provides ladder trading, backtesting, or a short locator tool, E*TRADE's added capabilities make it a more suitable choice for those serious about day trading.
| Feature |
E*TRADE
|
Ally Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | No |
| Streaming TV | Yes | No |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | Yes | No |
| Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | Yes | No |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting | No | No |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | No |
| Short Locator | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms of 2026 for Beginners and Active Traders
E*TRADE holds a clear edge over Ally Invest for market research. E*TRADE earns 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #3 of 14 brokers at StockBrokers.com, while Ally Invest scores 3 stars and ranks #9. If you want deeper, easier-to-use research and broader tools, E*TRADE is likely the better pick. If you only need the basics, Ally Invest can still cover core needs.
Both brokers offer research on stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, OTC/pink sheets, and bonds, and both include stock research that taps social media sentiment. Neither offers ESG research. One key difference: only E*TRADE lets you view your portfolio allocation by asset class; Ally Invest does not.
Downloadable reports are another separator. E*TRADE provides eight PDF stock reports and also offers PDF reports for ETFs and mutual funds, while Ally Invest offers none. For idea generation, each broker supplies stock, ETF, and bond screeners; E*TRADE also includes a mutual fund screener, which Ally Invest lacks.
| Feature |
E*TRADE
|
Ally Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
| Research - Fixed Income | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - Fixed Income | Yes | Yes |
| Research |
|
|
When comparing the banking capabilities of E*TRADE and Ally Invest, both online brokers provide a range of services suited for personal finance needs. E*TRADE and Ally Invest each offer checking and savings accounts, allowing users to manage their everyday banking efficiently. Customers can use debit cards at both institutions, ensuring easy access to cash and purchases. Additionally, both brokers offer credit cards, adding flexibility to their financial product line-ups. Those seeking home ownership options can explore mortgage loans through either E*TRADE or Ally Invest. In terms of investment options, both platforms provide Certificates of Deposit (CDs), enabling customers to grow their savings over time with potentially higher returns. Whether you choose E*TRADE or Ally Invest, you can count on a variety of banking services to support your financial journey.
| Feature |
E*TRADE
|
Ally Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Checking Accounts | Yes | Yes |
| Savings Accounts | Yes | Yes |
| Debit Cards | Yes | Yes |
| Credit Cards | Yes | Yes |
| Mortgage Loans | Yes | Yes |
| Brokerage CDs | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokerage Checking Accounts for 2026
After opening live accounts and testing 14 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that E*TRADE is better than Ally Invest. E*TRADE finished with an overall score of 86.0%, while Ally Invest finished with a score of 56.0%.
With two distinct platforms (E*TRADE Web and Power E*TRADE) the broker effectively serves both the "set-it-and-forget-it" investor and the high-volume derivatives trader. Whether you aim to construct a long-term retirement portfolio or deploy complex options strategies, E*TRADE provides a sophisticated, dependable environment that grows with your ambition.
Neither E*TRADE nor Ally Invest offer crypto trading, with both platforms providing access to zero cryptocurrency coins.
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2026
Both E*TRADE and Ally Invest offer traditional and Roth IRA accounts with no annual fees, but only E*TRADE allows you to close your IRA account without a closure fee, while Ally Invest charges $25 for this service.
Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2026
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| Review | E*TRADE Review | Ally Invest Review |
| Broker Screenshots | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
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| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
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| Trading Fees | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Penny Stock Fees (OTC) | $6.95 | $4.95 | |
| Mutual Fund Trade Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.65 | $0.50 | |
| Futures (Per Contract) | $1.50 | (Not offered) | |
| Broker Assisted Trade Fee | $25 | $20 |
| Margin Rates | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margin Rate Under $25,000 | 12.95% | 12% | |
| Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 12.7% | 11.75% | |
| Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 12.2% | 11% | |
| Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | 11.7% | 9.75% | |
| Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | 11.2% | 8.75% | |
| Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | Varies | 8.25% | |
| Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | Varies | 7.5% |
| Account Fees | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 | $25.00 | |
| Account Transfer Out (Partial) | $0.00 | $50.00 | |
| Account Transfer Out (Full) | $75.00 | $50.00 | |
| Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Investment Options | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | No | No | |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Complex Options Max Legs | 4 | 4 | |
| Futures Trading | Yes | No | |
| Forex Trading | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 0 | |
| Fixed Income (Treasurys) | Yes | Yes | |
| Fixed Income (Corporate Bonds) | Yes | Yes | |
| Fixed Income (Municipal Bonds) | Yes | Yes | |
| Traditional IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
| Roth IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
| Advisor Services | Yes | Yes | |
| International Countries (Stocks) | 0 | 0 |
| Order Types | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order Type - Market | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - Limit | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - After Hours | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - Stop | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - Trailing Stop | Yes | No | |
| Order Type - OCO | Yes | No | |
| Order Type - OTO | Yes | No | |
| Order Type - Broker Assisted | Yes | Yes |
| Beginners | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (ETFs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Fixed Income) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | Yes | |
| Retirement Calculator | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary | Yes | Yes | |
| Paper Trading | Yes | No | |
| Videos | Yes | No | |
| Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Progress Tracking | No | No | |
| Interactive Learning - Quizzes | No | No |
| Stock Trading Apps | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple Watch App | Yes | No | |
| Trading - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading - After-Hours | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading - Simple Options | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading - Complex Options | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Ticket RT Quotes | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Ticket SRT Quotes | Yes | No |
| Stock App Features | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Research - Market Movers | Yes | Yes | |
| Stream Live TV | Yes | No | |
| Videos on Demand | No | No | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | No | |
| Option Chains Viewable | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist (Real-time) | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist (Streaming) | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Watchlists - Create & Manage | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlists - Column Customization | Yes | No |
| Stock App Charting | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - After-Hours | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Can Turn Horizontally | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 107 | 0 | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Stock Comparisons | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Trading Platform | Power E*TRADE | N/A | |
| Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | Yes | No | |
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Paper Trading | Yes | No | |
| Trade Journal | No | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 43 | 10 |
| Stock Chart Features | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 121 | 120 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 37 | 36 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Historical Trades | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Corporate Events | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Custom Date Range | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Custom Time Bars | No | No | |
| Charting - Automated Analysis | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Save Profiles | Yes | Yes | |
| Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | 8 | 8 | |
| Charting - Custom Studies | No | No |
| Day Trading | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | No | |
| Streaming TV | Yes | No | |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | Yes | No | |
| Ladder Trading | No | No | |
| Trade Hot Keys | Yes | No | |
| Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | Yes | No | |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting | No | No | |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | No | |
| Short Locator | No | No | |
| Order Liquidity Rebates | No | No |
| Research Overview | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Fixed Income | Yes | Yes | |
| Screener - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Screener - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Screener - Mutual Funds | Yes | No | |
| Screener - Fixed Income | Yes | Yes | |
| Portfolio Asset Allocation | Yes | No |
| Stock Research | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Research - PDF Reports | 8 | 0 | |
| Stock Research - Earnings | Yes | No | |
| Stock Research - Insiders | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - Social | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - News | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - ESG | No | No | |
| Stock Research - SEC Filings | Yes | No |
| ETF Research | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs - Investment Objective | Yes | No | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date | Yes | No | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio | Yes | Yes | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Total Assets | Yes | Yes | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs - Sector Exposure | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Risk Analysis | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Ratings | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - PDF Reports | Yes | No |
| Mutual Fund Research | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Funds - Investment Objective | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Performance Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Prospectus | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Country Allocation | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - StyleMap | Yes | No |
| Options Trading | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option Chains - Total Greeks | 5 | 5 | |
| Option Analysis - P&L Charts | Yes | No |
| Banking | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (Member FDIC) | Yes | Yes | |
| Checking Accounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Savings Accounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Credit Cards | Yes | Yes | |
| Debit Cards | Yes | Yes | |
| Mortgage Loans | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Service | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Support (Prospective Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| Phone Support (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Prospective Customers) | No | No | |
| Live Chat (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| 24/7 Support | Yes | Yes |
| Overall | E*TRADE | Ally Invest | |
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| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | E*TRADE Review | Ally Invest Review |
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