E*TRADE vs Vanguard Comparison
Comparing brokers side by side is no easy task. For our 2023 annual broker review, we spent hundreds of hours assessing 17 brokerages to find the best online broker. Let's compare E*TRADE vs Vanguard.
Is E*TRADE or Vanguard better for beginners?
E*TRADE offers more comprehensive new investor education for beginner investors than Vanguard. E*TRADE offers investors access to Paper Trading, Videos, Education (Stocks), Education (ETFs), Education (Options), Education (Mutual Funds), Education (Bonds) and Education (Retirement), while Vanguard offers investors access to Videos, Education (Stocks) and Education (Retirement). See our guide to Best Paper Trading Platforms for more.
What about E*TRADE vs Vanguard pricing?
E*TRADE and Vanguard charge the same amount for regular stock trades, $0.00. Option contracts are pricier at Vanguard, costing $1.00 per contract versus $0.65 per contract at E*TRADE. For a complete commissions summary, see our best brokers for free stock trading guide.
Does E*TRADE or Vanguard offer a wider range of investment options?
E*TRADE offers investors access to Stock Trading, Options Trading, OTC Stocks, Mutual Funds, Futures Trading and Advisor Services, while Vanguard offers investors access to Stock Trading, Options Trading, OTC Stocks, Mutual Funds and Advisor Services. Neither have Fractional Shares and Forex Trading. Looking at Mutual Funds, Vanguard trails E*TRADE in its offering of no transaction fee (NTF) mutual funds, with E*TRADE offering 4377 and Vanguard offering .
Which trading platform is better: E*TRADE or Vanguard?
To compare the trading platforms of E*TRADE and Vanguard, we tested each broker's trading tools, research capabilities, and mobile apps. For trading tools, E*TRADE offers a better experience. With research, E*TRADE offers superior market research. Finally, we found E*TRADE to provide better mobile trading apps.
Does either broker offer banking?
Online banking can be a benefit for investors, and some brokerages do provide banking services to customers. Checking Accounts, Savings Accounts, Debit Cards, Credit Cards and Mortgage Loans are offered by E*TRADE while Vanguard offers neither of these.
Is E*TRADE good?
E*TRADE is a top-performing broker whose highlights include $0 trades, two excellent mobile apps and the Power E*TRADE platform. Crypto, however, is not available.
Is Vanguard good?
Vanguard is aimed squarely at buy-and-hold investors, and its platform reflects that focus. Vanguard is known for its low-cost funds, and the investment platform is really built for those looking to invest solely in mutual funds and ETFs.
E*TRADE vs Vanguard Winner
Overall winner: E*TRADE
Read Next
Explore our other online trading guides: