Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Webull vs Firstrade, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
Webull vs Firstrade: pick based on what you want to trade. If you need mutual funds, Firstrade is the clear choice. If you want crypto, forex, or futures, go with Webull. Both cover everyday needs like stock and options trading, margin, fractional shares, and OTC stocks, and both offer Traditional and Roth IRAs. Overall, Webull fits traders seeking more markets, while Firstrade suits investors who want mutual funds alongside stocks and options.
On investment options, both platforms support stocks, options, margin, fractional shares, and OTC stocks. Webull adds crypto trading (50 coins), plus forex and futures—none of which Firstrade supports. Firstrade stands out by offering mutual funds, which Webull does not. Firstrade offers 0 coins for crypto.
For account types, each broker offers Traditional IRA and Roth IRA accounts and neither provides advisor services. Both earn 4 stars for Range of Investments. In StockBrokers.com’s ranking of 14 brokers for Range of Investments, Firstrade is #5 and Webull is #8.
| Feature |
Webull
|
Firstrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Mutual Funds | No | Yes |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Futures Trading | Yes | No |
| Crypto Trading | Yes | No |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 50 | 0 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2026, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2026
Bottom line: Between Webull and Firstrade, Webull is the better pick for most traders who want downloadable apps and interactive chart trading. Webull earns 3 stars and ranks #9 out of 14 for platforms and tools at StockBrokers.com, while Firstrade is rated 1 star and ranks #12. Firstrade’s main edge is a bigger library of built-in indicators and more watchlist fields.
Platforms and core tools: Webull offers downloadable desktop platforms for both Windows and Mac, plus a browser platform; Firstrade is browser-only with no Windows or Mac downloads. Webull includes paper trading; Firstrade does not. Neither broker has a trading journal. Watchlists allow up to 35 columns on Webull versus 50 on Firstrade.
Charting and customization: Webull supports adjusting open orders right on the chart, adding notes, showing your past trades, and displaying earnings, splits, and dividends—none of which Firstrade offers. Webull also lets you save multiple chart profiles and create custom studies; Firstrade cannot. For technical studies, Firstrade lists 102 indicators versus Webull’s 52, while Webull provides 19 drawing tools versus Firstrade’s 8. Automated chart pattern detection is available on both. Neither broker lets you set custom date ranges. When editing an SMA study, Webull shows 2 fields, compared with 6 on Firstrade.
| Feature |
Webull
|
Firstrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | Yes | No |
| Paper Trading | Yes | No |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 35 | 50 |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 52 | 102 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 19 | 8 |
| Advanced Trading |
|
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Dive deeper: Best Stock Brokers for 2026, Best Paper Trading Apps & Platforms for 2026
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Comparing Webull and Firstrade for beginner and investor education, Webull covers more topics and tools. Webull offers education on stocks, ETFs, options, and bonds, while Firstrade focuses on stocks and options only; neither broker teaches mutual funds. Webull also includes paper trading for risk-free practice, along with quizzes and a way to track your learning progress. Both brokers provide educational videos and webinars, but Firstrade does not offer ETF or bonds education, paper trading, quizzes, or progress tracking.
By the numbers, Webull earns 3 out of 5 stars and ranks #10 of 14 brokers for education on StockBrokers.com, while Firstrade earns 2.5 stars and ranks #13 of 14. If you want broader topics plus hands-on practice and progress tracking, Webull is the better fit. If you only need basic stock and options lessons with videos and webinars, Firstrade can work.
| Feature |
Webull
|
Firstrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (ETFs) | Yes | No |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No |
| Education (Fixed Income) | Yes | No |
| Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Education |
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Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2026
Webull is the better pick for most mobile traders, earning 4.5 out of 5 stars and a #4 ranking out of 14 brokers for stock trading apps, compared with Firstrade’s 4 stars and #8 ranking. Webull’s edge comes from Apple Watch support and helpful extras like after-hours charting, while Firstrade appeals to chart-focused traders with more built-in technical studies and the ability to customize watch list columns.
Both brokers offer iPhone and Android apps, mobile options trading, streaming quotes, stock alerts, custom watch lists, landscape charting, multiple time frames, and stock comparisons on charts. Neither provides streaming live TV or videos on demand. Webull supports after-hours trading on mobile; Firstrade’s mobile after-hours access isn’t specified in this data. For charting beyond market hours, Webull has after-hours charting, while Firstrade does not.
If you value wearable access and around-the-clock market views, Webull stands out with an Apple Watch app and after-hours charting, plus 56 technical studies. If deeper indicator variety and watch list column customization matter more, Firstrade offers 81 technical studies and lets you tailor those columns, though it skips the Apple Watch and after-hours charting features.
| Feature |
Webull
|
Firstrade
|
|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch App | Yes | No |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - After-Hours | Yes | No |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 56 | 81 |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
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|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2026
Bottom line: Webull and Firstrade are neck and neck on the basics—$0 minimum deposit, $0 stock trades, $0 per-options-contract, $0 options exercise and assignment, and $0 IRA annual and closure fees. The standout difference is margin pricing, where Webull’s rate (8.74% for balances up to $100,000 across listed tiers) undercuts Firstrade’s (12.75% under $25k, 12.50% for $25k–$49,999, 12.00% for $50k–$99,999). For transfers, Firstrade is cheaper for partial ACATs ($55 vs. Webull’s $75), while full ACATs cost $75 at both. In short, borrowers may prefer Webull for lower interest, while occasional partial transfers may cost less at Firstrade; otherwise, everyday trading costs are effectively the same.
Account setup and trading costs are simple on both platforms. Minimum deposit: $0 at Webull and Firstrade. Stock trades: $0 commission at both. Options: $0 per-contract fee, plus $0 for options exercise and assignment at both brokers. IRA accounts: $0 annual fee and $0 closure fee at both.
Where they diverge is margin and transfer fees. Webull’s margin rate is 8.74% for balances below $25,000, $25,000–$49,999, and $50,000–$99,999. Firstrade’s margin rates for the same tiers are 12.75%, 12.50%, and 12.00%. For moving your account, partial ACATs cost $75 at Webull and $55 at Firstrade, while full ACATs are $75 at both. Always check each broker’s current fee schedule, as rates can change.
| Feature |
Webull
|
Firstrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| 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 | $0.00 |
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For day trading, Webull offers more real-time tools than Firstrade. Webull includes streaming time and sales, Level 2 quotes, ladder trading, and keyboard hotkeys for faster order entry—features day traders use to read order flow and act quickly. Firstrade lacks these tools. Neither broker supports direct market routing, which may matter if you want finer control over order execution.
Both platforms are missing several advanced features: no streaming live TV, no basic or advanced strategy backtesting, no short locator for borrow availability, and no maker/taker rebates. If you need quick entries, depth of market views, and intraday insight, Webull is the stronger pick for day trading. If your focus is simple stock trades without active intraday needs, Firstrade may still fit.
| Feature |
Webull
|
Firstrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | No |
| Streaming TV | No | No |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | No | 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
Bottom line: For market research, Firstrade edges out Webull. Both deliver stock and ETF research with social media sentiment, but Firstrade adds mutual fund and bond research, ESG data, allocation views, and more screeners and reports. That’s reflected in StockBrokers.com ratings: Firstrade earns 4 stars and ranks #6 of 14; Webull gets 3 stars and ranks #8.
Coverage and insights: Webull and Firstrade both support stock and ETF research and include Pink Sheets/OTC research and social sentiment tools. Firstrade extends coverage to mutual funds and bonds and includes ESG research and a portfolio allocation view by asset class—features Webull doesn’t offer.
Reports and trade idea tools: Webull offers no downloadable PDF research reports for stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds. Firstrade provides one downloadable stock report and ETF reports (no mutual fund PDFs). For screeners, both brokers offer a stock screener, while Firstrade also supplies ETF, mutual fund, and bond screeners; Webull does not.
| Feature |
Webull
|
Firstrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - ETFs | No | Yes |
| Research - Mutual Funds | No | Yes |
| Screener - Mutual Funds | No | Yes |
| Research - Fixed Income | No | Yes |
| Screener - Fixed Income | No | Yes |
| Research |
|
|
When comparing Webull vs. Firstrade for banking features, Firstrade clearly offers more everyday banking options. Firstrade provides a checking account, a debit card for spending, and certificates of deposit (CDs) for earning interest, while Webull does not offer checking, debit cards, or CDs. Both brokers lack savings accounts, credit cards, and mortgage loans. If you want basic banking tools alongside your brokerage account, Firstrade is the better fit, whereas Webull focuses solely on investing without built-in banking services.
| Feature |
Webull
|
Firstrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Checking Accounts | No | Yes |
| Savings Accounts | No | No |
| Debit Cards | No | Yes |
| Credit Cards | No | No |
| Mortgage Loans | No | No |
| Brokerage CDs | No | Yes |
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After opening live accounts and testing 14 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that Webull is better than Firstrade. Webull finished with an overall score of 69.9%, while Firstrade finished with a score of 67.8%.
Webull has evolved past its origins as a low-cost disruptor, solidifying its position as a sophisticated hub for active market participants. It offers a great mobile experience and a fantastic paper trading platform that offers a perfect sandbox to test strategies without risking capital. With AI-powered summaries that slice through market noise and industry-leading paper trading tools for testing strategies, Webull presents a compelling choice for traders.
Online broker Webull offers cryptocurrency trading with access to 50 coins, providing broad exposure to digital assets. Firstrade does not support crypto trading (0 coins), making Webull the preferred choice for investors who want to trade cryptocurrencies.
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2026
Webull vs Firstrade: both brokers offer traditional and Roth IRAs with $0 annual fees and $0 IRA closure fees, providing a no-fee retirement account experience. With identical IRA costs, your choice comes down to platform tools and user preference rather than fees.
Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2026
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| Review | Webull Review | Firstrade Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Webull | Firstrade | |
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| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
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| Trading Fees | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Penny Stock Fees (OTC) | N/A | $0.00 | |
| Mutual Fund Trade Fee | N/A | $0 | |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Futures (Per Contract) | $1.25 | (Not offered) | |
| Broker Assisted Trade Fee | N/A | $19.95 |
| Margin Rates | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margin Rate Under $25,000 | 8.74% | 12.75% | |
| Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 8.74% | 12.50% | |
| Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 8.74% | 12.00% | |
| Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | 8.74% | 11.50% | |
| Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | 8.74% | 11.25% | |
| Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | 8.74% | 9.35% | |
| Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | 8.74% | 8.75% |
| Account Fees | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Account Transfer Out (Partial) | $75.00 | $55.00 | |
| Account Transfer Out (Full) | $75.00 | $75.00 | |
| Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Investment Options | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Complex Options Max Legs | 4 | 4 | |
| Futures Trading | Yes | No | |
| Forex Trading | Yes | No | |
| Crypto Trading | Yes | No | |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 50 | 0 | |
| Fixed Income (Treasurys) | Yes | Yes | |
| Fixed Income (Corporate Bonds) | Yes | Yes | |
| Fixed Income (Municipal Bonds) | No | Yes | |
| Traditional IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
| Roth IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
| Advisor Services | No | No | |
| International Countries (Stocks) | 0 | 0 |
| Order Types | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| Order Type - OCO | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - OTO | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - Broker Assisted | No | Yes |
| Beginners | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (ETFs) | Yes | No | |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No | |
| Education (Fixed Income) | Yes | No | |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | Yes | |
| Retirement Calculator | No | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary | Yes | Yes | |
| Paper Trading | Yes | No | |
| Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Progress Tracking | Yes | No | |
| Interactive Learning - Quizzes | Yes | No |
| Stock Trading Apps | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Stock App Features | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Research - Market Movers | Yes | Yes | |
| Stream Live TV | No | No | |
| Videos on Demand | No | No | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Option Chains Viewable | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist (Real-time) | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist (Streaming) | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlists - Create & Manage | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlists - Column Customization | No | Yes |
| Stock App Charting | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - After-Hours | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Can Turn Horizontally | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 56 | 81 | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Stock Comparisons | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Trading Platform | N/A | 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 | 35 | 50 |
| Stock Chart Features | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 52 | 102 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 19 | 8 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Historical Trades | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Corporate Events | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Custom Date Range | No | No | |
| Charting - Custom Time Bars | No | No | |
| Charting - Automated Analysis | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Save Profiles | Yes | No | |
| Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | 2 | 6 | |
| Charting - Custom Studies | Yes | No |
| Day Trading | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | No | |
| Streaming TV | No | No | |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | No | No | |
| Ladder Trading | Yes | 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 | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Mutual Funds | No | Yes | |
| Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Fixed Income | No | Yes | |
| Screener - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Screener - ETFs | No | Yes | |
| Screener - Mutual Funds | No | Yes | |
| Screener - Fixed Income | No | Yes | |
| Portfolio Asset Allocation | No | Yes |
| Stock Research | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Research - PDF Reports | 0 | 1 | |
| Stock Research - Earnings | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - Insiders | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - Social | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - News | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - ESG | No | Yes | |
| Stock Research - SEC Filings | Yes | Yes |
| ETF Research | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs - Investment Objective | Yes | Yes | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date | Yes | Yes | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio | Yes | Yes | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Total Assets | Yes | Yes | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs - Sector Exposure | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs - Risk Analysis | No | Yes | |
| ETFs - Ratings | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap | No | Yes | |
| ETFs - PDF Reports | No | Yes |
| Mutual Fund Research | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Funds - Investment Objective | No | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Performance Chart | No | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis | No | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Prospectus | No | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings | No | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown | No | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation | No | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation | No | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Country Allocation | No | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - StyleMap | No | Yes |
| Options Trading | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option Chains - Total Greeks | 5 | 5 | |
| Option Analysis - P&L Charts | Yes | Yes |
| Banking | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (Member FDIC) | No | No | |
| Checking Accounts | No | Yes | |
| Savings Accounts | No | No | |
| Credit Cards | No | No | |
| Debit Cards | No | Yes | |
| Mortgage Loans | No | No |
| Customer Service | Webull | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Support (Prospective Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| Phone Support (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Prospective Customers) | No | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Current Customers) | No | Yes | |
| 24/7 Support | No | No |
| Overall | Webull | Firstrade | |
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| Ease of Use |
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| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Webull Review | Firstrade Review |
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