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Home ‣ Guides ‣ 14 Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025

Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025

Jessica Inskip

Written by Jessica Inskip
Edited by Jeff Anberg
Reviewed by Blain Reinkensmeyer

October 22, 2025
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Jessica Inskip Jessica Inskip

Jessica Inskip is Director of Investor Research at StockBrokers.com, bringing 15 years of experience in brokerage and trading strategy. Jessica focuses on investor education and brokerage industry research.

Jessica Inskip has over 15 years of experience in the brokerage industry and is a sought-after guest and commentator at financial outlets such as CNBC, Fox Business, and Yahoo Finance.

Your investing journey begins with an important decision: which trading app should you use? There are dozens of investing platforms out there, all claiming to offer the best features, smartest tools, and “best-in-class” experiences. But here’s the truth that most people don’t say out loud: the best stock trading app is the one you’ll actually use.

This guide will help you compare the best trading apps by breaking down what matters most: user experience, educational tools, fees, investment options, and long-term support. If you're learning how to start investing or you want to trade on the go, you're in the right place.

My picks for the best stock trading apps in 2025

Whether you're looking for simplicity, automated portfolio management, or a platform that supports deeper learning, the goal is the same: to help you get started and stay invested with confidence. I've been trading stocks on the go for over 15 years – here are my picks for the best stock trading apps:

Charles Schwab
visit.jpg
5/5 Stars 5.0 Overall
Summary Review Pros/Cons

Best stock trading app

Minimum Deposit$0.00
Stock Trades$0.00
Options (Per Contract)$0.65

With the addition of TD Ameritrade's thinkorswim platforms and the enhancement of several features, Schwab is now a vigorous competitor with thought-provoking research and commentary and a client experience to fit any preference. Read full review

Pros
  • TD Ameritrade’s excellent thinkorswim trading platforms now available
  • Trading-friendly app and browser enhancements
  • Exceptional high net worth services
Cons
  • No cryptocurrency trading
  • Mutual fund fees are complex
Interactive Brokers
5/5 Stars 5.0 Overall
Summary Review Pros/Cons

Best app for active traders

Minimum Deposit$0.00
Stock Trades$0.00
Options (Per Contract)$0.65 info

Mobile trading with Interactive Brokers is well-supported across all devices. From lightning-quick streaming data to full-featured order entry and portfolio management, Interactive Brokers includes everything professionals require in three different high-performing apps. Read full review

Pros
  • Astounding array of customizable tools
  • Allows trading in foreign markets
  • Convenient apps for individual investors
Cons
  • Restrictive trading permissions
  • Main platforms might feel cold
Fidelity
5/5 Stars 5.0 Overall
Summary Review Pros/Cons

Best app for long-term investors

Minimum Deposit$0.00
Stock Trades$0.00
Options (Per Contract)$0.65

Fidelity’s mobile experience is cleanly designed, bug-free and delivers a phenomenal experience for investors. Fidelity’s investing app is excellent for everyday investors, while novices will appreciate Bloom and Spire. Read full review

Pros
  • Excellent research and mobile app
  • Top-notch education
  • Decades of reliable client service
Cons
  • No dedicated mobile app for active trading
E*TRADE
Advertisement
5/5 Stars 5.0 Overall
Summary Review Pros/Cons

Great features for power users

Minimum Deposit$0.00
Stock Trades$0.00
Options (Per Contract)$0.65

In our 2025 Annual Awards, E*TRADE once again ranked among the best because its apps are easy to use and feature-rich. Our recommendation: use E*TRADE mobile for stock trading and Power E*TRADE Mobile for options trading. Read full review

Pros
  • Watch lists are the best in the business
  • Smooth mobile navigation
  • High-quality high-net-worth Morgan Stanley proprietary research
Cons
  • Cryptocurrencies not currently available
  • Margin rates are high compared to other brokers
Webull
4/5 Stars 4.0 Overall
Summary Review Pros/Cons

Great for paper trading

Minimum Deposit$0.00
Stock Trades$0.00
Options (Per Contract)$0.00

Webull is an excellent choice for beginning and intermediate traders. The user experience is outstanding, and Webull has better charts than its natural competitor, Robinhood. Options contracts are commission-free, but crypto markups and markdowns are on the high side. Experienced investors may eventually miss the features, research, and investment choices available at leading brokers. Read full review

Pros
  • Terrific user experience across all devices
  • Zero-cost option trading
  • 44 cryptocurrencies
Cons
  • Limited investment options
  • 1% markups and markdowns on crypto trades
Merrill Edge
4.5/5 Stars 4.5 Overall
Summary Review Pros/Cons

Seamless banking integration

Minimum Deposit$0.00
Stock Trades$0.00
Options (Per Contract)$0.65

Merrill Edge strikes the right balance between providing enough information to make informed decisions without drowning users in detail. Its easy-to-use mobile app is a particular winner for existing Bank of America customers. Read full review

Pros
  • Portfolio Story, Dynamic Insights, and the Stock and Fund Stories are groundbreaking features
  • High-quality proprietary research
Cons
  • Some site elements slow to load
  • No crypto, futures, forex or penny stocks
Robinhood
4/5 Stars 4.0 Overall
Summary Review Pros/Cons

Mobile-first platform design

Minimum Deposit$0.00
Stock Trades$0.00
Options (Per Contract)$0.00 info

Robinhood is very easy to use and its educational content is a joy to read. But, in today’s competitive market for your investing dollars, there are several more compelling options among brokerages. Read full review

Pros
  • Famously easy to use
  • Extensive crypto support with zero commissions and no markups or markdowns
  • Learn section has some excellent writing
Cons
  • Charges $5 monthly fee for data and research that’s free at many other brokers
  • Limited investment choices
  • Not enough tools for active trading
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Learn more about the best stock trading apps

1. Charles Schwab – Best stock trading app

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
Charles Schwab logoCharles Schwab
$0.00 $0.00 $0.65

Charles Schwab is the most well-rounded stock broker I've reviewed for StockBrokers.com. Schwab took home over a dozen of my StockBrokers.com 2025 Annual Awards, including #1 Overall broker, #1 Investor App, and #1 Mobile Trading App. Whether you're opening your first account or managing a larger portfolio, Schwab delivers the right mix of mobile tools, products, and education to support your goals at every stage.

Casual and beginner investors: For beginner investors, Schwab helps you learn by doing. Everything from the app’s layout to the in-platform explanations is designed to support first-time investors. And as your financial goals evolve, you won’t need to switch platforms. Schwab has the tools to keep up with you.

Advanced trading: For active traders, Schwab’s thinkorswim mobile app is a game-changer. With over 350 technical studies, advanced order types, and ladder trading, it provides professional-grade tools in a mobile format. Options traders can take advantage of multi-leg strategies and customizable watchlists, while the Schwab Assistant’s voice commands simplify tasks like retrieving quotes or connecting with support.

Mobile tools and features: Schwab's mobile app gives you quick access to curated research, live market updates, and fractional shares across S&P 500 stocks. Schwab also offers automated investing, flexible account types, and integrated support that meets you where you are.

What's missing: Crypto isn’t available for direct trading. While you can gain exposure through ETFs, you won’t be able to buy coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum. It's also worth noting that Fractional shares are limited to S&P 500 companies, which may feel restrictive if you're hoping to invest in smaller names or ETFs.

Pros

  • Schwab's mobile app is smooth and thoughtfully designed.
  • Award-winning educational courses that feel like real learning paths.
  • Grants access to curated research, live market updates, and fractional shares.
  • Schwab offers automated investing, flexible account types, and integrated customer support.

Cons

  • Crypto isn’t available for direct trading.
  • Fractional shares are limited to S&P 500 companies, which may feel restrictive.

Schwab Mobile's market research home page. Desktop chart of U.S. unemployment rates alongside a live news feed and streaming headlines Schwab’s web-based stock screener stands out with advanced filtering tools The introduction to the Leading Economics Indicators course.

2. Interactive Brokers – Best app for active traders

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
Interactive Brokers logoInteractive Brokers
$0.00 $0.00 $0.65 info

Interactive Brokers is a powerhouse for investors who want to grow their skills and eventually trade like the pros. With access to over 150 global markets, low fees, and tools used by institutions, it’s a platform that gives you room to grow.

Mobile tools, fees, and features: Interactive Brokers offers unmatched flexibility. Want fractional shares, recurring investments, or ESG-focused portfolios? You’ve got it. GlobalTrader simplifies access to international stocks, and the Impact app helps align your portfolio with your personal values. Even better, IBKR’s fees are among the lowest in the industry, including rock-bottom margin rates.

Advanced platforms: All that said – IBKR's platform has a learning curve. While there’s no shortage of educational support, you’ll need time to get comfortable navigating the tools. Fractional shares aren't available for all stocks, and if you’re looking for a more guided, hand-holding experience, other platforms may feel more beginner-friendly out of the gate.

Who IBKR is best for: Interactive Brokers is built for investors who want to grow into more advanced strategies over time. You’ll find quizzes, tutorials, and smart explanations across the platform to help you learn as you go. If your long-term plan includes expanding into global markets, trading options, or optimizing for taxes and performance, Interactive Brokers gives you the tools to get there.

Pros

  • The IBKR Mobile stock trading app delivers advanced tools without sacrificing ease of use.
  • Offers fractional shares, recurring investments, and ESG-focused portfolios.
  • GlobalTrader simplifies access to international stocks.
  • IBKR’s fees are among the lowest in the industry, including rock-bottom margin rates.
  • Excellent educational resources, from stock market basics to CFA-level content through Trader’s Academy.

Cons

  • The platform has a learning curve.
  • Fractional investing isn’t available for all stocks.
  • May feel less beginner-friendly compared to platforms that offer a more guided experience.

IBKR mobile platform toolbox IBKR Desktop's MultiSort screener showing a list of securities prioritizing a high dividend yield over lower volatility Trader Workstation's watchlist. Traders insight landing page (found under education) A screenshot of comments on a typical educational course.

3. Fidelity – Best app for long-term investors

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
Fidelity logoFidelity
$0.00 $0.00 $0.65

Fidelity is one of the most trusted names in investing. Fidelity’s stock trading app strikes the right balance of power and simplicity. Fidelity's platform is backed by deep research, low fees, and helpful educational tools that make investing easier to understand and more accessible. You’ll get free stock and ETF trades, smart planning tools, and curated collections of stocks to explore.

Mobile app features: Fidelity's stock trading app also features short educational videos, live Bloomberg TV, and credit score tracking, making it more than just a trading tool. Fidelity doesn’t take payment for order flow, which means you can trust the quality of your trades. And for long-term investors, features like automatic reinvestment and zero-expense mutual funds help build a portfolio over time with minimal costs.

Tools and fees: Fidelity's platform includes clear educational content and in-app tools that explain what’s happening in the market. You can invest with as little as $1 using fractional shares, and the app offers helpful planning features like retirement calculators and goal setting. With strong support, low costs, and plenty of guidance, Fidelity is a smart place to start investing with confidence.

What's missing: Fidelity doesn’t currently offer a paper trading account, which makes it harder to test strategies without committing real money. While Active Trader Pro adds more functionality for serious traders, it feels dated next to newer platforms. And while the research is deep, some features are buried and harder to find than they should be.

Pros

  • Free stock and ETF trades.
  • Smart planning tools and curated collections of stocks.
  • Educational videos, live Bloomberg TV, and credit score tracking.
  • Fidelity doesn’t take payment for order flow.
  • Automatic reinvestment and zero-expense mutual funds for low-cost, long-term portfolio building.

Cons

  • Fidelity doesn’t currently offer a paper trading account.
  • Active Trader Pro, while functional, appears dated compared to newer platforms.
  • Despite deep research capabilities, some features are buried and harder to find.

Learning center with social media like series Trading dashboard with positions displayed, SPY detailed quote and options statistics displayed Economic calendar Fidelity learning center with all topics selected, followed by investing and trading

4. E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley – Great for power users

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
$0.00 $0.00 $0.65

E*TRADE is a flexible, easy-to-use stock trading app built for long-term investors and active traders alike. With strong research tools, modern trading features, and a clean interface, it’s a smart choice for beginner traders looking to grow into more advanced strategies. Overall, I find E*TRADE’s mobile apps to be intuitive and thoughtfully designed.

Casual and beginner investors: E*TRADE’s default app walks you through investing basics, and the built-in education helps you understand what you’re buying and why. With features like curated market news, alerts, customizable watchlists, and smart research tools like stock screeners and earnings calendars, E*TRADE gives you the tools to grow your skills over time. If you’re ready for a stock trading app that can grow with you, E*TRADE is a great place to start.

Advanced trading: The Power E*TRADE app adds more muscle, including advanced charting, options trading tools, and customizable layouts. Educational content is also strong, with articles and webinars that cover everything from ETFs to income strategies. And with commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and most mutual funds, it’s cost-effective too.

What's missing: E*TRADE doesn’t currently support direct crypto trading or fractional shares of individual stocks. Some research tools and market data require a $1,000 account balance, which might be a hurdle for newer investors starting small.

Pros

  • E*TRADE’s mobile apps are intuitive and thoughtfully designed.
  • Access to curated market news, alerts, watchlists, earnings calendars, and stock screeners.
  • Power E*TRADE app provides advanced features for active traders, including charting, options trading tools, and customizable layouts.
  • Commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and most mutual fund.

Cons

  • E*TRADE doesn’t currently support direct cryptotrading or fractional shares of individual stocks.
  • Some research tools and market data require a $1,000 account balance.

Power etrade advanced chart Power etrade options order ticket US markets page with advance decliners Risk profile asset allocator tool

5. Webull – Great for paper trading

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
Webull logoWebull
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Webull offers a sleek, trading-first stock trading app designed for beginners and intermediate investors who want just enough data to make smart decisions without feeling overwhelmed. Webull offers commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and even options, with no per-contract fees.

Mobile tools and features: The app is fast, customizable, and comes packed with features like paper trading (one of the best brokers for paper trading) and fractional shares to help you practice and build confidence. Webull's intuitive stock and options trade tickets and real-time market data make it easy to place trades and follow along with the market. Recurring investments, smart alerts, and goal tracking give investors useful tools without the clutter. If you want a clean, mobile-first experience that makes learning to trade feel natural, Webull is a strong option.

What's missing: Webull’s mobile platform is sharp and modern, and the community tab adds a social layer for market insights and peer discussion. That said, Webull doesn’t support mutual funds or forex, and its research tools aren’t as in-depth as those offered by larger firms. Educational content is broad but disorganized, and features like tax tracking or long-term planning tools are fairly limited.

Pros

  • Commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and options, with no per-contract fees.
  • The app is fast, customizable, and feature-rich, including paper trading and fractional shares for practice and confidence building.
  • Supports recurring investments starting at $5, facilitating gradual portfolio growth.

Cons

  • Webull doesn’t support mutual funds or forex trading.
  • Research tools are not as comprehensive as those offered by larger firms.
  • Educational content is extensive but lacks organization.
  • Limited features for tax tracking and long-term financial planning.

Social Feed Webull web platform with AAPL chart and trade ticket Research page of US markets with snapshot of major indices, economic calendar, and streaming news Learning center with most popular topic selected

6. Merrill Edge – Seamless banking integration

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
Merrill Edge logoMerrill Edge
$0.00 $0.00 $0.65

Merrill Edge, backed by Bank of America, is a smart pick for long-term investors who want simplicity, powerful planning tools, and seamless banking integration. It’s designed for building wealth over time, not chasing fast trades.

Mobile banking and investing: Merrill’s blend of banking and investing in its mobile app makes it easy to manage your full financial life. For Bank of America customers, the Preferred Rewards program adds serious perks, like investment discounts and boosted credit card rewards. You’ll also get access to research from Bank of America Securities and features like goal tracking, customizable dashboards, and strong retirement planning tools.

Long-term investors: Merrill also makes long-term investing approachable. You’ll find clear explanations, built-in education, and intuitive tools that help you understand the “why” behind your investments. The mobile app is clean and consistent with the desktop platform, and features like the Retirement Calculator break big goals into simple, actionable steps. Tools like Stock Story and Portfolio Story turn complex data into easy-to-understand visuals, helping you make informed decisions without needing a to be a finance expert.

What's missing: Merrill doesn’t support crypto or fractional shares, and options trading is best suited for simpler strategies. Some educational content is helpful, but deeper topics like macro trends or advanced fund research aren’t well covered. Active traders looking for fast execution and margin flexibility might find the platform limiting.

Pros

  • Merrill’s app combines banking and investing.
  • Stock Story and Portfolio Story features simplify complex data with easy-to-understand visuals.
  • Includes goal tracking, customizable dashboards, and robust retirement planning tools.
  • Bank of America customers benefit from the Preferred Rewards program.

Cons

  • Merrill doesn’t support crypto or fractional shares.
  • Options trading is tailored for simpler strategies, not advanced techniques.
  • Educational content covers basics well, but lacks depth on macro trends and advanced fund research.
  • Active traders may find the platform limiting in terms of fast execution and margin flexibility.

Stock Story screen shot with NVDA Active trader pro with a weekly chart and detailed quote Idea builder Options Strategy Builder covered call selected risk profile integrated education

7. Robinhood – Mobile-first platform design

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
Robinhood logoRobinhood
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 info

Robinhood is built for first-time investors who want a simple way to start trading. Its app-based design, zero commissions, and standout educational content make it one of the most approachable platforms for newer investors.

Mobile tools and features: Robinhood’s stock trading app is clean, easy to navigate, and thoughtfully designed for mobile users. Buying stocks, ETFs, crypto, and options takes just a few taps. Fractional shares and recurring investments make it simple to start small and stay consistent. The 24-hour trading feature is a unique plus, giving you more flexibility to act when it fits your schedule. Educational content is woven throughout the platform and actually teaches you something useful — no jargon, just real-world explanations.

Accessible investing: Robinhood makes investing feel accessible. From fractional shares and auto-investing to interactive options education and a straightforward app experience, it’s built to help you learn as you go. The platform is simple enough not to overwhelm, but packed with just enough features to get you started. If you’re dipping your toes into the market and want a place that feels unintimidating and educational, Robinhood is a solid first step.

What's missing: Robinhood lacks deeper research tools and portfolio monitoring features. You won’t find economic calendars, benchmark comparisons, or in-depth stock analysis. For investors who want to analyze trends, track asset allocation, or compare investments to broader markets, the tools fall short.

Pros

  • One of the few brokers to offer 24-hour trading.
  • Robinhood’s app is clean, intuitive, and optimized for mobile users.
  • Buy stocks, ETFs, crypto, and options in just a few taps.
  • Supports fractional shares and recurring investments.

Cons

  • Lacks deeper research tools and comprehensive portfolio monitoring features.
  • Does not include economic calendars, benchmark comparisons, or detailed stock analysis.

Single-legged options chain SPX chart and watchlist on Robinhood legend Analyst ratings of AAPL Understanding ETFs article

Other stock trading apps I tested

8. TradeStation – Advanced platform for experienced traders

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
TradeStation logoTradeStation
$0.00 $0.00 $0.60

TradeStation is a high-powered trading platform built for experienced investors who want deep customization and advanced tools. While its features may overwhelm beginners, it delivers a serious edge for those ready to commit to active trading.

Advanced trading:TradeStation offers one of the most advanced platforms in the industry. Active traders can tap into powerful tools like real-time data feeds, customizable charting, and professional-grade options analysis. You’ll also find a sleek mobile app, solid order execution, and a wide range of assets including stocks, ETFs, options, and futures. Educational content and tools for options trading are particularly strong, with well-designed tutorials and strategy support.

Not for casual investing: TradeStation isn’t built for beginners. The desktop platform comes with a learning curve, and the research tools lean heavily toward technical analysis. There’s limited guidance on basic fundamentals or portfolio building. Inactivity fees apply unless you maintain a $5,000 balance or meet trading activity minimums, which could deter casual investors.

If you're a hands-on learner looking to grow into a more advanced trader, TradeStation offers a pathway with serious potential. Paper trading is available, and the mobile app is more beginner-friendly than the desktop version. But this is best suited for those who want to move beyond the basics. If you’re just starting out and want a platform to grow into, TradeStation could be a great fit — as long as you're willing to invest the time to learn.

Pros

  • One of the most advanced trading platforms in the industry.
  • Provides powerful tools for active traders.
  • Sleek mobile app with solid order execution.
  • Supports a wide range of assets, including stocks, ETFs, options, and futures.
  • Strong educational content, particularly for options trading.

Cons

  • Not beginner-friendly, as the desktop platform has a steep learning curve.
  • Research tools are heavily focused on technical analysis, with limited coverage of fundamentals.
  • Inactivity fees apply unless a $5,000 balance is maintained or trading activity minimums are met.

Mobile app detailed quote of GOOGL highlighting the why is this moving? section webplatform with watchlist and options chain Trader's Insight with Platform research integrated into report Tradestation education synthetic position with analysis

9. Firstrade – Beginner-friendly app

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
Firstrade logoFirstrade
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Firstrade is an under-the-radar broker that’s been stepping up its game. With a clean app, $0 trading, and strong options tools, it’s a solid choice for beginners who want low costs and long-term flexibility.

Mobile tools, fees, and features: Firstrade offers commission-free trades on stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and options — with no per-contract options fees, which is rare. The mobile app is intuitive and especially strong for options trading, showing real-time pricing and strategy support even on multi-leg trades. Fractional shares are available, and you can invest with as little as $1. There’s also a standout economic calendar and growing AI tools like FirstradeGPT, a research assistant that shows early signs of being a helpful companion for self-directed investors.

Casual and beginner investors: Firstrade is easy to get started with — no account minimums, simple navigation, and strong options and stock education. For those new to trading who want to keep fees low and learn as they go, especially in options, Firstrade is a great place to build your foundation.

What's missing: Firstrade doesn’t support crypto, futures, forex, or international trading. Research on funds and fixed income is limited, and the platform lacks more advanced portfolio tracking or planning tools. While the education is great for options and stocks, content on broader investing strategies feels thin.

Pros

  • Commission-free trades on stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and options.
  • Mobile app is well-suited for options trading, featuring real-time pricing and multi-leg trade support.
  • Supports fractional shares, allowing investments with as little as $1.
  • Includes a standout economic calendar and emerging AI tools like FirstradeGPT.

Cons

  • Does not support crypto, futures, forex, or international trading.
  • Limited research on funds and fixed income.
  • Lacks advanced portfolio tracking and planning tools.

Mobile app with NVDA options chain with greeks displayed Options trading ideas credit spread report Economic calendar with a chart of inflation YoY change Learning Center with ETFs selected

10. tastytrade – Best app for options trading

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
tastytrade logotastytrade
$0.00 $0.00 $0.50 info

tastytrade is built for options traders. Its platform is packed with strategy-focused tools, competitive pricing, and live insights designed to support active traders who want more than a basic app.

Great for options trading: The platform is tailor-made for options. You can build multi-leg trades, backtest strategies, and track net Greeks in real time. tastytrade’s $1 per contract pricing (with no fee to close) keeps costs low, and crypto trades are now commission-free. The mobile app syncs seamlessly with desktop and delivers a full-featured trading experience — including earnings calendars, market movers, and watchlists with implied volatility and correlation metrics. For education and insights, tastylive, their separate broadcast affiliate, provides constant, real-time commentary from real traders.

Learn advanced strategies: If you’re new to trading and want to learn options the right way, tastytrade is an excellent choice. The platform teaches you through real examples, live shows, and integrated strategy tools. You’ll grow your skills while actually placing trades, not just reading about them. It’s not built for passive investors, but for those who want to learn and do, it’s a smart first step.

What's missing: The apps layout does have a learning curve. tastytrade doesn’t offer mutual funds, fixed-income research, or paper trading, and the macro research is light. If you prefer deep-dive PDF reports or more traditional investment planning tools, you might find the platform limited.

Pros

  • tastytrade has the best options trading app.
  • Supports multi-leg trades, backtesting strategies, and tracking net Greeks in real time.
  • tastytrade’s $1 per contract pricing (with no fee to close) keeps trading costs low.
  • Commission-free crypto trades.

Cons

  • The platform’s layout may have a learning curve.
  • Does not support mutual funds, fixed-income research, or paper trading.
  • Macro research is limited.
  • Lacks traditional investment planning tools.

Options chain with SPY bull call spread selected to trade off of chain Options chain with AAPL bull call spread selected to trade off of chain Backtesting tool with SPY put credit spread, 45 DTE with VIX parameters. All options courses

11. eToro – Community-driven platform

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
eToro logoeToro
$50.00 $0.00 $0.00

eToro is a community-driven platform built for investors who want more than just trades — they want conversation. If you’re energized by short-form content, real-time market chatter, and learning from others, eToro delivers an experience that feels more like social media than a traditional brokerage account.

Mobile tools and features: eToro blends education, insights, and community into one cohesive app. You’ll find sentiment scores, analyst price targets, and even hedge fund trading activity — all layered into each stock’s profile. Crypto traders will appreciate access to 80+ coins, plus features like stop-loss, limit orders, and Smart Portfolios for thematic investing. CopyTrader, eToro’s signature feature, lets you automatically follow and replicate the portfolios of more experienced investors. It’s a collaborative experience that makes investing feel less intimidating, especially when you're just getting started.

Learning the basics: eToro simplifies investing by turning it into a shared experience. The app is easy to navigate, and the real-time commentary makes it easier to understand what’s driving the market. Educational videos are polished and engaging, and CopyTrader takes the pressure off decision-making while you build confidence. If you’re just starting out and want to learn by watching — and doing — eToro gives you a place to do both.

What's missing: eToro's mobile trading tools are built for accessibility, not complexity. Stock screening is limited, advanced charting is missing, and you can’t trade fixed income, mutual funds, or futures. U.S. investors also can’t designate a beneficiary, which could create complications down the line. And while options trading is available, the chain layout and analytics fall short for anyone running multi-leg strategies or assessing the Greeks in real time.

Pros

  • eToro blends education, insights, and community into one cohesive app.
  • Provides sentiment scores, analyst price targets, and hedge fund trading activity within each stock’s profile.
  • Crypto traders gain access to 80+ coins.
  • CopyTrader allows users to follow and replicate the portfolios of more experienced investors.

Cons

  • Tools are geared toward accessibility rather than advanced features.
  • Stock screening is limited.
  • Cannot trade fixed income, mutual funds, or futures.

watchlist on mobile app Aapl chart AAPL research with why is it moving golden rules of investing article

12. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing – Smart choice for long-term investors

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing logoJ.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing
$0.00 $0.00 $0.65

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing is a smart choice for long-term investors, especially if you already bank with Chase. The platform makes it easy to manage your investments and finances in one place, with planning tools and research that help keep your goals in focus.

Mobile banking and investing:If you’re a Chase customer, you’ll appreciate how seamless it feels to move between your banking and investing accounts. J.P. Morgan’s Wealth Plan tool walks you through goal-setting, retirement planning, and even cost comparisons by city. Research is cleanly presented, with insights from J.P. Morgan analysts, earnings updates, and news that explains market moves in plain terms. The platform also supports a solid range of bonds and CDs, with clear ratings and filters for income-focused investors.

Casual and long-term investing: For goal-based investors who want a dependable, low-stress way to invest, J.P. Morgan delivers. The platform stays focused on the big picture with intuitive planning features, $0 stock and ETF trades, and high-quality research. If you’re already banking with Chase, the convenience alone makes it worth a look.

What's missing: J.P. Morgan isn’t built for active traders. You won’t find advanced charting, complex options tools, or fast-moving analytics here. The educational content is strong but scattered, and navigating through the app or web platform can feel more like online banking than investing. Options tools are especially limited, and those wanting a deep trading experience may feel boxed in.

Pros

  • Seamless banking integration for Chase customers.
  • Wealth Plan tool helps with goal-setting and retirement planning
  • Supports a solid range of bonds and CDs, with clear ratings and filters tailored for income-focused investors.

Cons

  • Lacks advanced charting, complex options tools, and fast-moving analytics.
  • Educational content is robust but scattered.
  • The app and web platform may feel more like online banking than an investing experience.
  • Options tools are limited.

JP Morgan Chase mobile markets performance JP Morgan Chase Wealth Plan add a new goal JP Morgan Chase markets summary JP Morgan Chase investing education homepage

13. Ally Invest – Banking and investing in one place

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
Ally Invest logoAlly Invest
$0.00 $0.00 $0.50

Ally Invest is an easy transition for Ally Bank customers who want to start investing without switching platforms. With commission-free trades, solid bond offerings, and a competitive robo-advisor, it works best for long-term investors focused on convenience.

Mobile banking and investing:Banking and investing in one place makes life simpler. Ally’s mobile app mirrors its web experience and keeps everything user-friendly, especially for buy-and-hold investors. Fixed income is a bright spot, with a strong bond screener and plenty of product variety. The robo-advisor requires just $100 to get started and offers goal-based portfolios at a low cost, giving you an accessible way to invest hands-off.

Learning the basics: Ally Invest is best for new investors who already bank with Ally and want to get started with a basic, easy-to-use platform. It’s not overwhelming, offers enough education to begin building a portfolio, and makes the saving-to-investing journey seamless, especially when paired with Ally’s high-yield savings.

What's missing: Active traders and power users will find Ally Invest lacking. There’s no advanced desktop platform, limited charting, and minimal research tools. No fractional shares means it’s harder to invest small amounts across many stocks. Portfolio tracking is also bare-bones, and maintenance tasks like updating beneficiaries still require printing and mailing forms.

Pros

  • Combines banking and investing in one platform.
  • Ideal for buy-and-hold investors.
  • Strong focus on fixed income, featuring a robust bond screener and diverse product offerings.
  • Low-cost robo-advisor with goal-based portfolios.

Cons

  • Not suitable for active traders or power users.
  • Limited charting capabilities and minimal research tools.
  • No fractional shares.

Ally mobile watch list Fixed Income Bond Finder tool SPY fund information with portfolio, highlights, and valuation metrics Landing page for conversationally (education center)

14. Public.com – Social-first, community-minded app

Company Minimum Deposit Stock Trades Options (Per Contract)
Public.com logoPublic.com
$20.00 $0.00 info $0.00 info

Public.com is one of the most approachable stock apps for new investors thanks to its social-first design and intuitive interface. With simple navigation, daily market recaps, and sleek visuals, it creates a welcoming space for those just getting started.

Social investing: Like eToro, Public.com's mobile trading app feels more like a modern social network than a traditional broker. Built-in community threads let you follow traders, read commentary, and react to market news in real time. Public also offers a unique range of products like Treasurys, corporate bonds, and alternatives — including fractional shares of collectibles. The Rundown, its five-minute weekday market podcast, is a quick way to stay informed.

Learn the basics: Public’s clean layout and accessible education center make it a strong choice for beginners. It introduces asset classes like bonds and crypto in a digestible way and builds confidence through community-driven insights.

What's missing: Research tools, options data, and advanced tools are locked behind a $10/month subscription, unless you maintain an account balance of $50,000 or more, in which case Public Premium is free. Fixed-income accounts sometimes include below-investment-grade bonds without clear disclosures. While the app looks great, it lacks the depth needed for more advanced investing strategies, like detailed screeners or robust charting tools.

Pros

  • The app feels more like a social network than a traditional broker.
  • Built-in community threads allow you to follow traders, read commentary, and react to market news.
  • Unique range of products, including Treasurys, corporate bonds, and alternatives.
  • The Rundown, a five-minute weekday market podcast, provides a quick way to stay informed.

Cons

  • Research tools and options data are behind a $10/month subscription.
  • Fixed-income accounts may include below-investment-grade bonds without clear disclosures.
  • The app lacks depth for advanced investing strategies, such as screeners or charting tools.

Mobile app markets tab with major indices and market movers options chain top gainers landing page

FAQs

What is the best stock trading app for beginners?

The best stock trading app for beginners is Schwab Mobile from Charles Schwab, closely followed by the Fidelity Investments App from Fidelity. Between the two brokers, Schwab has the edge for educational resources and trading tools. Meanwhile, Fidelity stands out for ease of use and an innovative Youth app designed for teens. For a more detailed look on what to look out for as a beginner beyond their mobile apps, check out my full guide on the best stock trading platforms for beginners.

What’s the difference between a stock and an ETF?

Stocks are shares of a single company. ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) are bundles of investments, like stocks, bonds, or other assets, that trade like a stock. They offer instant diversification, making them a popular choice for investors looking to spread risk.

How do I transfer my account from one brokerage to another?

You’ll usually start the transfer with your new brokerage, not the one you’re leaving. Log in, look for “Transfer an Account” or “Move Investments,” and follow the prompts. Be sure your account types match (e.g., individual to individual, Roth IRA to Roth IRA).

Fun fact: If you do an in-kind transfer, it doesn't trigger a taxable event or generate tax forms. As long as your new brokerage supports the same investments, you can move them over as-is.

Can I open more than one brokerage account?

Yes! You can have multiple brokerage accounts across different firms, depending on your financial goals. Just be sure to stay organized, especially around tax season. You can also have multiple IRAs (like one Traditional and one Roth), but your total annual contributions can’t exceed the IRS limit.

What’s the difference between a brokerage account and a retirement account?

A brokerage account is flexible: you can buy and sell investments at any time and withdraw funds whenever you like. However, you’ll pay taxes when you sell investments or earn dividends.
Retirement accounts like a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA offer tax advantages, but they come with rules—like contribution limits and penalties for early withdrawals in some cases.

What does “fractional share investing” mean?

Fractional share investing lets you buy a portion of a stock, rather than a whole share. So, if a stock costs $500 and you only have $50, you can still invest. This is a great way to get started with less money and still build a diversified portfolio.

Our testing

Why you should trust us

Jessica Inskip is Director of Investor Research at StockBrokers.com, bringing 15 years of experience in brokerage and trading strategy. A former FINRA-licensed rep, she held Series 7, 63, 66, and 4 licenses. Jessica focuses on investor education and brokerage industry research, appears regularly on CNBC, Bloomberg, The Schwab Network, Fox Business, and Yahoo! Finance, and hosts the Market MakeHer podcast.

Blain Reinkensmeyer, co-founder of StockBrokers.com, has been investing and trading for over 25 years. After having placed over 2,000 trades in his late teens and early 20s, he became one of the first in digital media to review online brokerages. Today, Blain is widely respected as a leading expert on finance and investing, specifically the U.S. online brokerage industry. Blain has been quoted in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Fast Company, among others. Blain created the original scoring rubrics for StockBrokers.com and oversees all testing and rating methodologies.

How we tested

  • We used our own brokerage accounts for testing.
  • We collected thousands of data points across the brokers we review.
  • We tested each online broker's website, desktop platforms, and mobile app, where applicable.
  • We maintained strict editorial independence; brokers cannot pay for inclusion or a higher rating.

Our research team meticulously collected data on every feature of importance to a wide range of customer profiles, including beginners, casual investors, passive investors, and active traders. We carefully track variables like margin rates, trading costs, fees, and platform features and use them to help rate brokers across a range of categories measuring ease of use, range of investments, research, education, and more.

At StockBrokers.com, our reviewers use a variety of computing devices to evaluate platforms and tools. Our reviews and data collection were conducted using the following devices: iPhone SE running iOS 17.5.1, MacBook Pro M1 with 8 GB RAM running the current MacOS, and a Dell Vostro 5402 laptop i5 with 8 GB RAM running Windows 11 Pro.

Each broker was evaluated and scored on over 200 different variables across seven key categories: Range of Investments, Platforms & Tools, Research, Mobile Trading, Education, Ease of Use, and Overall. Learn more about how we test.

Trading platforms tested

We tested 14 online trading platforms for this guide:

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About the Editorial Team

Jessica Inskip

Jessica Inskip is Director of Investor Research at StockBrokers.com, bringing 15 years of experience in brokerage and trading strategy. A former FINRA-licensed rep, she held Series 7, 63, 66, and 4 licenses. Jessica focuses on investor education and brokerage industry research, appears regularly on CNBC, Fox Business, and Bloomberg, and hosts the Market MakeHer podcast.

Jeff Anberg

Jeff Anberg is a Senior Editor at StockBrokers.com. Along with years of experience in media distribution at a global newsroom, Jeff has a versatile knowledge base encompassing the technology and financial markets. He is a long-time active investor and engages in research on emerging markets like cryptocurrency. Jeff holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature with a minor in Philosophy from San Francisco State University.

Blain Reinkensmeyer

Blain Reinkensmeyer has 20 years of trading experience with over 2,500 trades placed during that time. He heads research for all U.S.-based brokerages on StockBrokers.com and is respected by executives as the leading expert covering the online broker industry. Blain’s insights have been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and the Chicago Tribune, among other media outlets.

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