Robinhood Review

Robinhood’s mobile-first design helps it stand out as one of the best platforms for beginner investors. The app is intuitive, easy to navigate, and packed with educational resources that make learning to invest accessible and enjoyable.

Though Robinhood excels at making investing approachable for beginners and casual investors, its platform suite lacks the deep analytical tools, portfolio monitoring, and comprehensive research options that appeal to advanced traders.

Pros & Cons

Overall summary

Range of investments

Robinhood offers the basics – think meat and potatoes. Robinhood’s menu sticks to the essentials: Stocks, ETFs, Options, Crypto, and newly added Futures. What’s missing? Fixed income and mutual funds. However, ETFs can serve as a potential substitute for passive investors looking to add fixed-income exposure to their portfolios.

Fractional shares: On Robinhood, most stocks trading over $1 per share with a market cap over $25 million are available to purchase as fractional shares – you can order smaller portions, so to speak. And if you’re feeling extra hungry for consistency, you can even set up automatic investments into these smaller portions.

Crypto trading: Robinhood has a strong crypto trading platform. Robinhood supports trading in 22 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, without commissions, fees, or markups/markdowns. Among the brokers we review, only eToro offers more coins. Robinhood also stands out by allowing crypto transfers, a rare feature among the brokers we’ve reviewed.

Options at Robinhood: Options trading at Robinhood has its shortcomings. The options chain lacks key information like open interest and volume, making it hard to gauge contract tradeability or determine order types. The Greeks are only visible after clicking on an individual contract, which limits their usefulness in analyzing potential trades.

That said, the trade confirmation experience was excellent, better than most brokers I’ve used. The interactive profit/loss chart clearly showed profitability, breakeven points, and risk.

Robinhood’s IRA account: Robinhood launched its “Robinhood Retirement” product in late 2022, offering a 1% bonus on IRA contributions, which jumps to a 3% bonus for Gold users. The resources available in the help center were extensive enough that I could get all my questions answered without needing to contact customer service. Read our Robinhood IRA review to learn more.

Commissions and fees

Like many other $0 commission-free brokers, Robinhood charges no commission for trading stocks, ETFs, options, or cryptocurrency. Robinhood makes money from payment for order flow, or PFOF, a common practice in which the broker sells a customer’s order to wholesale market makers.

Robinhood Gold is available for $6.99 per month (or $75 per year). Whether or not it’s worth it for you will depend on how much you use the Gold-specific features. To make it easier to decide if the subscription is worth it for you, I did the math and put a dollar value on the Robinhood Gold perks:

Robinhood Gold benefits breakdown:

– 4.5% APY on Uninvested Cash: Robinhood Gold lets you earn 4.5% interest on cash sitting in your brokerage account. To cover the $6.99 monthly fee, you’d need to keep around $1,667 in uninvested cash. (Keep in mind that interest rates change.)

– 1% Deposit Boost: For those who like to keep cash on hand, Robinhood offers a 1% boost on your deposits. To cover the $75 annual cost of Gold with this alone, you’d need to deposit $7,500 each year.

– 3% IRA Match: If you’re saving for retirement, Robinhood Gold offers a 3% match on your IRA contributions. This means if you are eligible to contribute the maximum of $7,000 for the year, you get $210 extra – definitely enough to offset the annual cost of Gold.

– 3% Cash Back with a Credit Card: The Robinhood Gold credit card offers 3% cash back (5% on travel) and other high-end perks. Depending on your spending habits, this could be a big win. To break even, you’d need to spend around $233 per month on eligible purchases to get $6.99/month back in rewards.

Key takeaway: For those looking to maximize their savings and cash flow, the perks you get with Robinhood Gold could easily pay for the subscription, and then some. (“The math is mathing.”) That said, if you’re fully invested, not interested in another credit card, and don’t plan on contributing to an IRA or holding a large cash balance, you might find little benefit in subscribing to Robinhood Gold.

Mobile trading apps

Robinhood’s mobile-first platform is designed with on-the-go traders in mind. The app features compelling visuals and integrated educational content, providing an easy way for investors to track their investments, place trades, and learn about the markets – all from the convenience of their mobile device.

Trading stocks on mobile: Placing trades on Robinhood's mobile app is straightforward; users can buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and options with just a few taps. The order ticket is streamlined and thoughtfully designed. Robinhood’s visual representation of basic order types like market, limit, and stop orders is one of the best in the industry. That said, the lack of customization and more advanced order types (like stop-loss or bracket orders) may leave advanced traders wanting more.

Tracking stocks on mobile: If your goal is to simply check stock prices, this app works well. While the app automatically syncs across devices, Robinhood’s watch list functionality (limited to a spark chart and the last price) remains limited. In comparison, TradeStation, tastytrade, and Schwab offer hundreds of column choices for their watch lists (though few investors need more than a dozen).

Charting stocks on mobile: Robinhood’s charting features feel restrictive, especially compared to platforms that offer dozens of indicators and extensive customization options. Note: As an experienced chartist, I would never rely solely on a mobile app for creating detailed charts – I treat it as a last resort when I need to check something quickly. Nonetheless, Robinhood could improve here by offering seamless integration of advanced charting features, including custom indicators, annotations, and syncing between desktop and mobile.

Trading options on mobile: The chain only allows two fields at once, focusing on directional speculative trading rather than providing key data points that experienced traders need. Creating a mobile options trading experience is challenging, but platforms like tastytrade and Firstrade have excelled in catering to this type of client.

Research on mobile: Robinhood's mobile app integrates Bloomberg shorts directly within the mobile news feed, along with the Investor’s Guild, Robinhood's opinion blog that provides market commentary on current events and educational insights. However, these are all post-event tools. The app, like the web platform, lacks the tools necessary (like an economic calendar) to prepare for upcoming events and market shifts, understand trends, and ultimately formulate your own opinions.

Other trading platforms and tools

Robinhood recently introduced a new tool aimed at active traders: Robinhood Legend, a web-based trading platform. The name alone sets high expectations, and in many ways, it delivers. Legend was built in-house and has a fresh, original feel. It’s a great fit for beginners who want to passively invest and add a few stocks to their portfolio. However, as your account grows and you gain confidence as an investor, the platform’s general lack of in-depth tools and comprehensive market data becomes more obvious.

Things I liked: Legend simplifies the onboarding process for active traders, minimizing setup hassles. I found that my watchlists synced automatically, and I could customize the charts exactly how I wanted, making it easy to tailor the experience right from the start. I love the clean design, news integration, and ease of use. It’s also worth noting that the web platform closely mirrors the simplicity of the mobile app, which makes it easy to navigate.

Things I didn't like: Legend does have its limitations. I noticed some features for more experienced traders are still missing. For example, tools like bracket orders, hotkeys, and advanced charting are absent.

There’s no easy way to keep tabs on the overall market; major indices (like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite) are included but they aren’t prominently displayed. However, when assessing the market at a glance, treasurys really do matter, and their absence makes for an incomplete view of the overall market. The options chain feels basic and lacks the depth and detail sought after by sophisticated traders.

Account types, investment options, portfolio monitoring, and planning tools are all limited, as is in-depth research on stocks, funds, options, and the broader market. Basics like stocks, ETFs, options, cryptos, and IRAs are covered, but there are no 529 plans, custodial accounts, or individual bonds.

Bottom line: Despite the limitations, I’m excited about Legend’s potential. By building an innovative trading experience from the ground up, Robinhood has created something that feels fresh and original. In my opinion, this new web platform is on the right path to evolving into something truly legendary.

Research

Robinhood’s research may work well for beginner investors, but more experienced investors will likely find that the platform lacks the comprehensive data needed for deeper analysis. Ultimately, Robinhood's limited research tools make it challenging to fully answer the question: "How is the market doing today, and why?"

Analyzing stocks and ETFs: Robinhood offers basic tools for evaluating stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), but they fall short of offering detailed analysis:

• Analyst Ratings and Company Profiles: Robinhood provides basic ratings and "people also bought" suggestions, along with brief company descriptions. These tools are helpful for beginners but lack the depth needed for informed decision-making.
• Dividend Information: For stocks like Apple (AAPL), Robinhood shows the dividend yield but omits key details such as the ex-dividend date (when you need to own the stock to receive dividends) and the actual dividend amount, limiting insights into potential income.
• Inconsistent Data: Robinhood displays the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio for some funds but not for individual stocks, a critical metric for valuing stocks. For ETFs like TLT, only the 30-day yield is shown, with no details on annual income or distributions.

Finding new investment ideas: Robinhood offers basic tools for discovering new investments, but they are limited compared to more advanced platforms:

• Predefined Lists: Robinhood offers lists like “Top Movers” or “Popular Stocks,” which highlight trending stocks based on price changes or volume. These lists are useful for spotting popular stocks but lack depth for strategic research.
• Basic Screeners: You can filter stocks and ETFs by categories like market cap or price, but there are no detailed options to screen by fundamentals or technical indicators.
• "People Also Bought" Suggestions: This feature shows what other users have purchased alongside a stock, but it lacks context, making it less useful for serious investors.
• Morningstar Reports (Robinhood Gold): For in-depth research, Robinhood Gold subscribers can access Morningstar reports. However, this is an additional cost, while many competitors offer similar reports for free.

Researching the markets: Robinhood offers basic market research tools, but they lack the depth needed for a full market analysis.

• News Feed and Limited Insights: Robinhood provides a generic news feed with basic market updates, but it lacks detailed insights. Bloomberg shorts are integrated on mobile, but beyond that, macro opinions are limited to the Writer’s Guild and Snacks newsletter, created in-house.
• Missing Key Data Points: To properly research the market, you need information on major indices, commodities, sectors, and the treasury market. Robinhood doesn't offer treasury market data, which distorts the full picture. Without an economic calendar, understanding when key events are happening is difficult, leaving investors without the "when" needed to contextualize market moves.
• Price vs. Analysis: While Robinhood offers basic pricing information for major assets, it often lacks the "why, when, and how" behind those moves. Other platforms may also focus on price, but they tend to provide deeper analysis to explain market movements, which Robinhood does not.

Snacks newsletter: The Snacks newsletter, produced by Sherwood Media, delivers daily market summaries in a quick, easy-to-read format, helping traders stay informed.

Premium research: To access detailed Morningstar reports, you’ll need to subscribe to Robinhood Gold at $6.99 per month ($75 per year). These reports cover the micro (stock/ETF-specific research), not the macro (broader market research). It’s worth noting that some of the best stock brokers (like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley) provide similar third-party research for free.

Education

Robinhood’s educational offerings are a standout feature of the platform, providing a strong library of clear, engaging, and easy-to-understand educational materials across a wide range of topics, from investing basics to more complex strategies.

However, at times there’s a disconnect between the educational content and Robinhood’s actual platform. For example, Robinhood educates users on important metrics like the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio and debt-to-equity ratios, but these aren’t always accessible on the platform, limiting the practical application of what you learn.

Stock market education: Robinhood offers well-rounded macroeconomic education that addresses a wide variety of questions users might have about markets and the broader economy. That said, a more structured, guided flow through the content could enhance the overall learning journey, especially for beginners trying to piece together how the stock market fits into the larger economic picture and how macroeconomic factors can impact their investments. The information is there; the organization of the information is not.

Stocks and funds (ETFs) education: This is one of Robinhood’s strengths. The platform provides clear explanations of stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs. Creative analogies make complex topics more accessible, making this a great resource for new investors.

Options education: Robinhood’s options education stands out with its engaging graphics, interactive content, and clear, relatable explanations. Complex concepts like time decay, volatility, bull call spreads, and the Greeks are introduced without overwhelming jargon, and features like “Best case to nail it” and “Watch out for” explain the risks and rewards of options trading without diving into heavy technical terms. Interactive features, such as the P/L (profit/loss) charts, give users a hands-on understanding of how options work. If Robinhood continues to build on this strength, it has the potential to become a go-to resource for options education across the industry.

Banking services

Robinhood isn’t a traditional bank, meaning it doesn’t offer services like branch offices, credit cards, mortgages, or wire transfers. It’s important to understand that there are important differences between accounts at bank brokerages and traditional banks. Regulatory rules require that banks and brokerages remain separate entities, with distinct insurance coverages. For example, bank accounts are insured by the FDIC, while brokerage accounts are protected by the SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation), which covers securities, not cash. This distinction is key when considering where to keep your assets.

Cash Management: Robinhood offers a “Cash Card,” a prepaid debit card issued through a partner bank. This card allows for direct deposit and earns bonuses that are automatically invested into your brokerage account.

Final thoughts

Robinhood has come a long way since it first shook up the industry with zero-commission trades, and it continues to evolve with its user-centric design and innovative features. For beginners, it’s an excellent platform to start investing, offering simplicity and accessibility. In particular, I appreciate its standout educational content, which is engaging and well-crafted, helping new investors feel more confident.

That said, Robinhood has room to grow, especially when it comes to more advanced tools. The platform doesn’t fully integrate the data points it teaches users to analyze – like P/E ratios and macroeconomic trends – leaving experienced investors wanting more. Additionally, the lack of deep research tools and comprehensive portfolio management features means those looking to level up their investing strategy might outgrow it.

Overall, Robinhood is perfect for the beginner or passive investor, but for those who want more advanced trading tools and detailed market research, there are stronger options elsewhere.

My top four key takeaways for Robinhood in 2025:

• Easy to use: Robinhood is simple and intuitive, perfect for new investors who want to dive into the market without getting overwhelmed.
• Excellent educational content: Engaging and well-structured lessons make complex investing concepts easier to understand, but there’s a disconnect between the educational content and what’s available on the platform.
• Limited for advanced traders: Lacks comprehensive research, portfolio monitoring tools, and deeper market data that more experienced traders need.
• Innovative, but room to grow: Robinhood is pushing boundaries but could improve by integrating the tools it teaches and offering more contextual data for advanced investors.

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Is Robinhood good for beginners?

Yes, Robinhood is good for those new to investing and has led the industry in making the market more accessible to beginners. That said, the platform has a few gaps that place it a bit behind the best trading platforms for beginners, which typically offer best-in-class research and analysis that can be essential for newcomers trying to pick stocks and build a portfolio.

Is Robinhood FDIC insured?

Securities brokers aren’t covered by FDIC insurance. In the U.S., clients are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Robinhood does offer a program that deposits your free cash (up to $2 million) into FDIC-insured partner banks.

Is Robinhood still trustworthy?

Yes, Robinhood is a registered broker-dealer, which means it is regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and other governing bodies. These regulations ensure that Robinhood adheres to strict standards for transparency, investor protection, and fair market practices. That said, the brokerage industry is rapidly evolving, and Robinhood has been at the forefront of this transformation, pushing boundaries with its innovative approach to trading and accessibility.

However, this innovation hasn’t come without challenges. Robinhood has faced regulatory scrutiny, as it's been driving changes in an industry that was traditionally slow to adapt. Despite the hurdles, the platform remains subject to the same regulations that govern all broker-dealers. In my opinion, regulation needs to evolve alongside these innovative changes in the self-directed brokerage space. As the younger generation consumes more financial information through social media and other modern platforms, regulations—many of which were designed before the internet—need to support this shift. Robinhood’s mission to make investing more accessible for retail investors, especially younger generations, is an admirable one. But for the full potential of this transformation to be realized, regulators and the industry need to innovate together.

Ultimately, Robinhood is still a regulated and trustworthy platform, but the broader conversation about how regulation can adapt to the changing financial landscape is equally important.

Can I day trade stocks using Robinhood?

Yes, you can day trade stocks on Robinhood. You'll need at least $25,000 in your margin account to day trade with Robinhood (all brokers require at least $25,000 by law), otherwise your account is restricted to just three day trades every rolling five business days per FINRA regulations. Note that these rules only apply to margin accounts, which newly opened Robinhood accounts are by default (although you are able to switch), and not cash accounts where stocks are paid for in full before you can sell them again. That said, even if you had $25,000 or more in your funded account, I wouldn't recommend Robinhood for day trading. Read my guide to the best day trading platforms if you are looking for a day trading broker.

Can I buy and sell Bitcoin with Robinhood?

Yes. Robinhood currently offers fifteen tradeable cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Ethereum Classic (ETC), and Shiba Inu (SHIB), among others. Market data for more than fifty additional cryptocurrencies can be added to any watch list.

Can you trade penny stocks with Robinhood?

No. You cannot trade penny stocks on Robinhood. Over-the-counter (OTC) securities are not supported. However, Robinhood customers can trade company shares listed on the NASDAQ and NYSE whose stock price is currently below $1.00.

Can you trade international stocks with Robinhood?

Yes. Robinhood offers customers the opportunity to buy and sell over 250 popular American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), including shares in companies such as Adidas (ADDYY), Tencent (TCEHY), and Nintendo (NTDOY). That said, Robinhood does not support trading stocks on international exchanges, e.g., the Royal Bank of Canada on the Toronto stock exchange (RY.TO).

Do any of Robinhood’s competitors offer $0 trading?

Yes. E*TRADE, TradeStation, and Charles Schwab, among others, all offer $0 stock trades which has quickly become the industry standard among U.S. online brokers. Compare Robinhood vs E*TRADE.

How do I contact Robinhood customer support?

Robinhood doesn’t offer direct phone or live chat support for prospective customers, but current account holders can request help through the app by using live chat or requesting a phone callback. In my experience, their help center is an excellent resource, offering clear and detailed information on topics like tax forms and retirement contributions. For instance, I was able to easily add a beneficiary to my account, which is important to avoid probate and ensure a smoother process for your loved ones if something happens. The help center even provides a timeline for understanding your tax forms, making it easier to manage without needing to reach out to customer support. In many cases, the help center is so thorough that you might find the answers you need without contacting support at all.

About Robinhood

Founded in 2013 and based in Menlo Park, California, Robinhood is an online broker that has raised $2.2 billion in venture capital funding and has more than 14 million monthly active users. The millennial- and Gen Z-focused broker is best known for offering $0 stock, ETF, options and cryptocurrency trades via an easy-to-use website and mobile trading app.

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