Choosing the right stock broker is one of the most important financial decisions investors can make whether you're just starting to build your portfolio or managing a long-term investment strategy. The best online brokers today offer far more than trade execution. They deliver powerful platforms, education, responsive customer service and competitive pricing that help investors meet their goals efficiently and confidently.
These brokers are carefully selected based on their performance in key areas like commissions, mobile and desktop usability, asset access, account flexibility and educational content. Whether you're focused on low-cost index fund investing or looking for active trading tools, there’s a platform here that can support your journey.
How We Chose the Best Online Brokers
We evaluated dozens of brokerage platforms against the most relevant factors for retail investors today. These include:
- Commission structure and transparency
- Ease of use on desktop and mobile platforms
- Breadth of account types, including IRAs, taxable brokerage, custodial and joint accounts
- Access to stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds and fixed income products
- Educational tools and in-platform research resources
- Customer support availability and responsiveness
Only brokers with strong reputations, regulatory compliance and well-rounded investor offerings were considered for inclusion.
Fidelity – Best Overall for Long-Term Investors
- Best For:Stock ResearchVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Fidelity Investments's website
Fidelity continues to set the benchmark for online brokers with its combination of low fees, broad investment access and investor-focused tools. It offers $0 commissions on stock, ETF and options trades plus a lineup of zero-cost index funds. The platform's research tools rival those of premium platforms and the mobile experience is well-polished for everyday use.
Fidelity doesn’t charge trading commissions and requires no account minimums. It offers access to stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds and options. Investors also benefit from strong educational content, market analysis and helpful retirement calculators. While active traders might want more customizable charting, Fidelity is ideal for goal-based, long-term investing.
Commissions: $0 for U.S. stocks, ETFs and options (plus $0.65 per options contract). No account minimums required.
Charles Schwab – Best for Research and Full-Service Experience
- Best For:Fund InvestingVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Charles Schwab's website
Charles Schwab is a comprehensive brokerage that caters to investors at every stage. Whether you're a beginner opening your first account or an experienced investor using complex strategies, Schwab offers a full-service platform with low fees and deep research capabilities. Its integration with thinkorswim further enhances its appeal to traders seeking advanced tools.
Schwab provides access to a broad selection of investments including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and fixed income. Its research tools include third-party insights from Morningstar and CFRA along with proprietary stock ratings. The platform also excels in customer service with 24/7 support and over 300 physical branches nationwide.
Commissions: $0 for online stock, ETF and options trades (plus $0.65 per options contract).
Tastytrade – Best for Active Options Traders
Tastytrade is built specifically for traders who focus on options and derivatives. With a fast, intuitive platform and a focus on strategy-based trading, it offers tools that simplify complex options activity. Tastytrade’s content-rich ecosystem, which includes daily video shows and market analysis, helps traders stay informed and confident in their decisions.
Users can trade stocks, ETFs, options and futures. While the platform doesn’t prioritize traditional long-term investing tools like retirement calculators, it delivers low-cost execution and impressive visual trade interfaces. Tastytrade also supports fractional share investing for stocks and ETFs.
Commissions: $0 for stock and ETF trades. $1 per options contract to open (no closing fee) and $2.50 per futures contract per side.
E*TRADE – Best for User Experience and Mobile Functionality
ETRADE stands out for its modern interface, ease of navigation and balance of tools for both beginners and active investors. It offers two platform options: ETRADE Web for casual investors and Power E*TRADE for traders making it easy to scale with your experience level. Its mobile app consistently ranks among the best in the industry.
E*TRADE provides commission-free trades on stocks, ETFs and options. It also gives access to thousands of no-load mutual funds and fixed-income products. The educational content is strong especially for retirement and tax-efficient investing, though some advanced traders may want deeper chart customization.
Commissions: $0 for online stock and ETF trades (plus $0.65 per options contract).
Merrill Edge – Best for Bank of America Customers
- Best For:Bank of America CustomersVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Merrill Edge's website
Merrill Edge offers a well-integrated experience for clients who bank with Bank of America, combining investing, banking and financial planning in one platform. Its clean interface and powerful account tracking tools make it a logical choice for users who value centralized financial management.
The platform gives access to stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and fixed income along with personalized stock ratings and detailed research from BofA Global Research. Customers with Bank of America accounts benefit from seamless transfers and Preferred Rewards perks including discounts and dedicated service.
Commissions: $0 for stock, ETF and options trades (plus $0.65 per options contract).
Vanguard – Best for Retirement and Long-Term Index Investing
- Best For:ETF and Mutual Fund InvestingVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Vanguard Personal Advisor Services's website
Vanguard is the gold standard for retirement-focused investors who value low fees and long-term, passive investing strategies. Known for its low-cost index funds and investor-owned structure, Vanguard is an excellent choice for those who want to invest steadily over time without frequent trading.
Vanguard offers commission-free access to its own ETFs and mutual funds as well as stocks and bonds. The platform includes retirement planning tools and a straightforward account setup process. Traders looking for technical tools or real-time charting will find it limited in those areas.
Commissions: $0 for online stock and ETF trades. No commission on Vanguard mutual funds and ETFs.
SoFi Invest – Best for Beginners and All-in-One Financial Management
- Best For:IPO InvestingVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through SoFi Active Invest (Brokerage)'s website
SoFi Invest provides an accessible, low-barrier entry point to investing and integrates seamlessly with SoFi’s broader suite of financial services including banking, loans and financial planning. The platform is ideal for newer investors who want to build habits with small balances and guided tools.
Users can invest in stocks, ETFs and crypto with no commissions. SoFi also offers automated investing (robo-advisory) at no extra cost and fractional share investing starting at just $5. While experienced investors may find the tools simplistic, the platform’s bundled services are a strong draw.
Commissions: $0 for stocks, ETFs and crypto. No management fees for automated investing.
Robinhood – Best for Simplicity and Mobile-First Investing
Robinhood pioneered the commission-free trading model and still offers a streamlined experience for investors focused on ease and accessibility. Its mobile-first design and no-minimum model have made it especially popular among first-time traders.
The platform supports stock, ETF, options and crypto trading. It also offers fractional shares and margin accounts through Robinhood Gold. Advanced investors may find the platform lacking in analytics, research and order customization compared to more traditional brokers.
Commissions: $0 for stock, ETF and options trading. Optional $5/month for Robinhood Gold.
Webull – Best for Data-Driven Intermediate Traders
Webull bridges the gap between simplicity and technical capability appealing to intermediate investors who want more than just basic order entry. The platform offers charting tools, extended-hours trading and a user-friendly mobile experience.
You can trade stocks, ETFs and options with no commission fees. Webull also offers fractional shares, IPO access and optional Level II data subscriptions. It lacks the extensive research and advisor support of larger brokers but excels in delivering real-time tools and a customizable interface.
Commissions: $0 for stock, ETF and options trading. Add-ons like Level II data may incur subscription fees.
Public.com – Best for Social Investing and Transparency
Public.com is a newer platform that blends social networking with investing, allowing users to see and share trades in a community-driven environment. It caters to investors who value transparency, simplicity and fractional investing.
Investors can buy stocks and ETFs without commissions and start with as little as $1. Public also avoids payment for order flow by routing orders to exchanges directly and supports optional research upgrades through paid subscriptions. While advanced features are limited, the platform shines in user experience and community engagement.
Commissions: $0 for stock and ETF trades. Subscription add-ons available for research access.
Why Brokerage Features Matter More Than Ever
Choosing a brokerage goes far beyond just avoiding commissions. While $0 stock and ETF trades are now standard across many platforms, what truly sets brokers apart is the overall experience they offer around the trade. Factors like user interface design, the ability to invest through mobile or desktop platforms and the depth of investor resources all play a major role in how effective and enjoyable your investing experience will be.
For long-term investors, the ideal brokerage often includes access to low-cost index funds, automated investing tools and retirement-focused features such as IRAs and tax-advantaged planning resources. More active traders, on the other hand, may prioritize access to real-time market data, technical charting tools and advanced order types that allow for precision and speed. And for beginners, educational content and simple navigation can ease the learning curve and encourage consistent investing habits.
Ultimately, the right broker complements your personal investing style. Whether you're dollar-cost averaging into ETFs or actively trading options, platform functionality and user experience can directly impact your outcomes. A well-aligned brokerage doesn’t just lower fees, it increases your confidence and ability to stay on track with your financial goals.
Find the Right Fit for How You Invest
There’s no single “best” broker for everyone only the one that aligns with how you prefer to invest. Fidelity and Vanguard continue to lead the way for investors who favor long-term, low-cost strategies and retirement planning. Charles Schwab and E*TRADE offer a balanced experience with strong platforms and tools for both beginners and more advanced users. Tastytrade is purpose-built for active options traders, offering efficiency and clarity for complex strategies.
For investors who prefer mobile-first simplicity, Robinhood and Webull deliver real-time trading capabilities with intuitive interfaces and no account minimums. Webull leans more analytical, while Robinhood focuses on ease of access. Meanwhile, platforms like SoFi and Public provide broader personal finance ecosystems and social or educational features that help beginners build confidence and explore new strategies.
As you evaluate your options, focus on what matters most to you: costs, control, education or integration with other financial tools. A good brokerage should not only give you access to markets but also support the way you make investment decisions. When your platform fits your goals, the rest becomes a lot easier to manage.
Start Where You Are – And Keep Learning
No matter where you are in your investing journey, the best broker is the one that empowers you to take action today. Whether that means building your first diversified portfolio with fractional shares or optimizing advanced strategies using options chains and technical indicators, there’s a platform tailored to meet you there. Most top brokers now offer demo accounts, robust educational hubs or community support – making it easier than ever to get started and grow over time.
The key isn’t to find the “perfect” brokerage out of the gate – it’s to choose one that fits your current needs and evolves with you as your confidence, goals and strategy evolve. Investing is a long game and the right broker should be a partner for the road ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a stock broker?
The most important factors include commission structure, ease of use (especially on mobile), investment access (stocks, ETFs, options etc.), account types, research and educational content and customer support. Choose a broker that supports how you want to invest, not just where you can trade.
Can beginners start investing with no experience?
Yes. Many brokers, including Fidelity, SoFi and Charles Schwab, offer educational resources, guided tools and account types suited for first-time investors. Look for platforms with clear navigation, fractional investing options and low or no account minimums.
Is it safe to invest through online brokers?
As long as you’re using a broker regulated by FINRA or the SEC, your funds and investments are generally protected. Reputable brokers also offer SIPC insurance, which protects your assets up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash). Always check the broker’s credentials and compliance history.
