Investing comparisons

Best online brokerages

Side-by-side look at trading costs, account types, research tools, and retirement options — so you can pick a brokerage that matches how you invest.

9 platforms compared · Updated Jul 27, 2026

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  1. Best Everyday Trading App

    Robinhood

    Online Brokerage Accounts

    Mobile brokerage aimed at active traders, with commission-free access to stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto, round-the-clock market sessions on many securities, fractional shares, and optional Gold perks such as elevated cash APY and IRA contribution matching.

    Account Minimum
    $0
    Fees
    $0 account fee for a standard account $5 monthly account fee for Robinhood Gold $0 commission
    Available Assets
    Stocks, ETFs, options, cryptocurrencies, and ADRs
    Star Rating
    4.2
    • Commission-free stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto
    • $0 account minimum and $0 base commissions
    • 24/7 trading window for stocks and ETFs plus 24/7 support
    • Robinhood Gold adds features for $5 per month
  2. Best for fractional shares

    SoFi® Active Invest

    Online Brokerage Accounts

    Active-investing service that supports fractional share purchases of popular stocks starting at a low dollar amount and pairs brokerage with broader SoFi membership benefits.

    Account Minimum
    $0
    Fees
    $0 account fee $0 commission
    Available Assets
    Stocks, ETFs, and IPOs
    Star Rating
    4.3
    • Fractional shares from $5
    • Zero commission on stocks and ETFs
    • IRAs and joint accounts offered
    • Choice of active or managed investing
  3. Best for hands-on investors and Chase customers

    J.P. Morgan Self Directed Investing

    Online Brokerage Accounts

    Self-directed platform linked to Chase banking that gives full control over asset allocation with zero commissions on most core securities.

    Account Minimum
    $0
    Fees
    $0 for U.S. stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and fixed income trades $0 for options trades plus $0.65 per-contract fee
    Available Assets
    Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, money market funds, treasuries
    Star Rating
    4.0
    • No account minimum
    • $0 commissions on U.S. stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and fixed income
    • $0.65 per-contract options fee
    • Integration with Chase accounts
  4. Best for versatile trading

    E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

    Online Brokerage Accounts

    Full-featured broker serving both newcomers and active traders with extensive research, education, and a broad menu of securities at $0 online commissions.

    Account Minimum
    $0
    Fees
    $0 account fee $0 commission for online US-listed stock, ETF, and options trades
    Available Assets
    Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, futures, and bonds
    Star Rating
    • $0 commissions on online U.S.-listed stocks, ETFs, and options
    • Robust research and education
    • Includes futures and bonds
    • User-friendly platform
  5. Best for ETFs

    Merrill Edge

    Online Brokerage Accounts

    Bank of America-affiliated broker offering self-directed and managed accounts plus seamless cash movement with Bank of America banking products.

    Account Minimum
    $0
    Fees
    $0 account fee $0 commission
    Available Assets
    Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, and options
    Star Rating
    • Integration with Bank of America
    • $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds
    • Managed option at 0.45% annual fee
    • Extensive research tools
  6. Best for well-rounded offerings

    Fidelity

    Online Brokerage Accounts

    Full-scale broker app covering self-directed trading, robo portfolios, and human advisory help across many account types, with $0 stock/ETF online commissions on typical U.S. trades, extensive education, and cash management features.

    Account Minimum
    $0
    Fees
    $0 account fee $0 commission
    Available Assets
    Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, cryptocurrencies, bonds, and options
    Star Rating
    • Broad asset classes and account types
    • $0 account minimum and $0 account fees
    • $0 commissions on many online U.S. trades
    • Self-directed, robo, and advisor pathways plus education
  7. Best for experienced traders

    TradeStation

    Online Brokerage Accounts

    Advanced platform geared toward active and professional traders, featuring customizable tools, extensive order types, and simulated trading practice.

    Account Minimum
    $0 for TS GO plan, $2,000 for TS Select plan
    Fees
    $0 account fee $0 commission
    Available Assets
    Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, cryptocurrencies, bonds, options, and futures
    Star Rating
    • Advanced charting and trading tools
    • Simulated trading available
    • TS GO $0 / TS Select $2,000 minimums
    • Supports crypto, futures, and options
  8. Best for long-term investing

    Vanguard

    Online Brokerage Accounts

    Pioneer of low-cost index investing that emphasizes buy-and-hold strategies, mutual funds, ETFs, and retirement-focused portfolio management.

    Account Minimum
    $0 for brokerage accounts, $1,000 for most mutual funds
    Fees
    $25 annual account fee $0 commission
    Available Assets
    Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and bonds
    Star Rating
    • $0 for brokerage accounts
    • $1,000 minimum for most mutual funds
    • $25 annual account fee
    • Robo-advisor available
  9. Best for international stocks

    Interactive Brokers

    Online Brokerage Accounts

    Global-access broker providing equities, options, futures, forex, and funds across 150 markets in 34 countries for sophisticated, internationally oriented traders.

    Account Minimum
    $0
    Fees
    $0 account fee $0 commission for IBKR Lite and up to 1% of stock and ETF trades for IBKR Pro
    Available Assets
    Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, options, futures (including cryptocurrencies), and forex
    Star Rating
    • Access to 150 markets in 34 countries
    • IBKR Lite $0 commissions / IBKR Pro tiered pricing
    • Advanced calculators and reporting
    • Steep learning curve

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