Top Stocks Trading Apps: Your Guide to the Best Platforms in 2025

Thinking about jumping into the stock market? It’s easier than ever with today’s stocks trading apps. These platforms put the power of investing right in your pocket, letting you track markets, buy and sell shares, and manage your money all from your phone. But with so many options out there, picking the right one can feel a bit overwhelming. We’ve sifted through the top contenders to help you find the best stocks trading apps for your needs in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• Charles Schwab stands out as a top choice for its all-around features, user-friendliness, and strong research tools, making it great for most investors.
• E*TRADE is highlighted for those seeking free stock trading, offering commission-free trades on stocks, ETFs, and options.
• Fidelity Investments is a solid option for long-term investors, providing a comprehensive platform for managing your finances.
• Robinhood is recognized for its simple interface and zero-commission trades, appealing to newer active traders.
• Webull is a good pick for active traders who want advanced charting tools and margin trading options.

1. Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab is a pretty solid choice if you’re looking for a stock trading app that can grow with you. Seriously, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been investing for a while, they seem to have a good mix of tools and educational stuff to help you out. They’ve even won awards for being the best overall broker and for their investor app.

One of the big draws is their thinkorswim platform. It’s pretty powerful, offering a lot of technical studies and advanced order types that even experienced traders appreciate. But don’t let that scare you if you’re new; they also have a PaperMoney account so you can practice without using real money. It’s a nice way to get a feel for things.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

• Commission-Free Trades: You won’t pay a fee for stock and ETF trades.
• Fractional Shares: You can buy parts of shares, but it’s limited to S&P 500 companies.
• Research and Education: Access to analyst reports and lots of learning materials.
• Mobile App: Designed to be user-friendly, with features like voice commands.

While Schwab is a strong contender, it’s worth noting that you can’t directly trade individual cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. You can get exposure through ETFs, but if buying coins is your main goal, you might need to look elsewhere.

They also have a decent selection of mutual funds and low-cost index funds, which is always a plus. Plus, their customer service is available 24/7, which is pretty convenient if you ever run into issues outside of normal business hours. You can check out their investor app for more details on how it all works.

2. E*TRADE

ETRADE, now part of Morgan Stanley, is a solid choice for a wide range of investors, from folks just starting out to those who like to trade more actively. The main ETRADE app is pretty straightforward, making it easy to get going. You get access to market news, alerts, and tools to keep an eye on stocks you’re interested in. It’s designed to help you learn as you go, which is nice when you’re figuring things out.

For those who want more advanced features, there’s the Power E*TRADE platform. This one has more sophisticated charting tools and ways to trade options. It’s built for people who want to dig deeper into the market. Both apps offer commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs, which is a big plus for keeping costs down.

However, it’s worth noting a couple of things. E*TRADE doesn’t currently support trading cryptocurrencies directly, and you can’t buy fractional shares of individual stocks. Also, some of the more detailed research tools and market data require you to have at least $1,000 in your account to access them. This might be a small hurdle for brand new investors just starting with a little cash.

Here’s a quick look at some of the fees:

E*TRADE provides a good balance between ease of use for beginners and powerful tools for more experienced traders. The platform is well-regarded for its research capabilities and educational resources, helping users make more informed decisions.

Overall, E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley is a well-rounded platform. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a broker that can grow with your investing journey, offering a decent set of tools without being overly complicated. You can check out their trading platform for more details.

3. Fidelity Investments

Fidelity is a big name in the investing world, and their app really tries to live up to that reputation. It’s a solid choice, especially if you’re thinking about the long haul with your money. They’ve got a good mix of tools that aren’t too complicated, which is nice when you’re just trying to figure things out. You can trade stocks, ETFs, and even mutual funds without paying a commission, which is a pretty standard perk these days but still good to have.

One thing that stands out is their focus on planning. They have tools that help you think about your financial goals, whether that’s saving for retirement or something else entirely. It feels like they’re trying to help you build something, not just make quick trades. They also offer fractional shares, so you don’t need a ton of cash to start buying pieces of expensive stocks.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

• Commission-free trades for stocks and ETFs.
• Fractional share investing is available.
• Tools for retirement planning and goal setting.
• Educational videos and market insights.
• Zero-expense ratio mutual funds are an option.

Fidelity doesn’t take payment for order flow, which is something to consider if you’re concerned about how your trades are executed. It means they’re not getting paid by market makers to route your orders to them. They also have a pretty good reputation for customer service, which can be a lifesaver when you run into a snag.

While Fidelity has a lot going for it, especially for long-term investors, it’s worth noting that they don’t currently offer a paper trading account. This means you can’t practice making trades with fake money before you put your actual cash on the line. Some of the more advanced trading features, while present, might feel a bit dated compared to some of the newer apps out there.

Overall, Fidelity provides a balanced platform that works well for many people. If you’re looking for a reliable place to manage your investments with a focus on planning and education, it’s definitely worth checking out their stock trading app.

4. Robinhood Investing

Robinhood really shook things up when it first came out, and honestly, it’s still a go-to for a lot of people, especially if you’re just getting your feet wet with trading. The whole idea behind Robinhood was to make investing super simple and accessible, and they definitely nailed that part. It’s a mobile-first platform that’s great for beginners who want to trade stocks, ETFs, and even crypto without a ton of hassle.

What’s cool is that they were one of the first to offer zero-commission trades, which was a big deal. You can buy and sell stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies all from the app, and it’s pretty straightforward. They also have fractional shares, so you don’t need a lot of money to start buying pieces of expensive stocks. Plus, they have this feature for recurring investments, which is handy for building up your portfolio over time without thinking about it too much.

One of the standout features is their 24-hour trading. This isn’t something you see everywhere, and it gives you a lot more flexibility if you want to react to news or market changes outside of regular hours. The app itself is really clean and easy to figure out, which is a huge plus when you’re trying to learn the ropes.

Robinhood does a good job of keeping things simple. You won’t get bogged down with complicated charts or a million different options right away. It’s designed to get you trading quickly and learning as you go, which is exactly what a lot of new investors are looking for.

However, it’s not all bells and whistles. If you’re someone who likes to dig deep into research, compare a bunch of different stocks, or track your portfolio’s performance against market benchmarks, Robinhood might feel a bit limited. They don’t really have those in-depth research tools or fancy analytics that some other platforms offer. It’s more about getting trades done easily than deep analysis.

5. Webull

Webull is a pretty slick trading app that feels like it was built with active traders in mind, but it’s also got enough going on to be useful for folks just getting their feet wet. It’s got this clean, modern look that’s easy to get around, especially on your phone. They really shine when it comes to commission-free trading for U.S. stocks, ETFs, and options, with no extra fees per contract. That’s a big deal for keeping costs down.

One of the standout features is their paper trading. It’s a fantastic way to practice making trades and get a feel for the market without actually risking any real money. They also offer fractional shares, which is great for building a portfolio even if you don’t have a ton of cash to start with. Plus, you can set up recurring investments, which is handy for consistent saving.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

• Commission-Free Trades: Stocks, ETFs, and options all trade without commission. No per-contract fees on equity options either.
• Paper Trading: A robust virtual trading environment to practice your strategies.
• Fractional Shares: Buy portions of expensive stocks, making them more accessible.
• Customizable Charts: Plenty of technical indicators and drawing tools for analysis.
• Extended Trading Hours: Trade before and after regular market hours.

What you might not find here are things like mutual funds or forex trading. The research tools are decent, but if you’re looking for super deep dives into company financials, you might find other platforms have more. Their educational content is there, but it can feel a bit scattered.

Webull really focuses on giving you a solid mobile trading experience. It’s fast, customizable, and packed with tools that help you make informed decisions without getting bogged down in too much complexity. If you like a trading-first approach with a good set of features, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Overall, Webull is a strong contender, especially if you appreciate a well-designed app and want to trade stocks, ETFs, and options without paying extra fees. It’s a good place to start if you want to practice trading and build your confidence.

6. SoFi Active Invest®

SoFi Active Invest is a pretty good option if you’re just starting out with investing or if you’re already a SoFi customer and want to keep things in one place. It’s not as complicated as some of the other apps out there, which can be a relief when you’re trying to figure out what’s what.

They offer both regular brokerage accounts and retirement accounts, which is handy. You can invest in a decent selection of stocks and ETFs, though it’s not the biggest universe of options compared to some giants. One cool thing is that they have educational articles right there on the stock pages, making it easier to learn as you go. Starting with just $1 and no commission fees makes it really accessible for beginners.

There’s a small advisory fee of 0.25% per year based on your account balance, which is something to keep in mind. It’s also worth noting that it’s only available to people living in the US.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

• Commission-free trading: You won’t pay a fee for basic stock and ETF trades.
• Low starting investment: You can begin with as little as $1.
• Financial planning assistance: SoFi Plus members get unlimited appointments with a planner, while others can get one appointment.
• Educational resources: Articles and guides to help you learn about investing.

While SoFi Active Invest is straightforward, it’s important to remember that investments can lose value and are not protected by FDIC insurance or guaranteed by a bank. Always do your own research before investing.

Overall, if you’re looking for a simple platform to get your feet wet in the investing world, especially if you’re already a SoFi user, Active Invest is definitely worth a look.

7. Ally Invest

If you’re already an Ally Bank customer, Ally Invest makes a lot of sense. It’s like having your banking and investing all under one roof, which honestly just simplifies things. You can log in with the same credentials for both, and the mobile app is pretty straightforward. This platform is a good fit for folks who plan to buy and hold stocks for the long haul, rather than trying to day trade.

Ally Invest doesn’t charge you to trade stocks or ETFs, which is a big plus. Options trades have a small fee, but it’s still pretty competitive. They also have a robo-advisor service that you can start with just $100, and it builds portfolios for you based on your goals. It’s a low-cost way to get into investing if you prefer a hands-off approach.

Here’s a quick look at their fees:

For those who like to dig into bonds, Ally Invest has a decent bond screener and a good variety of bond products. It’s not the most advanced platform out there, though. If you’re looking for fancy charting tools or in-depth research reports, you might find it a bit lacking. Also, they don’t offer fractional shares, so investing very small amounts across many different stocks isn’t as easy.

For beginners or those already banking with Ally, this app offers a simple way to start investing without feeling overwhelmed. It’s designed for ease of use, especially if you’re not planning on making trades every single day.

8. TradeStation

TradeStation is a serious platform for people who are really into trading. It’s not really for someone just dipping their toes in the water. Think of it like a souped-up sports car – it’s got a lot of power and features, but you need to know how to drive it.

This platform is packed with tools that active traders love. You get real-time data, charts you can tweak endlessly, and some pretty advanced options analysis. The mobile app is actually quite slick, and they handle orders well. Plus, you can trade a bunch of stuff, not just stocks – think ETFs, options, and even futures. They also have some good learning materials, especially if you’re interested in options.

But here’s the thing: it can be a lot for a beginner. The desktop software has a bit of a learning curve, and the research tools are mostly focused on technical stuff. Don’t expect a lot of hand-holding on basic investing principles. Also, watch out for inactivity fees if your account balance dips below $5,000 or you don’t trade enough. That could sting if you’re not actively trading.

Here’s a quick look at their pricing:

If you’re the type of person who likes to tinker and learn by doing, TradeStation might be a good fit. They even have a paper trading option so you can practice without risking real money. The mobile app is more user-friendly than the desktop version, which is a plus. Just be prepared to put in the time to get the most out of it.

9. Public

Public is a pretty interesting app, especially if you’re just starting out with investing or if you like the idea of a social network mixed with your stock trading. It feels less like a stuffy bank and more like a place where people actually talk about what they’re buying and selling. The whole social aspect is really what sets Public apart. You can follow other investors, see what they’re into, and even comment on their trades. It makes the whole process feel a bit more connected, you know?

What’s cool is that Public lets you buy fractional shares. This means you can invest in companies even if their stock price is super high, just by putting in a small amount of money. They also offer things like U.S. Treasurys and corporate bonds, which isn’t something you see on every app. Plus, they have this short daily podcast called ‘The Rundown’ that gives you a quick rundown of what’s happening in the market. It’s a nice way to stay in the loop without having to read a ton of articles.

Here’s a quick look at what Public offers:

• Social Investing: Follow other users, see their portfolios, and join discussions.
• Fractional Shares: Invest in expensive stocks with smaller amounts of money.
• Diverse Assets: Access stocks, ETFs, U.S. Treasurys, corporate bonds, and even some alternative investments.
• ‘The Rundown’ Podcast: Get quick daily market updates.

Public is designed to be really approachable. It’s got a clean look and makes it easy to learn about different types of investments without feeling overwhelmed. The community aspect helps a lot with that, as you can see what others are doing and get ideas.

Now, it’s not perfect for everyone. If you’re a super advanced trader looking for tons of research tools or complex charting, you might find Public a bit basic. Some of the more in-depth features, like advanced research and options data, are behind a monthly subscription fee unless you have a pretty large account balance. Also, sometimes their fixed-income offerings might include bonds that aren’t the highest quality, and they don’t always make that super clear. But for getting started and feeling part of a community, Public is definitely worth a look.

10. Qtrade

Qtrade Direct Investing is a solid choice, especially if you’re in Canada and looking for a platform that balances features with ease of use. It’s often praised for its customer service, which is a big deal when you’re dealing with your money. They’ve been around for a while and seem to keep updating things to stay competitive.

They’re currently running a promotion where new clients can get 5% cash back on investments up to $15,000, plus unlimited free trades. This offer is good until the end of 2025, so it’s worth checking out if you’re thinking of opening an account.

Here’s a quick look at what Qtrade offers:

• Investment Options: You can trade stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, and more. They offer commission-free trading for over 100 Canadian ETFs, which is a nice perk.
• Account Types: Qtrade supports a variety of accounts, including TFSA, RRSP, RESP, FHSA, and non-registered accounts. There’s no minimum deposit required to get started.
• Fees: While trading ETFs is free, standard stock and option trades typically range from $6.95 to $8.75. There’s also a quarterly account fee of $25 if you don’t meet certain balance or activity requirements, though this can be waived.

Qtrade seems to be a good fit for beginner to intermediate investors who want a reliable platform with good support. If you’re a very active trader who moves a lot of volume, you might find the fees a bit higher compared to some other discount brokers, but for many, the overall package is quite appealing.

The mobile app is decent, giving you access to real-time quotes and market information. It uses modern security features to keep your account safe. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of some of the more complex platforms out there, it gets the job done for most everyday investors.

Wrapping It Up

So, picking the right stock trading app really comes down to what you’re trying to do. Whether you’re just dipping your toes in or you’re already a seasoned pro, there’s a platform out there that fits. We looked at a bunch, from ones that are super simple for beginners to those packed with tools for active traders. Remember, low fees and good security are important, but so is finding an app that feels right for you. Take your time, check out the options we talked about, and get ready to start investing. It’s easier than you might think to get your money working for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the easiest stock trading app for beginners?

Apps like SoFi Active Invest® and Robinhood are often recommended for folks just starting out. They have simple designs that make it easy to understand what you’re doing. You can often start with just a small amount of money, too.

Are stock trading apps free to use?

Many trading apps let you buy and sell stocks without charging a fee for each trade. However, some might have other costs, like for special services or if you want to trade certain things. It’s always good to check the details.

Can I really trade stocks from my phone?

Absolutely! That’s the main idea behind these apps. They let you check your investments, buy and sell stocks, and see how your money is doing, all from your smartphone or tablet. It’s super convenient.

What’s the difference between a stock trading app and a regular investing account?

Think of a stock trading app as a mobile version of an online brokerage. It gives you access to buy and sell investments, often with a simpler, more user-friendly design than a full website. You can do most of the same things, but it’s all on your phone.

How do I know if a stock trading app is safe?

Look for apps from well-known companies that have been around for a while, like Charles Schwab or Fidelity. These companies usually have strong security measures to protect your money and personal information. Checking reviews can also give you an idea of how trustworthy an app is.

What does ‘commission-free trading’ mean?

It means you don’t have to pay a fee to the app every time you buy or sell a stock. Many apps offer this now, which makes it cheaper to trade more often. Just remember, there might still be other small costs involved.

Peyman Khosravani