Thinking about getting into the stock market in 2026? It can seem a bit overwhelming with so many options for trading apps out there. But honestly, the best app for you is probably just the one you’ll actually use. We’ve checked out a bunch of them to help you find trading apps that might be a good fit. It’s all about finding something that makes sense for how you want to invest, whether you’re just starting out or have been doing this for a while.
Key Takeaways
- Finding the right trading apps means picking one you’ll actually use, not just the one with the most features.
- Many apps now offer commission-free trades for stocks and ETFs, making it cheaper to start investing.
- Look for apps with a user-friendly design; you want to be able to see your investments and make trades without a headache.
- Safety is important, so make sure any app you use is backed by SIPC insurance.
- Consider apps that offer educational tools if you’re new to investing or want to learn more.
1. Fidelity
Fidelity is a solid choice for anyone just starting out in the investing world. They’ve been around forever, since 1946, so they’ve got a reputation for being reliable. What’s cool for beginners is that they offer $0 commission trades for stocks and ETFs, which means you don’t pay extra just to buy or sell. Plus, you can open most accounts with no minimum deposit required and no account fees, which is pretty sweet when you’re just getting your feet wet.
One of the standout features for new investors is the sheer amount of educational stuff they have. Think articles, webinars, and tutorials that can help you figure out what you’re doing. They also have a ton of research tools, with reports from over 20 different firms, which can be helpful as you start to understand the market better. It’s a good place to start if you want to grow with confidence.
Here’s a quick look at what they offer:
- $0 commission trades for U.S. stocks and ETFs.
- No account minimums for most accounts.
- Fractional shares available, so you can buy pieces of expensive stocks.
- Wide range of account types, including brokerage, IRAs, and 529 plans.
- In-person support at physical branches, which is a nice option if you prefer talking to someone face-to-face.
While Fidelity’s app is super functional and reliable, it might not look as flashy as some of the newer, sleeker platforms out there. It gets the job done, but if you’re all about the aesthetics, you might find it a bit plain. Still, for a beginner, the focus on usability and access to information is probably more important than a fancy design.
They also have a feature called the "economic calendar" that’s really useful. It breaks down market-moving events and explains why investors should care about them. This can be a big help in understanding what’s happening in the broader economy and how it might affect your investments. It’s a platform that can grow with you, from your first few dollars to managing a more complex portfolio down the line.
2. SoFi Invest®
SoFi Invest® is a pretty straightforward option if you’re just starting out and want to keep things simple. It’s designed to be an all-in-one app, which means you can handle your banking and investing all in one spot. That’s kind of nice, honestly, because who wants to jump between a bunch of different apps?
One of the cool things is their robo-advisor service. You just answer a few questions about your goals, put in at least $50, and SoFi Invest® takes it from there, automatically investing your money. It’s a hands-off approach that works well for people who don’t want to spend a lot of time picking individual stocks. Plus, they even offer a 1% match on IRA contributions and rollovers, which is a nice little bonus for your retirement savings.
Here’s a quick look at what they offer:
- Robo-advisor service: Automatic investing based on your goals.
- Integrated banking: Manage checking and savings alongside your investments.
- Human financial advisors: Option to book appointments for personalized advice.
- IRA match: A 1% match on IRA contributions and rollovers.
It’s not packed with fancy tools for deep stock analysis or tons of research reports, so if you’re looking to get really granular with your research, this might not be the place. But for beginners who want a clean, easy-to-use platform to get their money working for them without a lot of fuss, SoFi Invest® is definitely worth a look.
The app aims to make investing accessible, combining basic trading with other financial products. It’s a good starting point for those who prefer a unified financial management experience.
3. Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab has been around for ages, really, since 1971, and they’ve built a solid reputation. They were one of the first to really push for lower trading costs, and that’s still a big deal with them today. You won’t pay commissions for trading stocks and ETFs online, which is pretty sweet for beginners.
They’ve got a lot of different account types, which is nice because you can grow with them. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to set up retirement accounts, they seem to have you covered. Plus, they have this thing called Stock Slices, which lets you buy parts of stocks, making it easier to get into investing without a huge chunk of cash.
Their mobile app is pretty user-friendly, making it easy to manage your investments on the go. It’s got a good customer service reputation too, which is always a plus when you’re new to this.
Here’s a quick look at some of their costs:
| Trade Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stocks & ETFs | $0 |
| Schwab Mutual Fund OneSource® | $0 |
| Fractional Shares | $0 |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.65 |
Schwab also offers a ton of educational stuff. They have articles, webinars, and even step-by-step guides. It’s all designed to help you get a handle on the basics without feeling totally lost. They really try to make investing feel less intimidating for newcomers.
They also have physical branches, which is kind of rare these days for online brokers. So, if you ever want to talk to someone face-to-face, that’s an option. It’s good to know you have that support available if you need it, especially when you’re just starting out and trying to figure things out. You can check out their secure website for more details.
4. E*TRADE
E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley is a solid choice for beginners, especially if you like doing things on your phone. The main app is pretty straightforward, making it easy to find what you need without getting lost. You can check stock prices, see what analysts are saying, set up alerts, and place trades without feeling totally confused. It’s designed to be simple when you’re just starting out.
What’s cool is that ETRADE has a way for you to move up as you learn more. You can start with the basic app, and when you feel ready for more advanced stuff, you can switch to the Power ETRADE app. This one is built for people who want to trade more actively, like with options. It keeps things from being too much at once when you’re new, but you know there’s more power available when you need it.
They also have a good amount of educational material. You can find articles that explain basic investing ideas, and they even have a practice account, called paper trading, where you can try out trades with fake money. This is a great way to get a feel for how things work before you put your own cash on the line. They also offer webinars and have a resource center to help with tax questions related to investing.
Here’s a quick look at some of their features:
- User-friendly mobile app: Great for checking in and trading on the go.
- Practice trading: Use a paper trading account to learn without risk.
- Educational resources: Articles, webinars, and tools to help you learn.
- Two-tier platform: Start simple, then move to a more advanced app when ready.
E*TRADE’s mobile experience makes it a good starting point for investors who want to learn, research, and trade right from their phone.
Keep in mind, though, that their base margin rates can be higher than some other places, and you can’t buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum directly. Also, you can’t buy parts of stocks (fractional shares) with E*TRADE.
E*TRADE offers a good balance for new investors, providing a simple entry point with the option to grow into more complex trading tools as your knowledge and confidence increase. The focus on mobile accessibility and practical learning resources helps make investing feel less intimidating.
5. Robinhood
Robinhood really shook things up when it first arrived on the scene, aiming to make investing accessible to pretty much everyone. And honestly, for beginners, it does a decent job of that. The app itself is super clean and easy to get around, which is a big plus when you’re just starting out and don’t want to be overwhelmed by complex charts or tons of data. The zero-commission trading is a major draw, meaning you don’t pay extra fees to buy or sell stocks, ETFs, or even cryptocurrencies.
What else is cool about Robinhood?
- Fractional Shares: You can buy pieces of expensive stocks, so you don’t need a lot of cash to own a bit of a company you like.
- Crypto Trading: You can trade cryptocurrencies right within the app.
- Recurring Investments: Set up automatic investments to build your portfolio over time without having to think about it too much.
- 24-Hour Trading: For some stocks, you can trade outside of regular market hours, which can be handy if news breaks.
Robinhood also has a pretty good educational section. It breaks down investing concepts without getting too technical, which is great for learning the ropes. You can start investing with Robinhood if you’re at least 18 and have a U.S. address and Social Security number. Opening an account is pretty straightforward to begin investing with Robinhood.
While Robinhood keeps things simple, it might not be the best fit if you’re looking for advanced research tools or a wide range of investment products like mutual funds or bonds. It’s more for the self-directed learner who wants a straightforward way to get into the market.
Ready to Start Investing?
So, you’ve looked at some of the top trading apps for 2026. It can feel like a lot, with so many choices out there. But remember, the best app for you is simply the one you’ll actually use. We’ve covered some great options that make it easier to get started, whether you want something super simple or a bit more advanced. Don’t get too caught up in all the features. Pick an app that makes sense for your goals, check out their learning tools if you need them, and just begin. Investing is a journey, and taking that first step is the most important part. Happy trading!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the easiest trading app for a total beginner?
If you’re just starting out, Fidelity is a great choice. It’s super easy to use, lets you trade without extra fees, and has tons of helpful guides to help you learn. SoFi is also a good pick if you like things simple and want your investments to be managed for you.
Are free trading apps safe to use?
Yes, free trading apps from well-known companies are safe. The apps we’ve talked about are protected by SIPC insurance, which helps keep your money safe up to a certain amount if the company runs into trouble. Just make sure you download the official app and use extra security like a password and two-factor authentication.
Can I start investing with just $100?
Absolutely! Many top trading apps let you buy small pieces of stocks, called fractional shares. This means you can invest with as little as $1, owning a bit of big companies like Amazon or Apple without needing a lot of cash upfront.
Which app is best for long-term investing?
For investing over many years to grow your money slowly, look for apps that can manage your investments for you, have low costs, and offer good research tools. Fidelity, Schwab, and SoFi are all good options for a steady, long-term investment plan.
What should I look for when choosing a trading app?
You’ll want an app that’s simple to navigate, so you can easily see your investments and make trades. It’s also wise to check if the app offers educational materials to help you learn, and make sure it’s protected by security features like SIPC insurance.
What are fractional shares and why are they good for beginners?
Fractional shares are tiny pieces of a stock. They’re great for beginners because they let you invest in expensive stocks with just a small amount of money, like $5 or $10. This means you can start building a diverse portfolio even if you don’t have a lot of cash to begin with.
