Best Brokerage Accounts in 2025

Before you can begin trading, you first have to find the best brokerage account to provide your trading platform. These trading platforms may vary in services, but typically, you can trade stocks, bonds, options and other financial assets. However, choosing the right brokerage is not always easy because the market is flooded with choices. It makes it very difficult to find the right broker or solution to help you reach your investment goals.

These best brokerage accounts are a great place to start. Each has proven to be reliable, affordable and full-featured, whether you prefer day trading, mobile trading or a small stock investment. Before you begin trading, consider opening one of these best brokerage accounts first.

Ask a financial advisor for help determining the best investment strategy for your portfolio based on your financial goals.

Understanding Brokers vs. Platforms

Before choosing the right brokerage, it is important to understand the difference between an online brokerage vs. an online platform.

A brokerage is a firm that executes each financial transaction. For example, when you place an order to buy stocks, the broker sends its traders or, uses its algorithms to make that purchase. If you buy bonds, their traders are the ones who acquire those assets on the open market.

By contrast, a platform is the software tool that you use to place those buy and sell orders. It integrates research options, a custom user interface, and portfolio management tools to help you grow your investments. Platforms serve as a software intermediary that helps transmit data between you and your brokerage.

In many cases, the two ideas are indistinguishable. Most online brokerages operate their own trading platforms, making it impossible to tell where one ends and the other begins. However, your brokerage is the one to establishtrading fees, data delivery speed and even trading markets.

Many of the best online brokerages stand out because their trading platforms are so advanced, but brokerages have their advantages, as well. Before deciding, it is important to consider several critical factors, such as thetypes of available investments, trading fees, features and financial strength. That will give you some insight as to which option may be the best brokerage to help you achieve your financial goals.

Data and Methodology

We identified the apps below through exhaustive research and analysis of the of the brokerage account market. They are listed in an order that’s in direct correlation with their individual composite score based on our methodology, which includes consumer ratings from multiple popular online app stores, any required annual fees, and how much a user must invest at a minimum.

1. SoFi Invest

SoFi Invest is designed with accessibility in mind, making it a strong option for beginner investors.

The platform offers commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs, plus fractional share trading. This allows investors to begin building a portfolio without needing to invest large sums of money upfront, lowering the barrier to entry.

One of SoFi’s standout features is its ability to switch between automated investing and active investing. Users can choose a hands-off approach with SoFi’s robo-advisor, which is one of the top robo-advisors available today. It automatically manages and rebalances portfolios based on your financial goals.

You can also take a more hands-on role with active trading. SoFi offers up to $1,000 in free stock when you open and fund a new self-investing account.

This dual setup makes SoFi Invest appealing for both new investors and those who prefer self-investing over a financial advisor..

SoFi enhances its brokerage accounts with perks that go beyond investing. Users benefit from free financial planning sessions, career coaching and a whole host of educational resources. All of these features add value for those who want more than just trading capabilities.

For extra convenience, the SoFi platform integrates seamlessly with other SoFi financial products, allow users to manage their student loans, personal loans and banking all in one place.

2. Webull

While many trading apps struggle with technical bugs and gamified features, Webull takes a different approach. This brokerage has just a limited set of financial assets to trade, offering only stocks, options, exchange-traded funds and cryptocurrencies. However, where most comparable products would make this feel limited, Webull’s design feels specific. As we wrote in our review of this brokerage: “Behind its relatively small number of assets, Webull supports more robust research tools than most comparable user-oriented trading platforms. Users can build a customized dashboard built to follow specific markets and assets, and can supplement this with personalized watchlists around specific trading positions.” This brokerage also offers all of its trades for free.

Although Webull also offers a web-based trading screen, this brokerage is built around trading on an app. Its products are limited but streamlined. Its research and customization tools feel the same way. This is a broker that emphasizes trading built around the space and attention span of a mobile user, but it does so very well. If you want a broker for those quick trades between coffees or while catching the train, Webull is the choice for you.

3. Robinhood

Robinhood made its mark by popularizing commission-free trading, a model that many other brokerages have since adopted. With its sleek, mobile-first design, the platform attracts younger investors who value convenience and a streamlined experience. By removing traditional barriers to entry, Robinhood opened the door for millions of new investors to participate in the stock market.

The platform focuses on self-directed investing, offering commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, options, and even cryptocurrencies. Its user-friendly app provides quick access to markets, real-time data and customizable watchlists, which appeals to those who prefer to trade actively and stay engaged throughout the day. The availability of fractional shares also makes it easier to invest in popular companies without needing large amounts of capital.

Robinhood expands its offering with Robinhood Gold, a paid membership that provides access to margin investing, larger instant deposits, and professional research reports. The platform also includes cash management features, such as a competitive interest-bearing cash sweep, giving investors more flexibility in how they manage their funds.

4. Vanguard

Vanguard has built its reputation on serving investors with a long-term mindset. Known for its low-cost index funds and ETFs, the brokerage emphasizes buy-and-hold strategies over frequent trading. This makes it a popular choice for retirement savers and investors who want a steady, disciplined approach to building wealth.

With Vanguard, investors gain access to a comprehensive selection of mutual funds, ETFs, stocks and bonds. Its mutual funds, particularly those tracking broad market indexes, are among the most respected in the industry. The brokerage also offers target-date retirement funds, which automatically adjust asset allocation over time, appealing to those who want a simple, set-it-and-forget-it strategy.

Vanguard supports investors with extensive educational resources, planning tools, and the option to work with a financial advisor for personalized guidance. The platform’s strong focus on investor education reflects its mission to empower individuals to take control of their financial future. For those looking for added support, Vanguard Personal Advisor Services provides human advisors paired with digital tools to help craft tailored financial plans.

5. Fidelity

Fidelity is widely regarded as one of the most well-rounded brokerage accounts available, offering a balance of affordability, tools, and investment options. Investors benefit from commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs, as well as access to a wide variety of mutual funds, bonds, and retirement accounts. This versatility makes Fidelity appealing to both beginners and experienced investors looking for a single platform to manage diverse financial goals.

Where Fidelity shines is in its robust research and technology. The platform provides in-depth reports, advanced charting tools, and screeners that help investors make informed decisions. For active traders, Fidelity’s powerful trading platforms deliver real-time insights and smooth execution, while casual investors can take advantage of easy-to-use web and mobile experiences.

Fidelity has a strong reputation in retirement planning, offering a broad range of IRAs and employer-sponsored plan services. Investors also have access to financial advisors, educational resources and tools to help you set financial goals . These tools help encourage disciplined wealth-building strategies to help your portfolio grow that much faster.

With zero expense ratio index funds and no account minimums, Fidelity makes it straightforward to start saving for the long term.

6. E*TRADE

E*TRADE is the granddaddy of them all. While not necessarily the oldest online brokerage, in many ways it established the commercial business model of online trading. This upstart website was pushing its stocks and bonds on retail investors back when “online investing” still mostly meant a dedicated connection and a Bloomberg terminal.

Beyond active trading, E*TRADE offers strong retirement planning features, including IRAs and rollover accounts. The brokerage also provides access to professionally managed portfolios, making it easier for hands-off investors to put their savings on autopilot. Its combination of do-it-yourself trading and guided investing options ensures that investors can tailor their approach as their financial goals evolve.

While E*TRADE offers a platform for sophisticated investors, it’s in the retail experience that this brokerage really shines. This firm offers all major asset classes on a platform that is straightforward and relatively easy to use. Although investors face some learning curve, that’s inevitable in any trading platform that offers comprehensive trading. Their app is similarly easy to understand, allowing you to manage your money on the go with little hassle.

E*TRADE is simply an all-star all-arounder. This brokerage doesn’t specialize in any one asset or trading style. Nor, however, does it limit its users to any particular category. If you just want a great utility trading experience, this might be the brokerage for you.

7. Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers is known for catering to experienced traders and professionals who demand a powerful, feature-rich platform. With access to a wide range of global markets, including stocks, options, futures, forex, and bonds, it offers more investment choices than most traditional brokerages. This global reach makes it especially appealing for investors interested in diversifying beyond U.S. markets.

The platform stands out for its sophisticated trading tools, real-time analytics, and advanced order types. Despite its professional-grade features, Interactive Brokers is also cost-efficient, with low commissions and margin rates that attract high-volume traders. The availability of fractional shares helps newer investors access the platform without needing large amounts of capital, though the interface can be intimidating for beginners.

Although Interactive Brokers has a reputation for day trading and active strategies, it also provides retirement accounts, mutual funds, and automated portfolio management through its IBKR Lite and IBKR Pro offerings. These options expand its appeal to long-term investors who want both professional-level trading and the ability to plan for retirement within the same account.

8. TD Ameritrade

TD Ameritrade runs several different trading platforms, including its core brand’s desktop, web and app-based trading. Those are fine tools for retail traders, but they don’t particularly shine. And thinkorswim, TD Ameritrade’s sophisticated product, does. Before diving in, it should be noted that TD Ameritrade was purchased by Charles Schwab.

Beyond trading, TD Ameritrade stands out for its commitment to investor education. It provides a wealth of resources, including free webinars, in-depth tutorials, and live events designed to help investors of all skill levels improve their knowledge. For those seeking guidance, the platform also offers managed portfolio options and access to financial professionals.

For sophisticated investors, those working at a semi-professional skill set, TD Ameritrade really stands out for the tools it offers through its thinkorswim platform. This is one of the best high-performance trading decks on the market today. While TD Ameritrade doesn’t offer quite the same split-second speed as many dedicated day trading brokerages, it otherwise offers some of the best tools you can find for customization, research, conditional trading and building a complex portfolio.

9. Merrill Edge

Merrill Edge is a strong choice for investors who already bank with Bank of America, thanks to its seamless integration with the bank’s services. Customers can easily move money between accounts, view their investments alongside their everyday banking, and take advantage of preferred rewards programs that offer additional perks. This makes Merrill Edge particularly appealing for those who want convenience and a unified financial picture.

The platform provides commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs, along with access to a robust suite of research and planning tools. Investors benefit from market insights provided by Bank of America Global Research, which delivers in-depth analysis and ratings that can guide investment decisions. Its online and mobile platforms are intuitive, giving both new and experienced investors the ability to manage their portfolios with ease.

Merrill Edge goes beyond self-directed investing by offering guided investing accounts and access to human advisors for those who want professional guidance. Its retirement account options, including IRAs and rollover services, make it a practical choice for long-term savers. For investors seeking extra support, Merrill Guided Investing combines automated portfolio management with the option of working alongside a financial advisor.

10. Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab is one of the most established and trusted brokerage firms, known for offering a comprehensive platform that serves both beginner and seasoned investors. With commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs, no account minimums and a wide array of investment products, Schwab makes it easy to get started while still meeting the needs of more experienced investors.

Schwab’s strength lies in its breadth of offerings. Investors have access to mutual funds, bonds, futures and options, as well as specialized accounts like IRAs and custodial accounts. The platform also provides access to proprietary index funds and ETFs with some of the lowest expense ratios in the industry, supporting long-term, cost-effective wealth building.

While some investors may prefer more advanced trading platforms for high-frequency trading, Schwab excels as an all-around brokerage. Its combination of low costs, expansive product selection, and high-quality support makes it an ideal option for individuals looking for a long-term financial partner. For many, Charles Schwab represents reliability, value, and a platform that can grow with their financial goals.

Bottom Line

If you’re a general investor, all of the options on this list provide great opportunities to find what you’re looking for. The best fit is always going to depend on what your specific needs are and how you would like your investment partner to operate. All options on this list are strong brokerage platforms that can offer a range of investment opportunities for your budget.

Tips for Investing

Artificial intelligence can be great at managing a fund, but that doesn’t mean it can help you meet all your goals. Whether you’re buying that first home, building toward retirement or sending a kid to college, meeting your goals takes real planning. That’s where a financial advisor can be vital to your success. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Whether you’re considering getting started with investing or are highly experienced, an investment calculator can help you determine how to meet your goals. It can show you how your initial investment, frequency of contributions and risk tolerance can all affect how your money grows.