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I've been using stock trading apps for years, and I'm still amazed at the depth of features they provide and how easy they make it to invest from anywhere. Our picks for the best stock trading apps below can handle everything from basic commission-free stock trades to advanced investing strategies. And the best part? You can sign up for free and start investing in just a few minutes.
We evaluated over 45 brokers and whittled them down to this list of the best free stock trading apps available. Our employees here at The Motley Fool personally use most of the stock trading apps that made our shortlist -- you can read their first-hand reviews below.
But first, if you're short on time here's a quick rundown of two of our favorite stock trading apps:
Broker/Advisor | Best For | Commissions | Learn More | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Featured Offer
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Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Best For:
Mobile trading platform |
Commission:
Commission-free; other fees apply |
Learn More for E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley
On E*TRADE's Secure Website. |
![]()
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Best For:
Diverse financial needs |
Commission:
$0 for stocks,¹ $0 for options contracts⁴ |
Learn More for SoFi Active Investing
On SoFi Active Investing's Secure Website. |
![]()
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Best For:
No-frills stock trading |
Commission:
$0 for stocks, ETFs, and options |
Learn More for Robinhood
On Robinhood's Secure Website. |
![]()
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Best For:
User-friendly trading platform |
Commission:
$0 per trade |
Learn More for Webull
On Webull's Secure Website. |
![]()
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Best For:
Diversified portfolio trading |
Commission:
$0 commissions, 1%-2% crypto markups |
Learn More for Public
On Public's Secure Website. |
![]()
Rating image, 5.0 out of 5 stars.
5.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Rating image, 5.0 out of 5 stars.
5.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Best For:
Full-featured broker |
Commission:
$0 commission for online U.S. stock and ETF trades. No fees to buy fractional shares. |
|
![]()
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Best For:
Variety of low-cost investment options |
Commission:
$0 stock, ETF, and Schwab Mutual Fund OneSource® trades. No fees to buy fractional shares. |
At Motley Fool Money, brokerages are rated on a scale of one to five stars. We primarily focus on fees, available assets, and user experience; however, we also take into account features like research, education, tax-loss harvesting, and customer service. Our highest-rated brokerages generally include low fees, a diverse range of assets and account types, and useful platform features.
Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring brokerages from reputable brands. Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates brokerage accounts.
At Motley Fool Money, brokerages are rated on a scale of one to five stars. We primarily focus on fees, available assets, and user experience; however, we also take into account features like research, education, tax-loss harvesting, and customer service. Our highest-rated brokerages generally include low fees, a diverse range of assets and account types, and useful platform features.
Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring brokerages from reputable brands. Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates brokerage accounts.
When choosing a trading app, these four factors should be at the top of your list to make sure you're picking a platform that works for you:
Look for an app that offers commission-free trades for stocks, ETFs, and fractional shares -- all good brokerage accounts have cut fees for those by now. Some brokerages charge fees for options or crypto transactions, which isn't a dealbreaker, but make sure if you're planning to trade those, you pick a low-cost option. And look for accounts with no account maintenance or withdrawal charges -- it's 2025, after all.
You need an easy-to-use app, period. From just wanting to check in on your investments to making quick decisions, you need an intuitive interface.
Look for apps that let you toggle between accounts, see your portfolio in a glance, and make trades with minimal clicks. If you're into detailed charts or tracking, make sure the app offers features that suit your needs without being overwhelming. Nobody's got time for a clunky, confusing interface.
When you're handling your finances, security is a top priority. The biggest factor here is SIPC insurance. The Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) covers up to $500,000 in your brokerage account, much like FDIC insurance does for your bank account.
Each app on this list comes with SIPC insurance and a solid track record for safety. Rest assured, we wouldn't recommend any platform we wouldn't trust with our own investments.
Good trading isn't just about making quick moves -- it's about making informed decisions. That's why choosing an app with solid research tools is crucial.
Look for features like stock analysis, real-time market data, and customizable charts. The level of detail you need depends on your trading style: if you're more of a hands-off investor, you might not need too much detail, but if you're actively trading, the more tools, the better.
E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley sports two of the best stock trading apps: one that shines for its ease-of-use, and one tailored to advanced active traders.
Commission-free; other fees apply
$0
Open and fund a brokerage account and get up to $1,000. Terms apply.
On E*TRADE's Secure Website.
Why we like it: E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley offers two solid mobile trading platforms -- its main app for everyday investors and the Power E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley app for advanced traders. Both are free and provide excellent research, screening tools, and a range of account types. Plus, unlike many free stock apps, E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley allows mutual fund and bond trading, making it a great choice for those seeking flexibility and a variety of investment options.
What you should know: While E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley offers a lot, it's not the simplest platform to navigate -- especially for those just starting out. Its advanced tools may feel overwhelming to beginners. Additionally, options trading does come with commissions, so if that's a key focus for you, be aware of the extra costs.
Despite these quirks, if you're after a full-featured broker with a robust selection of investment options, E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley is a strong contender.
First-hand review from one of our employees who uses E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley personally:
"I love the 'Add to Watchlist' feature on individual stocks within the E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley app. And while I like that they include news, earnings, and jobs reports, it's more info than I, as a pretty passive trader, usually need."
- Alexi Ueltzen, Editor/Analyst
SoFi Invest® delivers for investors a full-service financial institution in an app, in addition to a great trading platform and experience.
$0 for stocks,¹ $0 for options contracts⁴
$0
1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio to SoFi Active Invest¹⁰
On SoFi Active Investing's Secure Website.
Why we like it: SoFi makes it easy to manage all your financial needs in one place, which is perfect if you want to keep things streamlined. You can transfer SoFi credit card rewards directly into your investment accounts, a rare and handy perk for those using a full suite of financial products. Plus, setting up auto-transfers from your paycheck or even automatically buying specific stocks makes investing feel almost effortless.
What you should know: SoFi shines for long-term, buy-and-hold investors, but it's not built for day traders or those needing advanced technical analysis. If you're more interested in automating your investing and consolidating your financial accounts into one platform, SoFi is a great choice. Just don't expect heavy-duty trading tools.
Robinhood offers a user-friendly mobile trading app that allows trading in stocks, options, and cryptocurrencies.
$0 for stocks, ETFs, and options
$0
On Robinhood's Secure Website.
Why we like it: In our experience, Robinhood has the easiest usability of any app on our list. It keeps things simple with a sleek, modern app that's perfect for those who want to trade without all the complexity of traditional brokerages. You can trade stocks, options, and even cryptocurrencies with no commissions, plus get in on fractional shares.
Oh, and did we mention a 1% match on IRA contributions? That's right, all for free within the app.
What you should know: The free version of Robinhood is just that -- free, but a little basic. Without a subscription to Robinhood Gold, you won't get access to advanced research or extra trading tools. So, if you're looking for a platform with deep insights and extra bells and whistles, this might not be your best bet. But if you just want to get in, make your trade, and keep it moving, Robinhood is a good option.
First-hand review from one of our employees who uses Robinhood personally:
"I've been using Robinhood since they launched. At the time, they were one of the only platforms to offer zero-fee trades. Their platform was developed to be mobile-first, so the app is clean and easy to use. They also recently launched an IRA product, which is built in to the existing app. The account was easy to open, and since I was already familiar with the platform, it's intuitive to fund the IRA and buy stocks."
- Louis Feldsott, Data Analyst
Webull offers a user-friendly stock investing platform with more features than some of its app-based rivals.
$0 per trade
$0
On Webull's Secure Website.
Why we like it: Webull strikes a nice balance between advanced features and a modern, sleek interface, making it ideal for active traders who don't need hand-holding. Think of it as a happy middle ground between Robinhood's simple, fast trading and Fidelity's robust, long-term solutions. You get the advanced tools of a major brokerage with the user-friendly, fresh vibe of a younger app. Plus, it offers commission-free trades on stocks, options, and more.
What you should know: While Webull shines for active traders, it's not as comprehensive as some larger institutions. It doesn't offer mutual funds, bonds, or CDs, so if you're looking for those, you'll need to look elsewhere. Also, its educational resources are more limited, making it better suited for experienced traders than those just starting out.
First-hand review from one of our employees who uses Webull personally:
"I've had my Webull trading account for three years and primarily did my trading using my mobile device. I love that the app allows you to check your individual account's risk level based on your investments. However, I felt it wasn't as user-friendly when I first started trading, and it took some adjusting. Other trading platforms have offered walkthroughs of their platforms, which made a difference for me."
- Sharice Wells, Editor
Public is an investing platform that simplifies trading stocks, bonds, ETFs, options, and crypto. With zero fees on many trades, Public stands out as a low-cost brokerage, while also providing yield-focused products to help you earn returns on your cash.
$0 commissions, 1%-2% crypto markups
$1
On Public's Secure Website.
Why we like it: Public stands out with two unique perks: an options rebate that pays you to trade options, and a high-yield cash account with a whopping 4.10% APY (that's higher than many high-yield savings accounts). These are just two of several options for diversifying your portfolio within Public.
What you should know: Public is a relatively new player in the investing space, founded in 2019, so its track record isn't as long as other brokers on this list. However, it has quickly made a name for itself with innovations like fractional share investing and AI-powered insights. It may be newer, but it's definitely making waves.
Fidelity is one of the largest and one of the most well-rounded brokerages available in the U.S. today. Importantly, Fidelity offers $0 commissions for online stock and ETF trades, plus one of the best online trading apps that's good for both beginners and seasoned investors.
$0 commission for online U.S. stock and ETF trades. No fees to buy fractional shares.
$0, ($1 minimum per fractional share transaction)
Why we like it: Fidelity is one of the top names in the investing industry -- and for good reason. It's a good choice for those who want to pick an app and stick to it for your whole investing journey -- it's beginner-friendly, but it can grow with you as you become more advanced. It offers a wide selection of investment options, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, crypto, and more.
If you're not sure where to start, you can't go wrong with Fidelity.
What you should know: While Fidelity shines in a lot of areas, its commissions for options and margin trading are a bit steeper than some competitors, which might make it less appealing for those who specialize in these areas. If you're looking to trade options or margins frequently, you might find the fees a bit of a drawback.
First-hand review from one of our employees who uses Fidelity personally:
"I've been using Fidelity for over a decade, and my experience has been excellent. I've found it to be an easy-to-use platform, has great customer service, and the fees are low or nonexistent. An underrated feature is the ability to change your core cash position to high-yielding options including a money market fund or a treasury fund. The yields on these funds are very attractive and it means you can feel comfortable keeping cash here that you're waiting to invest."
- Brendan Byrnes, Director of Motley Fool Money
A full-featured broker with an excellent mobile trading app to complement its desktop platform.
$0 stock, ETF, and Schwab Mutual Fund OneSource® trades. No fees to buy fractional shares.
$0
Why we like it: Like Fidelity, Charles Schwab is a powerhouse brokerage that caters to everyone from beginners to experienced investors. It's one of the trailblazers in fee-free commissions and offers a wide range of investment options: stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, options, cryptocurrency, and beyond. As one of the big names in the industry, Schwab has earned its reputation for getting the job done -- reliably and without fuss.
What you should know: While Schwab delivers on the investment side, its app is a bit behind in the design department compared to sleeker competitors like Robinhood or Webull. If you're after a modern, polished interface, it may not be your top choice. But for those who value reliability and a broad selection of investments, it's a small trade-off.
First-hand review from one of our employees who uses Charles Schwab personally:
"I've used Charles Schwab for about four years now, and it's just a solid broker in every way. The app itself can be a bit clunky at times, but they've improved it a ton in the last two years I've been using it, and I love that I can quickly see how all my accounts are doing in one place. I would recommend it to beginner investors who need educational resources and customer support -- I've used both a lot and have had great experiences."
- Brooklyn Sprunger, Head of SEO
Yes, as long as the brokerage offers SIPC insurance and has strong security measures like encryption and two-factor authentication. These features ensure your money and personal data are protected. Every app on this list has a solid track record for safety.
As a beginner, you'll want an app with an easy-to-use interface, basic educational resources, and low or no fees. A platform like SoFi or Fidelity is a great starting point, offering a good mix of user-friendly features and plenty of investment options as you grow.
Active traders should prioritize stock apps with advanced trading tools, real-time data, and in-depth analysis features. Look at platforms like Webull or E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley that offer powerful charting, technical analysis tools, and quick trade execution without being too overwhelming for regular use.
Brokerages we evaluated for consideration on this page: Acorns, Ally Invest, Axos Self-Directed Trading, Betterment, Cash App Investing, Charles Schwab, Delphia, Domain Money, Ellevest, Empower, eToro Brokerage, E*TRADE Core Portfolios from Morgan Stanley, E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley, Fidelity, Fidelity Cash Management, Fidelity Go®, Firstrade, FOREX.com, Interactive Brokers, J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing, M1 Finance, Magnifi, Marcus Invest, Merrill Edge® Self-Directed, Moomoo, NinjaTrader, Personal Capital, Plynk, Prosperi Academy, Public, Robinhood, Rocket Dollar, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, SoFi Active Investing, SoFi Robo Investing, Stash, Stockpile, tastytrade, Titan, Tornado App, TradeStation, Tradier, Vanguard, Vanguard Digital Advisor®, Wealthfront, Webull, Zacks Trade.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Motley Fool Money is 100% owned and operated by The Motley Fool. Our knowledgeable team of personal finance editors and analysts are employed by The Motley Fool and held to the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.
Robinhood disclosure
All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible.
Securities are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Cryptocurrency services are offered through an account with Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840). Robinhood Crypto is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Cryptocurrency held through Robinhood Crypto is not FDIC insured or SIPC protected. For more information see the Robinhood Crypto Risk Disclosure.
Trades of stocks, ETFs and options are commission-free at Robinhood Financial LLC. Other fees may apply. Please see Robinhood Financial’s Fee Schedule to learn more.
Fractional shares are illiquid outside of Robinhood and are not transferable. Not all securities available through Robinhood are eligible for fractional share orders. For a complete explanation of conditions, restrictions and limitations associated with fractional shares, see the Fractional Shares section of our Customer Agreement.
Robinhood Gold is an account offering premium services available for a $5 monthly fee. Not all investors will be eligible to trade on Margin. Margin investing involves the risk of greater investment losses. Additional interest charges may apply depending on the amount of margin used. Bigger Instant Deposits are only available if your Instant Deposits status is in good standing.
Investing is risky. Bonus offers subject to terms and conditions, visit robinhood.com/hoodweek for more information. Margin is not suitable for all investors. Robinhood Gold is offered through Robinhood Gold LLC and is a subscription offering services for a fee. Brokerage services offered through Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC), a registered broker dealer.
SoFi Disclosure: INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org).
E*TRADE services are available just to U.S. residents.
Fidelity disclosure
Fractional share quantities can be entered out to 3 decimal places (.001) as long as the value of the order is at least $1.00. Dollar-based trades can be entered out to 2 decimal places (e.g. $250.00)