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We live in incredible times. Anyone with a smartphone and five bucks can open an investing account, trade stocks for free, and start building wealth -- all in the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee.
Our analysts evaluated more than 45 brokers and narrowed them down to the top free stock trading apps of 2025. These picks stand out for their ease of use, powerful features, and low (or zero) costs. Many of us at The Motley Fool personally use these apps -- and you'll find first-hand reviews and insights throughout this page.
A few standouts in 2025:
| Broker | Best For | Fees | Special Offer | Learn More | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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.
|
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 |
Fees:
$0 for stocks, $0 for options contracts |
Special Offer
Get up to $1,000 in stock when you fund a new account. Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $50 within 45 days of opening the account. Probability of member receiving $1,000 is 0.026%. Percentages for the $1,000 are subject to decrease. |
Learn More for SoFi Active Investing
On SoFi Active Investing's Secure Website. |
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.
|
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-service investing at every experience level |
Fees:
$0 commission for online U.S. stock and ETFs*. No account fees****. |
N/A |
Learn More for Fidelity
On Fidelity's Secure Website. |
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.
|
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 |
Fees:
$0 stock, ETF, and Schwab Mutual Fund OneSource® trades. No fees to buy fractional shares. |
N/A |
Learn More for Charles Schwab
On Charles Schwab's Secure Website. |
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.
|
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 |
Fees:
$0 for stocks, ETFs, and options |
Special Offer
Get a Free Stock Receive between $5 and $200 to pick a gift stock when you link a bank account or debit card. |
Learn More for Robinhood
On Robinhood's Secure Website. |
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.
|
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 |
Fees:
Commission-free; other fees apply |
N/A |
Learn More for E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley
On E*TRADE's Secure Website. |
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.
|
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 |
Fees:
$0 per trade |
N/A |
Learn More for Webull
On Webull's Secure Website. |
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.
|
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 |
Fees:
$0 commissions, 1%-2% crypto markups |
N/A |
Learn More for Public
On Public's Secure Website. |
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.
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, $0 for options contracts
$0
Get up to $1,000 in stock when you fund a new account.
On SoFi Active Investing's Secure Website.
Why we like it: SoFi® is growing like crazy -- and for good reason. It's built for a new generation of investors who want a basic, streamlined way to build wealth over time. The app is clean, intuitive, and packed with features that make long-term investing feel effortless. Users love how accessible it is to automate contributions, invest their SoFi® credit card rewards, and manage everything in one place.
What you should know: SoFi® is a great fit for long-term, buy-and-hold investors who want to "set it and forget it." But it's not really built for active traders or anyone who needs deep technical charts and real-time analysis. If you're looking for a sleek experience, strong customer support, and tools to help you stay consistent, SoFi® is a solid all-in-one choice.
Fidelity makes investing easy with $0 commission trades, powerful tools, and 24/7 support. Trade stocks, ETFs, options, and even crypto -- all in one place. Get expert insights, automate your investing, and potentially earn more on uninvested cash.
$0 commission for online U.S. stock and ETFs*. No account fees****.
$0****
On Fidelity's Secure Website.
Why we like it: Fidelity is a powerhouse in the investing world. And it earns that rep with a rock-solid platform that works for beginners and seasoned investors alike. In fact, we point most newbie investors toward Fidelity, and it took home our Best Broker Overall Award for 2026.
You'll get access to a huge selection of investment options, from stocks and ETFs to mutual funds, plus powerful tools if you decide to get more advanced down the road.
What you should know: Fidelity does a lot right, but its fees for options contracts and margin trading are slightly higher than some competitors. If you're a frequent trader in those areas, it might not be the cheapest route. But for most long-term investors, the overall value more than makes up for it.
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
On Charles Schwab's Secure Website.
Why we like it: Much like Fidelity, Charles Schwab is one of the OGs of online investing. From casual investors to seasoned pros, Schwab offers something for everyone. You'll find $0 commissions, a massive lineup of investment options (stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, and more), and the kind of long-term stability that only comes from a firm with decades of experience.
What you should know: Schwab's app gets the job done, but it's not winning any design awards. Compared to sleeker platforms like Robinhood or SoFi®, the user interface can feel a bit clunky. That said, if you care more about substance than style -- and want a full-service brokerage with deep resources -- Schwab's still a great choice.
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, Content Manager
Robinhood offers a user-friendly mobile trading app that allows trading in stocks, options, and cryptocurrencies.
$0 for stocks, ETFs, and options
$0
Get a Free Stock
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
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
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.
For most new investors, we recommend Fidelity. It's easy to navigate, gives you commission-free trades, and provides great educational tools to help you learn and build up confidence. SoFi® is another great pick if you're looking for automation and simplicity -- it's perfect for a "set it and forget it" investing style.
Yes, as long as you're using a reputable broker. All of the apps on our list are backed by SIPC insurance, which protects your investments (up to certain limits) in the event the brokerage fails. Just make sure you're downloading the official app and enabling two-factor authentication for extra security.
Absolutely. Many top trading apps let you buy fractional shares, so you can invest with as little as even $1. That means you can own a piece of Amazon, Tesla, or Apple without needing hundreds of dollars up front.
If you're planning to invest consistently over time and grow your wealth steadily, look for an app that offers automation, low fees, and strong research tools. Fidelity, Schwab, and SoFi® are all excellent choices for long-term investors who want reliability and simplicity.
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.
Fidelity disclosure
Investing involves risk, including risk of loss
* - $0.00 commission applies to online U.S. equity trades and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in a Fidelity retail account only for Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC retail clients. Sell orders are subject to an activity assessment fee (historically from $0.01 to $0.03 per $1,000 of principal). Other exclusions and conditions may apply. A limited number of ETFs are subject to a transaction-based service fee of $100. See full list at Fidelity.com/commissions. Employee equity compensation transactions and accounts managed by advisors or intermediaries through Fidelity Institutional® are subject to different commission schedules.
**Fidelity Crypto® is offered by Fidelity Digital Assets®. Investing involves risk, including risk of total loss. Crypto as an asset class is highly volatile, can become illiquid at any time, and is for investors with a high risk tolerance. Crypto may also be more susceptible to market manipulation than securities. Crypto is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. Investors in crypto do not benefit from the same regulatory protections applicable to registered securities. Fidelity Crypto® accounts and custody and trading of crypto in such accounts are provided by Fidelity Digital Asset Services, LLC, which is chartered as a limited purpose trust company by the New York State Department of Financial Services to engage in virtual currency business (NMLS ID 1773897). Brokerage services in support of securities trading are provided by Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC (“FBS”), and related custody services are provided by National Financial Services LLC (“NFS”), each a registered broker-dealer and member NYSE and SIPC. Neither FBS nor NFS offer crypto as a direct investment nor provide trading or custody services for such assets. Fidelity Crypto and Fidelity Digital Assets are registered service marks of FMR LLC.
***Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all investors. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. Before trading options, please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options. Supporting documentation for any claims, if applicable, will be furnished upon request.
****Zero account minimums and zero account fees apply to retail brokerage accounts only. Expenses charged by investments (e.g., funds, managed accounts, and certain HSAs) and commissions, interest charges, or other expenses for transactions may still apply. See Fidelity.com/commissions for further details.
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.
E*TRADE services are available just to U.S. residents.