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Finding the right online broker can feel overwhelming when dozens of platforms are competing for your attention. Some promise the lowest fees. Others tout research tools, crypto access, or beginner-friendly design. The truth is, the best broker for you depends entirely on how you trade and what you need out of a platform.
We reviewed nine of the top online brokers available in 2026, looking at current fees, trading platforms, research tools, investment options, and customer support. Whether you are placing your first trade or managing a complex portfolio, this guide will help you find the right fit.
9 Best Online Brokers
The brokers below were selected based on fees, platform quality, research depth, investment selection, and overall value for different types of investors.
Robinhood built its reputation on one idea: make investing accessible to everyone.
Commission-free trading, a clean mobile app, and no account minimums helped it attract millions of new investors. It still earns high marks for simplicity, though its tools have limits for more serious traders.
Fees
Stocks and ETFs: $0 per trade
Options: $0 per trade, no per-contract fee
Cryptocurrency: Commission-free, but spreads apply
Mutual Funds: Not available
Trading Platform
Robinhood’s app and web platform are built for ease of use. The interface is clean and straightforward, making it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and crypto in just a few taps.
Advanced charting and customization are limited on the standard account. The Gold subscription ($5/month or $50/year) unlocks Morningstar research, Level II market data, and higher instant deposit limits.
In late 2025, Robinhood also launched a higher-tier “Legend” subscription aimed at active traders, adding professional charting tools and Smart Exchange Routing for tighter crypto spreads.
Research Tools
Basic market data is available to all users. Gold members get access to Morningstar equity research on around 1,700 stocks and Nasdaq Level II quotes. That said, the research depth still falls short of full-service brokers like Fidelity or Charles Schwab.
Customer Support
Robinhood now offers live phone support through the app, an improvement over its earlier chat-only setup. Response times can vary, and there are no in-person branch locations or dedicated advisor access.
Who Robinhood Is Best For
Robinhood is a strong starting point for beginner investors who want a commission-free platform with a minimal learning curve. It is less suited for active traders or investors who rely on deep research and advanced order types.
Webull is a commission-free platform built for active traders who want more than just the basics.
It packs advanced charting, real-time data, and a paper trading feature into a sleek interface, all without charging commissions on stocks, ETFs, or options.
The platform went public on Nasdaq in 2025 and has continued expanding its product lineup rapidly.
Fees
Stocks and ETFs: $0 per trade
Options: $0 per trade, $0 per contract
Cryptocurrency: Available in the main Webull app, commission-free (spreads apply)
Mutual Funds: Not available
Trading Platform
Webull’s desktop and mobile platforms are built with active traders in mind. Customizable layouts, real-time market data, and a wide range of technical indicators give traders serious tools without a steep price tag.
In late 2025, Webull reintegrated crypto trading back into the main app, so you can now manage stocks and crypto in one place.
The platform also added prediction markets and an AI-powered decision support tool called Vega, which analyzes market data to surface personalized trade insights.
Research Tools
Webull provides fundamental data, analyst ratings, and a solid set of technical indicators. The paper trading feature is a standout for beginners who want to practice without risking real money.
Research depth is lighter than full-service brokers, but Webull covers the essentials well for technical traders.
Customer Support
Webull offers 24/7 customer support through in-app chat and email. Phone support is limited, which can be frustrating for users who prefer talking to someone directly.
Who Webull Is Best For
Webull is best for active and intermediate traders who want a feature-rich, commission-free platform with strong charting tools. It is not the right fit for long-term investors who need mutual fund access or extensive fundamental research.
Charles Schwab is one of the most well-rounded brokers in the industry.
It has no commissions on stocks and ETFs, a massive mutual fund selection, and one of the most powerful trading platforms available after the full integration of thinkorswim, inherited from its TD Ameritrade acquisition.
Fees
Stocks and ETFs: $0 per trade
Options: $0 per trade + $0.65 per contract
Mutual Funds: Over 4,000 NTF funds; others may have fees
Futures: $2.25 per contract
Trading Platform
Schwab’s primary advanced trading platform is thinkorswim, available as a desktop download, a browser-based web platform, and a mobile app.
It includes customizable layouts, real-time streaming data, advanced charting, paper trading, and algorithmic strategy testing.
Schwab’s standard web platform handles everyday trading well for investors who do not need all those features.
Research Tools
Schwab provides in-depth market research from multiple sources, including Morningstar and its proprietary equity ratings system.
Investors have access to fundamental analysis, earnings reports, and stock screeners. The breadth of research available here is among the best of any commission-free broker.
Customer Support
Customer service is available 24/7 by phone, live chat, and email. Schwab also maintains physical branch locations across the country for in-person help, which is rare among online-first brokers.
Who Charles Schwab Is Best For
Schwab is a great choice for both long-term investors and active traders who want a full-service experience without paying high commissions.
The thinkorswim platform makes it especially appealing to serious traders who want professional-grade tools at no extra cost.
Public is a commission-free brokerage that takes a social-first approach to investing.
It lets users follow other investors, see what people are buying, and participate in community discussions around stocks and markets. It is simple by design and best suited for newer investors.
Public’s mobile-first platform is intuitive and beginner-friendly. The social layer sets it apart, letting users see community commentary alongside standard price data. Fractional shares are supported, so you can invest in expensive stocks with small dollar amounts.
The platform does not offer advanced charting tools or the kind of customization active traders expect.
Research Tools
Public provides basic company insights, analyst ratings, and community-driven commentary. It is not built for investors who need deep fundamental or technical research.
The simplified approach works well for casual investors who prefer following the community over running their own analysis.
Customer Support
Support is available through in-app chat and email. Response times are generally acceptable, but there is no phone support for immediate help.
Who Public Is Best For
Public works best for beginner and casual investors who want a simple, social investing experience. If you need advanced research tools, complex order types, or options trading, you will need a different platform.
Interactive Brokers is the go-to platform for professional traders, active investors, and anyone who needs access to global markets.
It offers some of the lowest margin rates in the industry, trading access across more than 160 markets worldwide, and one of the most powerful platforms available anywhere. The tradeoff is that it takes time to learn.
Fees
Stocks and ETFs: $0 per trade on IBKR Lite; $0.005 per share on IBKR Pro
Options: $0.65 per contract (volume discounts available)
Mutual Funds: Thousands of NTF funds; others may have fees
Futures: $0.85 per contract
Trading Platform
IBKR’s flagship platform is Trader Workstation (TWS), which offers customizable dashboards, real-time market data, sophisticated risk management tools, and algorithmic trading capabilities.
The broker also offers IBKR Desktop, a newer and more streamlined interface for traders who find TWS overwhelming, along with a mobile app and web-based Client Portal.
Crypto trading has expanded significantly at IBKR. Clients can now transfer existing crypto holdings into their IBKR-linked crypto account, and the platform added nano Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts in early 2026.
Research Tools
IBKR offers extensive research, including fundamental and technical analysis, market screeners, and real-time news from multiple sources.
Advanced tools like IBKR’s Risk Navigator and Portfolio Analyst give professional traders data they can act on immediately.
Customer Support
Interactive Brokers offers support by phone, chat, and email, though response times can vary. The platform is best suited for self-sufficient traders who are comfortable digging into documentation on their own.
Who Interactive Brokers Is Best For
IBKR is the right choice for advanced traders, professionals, and frequent traders who need global market access and sophisticated tools. If you are new to investing, a simpler platform will serve you better while you get started.
Fidelity is consistently ranked among the top brokerages for a reason.
It combines commission-free trading with some of the deepest research offerings in the industry, a well-built trading platform, and strong investor education. It works for beginners, long-term investors, and active traders alike.
Fees
Stocks and ETFs: $0 per trade
Options: $0 per trade + $0.65 per contract
Mutual Funds: Over 3,700 NTF funds
Forex: Available; pricing varies
Trading Platform
Fidelity’s Active Trader Pro is a fully customizable desktop platform with real-time streaming data, advanced charting, and trade automation tools.
The web platform and mobile app are also well-designed and support most of the same functionality. Order execution quality at Fidelity is frequently cited as a standout, particularly for investors placing large or price-sensitive orders.
Research Tools
Fidelity pulls research from more than 20 third-party sources, including Recognia, Ned Davis, and Market Edge.
The Equity Summary Score aggregates multiple analyst ratings into a single score, giving you a quick read on a stock’s overall outlook without digging through every report individually. For investors who want to do thorough research before buying, Fidelity is hard to beat.
Customer Support
Fidelity provides 24/7 phone and live chat support, plus access to financial advisors at branch locations across the country.
Who Fidelity Is Best For
Fidelity is an excellent choice for investors at every level. If strong research, no-commission trading, and a high-quality platform are your priorities, Fidelity belongs near the top of your list.
Merrill Edge is a subsidiary of Bank of America, and that relationship is its biggest selling point.
If you already bank with Bank of America, the integration is seamless and can unlock meaningful rewards through the Preferred Rewards program. Beyond the bank connection, Merrill Edge holds its own with solid research and a capable trading platform.
Fees
Stocks and ETFs: $0 per trade
Options: $0 per trade + $0.65 per contract
Mutual Funds: Over 2,000 NTF funds
Forex and Futures: Not available
Trading Platform
Merrill Edge offers two platforms. Merrill Edge MarketPro is built for active traders and includes real-time streaming data, customizable charts, and technical analysis tools.
The standard web platform works well for everyday investors, and the mobile app covers trading and account management with a clean interface.
Research Tools
Research comes from Bank of America Global Research, Morningstar, and CFRA, giving investors access to earnings analysis, stock screeners, and market commentary.
A feature called Stock Story breaks down stock performance into easy-to-read visual summaries, which is helpful if you prefer a more visual approach to research.
Customer Support
Merrill Edge offers 24/7 phone support and online chat. Customers in the Preferred Rewards program, which requires a combined balance of $20,000 or more across Bank of America and Merrill accounts, get priority support and additional perks including reduced or eliminated trading fees depending on the tier.
Who Merrill Edge Is Best For
Merrill Edge is an ideal fit for existing Bank of America customers who want to combine their banking and investing in one ecosystem. It is best for long-term investors and those who prefer a full-service brokerage experience tied to a major bank.
E*TRADE, now operating as ETRADE from Morgan Stanley, has evolved well beyond its early reputation as a simple online trading tool.
The full integration with Morgan Stanley has elevated its research and added institutional-grade tools that were not available before. It remains a strong option for both everyday investors and active traders.
Fees
Stocks and ETFs: $0 per trade
Options: $0 per trade + $0.65 per contract ($0.50 per contract for active traders)
Mutual Funds: Over 4,400 NTF funds
Futures: $1.50 per contract
Trading Platform
ETRADE now operates three platforms. ETRADE Web serves mainstream investors with a clean, easy interface. Power E*TRADE is the browser-based option for active traders, with real-time data and advanced charting.
Power ETRADE Pro is a new desktop platform launched in July 2025. It supports up to six custom workspaces across multiple monitors, with 120 charting tools and Level II quotes for stocks, options, and ETFs.
On the crypto front, ETRADE announced in September 2025 that it plans to launch direct trading for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana in the first half of 2026 through a partnership with Zerohash.
Research Tools
The Morgan Stanley integration has significantly upgraded E*TRADE’s research. Investors now get institutional-grade analysis from Morgan Stanley’s research team, delivered through interactive and mobile-friendly reports rather than static PDFs. The platform also includes research from providers like Argus and TipRanks.
Customer Support
E*TRADE offers 24/7 customer support by phone and online chat. Investors can also visit physical branch locations for in-person help.
Who E*TRADE Is Best For
ETRADE is a great fit for both beginner and advanced traders who want a flexible platform backed by institutional research.
It is especially strong for options and futures traders, and the Power ETRADE Pro desktop adds real appeal for active traders who want a customizable multi-monitor setup.
Ally Invest is the investing arm of Ally Financial, and it shares the same no-frills, customer-friendly approach that Ally is known for in banking.
It offers commission-free trading, a straightforward platform, and competitive options pricing, making it a solid choice for cost-conscious investors.
Fees
Stocks and ETFs: $0 per trade
Options: $0 per trade + $0.50 per contract
Mutual Funds: NTF funds available; others may have fees
Forex: Available with variable spreads
Trading Platform
Ally Invest’s web-based platform covers the essentials without overwhelming you. It includes charting tools, real-time data, and a customizable dashboard.
The mobile app lets you manage trades, monitor your portfolio, and access market data from anywhere.
The platform does not match the depth of thinkorswim or Power E*TRADE Pro, but it does everything most everyday investors actually need.
Research Tools
Ally Invest offers stock screeners, market analysis, and an options pricing calculator. The research offering is functional and straightforward, better suited for investors who already have a plan than for those who want the platform to generate ideas for them.
Customer Support
Ally Invest offers 24/7 support by phone, live chat, and email. Customer service is one of Ally’s consistent strengths across all of its financial products.
Who Ally Invest Is Best For
Ally Invest is a great choice for cost-conscious investors who want commission-free trading and a no-fuss experience.
It works particularly well if you already bank with Ally, since the integration between banking and investing is seamless. Very active traders or professionals will likely outgrow the platform over time.
How to Choose the Right Online Broker
With most major brokers now offering commission-free stock and ETF trading, the fee differences between them are narrower than ever. What separates a good broker from a great one comes down to the tools, research, and investment options on offer.
Fees and Commissions
While stock and ETF trades are free at most platforms, costs add up in other places. Options contracts typically run $0.50 to $0.65 per contract, margin rates vary significantly between brokers, and some platforms charge for wire transfers or premium data. Here are a few fee factors worth watching:
Options contract fees: $0.50 at Ally, $0.65 at Fidelity, Schwab, E*TRADE, and Merrill Edge
Margin rates: IBKR consistently offers some of the lowest rates in the industry
Account fees: Most major brokers charge no maintenance or inactivity fees, but confirm before opening an account
Premium subscriptions: Robinhood Gold ($5/month) adds research and data upgrades that the free tier lacks
Trading Platform and Tools
The right platform depends on how you invest. Beginners benefit from clean, simple interfaces like Robinhood or Public. Active traders who rely on technical analysis, custom layouts, and real-time screening tools will get more out of thinkorswim at Schwab, Power E*TRADE Pro, or Trader Workstation at IBKR.
It is worth testing a platform’s demo or paper trading mode before committing. The feel of a platform matters just as much as its feature list on paper.
Investment Options
Not every broker offers the same range of products. While stocks and ETFs are universal, access to options, futures, crypto, bonds, and mutual funds varies. Here is a quick breakdown of what to look for:
Options trading: Available at most major brokers except Public
Futures trading: Available at Schwab, IBKR, E*TRADE, and Ally Invest
Cryptocurrency: Available at Robinhood, Webull, IBKR, and Public (E*TRADE expected to launch direct crypto trading in 2026)
Mutual funds: Wide selection at Schwab, Fidelity, E*TRADE, and Merrill Edge; not available at Robinhood or Webull
Research and Data
If you make your own investment decisions, research tools matter. Fidelity and Charles Schwab offer some of the deepest research libraries available at a commission-free broker. E*TRADE has been elevated by Morgan Stanley’s institutional analysis. For technical traders focused on price action and charting, Webull and IBKR offer the screening depth and tools you need.
Customer Support
Support quality ranges widely between brokers. Fidelity, Schwab, E*TRADE, and Ally all offer 24/7 phone support, and Schwab and Fidelity have physical branches for in-person help. Robinhood has improved but still falls short of the service depth at a full-service broker. If you are new to investing and expect to have questions, prioritize a broker that gives you access to a real person quickly.
Mobile Trading Experience
All nine brokers on this list offer a mobile app, but quality varies. Webull, Robinhood, and E*TRADE have consistently earned strong marks for their mobile experience. If you plan to manage your portfolio or execute trades from your phone regularly, check app store ratings and look for reviews that speak to reliability and order execution, not just design.
Bottom Line
The best online broker is the one that fits how you actually invest, not just the one with the lowest headline fees. Beginners who want simplicity will be well-served by Robinhood or Public.
Investors who want serious research without paying for a full-service advisor should look at Fidelity or Charles Schwab. Active traders who need professional-grade tools have strong options in IBKR and ETRADE’s Power ETRADE Pro.
Before opening an account, take the time to compare platforms on the factors that matter most to your strategy. Most brokers offer paper trading or demo accounts, so you can test the experience before committing. Starting with the right broker from the beginning saves you the headache of switching platforms later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do online brokers make money if they offer commission-free trading?
Commission-free does not mean the broker earns nothing. The most common revenue source is payment for order flow (PFOF), where the broker routes your trade to a market maker that pays for the privilege and profits from the bid-ask spread. Brokers also earn money from margin interest, account fees for services like wire transfers, and premium subscription tiers like Robinhood Gold.
Can I have accounts with multiple online brokers?
Yes, and many investors do. You might keep a long-term retirement account at Fidelity while using Webull or Robinhood for more active trading. Managing multiple accounts adds some complexity around tracking balances and tax reporting, but there is no rule against it.
Do online brokers offer retirement accounts like IRAs?
Most major brokers offer Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and SEP IRAs. Robinhood stands out for Gold members with a 3% IRA contribution match. Fidelity, Schwab, and Merrill Edge are particularly well-regarded for retirement account tools and planning resources.
Are fractional shares available at all online brokers?
No. Fractional shares are available at Fidelity, Robinhood, Schwab, Public, and Webull, but not at every broker on this list. If this feature matters to you, confirm availability before opening an account.
How long does it take to withdraw money from an online brokerage account?
ACH transfers to a bank account typically take one to three business days. Wire transfers are usually processed the same day but often carry a fee. Platforms like Ally Invest benefit from direct integration with a linked bank account, which can make moving money faster and easier.
Jake is a personal finance writer with a background in consumer lending and credit counseling. He specializes in credit education, debt management, and helping readers understand the financial systems that affect their daily lives. His goal is simple: cut through the jargon and give people the information they actually need.
