With more than ten years of experience covering the brokerage sector, we at StockBrokers com have watched the development of stock trading apps from simple watch lists to complete standalone trading platforms. These days, the emphasis is on creating user-friendly stock apps with features that can satisfy even the pickiest investors.
I side-by-side compared the trading apps from 17 brokers to determine which was the best app for stock trading. My research revealed some intriguing variations in the features and user experience, which I’ll go over below. For instance, the Merrill Edge app shares stock data in a completely different way than, say, Interactive Brokers, but Interactive Brokers offers three different apps.
We have assisted more than 20 million users in finding, evaluating, and selecting an online broker since 2009. Over the course of their careers, our writers have placed thousands of trades together. Heres how we test.
Choosing the best stock trading app can be overwhelming, especially with the plethora of options available This comprehensive guide dives into the top contenders, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Key Considerations for Choosing the Best Stock Trading App:
- Fees: Look for platforms with low or no commissions, inactivity fees, and account minimums.
- Features: Consider the app’s functionalities, including watchlists, charting tools, research reports, and educational resources.
- Ease of Use: The app should be intuitive and user-friendly, especially for beginners.
- Security: Choose a platform with robust security measures to protect your personal and financial data.
- Customer Support: Reliable and responsive customer support is crucial in case you encounter any issues.
Top Stock Trading Apps of 2024:
1. Interactive Brokers:
- Best Overall: Interactive Brokers offers a powerful and comprehensive platform with extensive features, including advanced order types, real-time market data, and global market access.
- Pros: Excellent research and educational resources, low commissions, and a wide range of investment options.
- Cons: Complex interface for beginners, higher margin rates compared to other brokers.
2. E*TRADE:
- Best for Casual Traders: E*TRADE’s user-friendly app provides a smooth trading experience with intuitive navigation and clear information.
- Pros: Excellent watchlists and mobile navigation, high-quality research, and commission-free stock and ETF trades.
- Cons: Cryptocurrencies not available, higher margin rates compared to other brokers.
3 Fidelity:
- Best App for Investors and Beginners: Fidelity’s app is clean, bug-free, and delivers a phenomenal experience for investors of all levels.
- Pros: Top-notch education and research, commission-free stock and ETF trades, and a user-friendly interface.
- Cons: No dedicated mobile app for active trading.
4. Charles Schwab:
- Best for Traders: With the addition of TD Ameritrade’s thinkorswim platforms, Schwab now offers a robust platform with advanced charting tools and technical analysis capabilities.
- Pros: Excellent research and commentary, commission-free stock and ETF trades, and access to thinkorswim platforms.
- Cons: No cryptocurrency trading, complex mutual fund fees.
5. Merrill Edge:
- Best App for Stock Research: Merrill Edge provides in-depth stock research and analysis, making it a valuable tool for informed investment decisions.
- Pros: Unique stock research features, high-quality proprietary research, and commission-free stock and ETF trades.
- Cons: Some site elements load slowly, no crypto, futures, forex, or penny stocks.
6. Firstrade:
- Best for Chinese-Speaking Investors: Firstrade offers a user-friendly app with support for Chinese language and a focus on penny stock trading.
- Pros: Excellent for Chinese-speaking investors, easy-to-use mobile app, and commission-free stock and ETF trades.
- Cons: Trading platform and tools trail industry leaders, limited investor education.
7. Webull:
- Excellent Charts: Webull provides outstanding charting tools and technical analysis capabilities, making it ideal for visual traders.
- Pros: Commission-free stock and options trades, excellent charting tools, and user-friendly interface.
- Cons: Limited investment options, high markups and markdowns on crypto trades.
Additional Considerations:
- Paper Trading Platforms: If you’re new to trading, consider using a paper trading platform to practice with virtual funds before investing real money.
- Stock Trading Simulators: Stock trading simulators can help you test different trading strategies and gain experience in a simulated market environment.
Choosing the best stock trading app depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the factors mentioned above and explore the different platforms to find the one that best suits your trading style and goals. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so take your time and do your research before making a decision.
Are stock trading apps safe?
Trading apps from established U.S. based brokerage firms are safe against theft and broker insolvency. Brokers in the United States are among the highest-regulated financial service providers in the world. They go to enormous lengths to protect your privacy and you are protected against the loss of cash and securities by the Security Investors Protection Corporation if, for some reason your broker is financially distressed (up to $500,000 in securities and $250,000 in cash per customer). Many brokers buy additional coverage to insure even larger amounts.
Recall that SIPC insurance does not provide protection against losing money if your investments decline. Your investment choices will have a far greater impact on the security of your portfolio than the possibility of fraud or theft.
Best for traders – Charles Schwab
| Company | Minimum Deposit | Stock Trades | Options (Per Contract) | Offers | Visit Site |
 Charles Schwab |
$0.00 | $0.00 | $0.65 | Trade with thinkorswim®, now at Schwab. | Visit Site   |
With the exception of a few extremely specialized traders and the busiest professionals, Schwab’s mobile suite ought to satisfy everyone. For sporadic and long-term investors, there is Schwab Mobile; for active traders, there is Thinkorswim Mobile, which debuted this year. Though I’m happy to use thinkorswim or Power E*TRADE, I personally lean toward thinkorswim because of its layout. Read review.
The Top 5 BEST Investing Apps
FAQ
Which one is best trading app?
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Trading Apps
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Top Features
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Paytm Money
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There is no commission for direct mutual funds
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5paisa App
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Features an option for automatic investing
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ICICI Direct App
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Marginal trading: Pay Later
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EdelweissApp
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Possesses a wide range of sophisticated trade analysing tools
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What is the best stock trading app for beginners?
Which trading is best for beginners?
What is the best stock trading app?
Charles Schwab is our top pick for best trading app for stocks. The best stock trading apps offer low fees, real-time market data, multiple investment options, accessible trading features, and other top-notch investing features.
What are the best stock trading apps for 2024?
The best stock trading apps for 2024, based on our extensive, hands-on app testing, are: What is the best stock trading app for beginners? For beginners in 2024, the best stock trading apps are Fidelity and Charles Schwab. Between the two brokers, Schwab has the edge for educational resources and trading tools.
Are mobile trading apps good for beginners?
In general, mobile trading apps are a good choice for beginners because they’re typically easier to navigate than online or desktop platforms. What’s the best app for free stock trading? Nearly all of the apps above offer commission-free trades of U.S.-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds.
How do I choose a free trading app?
When choosing between free online trading apps, you should find one with a wide range of investment products, investment research, and educational tools. You should also look for a free trading app that has a trading platform that best suits your trading style. What is the easiest free stock app to use?