You’re about to see some of the best stock apps on the market.
We determined these picks using an unbiased rating system that considers everything from trading costs and fees to investment options, trading platforms, features, customer support availability and more.
In fact, I use several of these exact stock trading apps to invest.
With that, it’s time to reveal our picks of the best stock apps of 2026.
Honorable mentions
Why trust Finder?
We're big on editorial independence. That means our content, reviews and ratings are fair, accurate and trustworthy. We don't let advertisers or partners sway our opinions. Our financial experts put in the hard work, spending hours researching and analyzing hundreds of products based on data-driven methodologies to find the best accounts and providers for you. Explore our editorial guidelines to see how we work.
Paid non-client promotion. Finder does not invest money with providers on this page. If a brand is a referral partner, we're paid when you click or tap through to, open an account with or provide your contact information to the provider. Partnerships are not a recommendation for you to invest with any one company. Learn more about how we make money.
Finder is not an advisor or brokerage service. Information on this page is for educational purposes only and not a recommendation to invest with any one company, trade specific stocks or fund specific investments. All editorial opinions are our own.
Finder’s investments experts review 18 brokers available on the market to find the best stock apps for specific types of traders and investors and different investing strategies, while also granting special recognition to brokers who offer exclusive standout features that none of their competitors have.
We analyze each platform based on 147 key metrics we collect directly from brokers and assess each provider’s performance across eight different categories, weighing each metric based on the expertise and insights of Finder’s investment experts. We then score and rank each provider depending on how it performs within each category.
How we weigh the overall rating
| Category | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Investment options | 20% |
| Trading platforms and technology | 20% |
| Trading costs | 15% |
| Account fees | 5% |
| Account types and minimums | 10% |
| Customer support | 10% |
| Mobile app ratings and security | 5% |
| Features and amenities | 15% |
We update our best picks as products change, disappear or emerge in the market. We also regularly review and revise our selections to ensure our best provider lists reflect the most competitive available.
Choosing the best stock trading app isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Along with costs and investment options, you’ll want to know what an app looks like and how it performs on your device. Android and iOS versions of trading apps can have subtle differences. Trading features and research tools may also be different on mobile versions of trading platforms compared to browser and desktop versions.
Factors you should consider when choosing the best trading app include:
"Stock trading apps are a dime a dozen these days, but a few apps stand out above the rest. Even so, a strong rating doesn’t necessarily mean a trading app will be the best pick for you.
For example, if a stock trading app has complex charts and metrics you don’t understand, it probably won’t work well for you. Finding an app that serves your purposes is just as important as finding one that’s highly rated."
According to Finder’s Consumer Confidence Index, nearly a quarter of our survey respondents say they do a majority of their investing on a mobile app.
Now that you’ve found the right trading app for your goals, it’s time to put it to work. Dive into the app, sign up for an account and get comfortable with its features. You’ll need to deposit money to your new trading account via bank transfer to start investing, unless you choose to transfer assets from another broker.
Having accounts with multiple stock apps is an option if you aren’t completely satisfied with a single platform. Maybe it offers the tools and resources you need to research stocks but not the assets you want to build out your portfolio.
Define your investment goals, develop a strategy that suits your style and stay informed about market trends. Use any educational resources the app offers to learn how to invest and sharpen your skills. Regularly review your portfolio and adjust your strategy as needed.
The right trading app makes investing easier. But you also need a solid plan and the discipline to invest regularly and consistently to give you the best chance at building your wealth.
| If you're a | And want to | Consider this |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner investor | Do most or all of your trading on your mobile device | Best stock trading apps |
| Beginner investor | Trade and invest with as few fees as possible | Best discount stock brokers |
| Beginner investor | Outsource portfolio management automatically and at a low cost | Best robo-advisors |
| Beginner investor | Gain exposure to multiple assets like stocks, bonds or gold through a single fund | Best ETF brokers |
| Experienced investor | Get an overall idea of providers on the market and what they're best for | Best brokerage accounts |
| Experienced investor | Invest internationally in stocks, ETFs and other assets | Best international stock brokers |
| Retirement saver of any experience level | Save for retirement with upfront tax benefits | Best (traditional) IRA |
| Retirement saver of any experience level | Save for retirement and enjoy tax-free withdrawals | Best Roth IRA |
| Investor of any experience level | Diversify with low-cost index funds | Best brokerage accounts for index funds 2024 |
Yes, provided you deal with a reputable broker. US brokers are highly regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to ensure that they follow best practices when managing client money. Your investments are also protected by the Security Investors Protection Corporation (SIPC) in case your brokerage firm fails.
Apps from licensed, established brokers also feature high-level security features to help protect your privacy and your money. They use encryption and strong firewalls to protect your data and features like biometric logins and two-factor authentication to help keep your account safe.
Robinhood is among the best trading apps. It’s beginner-friendly, making it incredibly easy to start trading stocks, ETFs, options and crypto. It also has some of the lowest fees in the industry and offers the best mobile experience according to Finder’s analysis.
In general, stocks are a good investment. Stocks are widely regarded as offering the greatest potential for growth over the long-term. But that doesn’t mean any stock is worth buying. Do you due diligence before investing.
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