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12 best stock trading apps of 2024

Finder's analysis identified the best stock trading app for beginners, options trading and more.

Mobile trading apps continue to grow in popularity among traders and investors as more people leverage the power and convenience of their smartphones to access the stock market. With access to real-time market data and advanced trading tools, coupled with the falling costs of investing, mobile trading continues to transform the way individuals invest.

While nearly every broker today offers a mobile trading app in some form, not all are created equal. The best stock trading apps are free to sign up, offer an intuitive interface with ample trading tools and features and have favorable customer reviews. We analyzed 18 U.S. brokers to find the best overall stock trading apps for traders and investors. Here are the 12 best stock trading apps of 2024, according to Finder’s analysis.

Our top picks for trading apps

Best for options trading

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  • Trade options, futures, options on futures, stocks, ETFs
  • $0 commission to close options
  • Get $100-$5,000 when you open an account with $5,000 to $1,000,000+

Best for mobile experience

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  • Earn up to 3% in matching funds on Robinhood IRA contributions
  • Earn up to 5.25% interest on uninvested cash
  • Get a free stock when you successfully sign up and link your bank account

Promoted for Beginners

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  • Trade fractional shares of stocks, ETFs and Bitcoin
  • Invest with as little as $1
  • Free to open, no minimum balance required and no commission fees

12 best trading apps of 2024

Best overall

Interactive Brokers

4.3
★★★★★

Finder score

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In addition to receiving high marks from both Apple and Android users, IBKR Mobile offers the powerful trading tools that many brokers reserve for their web and desktop trading platforms — things like advanced charts, analyst ratings and price targets, earnings estimates and company financials. In other words, there's little you can't do or access with IBKR Mobile. Meanwhile, its beginner-friendly IBKR GlobalTrader and IMPACT mobile trading platforms offer a more simplified trading and investing experience for those looking for uncomplicated access to the markets.

IBKR's suite of mobile trading platforms, sweeping lineup of tradable assets, commission-free trading on US-listed stocks and ETFs and access to 150 global markets in 33 countries help make it the best app for stock trading.

Best for beginners

SoFi Invest®

4.7
★★★★★

Finder score

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In addition to trading stocks, options, ETFs and crypto on a beginner-friendly mobile platform, SoFi® members get access to a free robo-advisor, no-cost financial advice and a range of other financial services that let you invest, bank and borrow from a single, integrated app.

SoFi Invest® offers one of the simplest trading platforms among the brokers we review, offering uncomplicated market access with a no-cost robo-advisor available if you want to automate your investing. It's also one of the only brokers in the industry that offers unlimited, complimentary access to certified financial planners, a service that can cost you several hundred dollars a session elsewhere. SoFi members can consult a CFP professional ahead of any of life's important financial decisions, and we think this is a standout feature worth recognizing.

Other winning categories: Best all-in-one financial app

Best for mobile experience

Robinhood

4.2
★★★★★

Finder score

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It wasn't just its offering of commission-free trades that led Robinhood to transform the way people buy and sell stocks over the past decade but also its innovative, beginner-friendly mobile app with its intuitive design and agile interface, which simplified investing for the masses. Nothing's changed on that front. Expanded investment options, 24/5 trading and IRAs that pay matching contributions are just some of the upgrades Robinhood's made since first launching.

It's a uniquely engaging mobile platform for trading stocks, ETFs, options and crypto without commission, with fractional share trading and 24/7 live customer support to boot. As the pioneer of mobile-first trading and investing, Robinhood offers an unmatched mobile experience for effortless investing.

Best for options trading

Tastytrade

4.6
★★★★★

Finder score

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Designed primarily for derivatives trading, tastytrade boasts an impressive collection of trading products and some of the most competitive pricing on options and futures contracts in the industry. Options have no closing commissions, while stocks and ETFs are commission-free. Its trading platforms are powerful, with advanced trading, research and analysis tools. Some of tastytrade's specific options trading tools include profit and loss visualizations and a quick roll feature to roll your option position into the future.

Meanwhile, tastytrade offers a comprehensive learning center with video and live demos to help you level up your options trading skills.

Best day trading stock app

Moomoo

4.7
★★★★★

Finder score

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Moomoo's one of the most capable trading apps on the market, offering advanced, customizable charting and free access to pro-grade tools such as analyst ratings, real-time Level 2 market data and short sale analysis. Track market capital flow to help time transactions, view position cost distribution and other technical indicators and use Moomoo's Indicator Sentiment for a quick view of the overall status of all technical indicators. Choose from over 63 indicators and 38 drawing tools or customize technical indicators with over 190 pre-set functions, all on Moomoo's user-friendly mobile app. You'll also find a dedicated desktop trading platform and paper trading so you can practice and test your strategies before going live.

Best for alternative investments

Public.com

4.3
★★★★★

Finder score

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If you're looking to trade stocks, treasuries, ETFs, crypto and alternative assets from a single, user-friendly platform, you'll find Public's trading app to be both simple and intuitive. Public prioritizes accessibility, making it easy to get up and running, explore assets and invest.

Public's mobile analysis tools include Morningstar research reports, earnings estimates, in-app earnings calls, analyst ratings and price targets, financial fundamentals and more. Its themed investing makes it easy to identify potential investment opportunities, while its social trading feature lets you interact with other Public traders and see which stocks are popular among the Public community. Public is among the only stock apps we review that offer access to a growing list of alternative assets, along with treasuries, making it a well-rounded app for traders and investors.

Best for social trading and investing

eToro

4.3
★★★★★

Finder score

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eToro's app doesn't skimp on features. TipRanks-powered analyst ratings and price targets, hedge fund activity, insider transactions and advanced charts, all on an easy-to-use interface. Stocks and ETFs trade commission-free and options are free of both commissions and contract fees — something we don't see often.

But its eToro's unique blend of cutting-edge technology and social networking that helped it popularize social investing and foster a dynamic community of traders and investors. Specifically, CopyTrader. CopyTrader lets you leverage the expertise of other eToro users by automatically tracking and replicating their crypto trades in your portfolio, and get paid when others copy you. While CopyTrader is currently only available for crypto, it's a defining feature of the platform and one that helps it stand out as the best broker for social investing.

Best for stock analysis

Webull

4.4
★★★★★

Finder score

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Webull's versatile but user-friendly trading app delivers an impressive collection of powerful tools for on-the-go traders without complicating the trading experience. Its trading tools include customizable filters, at least 10 different order types and advanced charts with drawing tools, more than 50 indicators and over 60 on-chart technical signals. Analyst ratings and price targets, a quant rating to evaluate stocks and technical summary scores provide a quick summary of the stock's activity. While other brokers offer similarly powerful analysis tools, few deliver it through an impressively intuitive mobile app like Webull's.

Meanwhile, Webull's learning center boasts over 500 courses, and its paper trading feature lets you hone your trading skills with virtual money.

Best for micro-investing

Acorns

3.9
★★★★★

Finder score

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Automated portfolio management with a level of customization unlike many other robo-advisors, Acorns has redefined how people save and invest their spare change. With its innovative 'round-up' feature, Acorns automatically invests spare change from your everyday purchases, effortlessly growing your portfolio. Its user-friendly app simplifies investing for beginners, while also offering a degree of freedom through its Custom Portfolios to investors who want to retain control over their portfolio. And Acorns' flat-fee subscription structure means the cost for portfolio management never changes, with minimal back-end fees and no account minimums.

Whether you're new to investing or simply want to automate portfolio management, Acorns is the go-to platform for turning small change into substantial savings.

Best for market news

E-Trade

4.2
★★★★★

Finder score

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Pioneer of online trading, E-Trade offers its E-Trade Mobile app for on-the-go investing and the Power E-Trade app for serious traders who need a convenient but powerful mobile trading platform. Watchlists and alerts, advanced charts, earnings estimates and high-quality research reports are just some of the features E-Trade delivers to mobile users.

E-Trade's dedicated 'Markets' section in its app highlights market performance, market movers, upcoming earnings, futures quotes, today's news and live BloombergTV.

Best for low fees

Fidelity Investments

4.6
★★★★★

Finder score

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Few brokers come close to Fidelity in terms of overall cost. No minimums to open an account, no commissions for online US stock, ETF and options trades and no inactivity fees. Plus, an avoidance of miscellaneous account fees that we just don't see anywhere else.

With Fidelity, you'll find:

  • No IRA closing fee
  • No statement or confirmation fees
  • No wire fees
  • No mandatory reorganization fees

Should you decide to take your business elsewhere, no account transfer fees. Need an overnight check delivery? It's free. Hit with a returned check or need to stop a payment? No fees. Its robo-advisor has no advisory fees on balances under $25,000 and there's no minimum to use the service. Fidelity says it delivers on value, and we've got to agree.

Best for stock research

Charles Schwab

4.2
★★★★★

Finder score

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Charles Schwab's mobile trading app offers the same look and feel as its web-based platform — sophisticated and easy to navigate, with many modern trading features. Its 40+ thematic stock lists — everything from artificial intelligence to caffeinated drinks to water sustainability — provide a convenient way to identify new investing ideas, while its educational resources offer mobile traders quick access to timely market commentary, podcasts and articles.

Charles Schwab also offers no shortage of big broker research for its mobile traders and investors, with access to Schwab Equity Ratings Report, Morningstar Equity Analyst Report, CFRA Stock Report and research reports from Argus.

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Finder is not an adviser 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.

Methodology: How we choose the best stock trading apps

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

Investment optionsTrading platformsTrading costsAccount feesAccount typesCustomer supportMobile app reviewsFeatures
20%26%10%5%5%6%7%21%

What we assess in each category

  • Investment options. This category evaluates the total number of available investment options and the breadth and diversity of available assets.
  • Trading platforms. This category examines the stock app’s usability and functionality. It assesses the quantity and quality of things like research tools, charts and technical analysis features. More weight is applied to the UX/UI of the app.
  • Trading costs. This category evaluates the broker’s trading fee structure, including commissions, spreads and any additional charges to buy or sell securities.
  • Account fees. This category assesses all the back-end fees that come with having an account, including minimum deposits, wire transfer fees and outgoing full account transfer fees. We also evaluate inactivity fees, margin base rates and monthly subscription fees to get access to the app’s top features.
  • Account types. This category examines available account types and includes everything from individual brokerage accounts to 529 plans to IRAs for individuals and businesses.
  • Customer support. This category rates the broker’s customer support accessibility and evaluates available support channels, such as live chat, phone and email. We also consider the level of transparency for finding important information on the app’s website.
  • Mobile app reviews. This category analyzes a mobile app’s user reviews and ratings across the major app stores. We also consider the app’s security measures, like whether it offers two-factor authentication and biometrics capabilities.
  • Features. This category evaluates the availability of features such as fractional shares, instant deposits and paper trading. We also consider access to a robo-advisor and human advisor, cash sweep rates for uninvested cash and whether the app is good for beginners.
  • 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.

A photo of Bob Haegele

Find the app that works for you.

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.

Bob Haegele, Personal finance writer and expert

What to look for in a trading app

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:

  • Costs and fees. Consider trading fees and the overall costs of using the broker.
  • Investment options. Choose a platform that offers tradable assets that align with your strategy and goals.
  • Platform availability. Some brokers are mobile-only, while others offer desktop, browser and mobile trading platforms.
  • Reliability and security. Review the app’s security features, regulatory status and history of outages.
  • Check app store ratings. Consider the number of reviews and how existing and previous users rate the app and platform.
  • Compare your options. No two brokers are identical. Compare your options to find the right broker for you.

What trading app has the lowest fees?

Most brokers on the market today are free to sign up, free to use and offer commission-free stock and ETF trading. However, brokers have other costs and fees to be aware of. For example, some brokers charge a fee for periods of account inactivity or a fee to transfer your account to another broker. We’ve listed a variety of fees you may expect to pay when investing, transferring funds or even switching providers. This isn’t an exhaustive list and doesn’t include all the charges you may face as a customer.

Compare some of the most popular brokers and their fees, as of February 2024. Find the lowest fees for your investment needs.

ProviderStock trading feeAnnual feeInactivity fee (monthly)Outgoing account transfer fee
Acorns$0$36$0$50
Charles Schwab$0$0$0$50
eToro$0$0$10$75
E-Trade$0$0$0$75
Fidelity Investments$0$0$0$0
Interactive Brokers$0$0$0$0
Moomoo$0$0$0$75
SoFi Invest®$0$0$25$75
Public.com$0$0$10$75
Tastytrade$0$0$0$75
Robinhood$0$0$0$100
Webull$0$0$0$75

Compare trading app investment options

An important part of choosing a trading app is determining which investment options you’re interested in adding to your portfolio. While the big brokers like Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab and Interactive Brokers offer the most traditional investment options, mobile-first trading apps are starting to step up their game when it comes to asset offerings.

Compare some of the most popular brokers and their investment options, as of February 2024.

Stocks and ETFSOptionsFuturesCryptoMutual fundsBondsTreasuriesAlternative assets
Acorns
Charles Schwab
eToro
E-trade
Fidelity Investments
Interactive Brokers
Moomoo
Public.com
Robinhood
SoFi Invest
tastytrade
Webull

Compare brokers by available trading platforms

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.

On what type of platform do you do the majority of your investing?

Mobile trading apps are growing in popularity for several reasons: time spent on mobile devices is increasing; mobile apps tend to offer a better user-experience; and mobile trading apps are increasingly becoming more powerful and are starting to include many of the same features you’d find on browser and, sometimes, desktop versions of the trading platform.

Compare some of the most popular brokers by the different trading platforms they offer.

ProviderMobile appWeb browserDesktop app
Acorns
Charles Schwab
eToro
E-Trade
Fidelity Investments
Interactive Brokers
Moomoo
Public.com
Robinhood
SoFi Invest
tastytrade
Webull

Are stock trading apps safe?

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.

Of course, you can also take measures to maximize your funds’ safety. Choose a strong password and don’t share it with anyone, and remember to take advantage of protective measures like biometric login before you start trading. Finally, be careful to only download apps from the official app store for your smartphone operating system — Google Play for Android and Apple’s App Store for iOS — not from a third-party app store.

Compare and find the broker that's right for you

Match your experience level with your trading and investing goals to find the right broker for you.
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

Frequently asked questions about the best stock trading apps

Which is the best app to use for stock trading?

According to Finder’s analysis, the best stock trading app is Interactive Brokers. Interactive Brokers offers multiple mobile trading platforms for traders and investors of different experience levels, low costs and a wide range of investment options, including foreign equities.

What app do professional stock traders use?

Professional stock traders, as in those who work for investment banks or other asset management companies, most likely use in-house trading platforms. For active retail traders, it comes down to personal preference. Charles Schwab’s Thinkorswim, TradeStation’s Lightspeed Trader or Interactive Brokers’s Trader Workstation are all professional-grade trading platforms.

Is Robinhood the best trading app?

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.

Which stock trading app is best for beginners?

Many trading apps are designed specifically to suit novice investors, so it’s important to compare a range of options to find an app that suits you.

Are there any free stock trading apps?

Yes. Most stock trading apps are free to download, while many also offer $0 commissions on US stock and ETF trades. However, be aware that brokerage fees may apply to some tradable assets, while you may also need to pay account fees to access some features.

Are stocks a good investment?

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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