Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a straightforward, low-cost investment option that can diversify a portfolio without requiring much market knowledge, and they’re a standard tradable asset for most brokers.
But where’s the best place to buy these assets?
We put together a list of the best ETF brokers using an unbiased rating system that considers everything from trading costs and fees to trading platforms, features, customer support availability and more.
With that, it’s time to reveal our picks of the best ETF brokers.
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For its access to over 3,400 ETFs, and its top-tier research tools, low fees and competitive cash sweep yield.
Fidelity Investments is a broker driven by value and designed with low costs in mind, which is evident through its commission-free ETFs, stocks and options trades, as well as its industry-low account and miscellaneous fees. Built for investors of varying experience levels and infused with beginner-friendly and advanced trading tools and features — things like fractional share trading, an active trader platform and top-tier research tools — Fidelity Investments offers a refreshingly modern trading platform, and we think it's the best broker overall for ETF investing.
Other winning categories: Best for low costs
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
N/A
For its access to over 3,400 ETFs, and its top-tier research tools, low fees and competitive cash sweep yield.
Fidelity Investments is a broker driven by value and designed with low costs in mind, which is evident through its commission-free ETFs, stocks and options trades, as well as its industry-low account and miscellaneous fees. Built for investors of varying experience levels and infused with beginner-friendly and advanced trading tools and features — things like fractional share trading, an active trader platform and top-tier research tools — Fidelity Investments offers a refreshingly modern trading platform, and we think it's the best broker overall for ETF investing.
Other winning categories: Best for low costs
Pros
$0 commissions on stocks, ETFs and Fidelity funds
Few-to-no account fees
Wide range of investment options
Large selection of top-tier research providers
Robo-advisor with no advisory fees under $25,000
24/7 customer support
Investing accounts for minors
Cons
$25,000 minimum to access a Fidelity financial advisor
The Fidelity Active Trader Pro desktop platform interface looks and feels antiquated
For its advanced and beginner-friendly mobile trading apps.
In addition to receiving high marks from both Apple and Android users, Interactive Brokers' (IBKR) main mobile trading platform, IBKR Mobile, offers the powerful trading tools that many brokers reserve for their web and desktop trading platforms. These include advanced, interactive charts with over 90 indicators, analyst ratings and price targets, earnings estimates, company financials and more. In other words, there's little you can't do with IBKR Mobile. What's more, Interactive Brokers offers the more beginner-friendly IBKR GlobalTrader and IMPACT mobile trading platforms for those looking for a more simplified investing experience.
IBKR Mobile is the most feature-rich mobile platform according to Finder's analysis, while IBKR GlobalTrader is a solid option for beginners. Tack on its wide range of investment options, low trading costs and access to global markets and you can see why IBKR is not only the best broker for mobile trading but also one of the best brokerage accounts on the market.
Other winning categories: Best brokerage account for day trading, Best for international trading
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
N/A
For its advanced and beginner-friendly mobile trading apps.
In addition to receiving high marks from both Apple and Android users, Interactive Brokers' (IBKR) main mobile trading platform, IBKR Mobile, offers the powerful trading tools that many brokers reserve for their web and desktop trading platforms. These include advanced, interactive charts with over 90 indicators, analyst ratings and price targets, earnings estimates, company financials and more. In other words, there's little you can't do with IBKR Mobile. What's more, Interactive Brokers offers the more beginner-friendly IBKR GlobalTrader and IMPACT mobile trading platforms for those looking for a more simplified investing experience.
IBKR Mobile is the most feature-rich mobile platform according to Finder's analysis, while IBKR GlobalTrader is a solid option for beginners. Tack on its wide range of investment options, low trading costs and access to global markets and you can see why IBKR is not only the best broker for mobile trading but also one of the best brokerage accounts on the market.
Other winning categories: Best brokerage account for day trading, Best for international trading
Pros
Three mobile trading platforms, including the versatile IBKR Mobile and the beginner-friendly IBKR GlobalTrader
For its access to and competitive trading fees on options, futures, options on futures, options on micro futures and smalls futures options.
Designed primarily for derivatives trading, tastytrade boasts an impressive collection of trading products and some of the best pricing on options and futures contracts in the industry. Stocks and ETFs are commission-free, options have no closing commissions and its trading platforms are powerful, with advanced trading, research and analysis tools, including 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 trading.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Get $50-$5,000
For its access to and competitive trading fees on options, futures, options on futures, options on micro futures and smalls futures options.
Designed primarily for derivatives trading, tastytrade boasts an impressive collection of trading products and some of the best pricing on options and futures contracts in the industry. Stocks and ETFs are commission-free, options have no closing commissions and its trading platforms are powerful, with advanced trading, research and analysis tools, including 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 trading.
Pros
Highly customizable trading platform
Extensive lineup of tradable derivative assets
Competitive options fee structure
Helpful educational resources and live programming
eToro's accessible trading platform 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 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. eToro is also working to make the feature available for stocks and ETFs.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
N/A
For its CopyTrader program and social community.
eToro's accessible trading platform 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 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. eToro is also working to make the feature available for stocks and ETFs.
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 to investors who want to retain control over their portfolio — Acorns Gold members can customize their portfolios with the ability to add individual stocks. 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.
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Get a $20 bonus
For its spare-change investing feature.
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 to investors who want to retain control over their portfolio — Acorns Gold members can customize their portfolios with the ability to add individual stocks. 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.
Pros
Invest your spare change automatically
Automated stock and ETF investing
Multiple investment account options
Beginner-friendly app with educational resources
Customize your portfolio with individual stocks with Acorns Gold
For its user-friendly interface, no minimums, no-fee commission trading and educational resources.
In addition to trading stocks, options, ETFs, mutual funds and alternative asset interval funds on a beginner-friendly interface, SoFi® members get access to no-cost financial advice and a range of other financial services that let you invest, bank and borrow from a single, integrated platform.
SoFi Invest offers one of the simplest trading experiences among the brokers we review, providing uncomplicated market access with robo-advisor available if you want to automate your investing. It's also one of the only brokers in the industry that offers 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: All-in-one financial app
Stock trade fee
$0
Minimum deposit
$0
Signup bonus
Get up to $1,000 in stock
For its user-friendly interface, no minimums, no-fee commission trading and educational resources.
In addition to trading stocks, options, ETFs, mutual funds and alternative asset interval funds on a beginner-friendly interface, SoFi® members get access to no-cost financial advice and a range of other financial services that let you invest, bank and borrow from a single, integrated platform.
SoFi Invest offers one of the simplest trading experiences among the brokers we review, providing uncomplicated market access with robo-advisor available if you want to automate your investing. It's also one of the only brokers in the industry that offers 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: All-in-one financial app
Pros
Beginner-friendly trading platform
$0 commission stock, option and ETF trades, with no options contract fees
Alternative asset funds
Access banking, lending, investing and other financial products from one platform
Complimentary access to SoFi's certified financial planners
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply. Please view our fee disclosure to view a full listing of fees.
Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be suitable for all investors and involves unique risks, including the risk of loss. An investor should consider their individual circumstances and any investment information, such as a prospectus, prior to investing. Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA(www.finra.org) /SIPC(www.sipc.org).
There are limitations with fractional shares to consider before investing. During market hours fractional share orders are transmitted immediately in the order received. There may be system delays from receipt of your order until execution and market conditions may adversely impact execution prices. Outside of market hours orders are received on a not held basis and will be aggregated for each security then executed in the morning trade window of the next business day at market open. Share will be delivered at an average price received for executing the securities through a single batched order. Fractional shares may not be transferred to another firm. Fractional shares will be sold when a transfer or closure request is initiated. Please consider that selling securities is a taxable event.
Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire investment Before trading options please review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options
Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser.
Utilizing a margin loan is generally considered more appropriate for experienced investors as there are additional costs and risks associated. It is possible to lose more than your initial investment when using margin. Please see https://www.sofi.com/wealth/assets/documents/brokerage-margin-disclosure-statement.pdf for detailed disclosure information
Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.028%
Terms and conditions apply. Roll over a minimum of $20K to receive the 1% match offer. Matches on contributions are made up to the annual limits.
Robo Advisor: Automated investing is offered through SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. 0.25% fee is based on your account value. The wrap program fee may cost more or less than purchasing brokerage, custodial, and recordkeeping services separately.
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.
Methodology: How we choose the best brokerage accounts
Finder’s investments experts review 18 brokers available on the market to narrow down the best online brokers for ETF trading and investing.
We analyze each platform based on 147 key metrics we collect directly from brokers and assess each provider’s performance based on 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 in each category.
How we weigh the overall rating
Category
Weighting
Investment options
25%
Trading platforms and technology
25%
Trading costs
7%
Account fees
8%
Account types and minimums
5%
Customer support
5%
Mobile app ratings and security
5%
Features and amenities
20%
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.
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Frequently asked questions about the best ETF brokers
Which ETF provider is best?
The best ETF broker is Fidelity Investment, according to Finder’s analysis. It offers the best combination of low trading costs, account fees, investment options and research tools.
Do you need a broker to buy ETFs?
Yes, you typically need to open an account with a broker to buy ETFs.
Which ETF is best for beginners?
The best ETF for beginners may be either the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) or the Vanguard 500 Index Fund ETF (VOO) if you’re looking for broad market exposure. Both are S&P 500 index funds and give you exposure to 500 of the largest US publicly traded companies.
Who are the big 5 ETF issuers?
The biggest ETF companies are BlackRock Financial Management, Vanguard, State Street, Invesco and First Trust, according to VettaFi.
Matt Miczulski is an investments editor at Finder. With over 450 bylines, Matt dissects and reviews brokers and investing platforms to expose perks and pain points, explores investment products and concepts and covers market news, making investing more accessible and helping readers to make informed financial decisions.
Before joining Finder in 2021, Matt covered everything from finance news and banking to debt and travel for FinanceBuzz. His expertise and analysis on investing and other financial topics has been featured on CBS, MSN, Best Company and Consolidated Credit, among others. Matt holds a BA in history from William Paterson University. See full bio
Matt's expertise
Matt has written 208 Finder guides across topics including:
What you need to know about investing in the leading indicator for the overall US stock market.
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