As a beginner in the investment journey, you might wonder, “What are stocks?” “How can I invest in stocks, or what apps can be used to invest?”. In this article, we talk about the best stock trading apps.
First of all, what is a stock?
A stock is a share of the value of a company that can be bought, sold, or traded as an investment. You get to buy in a company’s ownership when you buy stocks. As a trader, buying stocks is an avenue for wealth increase. As a particular company’s value appreciates, the stocks increase also. With amazing commission-free stock trading apps, the process of trading stocks has been made easier.
The US is known to have the largest stock markets in the world with traders and investors and is also the second largest country with high demand for stock trading apps. Using the best apps can help you maximize more profits and trade effectively.
In the next section, we will share the top 10 best stock trading apps in the United States that you might need to open and use for an optimal trading experience.
10 Best Stock Trading Apps in the USA 2025
Below are lists of the 10 best stock trading apps in the USA:
- Robinhood
- TD Ameritrade
- E*Trade
- Fidelity
- Ally Invest
- Charles Schwab
- Vanguard
- Webull
- SoFi
- Acorns
Some of these stock market trading apps listed above are also amongst the best stock trading apps for beginners, in case you are one.
1. Robinhood
Robinhood is best known for its numerous trading options. Robinhood is a user-friendly trading App that allows you to trade in options, stocks, and cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin.
Robinhood became the first and top on the list of free stock trading apps to cut down a trading commission to $0. The Robinhood App is simple and easy to use. It is the most downloaded trading App in the US because of its features, like fractional shares, cryptocurrencies, etc. It is one of the best stock trading apps and by far the most popular.
Robinhood doesn’t charge fees upon a new account opening, no fee per contract, and does not require a minimum balance requirement. Investments can begin on this App with a little $1. Users can access Robinhood via desktop, Apple iOS, and Android App on the Google play store. It is one of the best stock trading apps for beginners.
Major Features
- Crypto exchanges tradings
- Stocks and funds commission-free investment
- Investment with as little as $1
- 0.30% interest (in uninvested cash)
Pros
- The App is easy to use and navigate
- No minimum balance requirements
- No trading commission
- Crypto exchanges allowed
- Fractional shares investment allowed
Cons
- Mutual funds investment is not allowed
- Few educational resources or advanced trading tools
- Stock research access is not provided unless your account is upgraded.
Android rating: 3.9/5 stars
Android downloads: 10 million +
iOS rating: 4.1/5 stars
Users can get their first stocks free by signing up for the Robinhood account and building their portfolio with just $1. You can experience a worthwhile trading journey with Robinhood.
2. TD Ameritrade
The TD Ameritrade is another top best stock trading App well-suited for beginners. TD Ameritrade provides analysis reports for its users. Beginners can also have their portfolios managed by experts.
This App is suitable for users interested in more asset classes like Forex and Future. The App also provides educational resources and allows you to trade in bundles of stocks and ETFs with zero commission fee, just like Robinhood.
The TD Ameritrade App is easy to use for new users. Users can have access via desktop, Apple iOS, and Android App on Google play.
Major Features
- Portfolio management based on your goals.
- Great customer service
- No commission fees on stocks, ETFs, and other options trades.
- Gets analysis reports to build users’ portfolios.
- Retirement planning
Pros
- Market analysis reports
- No commission fee is required
- Educational resources available
Cons
- Cryptocurrency investing is not allowed
- Fractional sharing investing is not allowed
- The cost of broker-assisted stock trading is a bit high
Android rating: 3.2/5 stars
Android downloads: 1 million +
iOS rating: 4.5/5 stars
3. E*Trade
In the US, E*Trade has been rated one of the best stock trading Apps in the US. E*Trade is free and easy to use for both beginners and frequent investors. E*Trade provides access to educational resources that allows you to conduct investment research and analyze your portfolio.
E*Trade gives users varieties of choices to invest in, market analysis tools, and automated investment features. E*Trade also offers retirement plans to clients. Users can have access via desktop, Apple iOS, and Android App on Google play.
The E*Trade has three platforms. They are all free and have no minimum investment limit. They are:
- Power E*Trade offers investors or active traders real-time technical analysis of data and studies.
- E*Trade Web: provides live market commentary and stock analysis
- E*Trade Pro: provides strategy scanners and backtesting
Major Features
- Stock research and screening
- Account management
- Up-to-date update
- Automated Investment
- Access to Educational resources
- Availability of pre-built portfolios
- Trading in stocks, bonds, ETFs, options, mutual funds, and others
Pros
- No commission fees are required on the trade
- No minimum balance requirements
- Availability of different options to choose from
- Availability of market analysis tools
- Features-packed investment platform
Cons
- Cryptocurrencies trading is not allowed
- Fractional share investing is not allowed
- Access to international exchanges denied
- A minimum investment of $500 is required for broker-assisted investing
Android rating: 4.6/5 stars
Android downloads: 1 million +
iOS rating: 4.6/5 stars
4. Fidelity
Among the top 10 most downloaded non-gaming apps in the US, Fidelity is one of them. Fidelity is one of the best and simpler stock trading apps. It is a long-term financial planning tool with varieties of features. It is a great option as beginners or investors can trade, save, plan, invest, and research.
The App is easy to use and highly customizable. Fidelity helps users to create a detailed portfolio for their stocks.
Major Features
- Helps in financial planning for future needs
- It gives better market insights
- Helps save tax while investing at the same time
Pros
- No commission fee (on US stocks and ETFs trading)
- Fractional share investing allowed (on S&P 500 stocks only)
- 24/7 customer service
- A dedicated advisor
Cons
- High advisor’s fee
- No Cryptocurrency trading
Android rating: 4.4/5 stars
Android downloads: 1 million +
iOS rating: 4.8/5 stars
5. Ally Invest
Ally Invest is a great financial investment App that allows beginners and investors to invest how they want. You can conduct market research, invest, or opt for a managed portfolio. You can choose a portfolio that can save taxes or a portfolio with environmentally friendly companies.
Ally Invest is the right option if you want your investments and bank in the same place. Ally Invest also offers: Robo advisory service, checking accounts, savings account, personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, CDs, and many more. Ally Invest is a feature-packed, easy-to-navigate App. It is one of the best stock trading apps for beginners.
Major Features
- Managed Portfolio
- Choose a portfolio based on your choice: a portfolio that saves taxes or a portfolio with environmentally friendly companies.
- Self-directed Investment
- Investment in stocks, bonds, ETFs, options, mutual funds, and margin accounts
- Banking and investment accounts in one App
Pros
- No minimum account balance is required.
- No required commission fee (on US stocks and ETFs)
Cons
- NFT (No Transaction Fee) mutual funds not provided
- International assets trading is not allowed.
Android rating: 3.7/5 stars
Android downloads: 1 million +
iOS rating: 4.7/5 stars
6. Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab is one of the US leading stock trading apps suitable for beginners and advanced investors or traders. Charles Schwab is fully loaded with financial products, educational resources, and market analysis tools for better research, trading, and investment. Due to its ease of use, it is one of the best stock trading apps for beginners and advanced traders.
An investor looking for a long-term portfolio building should opt for Charles Schwab. This App offers 24/7 customer service, a selection of mutual funds, and fractional shares trading.
Major Features
- Provides a dedicated specialist
- One of the most feature-packed brokers in the US.
- Proper planning tools
- Market insights for proper research before investments.
- Trading various financial products: stocks, options, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds.
Pros
- Access to educational resources
- 24/7 customer service
- No commission fee is required
- No minimum account balance is required
Cons
- High charges fees for mutual funds
- Cryptocurrency trading is not allowed
- High margin rates
Android Ratings: 3.2/5 stars
iOS Ratings: 4.8/5 stars
Android Downloads: 1 million +
7. Vanguard
Vanguard, established in 1975, is one of the best stock trading apps. With over 30 million investors Trusting Vanguard, it has always been the best option for beginners or those who need financial planning ahead of their future needs.
The financial planning tools are worthwhile. Users can access personal advisors and decide to invest by themselves. Vanguard supports long-term investments, and traders can trade via the web & mobile versions. It is one of the best stock trading apps for beginners.
Major Features
- Access to personal and Robo advisor
- Self-directed investment option
- Market Research and Summary to pick the best investment
- Help meet your savings and retirement goals.
Pros
- No Commission fee on stocks and ETFs
- No minimum balance is required
- No mutual funds transaction fees
Cons
- Limitations to Market research data
- Complex App operation
Android Ratings: 1.7/5 stars
iOS Ratings: 4.7/5 stars
Android Downloads: 1 million +
8. Webull
Webull is one of the most popular stock trading apps in the US that allows you to trade in several stocks, ETFs, options, cryptocurrencies, and ADRs. Webull is suitable for active traders who want a simple and easy-to-use platform.
This trading platform allows you to trade with a $0 commission fee. Market analysis reports are provided for better user decision-making. Webull has the lowest margin rates for investors. Users can have access via desktop, Apple iOS, and Android App on Google play. This is one of the best stock trading apps for beginners.
Major Features
- Allows cryptocurrencies trading
- Provides financial analytical tools
- Offers Tradition, Roth, or Rollover IRA accounts
- Allows stocks, options, ETFs, and ADRs trading
- Accessible to beginners and advanced traders
Pros
- No commission fee is required
- No minimum balance is required
- Crypto exchanges allowed
- Strong analytical tools
Cons
- No mutual funds or OTC stock trading
- Poor customer support
- No Robo-advisor service
Android rating: 4.4/5 stars
Android downloads: 10 million +
iOS rating: 4.7/5 stars
9. SoFi
SoFi is a great stock trading platform for beginners. SoFi is a platform of 2 million plus members. It offers a wide investing feature, including cryptocurrency trading and buying fractional shares to all investors. This platform is one of the best stock trading apps for beginners.
SoFi allows active investing (stock trading) and automated investing (Robo advisory) services. SoFi, Social Finance, is an all-in-one financial platform offering lending, savings, and investing features. It also offers personal loans, private student loans, mortgages, credit cards, and high-yield savings accounts. SoFi also offers traditional and Roth IRAs. Users can access it via desktop, Apple iOS, and Android apps on Google play.
Major Features
- Automated and self-directed investments are available
- Retirement accounts available
- Cryptocurrencies trading available
- Fractional shares
- Loans are given with low-interest rates
- Stocks, ETFs, and Cryptocurrency trading allowed
- Offers traditional and Roth IRAs
Pros
- No trading commission fee is required
- No minimum balance is required
- Offers retirement accounts
Cons
- No Robo advisor functionality
- $10 minimum balance required for crypto trading
- No mutual fund trading
Android rating: 4.4/5 stars
Android downloads: 1 million +
iOS rating: 4.8/5 stars
10. Acorns
Acorns is a leading investment App that allows beginners and investors who wish to invest a small amount of money to grow over time into an extensive portfolio. With over 9 million investors, Acorns allows users to save, invest, plan, and learn simultaneously. This is amongst the best stock trading apps for beginners.
Acorns are best for building environment-friendly portfolios with companies. This platform offers educational resources. It gives young investors complete finance solutions. Users can have access via Apple iOS and Android App on Google play.
Major Features
- Allows Environment-friendly portfolio
- Access to educational resources
- Provides Retirements plans
- Portfolios built and rebalanced by experts
Pros
- No minimum balance is required
- Provides educational resources for better research
- Automated investing allowed
Cons
- Monthly fees of $1-$5
Android rating: 4.4/5 stars
Android Downloads: 5 million +
iOS rating: 4.7/5 stars
Conclusion
In summary, we attempted to give better insights on what stocks are, the best stock market trading apps, and also help you pick from the list of mobile apps for stock trading, especially for those in the US. With the listed stock trading apps, we were able to draw a few conclusions:
- Robinhood, Webull, Charles Schwab, and TD Ameritrade are perfect stock trading apps for advanced traders.
- For beginners, the best trading apps are Robinhood, Ally Invest, Vanguard, Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, Fidelity, SoFi, and Acorns.
- Apps like Acorns are environmentally friendly, which is an added advantage.
- Those who want to invest with little savings can consider apps with fractional shares great options.
In addition, as a beginner or advanced trader, there are certain features you should look out for on the list of stock market trading apps before picking some of your preferred mobile apps for stock trading (as some traders use multiple apps to trade) which are: the maintenance fee, minimum required balance, market analysis reports, and advisor or specialist (if you’re a beginner and have no time to monitor the market).
