The 15 Best Online Stock Brokers in 2025
Welcome to the world of investing! If you’re a beginner, you’re probably overwhelmed by the number of online stock brokers available today. Fear not, I’m here to simplify things for you. In this article, I’m going to introduce you to the 15 best online stock brokers for beginners. These brokers are carefully chosen based on factors like zero-cost account opening, low fees, low account minimums, and beginner-friendly educational resources. Let’s dive in!
What to Look for in an Online Stock Broker
Before jumping into the list, it’s crucial to understand what makes a stock broker ideal for beginners. Here are the top criteria:
- Ease of Use: A simple, intuitive platform for trading.
- Low Fees: Low or zero commissions on trades and no hidden charges.
- Educational Resources: Tutorials, webinars, and guides for learning the ropes.
- Low Minimum Deposits: Brokers with minimal or no deposit requirements are perfect for starting small.
- Customer Support: Responsive support for queries and troubleshooting.
Now that we know what to look for, let’s explore the best brokers for beginners.
1. Interactive Brokers: Global Reach with Low Costs
Why it’s great for beginners:
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) offers low trading fees, a user-friendly platform, and educational tools like webinars and articles to help beginners. The IBKR Lite plan features $0 commissions on U.S. stock trades, making it affordable.
Key features:
- No minimum deposit for IBKR Lite
- Access to global markets in 150 countries
- Excellent research tools and trading simulators
Whether you want to trade U.S. stocks or explore global markets, Interactive Brokers is a reliable choice.
2. Moomoo: Your powerful trading platform
What Is Moomoo?
Moomoo, formally Moomoo Financial Inc., is a U.S.-based brokerage launched in 2018, headquartered in Palo Alto, California. It’s owned by Futu Holdings Ltd., a Nasdaq-listed fintech company
Global Reach
Moomoo serves users across a wide range of markets—including the U.S., Singapore, Australia, Japan, Canada, Malaysia, and New Zealand—with sister brand Futubull serving Hong Kong
It has achieved impressive scale—over 26 million users, handling US$106 billion in client assets and US$997.9 billion in annual trading volume (as of March 2025
Key Features of Moomoo
Multi-Asset Trading Engine
- Trade U.S., Chinese, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysian, Canadian, Japanese stocks, ETFs, and options from one account.
- Expanded services include index options, with ties to Cboe, and the imminent roll-out of crypto trading (via Coinbase infrastructure) for U.S. clients
Commission-Free Trading & Low-Cost Access
- $0 commission trading on U.S. stocks and ETFs; $0 equity options contract fees Moomoo+1.
- Flat margin rate of 6.8%, applied uniformly—no tiered account balances required
3. Tiger Trade: Invest in what matters
Founded in 2014, Tiger Brokers is a Nasdaq-listed fintech firm (ticker: TIGR) offering a tech-driven brokerage platform
The company serves over 10 million users globally, with more than 2 million account holders.It has strong backing from investors like Interactive Brokers, Xiaomi, ZhenFund, and Jim Rogers, and boasts recognition on lists like KPMG’s Fintech 100 and CB Insights’ Unicorn List
Key Features & Capabilities
1. Comprehensive Asset Access
- Trade across multiple global markets (U.S., HK, Singapore, Australia, China, etc.) using a single account.Tiger Brokersmytigerbrokers.comPR Newswire
- Supports diverse asset classes: stocks, ETFs, options, futures, warrants, CBBCs, structured notes, mutual funds, and more.
4. Webull: Zero Commissions and Modern Features
Why it’s great for beginners:
Webull offers a sleek mobile app, zero commissions on trades, and plenty of features to explore. Its paper trading tool is ideal for beginners to practice without risking real money.
Key features:
- $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options
- Fractional shares
- Advanced charts and analytics
Webull is perfect for tech-savvy beginners who want a modern trading experience
5. EToro: Social Trading Made Easy
Why it’s great for beginners:
eToro’s CopyTrader feature allows beginners to mirror the trades of experienced investors. Its platform is intuitive and includes cryptocurrencies alongside stocks.
Key features:
- Commission-free stock trading
- Copy trading for learning from experts
- Cryptocurrency options
eToro is perfect for beginners interested in social trading
6. Robinhood: Simplicity at Its Best
Why it’s great for beginners:
Robinhood revolutionized investing by offering commission-free trades and an easy-to-use mobile app. It’s ideal for beginners who want a no-frills experience.
Key features:
- $0 commissions on all trades
- Fractional shares available
- Cryptocurrency trading
While Robinhood is simple, it may lack advanced research tools
7. CapTrader: Global Reach for Beginners
Why it’s great for beginners:
CapTrader provides access to over 100 markets worldwide. It’s ideal for beginners who want to explore international investments.
Key features:
- Competitive commission rates
- Access to global stocks
- Demo account for practice
CapTrader is a solid choice for global-minded investors.
8. Sofi: It’s time to switch
Founded: 1999, based in Toronto, Ontario, Questrade is recognized as Canada’s largest discount brokerage.
What they offer: Self-directed trading, robo-advisory through QuestWealth Portfolios, and (as of December 2024) over $30 billion in assets under management.
Unique benefits: Quick account setup, rebates up to $150 on transfer fees, tax-friendly structure for registered accounts, and no minimums on most products
9. E*TRADE: Robust Platform with Learning Resources
Why it’s great for beginners:
E*TRADE combines a powerful platform with extensive educational resources, including webinars and video tutorials. Its Core Portfolios option is ideal for hands-off investors.
Key features:
- $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
- Two platforms: ETRADE Web for simplicity and Power ETRADE for advanced tools
- A wide range of mutual funds
E*TRADE’s beginner-friendly interface and tools make it one of the top choices for first-time investors.
10. Fidelity: Low Costs and Best-In-Class Research
Why it’s great for beginners:
Fidelity is known for its no-fee index funds, extensive research tools, and a platform that caters to all experience levels. It also offers fractional shares, allowing you to invest small amounts.
Key features:
- $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
- No account minimums
- Comprehensive educational content
Fidelity is perfect for beginners who want to grow their knowledge while building their portfolio.
11. Tastytrade: For Beginners Interested in Options
Why it’s great for beginners:
If you’re curious about options trading, Tastytrade provides a simple platform and educational resources tailored to beginners. It also has a low-cost structure for active traders.
Key features:
- Flat-rate pricing for options ($1 per contract)
- No account minimums
- Extensive video library for learning options trading
Tastytrade simplifies options trading, making it accessible to newcomers.
12. Zacks Trade: Research-Focused Platform
Why it’s great for beginners:
Zacks Trade offers excellent research tools, making it a great choice for those who want to dive deep into stock analysis. Its platform is straightforward and supports global investing.
Key features:
- Access to extensive research reports
- Competitive commission structure
- No inactivity fees
For beginners who prioritize research, Zacks Trade is worth considering.
13. Merrill Edge: Best for Bank of America Customers
Why it’s great for beginners:
Merrill Edge integrates well with Bank of America, offering rewards for account holders. Its educational content and personalized guidance make it beginner-friendly.
Key features:
- $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
- Integration with Bank of America accounts
- Access to financial advisors
Merrill Edge combines convenience with solid investing tools.
14. Charles Schwab: Versatile and Comprehensive
Why it’s great for beginners:
Charles Schwab offers a user-friendly platform, low fees, and extensive educational resources. Its Schwab Starter Kit is tailored for beginners.
Key features:
- $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
- Fractional shares via Stock Slices
- Access to live support and chat
Charles Schwab is a well-rounded choice for new investors.
15. Ally Invest: Affordable and Beginner-Friendly
Why it’s great for beginners:
Ally Invest offers low fees and a user-friendly platform. It’s an excellent choice for beginners who want to integrate their banking and investing.
Key features:
- $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
- No account minimums
- Integration with Ally Bank
Ally Invest makes managing money and investments simple.
16. Firstrade: Great for Commission-Free Trades
Why it’s great for beginners:
Firstrade offers commission-free trades across stocks, ETFs, options, and mutual funds. Its educational tools are also designed with beginners in mind.
Key features:
- $0 commissions on trades
- No inactivity fees
- Free tools for learning about investments
Firstrade is a great choice for cost-conscious beginners.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Broker for You
The best online stock broker for beginners depends on your specific needs. Are you looking for the lowest fees? Or do you value educational resources? Perhaps you want a broker with an easy-to-use app like Robinhood or a globally recognized name like Interactive Brokers.
