Investing in the stock market has never been easier, thanks to the wide range of online stock brokers available in the United States. Whether you’re a beginner looking to invest your first $500 or a seasoned trader managing a six-figure portfolio, choosing the best online stock broker can make a significant difference in your financial success.
This guide provides an in-depth look at the top online stock brokers in the USA in 2025, comparing features, fees, tools, and suitability for different investor types.
What Is an Online Stock Broker?
An online stock broker is a digital platform or service that allows users to buy and sell financial securities like stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, and bonds from the comfort of their homes or mobile devices. Most online brokers also provide:
- Market research and analysis
- Portfolio management tools
- Real-time data
- Educational resources
Best Online Stock Brokers in the USA (Quick Comparison)
| Broker | Best For | Fees | Account Minimum | Mobile App | Trading Tools | Fractional Shares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | Beginners & retirement | $0/trade | $0 |  Excellent | Advanced | Yes |
| Charles Schwab | Long-term investors | $0/trade | $0 | Strong | Good | Yes |
| TD Ameritrade | Research & analysis | $0/trade | $0 | Excellent | Thinkorswim | Yes |
| Robinhood | Mobile-first traders | $0/trade | $0 | Best UX |  Limited | Yes |
| E*TRADE | Active traders | $0/trade | $0 | Reliable | Power E*TRADE | Yes |
| Webull | Intermediate traders | $0/trade | $0 | Modern | Good | Yes |
| Merrill Edge | Bank of America users | $0/trade | $0 | Integrated | Moderate | No |
Fidelity Investments
Fidelity continues to be a top pick in 2025 for all-around investing. It offers $0 commissions, robust research tools, and excellent retirement account options. Fidelity is especially great for long-term investors and beginners.
Key Features:
- No account minimums
- Powerful educational tools
- Industry-leading customer support
- Fractional share investing starting at $1
- Automated robo-advisor (Fidelity Go)
Pros:
- Excellent user experience
- Reliable mobile and desktop platforms
- Strong retirement tools
Cons:
- Less ideal for advanced options traders
Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab is one of the most trusted names in investing. It offers a balanced blend of low costs, user-friendly platforms, and a wide range of investment choices.
Key Features:
- $0 commission on stocks, ETFs, and options
- Schwab Intelligent Portfolios for robo-advising
- Extensive educational content
- Great for taxable and retirement accounts
Pros:
- Reliable brand with decades of experience
- Offers fractional shares (“Stock Slices”)
- Free automatic rebalancing with robo-advisors
Cons:
- Platform interface can be a bit outdated
TD Ameritrade
TD Ameritrade stands out for its Thinkorswim trading platform, ideal for experienced investors looking to trade actively with powerful charting tools.
Key Features:
- Access to advanced tools with Thinkorswim
- Zero commission for online trades
- Great for technical analysis
- Highly detailed research and screeners
Pros:
- Excellent customer service
- Supports both active and passive investing
- Free trading on stocks, ETFs, and options
Cons:
- Thinkorswim may be overwhelming for beginners
Robinhood
Robinhood pioneered commission-free trading and continues to dominate among young and mobile-first investors in 2025. It’s best for those who want a simple, no-frills way to trade stocks and crypto.
Key Features:
- No commissions or account minimums
- Easy-to-use mobile interface
- Offers stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto
- Instant deposits and fractional shares
Pros:
- Intuitive design for beginners
- Quick order execution
- No fees on trades
Cons:
- Limited research and educational content
- Past criticism over outages and gamification
E*TRADE
E*TRADE is known for combining ease of use with advanced tools, making it suitable for both casual investors and day traders.
Key Features:
- Two platforms: ETRADE Web and Power ETRADE
- Access to futures and options
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades
- Mobile app for on-the-go trading
Pros:
- Large library of educational resources
- Excellent for advanced charting
- Great customer support
Cons:
- Robo-advisory offering isn’t as competitive
Webull
Webull has grown rapidly by offering commission-free trading with modern tools and a sleek interface. It’s particularly appealing to younger, tech-savvy investors.
Key Features:
- $0 commission on stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto
- In-depth technical indicators
- Extended hours trading
- Paper trading (simulated investing)
Pros:
- Sophisticated mobile experience
- Ideal for active traders
- No hidden fees
Cons:
- No mutual fund investing
- Educational resources are limited
Merrill Edge
Merrill Edge is ideal for Bank of America customers looking to link banking and investing. It offers seamless integration between your checking/savings and investment accounts.
Key Features:
- Preferred Rewards for BoA users
- Research from BofA Global
- $0 trades on stocks and ETFs
- Integrated with mobile banking
Pros:
- Strong mobile experience
- Bonuses for BofA clients
- Research quality is top-tier
Cons:
- Lacks access to fractional shares
- Not suited for active options trading
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Broker
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Fees and Commissions | Lower costs = higher long-term returns |
| Investment Options | More assets = better diversification |
| Trading Tools | Important for active traders or analysts |
| Mobile Platform | Essential for on-the-go investing |
| Customer Support | Quick help when you need it most |
| Education | Helps beginners learn faster |
| Fractional Shares | Allows small investments in expensive stocks |
Mobile App Comparison
| Broker | App Store Rating | Android Rating | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | 4.8 | 4.3 | In-app educational content |
| Schwab | 4.7 | 4.2 | Full-featured trading |
| Robinhood | 4.9 | 4.5 | Cleanest UI |
| Webull | 4.7 | 4.3 | Advanced charts & analysis |
| TD Ameritrade | 4.8 | 4.4 | Thinkorswim mobile |
Final Thoughts: Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choosing the best online stock broker in the USA depends on your needs, experience level, and investing goals.
Best for Beginners:
- Fidelity or Charles Schwab — for ease of use and educational tools
Best for Active Traders:
- TD Ameritrade (Thinkorswim) or E*TRADE Power — for advanced analytics and real-time data
Best for Mobile Trading:
- Robinhood or Webull — fast, sleek, and intuitive
Best for Bank Integration:
- Merrill Edge — ideal for Bank of America clients
Summary Table: Best Stock Brokers USA 2025
| Broker | Best For | Commission | Robo-Advisor | Mobile Score | Fractional Shares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | Beginners | $0 | Fidelity Go | 9.5/10 | Yes |
| Schwab | Retirement-focused | $0 | | 9.2/10 | Yes |
| TD Ameritrade | Advanced Traders | $0 | | 9.4/10 | Yes |
| Robinhood | Simplicity | $0 | | 9.7/10 | Yes |
| E*TRADE | All-around use | $0 | Core Portfolios | 9.1/10 | Yes |
| Webull | Tech-savvy users | $0 | | 9.3/10 | Yes |
| Merrill Edge | BoA users | $0 | Guided Investing | 8.9/10 | No |
Conclusion
The landscape of online stock brokers in the USA is incredibly competitive in 2025, which is great news for investors. With no-commission trading, mobile platforms, and fractional shares, you can start building your portfolio with just a few clicks.
Choose a broker that matches your experience level, investment goals, and preferred features. And remember, the best broker isn’t necessarily the one with the most tools—it’s the one that makes you feel confident and informed as you grow your wealth.