Best stock brokers in 2024

Written by
Gyula L.
Fact checked by
Tamás D.
Updated
Jan 2024
Dive into our toplist of regulated and trusted brokers that we tested with real money. Every broker is available in the United States.

Find below the strengths of the best stock trading platforms available in the United States, updated for 2024:

  1. Interactive Brokers - the best stock broker in 2024. Low trading fees and high interest on cash balances. Wide range of products. Many great research tools.
  2. eToro - Free stock and ETF trading. Seamless account opening. Social trading.
  3. Fidelity - Commission-free US stocks and ETFs. Great trading platforms and research. US and international stocks.
  4. Zacks Trade - Low fees. Extensive stock and ETF selection. Great customer service.
  5. Charles Schwab - Free stock and ETF trading. Outstanding research. Great customer service.
  6. SoFi Invest - Free stock and ETF trading. Fast and fully digital account opening. Fast customer support.
  7. Webull - Free stock/ETF trading and high 5% interest on uninvested cash. Fast and easy account opening. Great trading platforms.
  8. Alpaca Trading - Great API trading service. Free stock & ETF trading. Fantastic charting tools.
  9. Robinhood - Free US stock and ETF trading. Great mobile and web trading platforms. Fast and fully digital account opening. Interest paid on uninvested cash.
  10. Vanguard - Stocks and ETFs are free to trade. Easy account opening. Great mobile trading platform. Interest paid on uninvested cash.
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Overview of the best stock brokers

While many online stock brokers offer an excellent service, the ones in our toplist go the extra mile.

Broker
Minimum deposit
Time to open account
Interactive Brokers
$0
1-3 days
eToro
$10
1 day
Fidelity
$0
1-3 days
Zacks Trade
$0
>3 days
Charles Schwab
$0
1 day
SoFi Invest
$0
1-3 days
Webull
$0
1 day
Alpaca Trading
$0
1 day
Robinhood
$0
1 day
Vanguard
$0
1-3 days
Best stock brokers data compiled for January 2024

Popularity of the best stock brokers

Interested in what others think? Here's how many people chose these brokers at BrokerChooser in the last 6 months.

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Stock trading fees

Broker
US stock
German stock
Interactive Brokers
$1.0
$3.2
eToro
$0.0
$0.0
Fidelity
$0.0
$20.5
Zacks Trade
$1.0
$13.0
Charles Schwab
$0.0
-
SoFi Invest
$0.0
-
Webull
$0.0
-
Alpaca Trading
$0.0
-
Robinhood
$0.0
-
Vanguard
$0.0
-
Stock trading fees at the best stock brokers January 2024
All commissions, spreads and financing rates (if applicable) for opening a position, holding for a week, and closing.

Non-trading fees

Broker
Account fee
Inactivity fee
Interactive Brokers
eToro
Fidelity
Zacks Trade
Charles Schwab
SoFi Invest
Webull
Alpaca Trading
Robinhood
Vanguard
Best stock trading platforms non-trading fees

Can I trust these stock brokers?

Yes, BrokerChooser exclusively recommends legit brokers, overseen by at least one globally acknowledged regulator. We track more than 30,000 brokers and trading platforms that we don't recommend. To make sure that a broker is reputable and reliable, use our Scam Broker Shield tool.

Key criteria determining a broker's trustworthiness are: regulation, availability of investor protection, as well as a long and spotless track record. Explore the interactive table below, encompassing this array of vital data.

Broker
Top-tier regulators
Trusted broker
Interactive Brokers
FCA in the UK, SEC in the US, and ASIC in Australia
eToro
FCA in the UK, SEC in the US, and ASIC in Australia
Fidelity
SEC and FINRA in the US
Zacks Trade
SEC and FINRA in the US
Charles Schwab
SEC and FINRA in the US
SoFi Invest
SEC and FINRA in the US
Webull
SEC and FINRA in the US
Alpaca Trading
SEC and FINRA in the US
Robinhood
SEC and FINRA in the US
Vanguard
SEC and FINRA in the US
Trust metrics for the best stock brokers in 2024
We label a broker as trusted if it has reliable regulation.

Trading stocks online

Embarking on your investment journey? We are here to help you dive into the world of stock trading by uncovering the very best of online brokers that resonate with your vibe.

Regardless whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader who lives by the beat of the market, we've curated a lineup of online brokers that bring you the ultimate stock trading experience: low fees (zero commission even) and sleek, powerhouse trading platforms that got your back.

We thought of those just stepping into the investment arena, too. We analyzed brokers along their educational resources – webinars, video tutorials, even in-person seminars - as well as their customer support and demo account availability.

Each broker here has earned its spot, so get ready for a seamless trading experience where low fees are the name of the game – and we're talking total transparency. No gimmicks, no hidden surprises.

Discover the best stock brokers in detail, starting with the winner, Interactive Brokers.

Visit broker

Interactive Brokers snapshot
Recommended for Traders looking for broad market access and a professional trading environment
Minimum deposit $0
US stock fee $1.0
Demo account Yes
Mobile platform score 4.3 stars
Time to open account 1-3 days
Inactivity fee No
Read review For a detailed analysis of Interactive Brokers services, check out our review for 2024

Visit broker
eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal

eToro snapshot
Recommended for Traders interested in social trading (i.e. copying other investors’ trades) and zero-commission stock trading
Minimum deposit $10
US stock fee $0.0
Demo account Yes
Mobile platform score 4.9 stars
Time to open account 1 day
Inactivity fee Yes
Read review For a detailed analysis of eToro services, check out our review for 2024

Visit broker

Fidelity snapshot
Recommended for Investors and traders looking for solid research and great trading platforms
Minimum deposit $0
US stock fee $0.0
Demo account Yes
Mobile platform score 5.0 stars
Time to open account 1-3 days
Inactivity fee No
Read review For a detailed analysis of Fidelity services, check out our review for 2024

Visit broker

Zacks Trade snapshot
Recommended for Traders and investors looking for comprehensive research tools, a wide product selection and low fees
Minimum deposit $0
US stock fee $1.0
Demo account Yes
Mobile platform score 3.5 stars
Time to open account >3 days
Inactivity fee Yes
Read review For a detailed analysis of Zacks Trade services, check out our review for 2024

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Charles Schwab snapshot
Recommended for Investors and traders looking for solid research, low fees and great customer service
Minimum deposit $0
US stock fee $0.0
Demo account Yes
Mobile platform score 4.2 stars
Time to open account 1 day
Inactivity fee No
Read review For a detailed analysis of Charles Schwab services, check out our review for 2024

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SoFi Invest snapshot
Recommended for Beginners and investors looking for zero-commission trading, focusing on the US market
Minimum deposit $0
US stock fee $0.0
Demo account No
Mobile platform score 4.7 stars
Time to open account 1-3 days
Inactivity fee No
Read review For a detailed analysis of SoFi Invest services, check out our review for 2024

Visit broker

Webull snapshot
Recommended for Investors and traders looking for zero-commission trading and easy platforms
Minimum deposit $0
US stock fee $0.0
Demo account Yes
Mobile platform score 5.0 stars
Time to open account 1 day
Inactivity fee No
Read review For a detailed analysis of Webull services, check out our review for 2024

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Alpaca Trading snapshot
Recommended for Traders interested in algorithmic stock trading
Minimum deposit $0
US stock fee $0.0
Demo account Yes
Mobile platform score 4.2 stars
Time to open account 1 day
Inactivity fee No
Read review For a detailed analysis of Alpaca Trading services, check out our review for 2024

Visit broker

Robinhood snapshot
Recommended for Beginners and buy-and-hold investors focusing on the US stock market
Minimum deposit $0
US stock fee $0.0
Demo account No
Mobile platform score 5.0 stars
Time to open account 1 day
Inactivity fee No
Read review For a detailed analysis of Robinhood services, check out our review for 2024

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Vanguard snapshot
Recommended for Long-term investors looking for great ETF and mutual fund selection
Minimum deposit $0
US stock fee $0.0
Demo account No
Mobile platform score 4.4 stars
Time to open account 1-3 days
Inactivity fee No
Read review For a detailed analysis of Vanguard services, check out our review for 2024

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How did BrokerChooser select the best stock brokers?

  • We checked whether the broker is regulated by a trusted regulator,
  • Compared stock fees and non-trading fees (e.g. currency conversion, withdrawal or inactivity),
  • Checked whether the broker offers fractional share trading,
  • Compared the number of equity markets,
  • Checked minimum deposit requirements,
  • Opened an account and tested the platform (charting, features, usability, customer service).


Save hours of research!

Our expert team has done all the work for you, and reviewed brokers based on BrokerChooser's unique methodology.

BrokerChooser evaluates 9 key areas for all brokers including fees, safety, ease of account opening, education, and trading platforms. We check more than 600 criteria for each broker and finetune our methodology every year based on our own and our users' experiences. We have more than 100 brokers reviewed on our site and our team of analysts examines more than 60,000 data points overall.

FAQ

Are these brokers safe?

Yes, the brokers on this list are all considered safe and rock solid. You can be sure none of them is a scam. They are each regulated by at least one top-tier regulator.

Which broker should I use as a beginner?

Low fees and an excellent mobile platform make a broker great for beginners. Beginners can also benefit greatly if a broker has excellent educational material, and tools, such as a demo account. The best way to start your journey in the world of investing is by learning. We provide a great starting point on our education page, where you can find a lot of useful learning materials. Here we give you some tips on how to start investing. To find the best online broker for your level of expertise and risk-tolerance, use our find my broker tool.

Where should a beginner invest in stocks?

Before you make stock investments, you should draw up a plan, which involves several basic questions you ought to think about, such as what is your objective, how much time do you want to spend investing and what level of risk you want to take. For beginners, one of the best ways to to starting investing in stocks is choosing an index fund or stock mutual funds, which are an easy and low-cost way to tip your toe into the stock market. We put together a guide on how to start investing in stocks, and how to buy shares online. We explicitly guide you through how to invest in stocks. We also give you tips on how much you should invest when you are starting out. You can also browse through our top recommendations for best trading platforms for stocks.

Is trading gambling?

Trading is not gambling, although some poeple might treat it like that, but they will learn quickly that gamblers lose their money. The goal of a trader is to make predictions that will be as accurate as possible to make money, while gamblers can't predict anything, they bet. People who trade for the thrill of it, or because they want to prove something, or can’t accept losing on the market from time to time, and don’t have a plan or consistency, are trading in a gambling style. New online trading apps have recently come under the spotlight for bringing a gambling aspect into trading. The gamification of trading, with easy-to-use online platforms, little education for retail traders and the social pressure of FOMO also contribute to a gambling attitude on the market. Serious traders should consider their objectives, their attitudes to risk, and carefully devise an investment strategy when entering a market.

How do I decide which broker is right for me?

Choosing the right broker depends on your individual preferences, trading goals, and needs. Determine your trading goals and identify the types of assets you want to trade. Compare the fees and commissions charged by different brokers for trades, withdrawals, account maintenance, and other services. Choose a broker regulated by reputable financial authorities. Regulation ensures a certain level of safety and oversight. Ensure that the broker offers account types that suit your trading style, such as individual, joint, or retirement accounts. Check available funding and withdrawal options to see whether they are convenient and aligned with your preferences. Choose a broker that aligns with your budget by considering factors such as account minimum, margin requirements, and fees. It's always a good idea to start with a small deposit to test the broker's services and platform before committing larger funds.

Can I lose money in a brokerage account?

Yes, it is possible to lose money in a brokerage account. While your funds are safe from fraud and theft if you choose a reputable and regulated broker, investing and trading involve risks that can lead to losing your money. The value of your investments can fluctuate due to market volatility and price changes may result in losses. If you put all your funds into a single investment or a small number of investments, you increase your risk. Diversify your portfolio across different assets to mitigate this risk. Always consider your risk tolerance and only invest funds that you can afford to lose without impacting your financial stability.

How quickly can I start trading stocks?

The speed at which you can start trading stocks depends on a few factors, but it's possible to start relatively quickly. Here's a general timeline of the process. As a first step you have to open your brokerage account, you will need to wait for the broker to verify your information. This usually take 1-2 business days at most. Once you have your account up and running, you will need to deposit funds into it. This can be done via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or electronic wallet. The time it takes for funds to appear in your account varies, but it usually takes 1-3 business days. After the money shows up in your trading account, you can execute your first trade.

Is trading hard to learn?

Trading is not diffficult to learn if you invest enough time and energy into it. But that is a big if. Plenty of people trade, but the more time you spend studying trading, the more you practice, - as with everything else -, the better results you can expect. Knowing yourself, your attitude to risk-taking, and being patient and disciplined are also crucial factors if you want to be successful. Keep a cool head, don’t look for easy money, commit to studying trading and always have a trading plan. Our aim is to make personal investing as clear and accessible for you, as possible. Our educational page is a good starting point. You can also learn from our expert traders about the difference between investing and trading, and learn here about how to become a trader. You can also learn about different investment strategies from us.

Want to learn more?

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Author of this article

Gyula Lencsés, CFA
Gyula Lencsés, CFA

Gyula is a former analyst expert and Head of Content at BrokerChooser. With over a decade in finance, he led content creation at BrokerChooser and personally evaluated some of our 100+ listed brokers. He opened real-money accounts, executed transactions, and engaged with customer services, offering firsthand assessments. Prior to BrokerChooser, he managed mutual funds in wealth management, trading stocks, ETFs, bonds, commodities, forex, and derivatives. His goal: simplify the hunt for top brokers in a dynamic investment landscape.

Everything you find on BrokerChooser is based on reliable data and unbiased information. We combine our 10+ years finance experience with readers feedback. Read more about our methodology.

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