The Best Trading App Is the One That Keeps You Investing
Every major trading app offers $0 commission stock trades. The differentiator is not price — it is whether the app helps you build good investing habits or encourages you to trade like a day trader (which loses money for 90% of people who try it).
We evaluated each app on four criteria: ease of use for beginners, educational resources, fractional share support (so you can invest with any amount), and temptation to overtrade.
Our Top Picks
Fidelity — Best Overall for Beginners
Fidelity might not have the flashiest app, but it is the best place to actually build wealth. Zero-fee index funds, fractional shares (starting at $1), and a research library deeper than any competitor. Their learning center walks you through every concept from "what is a stock" to tax-loss harvesting.
Commission: $0 stocks/ETFs, $0 mutual funds Fractional shares: Yes (starting at $1) Account minimum: $0
What we like: Zero-fee index funds (FZROX, FZILX — literally 0.00% expense ratio), strongest research and educational content, excellent customer service, retirement planning tools.
Watch out for: The app interface is functional but not as sleek as Robinhood. The sheer amount of features can overwhelm absolute beginners.
Read our full Fidelity review →
Robinhood — Most Beginner-Friendly Interface
Robinhood democratized investing with its clean, simple interface. If the visual complexity of Fidelity or Schwab intimidates you, Robinhood's streamlined design makes buying your first stock feel approachable. Their Robinhood Learn section has improved significantly.
Commission: $0 stocks/ETFs/options/crypto Fractional shares: Yes (starting at $1) Account minimum: $0
What we like: Cleanest mobile interface, fractional shares, IRA with 1% match on contributions (Robinhood Gold), instant deposits, crypto trading alongside stocks.
Watch out for: The gamified interface can encourage overtrading. Options and crypto are prominently featured, which is risky for beginners. Limited research tools compared to full-service brokers.
Read our full Robinhood review →
Schwab — Best for Growing Into a Serious Investor
Schwab combines $0 commissions with institutional-grade research, a massive mutual fund marketplace, and one of the best customer service operations in the industry. You start simple and never outgrow the platform.
Commission: $0 stocks/ETFs Fractional shares: Yes (Schwab Stock Slices) Account minimum: $0
What we like: Schwab Stock Slices lets you buy fractional shares of S&P 500 companies, extensive research from Schwab and Morningstar, 24/7 customer service, full banking integration (checking, savings).
Watch out for: The mobile app is improving but still feels dated compared to Robinhood or Webull. The range of products and tools can be overwhelming for day-one beginners.
Webull — Best for Active Beginners
If you want more advanced charting and data than Robinhood but a cleaner interface than Fidelity, Webull hits the middle ground. Extended-hours trading (4am–8pm ET) and paper trading (practice with fake money) are standout features.
Commission: $0 stocks/ETFs/options Fractional shares: Yes Account minimum: $0
What we like: Paper trading for practice, advanced charting tools, extended trading hours, no minimum deposit, community features for discussing trades.
Watch out for: Crypto selection is limited. Research and educational content are thinner than Fidelity. The social features can amplify herd mentality.
What to Buy as a Beginner
Skip individual stocks at first. Start with one or two broadly diversified index fund ETFs:
| ETF | What it holds | Expense ratio |
|---|---|---|
| VTI (Vanguard) | Entire U.S. stock market | 0.03% |
| SCHB (Schwab) | Entire U.S. stock market | 0.03% |
| VOO (Vanguard) | S&P 500 | 0.03% |
One share of VTI or VOO costs $200+, but with fractional shares you can invest as little as $1. Buy a fractional share every payday, set it to auto-invest, and you own a slice of every public company in America.
Trading App Feature Comparison
| Feature | Fidelity | Robinhood | Schwab | Webull |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commission | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Fractional shares | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Paper trading | No | No | No | Yes |
| IRA accounts | Yes | Yes (1% match) | Yes | Yes |
| Research quality | Excellent | Basic | Excellent | Good |
| Mobile app UX | Good | Excellent | Good | Very good |
FAQs
What is the best stock trading app for beginners? Fidelity is the best all-around platform for beginners who want to build long-term wealth. Robinhood is better if simplicity and a clean interface are your top priorities.
Can I start trading with $10? Yes. All four apps on our list support fractional shares and have no account minimums. You can buy $10 worth of any stock or ETF.
Are stock trading apps safe? Yes. All the apps listed are registered broker-dealers regulated by FINRA and the SEC. Your investments are protected by SIPC insurance up to $500,000 in securities and $250,000 in cash.
Should beginners trade options? No. Options are complex derivatives that amplify both gains and losses. Master the basics of stock and ETF investing first. If you explore options later, start with covered calls or cash-secured puts — never naked options.
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