Best Trading Platforms (2026)

Find the best online brokers and trading platforms for stocks, options, and ETFs.

6 tools tested | Updated monthly | Independent reviews

Buyer's Guide

Online brokers have converged on commission-free stock trading, so the real differentiators are now: research quality (TD Ameritrade/Schwab), platform sophistication (Interactive Brokers), social features (eToro), and simplicity (Robinhood). Beginners should prioritize education and ease of use. Active traders need advanced charting, options analytics, and fast execution. Long-term investors benefit from research tools and retirement account options.

All Trading Platforms Reviewed

Fidelity

Rating: 4.5/5 | Editor's Choice | Pricing: Free ($0 commissions)

Full-service broker with zero-fee index funds, excellent research, and retirement planning tools.

  • Commission-free stock, ETF, and options trading
  • Zero-expense-ratio index funds (industry first)
  • $12T+ in assets under administration

Interactive Brokers

Rating: 4.6/5 | Pricing: $0 – $0.005/share

Professional-grade trading platform with access to global markets and lowest margin rates.

  • Lowest margin rates in the industry
  • Access to 150+ global markets
  • Professional-grade TWS platform

TD Ameritrade

Rating: 4.5/5 | Pricing: Free

Full-service brokerage with thinkorswim platform and extensive research tools.

  • thinkorswim — best options trading platform
  • Excellent third-party research
  • Outstanding educational content

Webull

Rating: 4.3/5 | Pricing: Free

Commission-free trading platform with advanced charting and analysis tools.

  • Advanced charting with 50+ indicators
  • Extended hours trading
  • Commission-free everything

Robinhood

Rating: 4.1/5 | Pricing: Free

Commission-free trading app for stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto.

  • Completely commission-free trading
  • Sleek, intuitive mobile app
  • Fractional shares starting at $1

eToro

Rating: 4/5 | Pricing: 0% commission on stocks

Social trading platform for stocks, crypto, and ETFs with copy trading features.

  • Commission-free stock/ETF trading
  • CopyTrader for automatic portfolio mirroring
  • 80+ cryptocurrencies available

Popular Comparisons

Our Testing Methodology

We evaluate trading platforms by opening funded accounts, executing trades across asset classes, testing order types, measuring execution quality, and evaluating research tools. We rate mobile apps separately for usability and feature parity with desktop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best trading platforms in 2026?

Based on our testing, Fidelity is our top pick with a rating of 4.5/5.

How do we evaluate trading platforms?

We evaluate trading platforms by opening funded accounts, executing trades across asset classes, testing order types, measuring execution quality, and evaluating research tools. We rate mobile apps separately for usability and feature parity with desktop.

Are your trading platforms reviews independent?

Yes. While we may earn affiliate commissions, our editorial team tests every product independently. Ratings are never influenced by commercial relationships.

How often are reviews updated?

We re-test and update our trading platforms reviews at least quarterly to ensure accuracy.

How does Fidelity compare to Interactive Brokers?

Fidelity (4.5/5) and Interactive Brokers (4.6/5) are both top-rated. Read our detailed comparison for a side-by-side breakdown.