Top 7 Stock Trading Apps for Beginners 2025
In 2025, stock trading is at your fingertips. Mobile apps let beginners buy and sell with zero commissions. Many of them now offer fractional shares and risk-free paper-trading accounts. But with so many features and fee structures, choosing the right app can feel you confusing. In this guide, we review the top seven stock-trading apps for new investors. We compare costs, ease of use, and learning tools. By the end, you’ll know which app fits your goals and exactly how to make your first trade.
How to Choose a Trading App
Picking the right app means matching features to your goals. We will focus on these key criteria to make your selection more easy in app selection:
- Fees & Commissions
Always look for zero-commission trades on stocks and ETFs. Check for hidden fees on options, mutual funds, or account inactivity. Else ask the support if you don’t find. - Ease of Use
A clean, intuitive interface helps you buy and sell without mistakes. App layout, menu flow, and one-tap order entry all matters a lot. So keep this in mind for sure to make it easy for you to select trades. - Fractional Shares
If you have a small budget, fractional trading lets you buy partial shares of expensive stocks. Not all apps offer this. Do consider this feature too. - Educational Tools
Built-in tutorials, video lessons, and in-app articles help you learn as you go. Paper-trading or demo modes let you practice risk-free. If you are beginner for sure start with apps like these. - Research & Data
Look for real-time quotes, analyst ratings, and customizable charts. Alerts on price moves or news can keep you informed. More time you spend learn better you get with time. - Deposit & Withdrawal Speeds
Instant deposits let you trade with new funds right away. Check how long withdrawals take and whether there are fees compared to others. - Security & Support
Ensure the app uses encryption and two-factor authentication. Responsive customer service can save you headaches if something goes wrong. Instant support is very beneficial.
By weighing each of these factors, we’ll narrow the field to apps that suit your style and budget. Next, we’ll dive into our top seven picks—starting with the app that makes trading truly beginner-friendly.
Robinhood
Robinhood offers commission free trading on stocks, ETFs, options and crypto with no account minimum deposits. It supports fractional-share trading down to $1 value, so beginners can invest in expensive stocks with as small budgets. You get instant deposits, up to $1,000 inside your trading app immediately, while standard ACH transfers will get post next business day in you app. The app is clean, mobile friendly design and also have built-in tutorials which help new investors learn as they start trade. Extended hours of trading and real-time market data all around the app, features it for good hands for beginners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Commission-free trades on stocks, ETFs, options and crypto | Limited advanced order types (no conditional orders) |
| Fractional share investing from $1 | Few mutual fund or bond offerings |
| Instant deposits up to $1,000 | Occasional outages during high-volatility periods |
| Intuitive mobile interface with educational tools | Customer support can be slow at peak times |
Best for: No fee beginners seeking a simple, mobile friendly trading platform.
Webull
Webull also offers commission free trades on stocks, ETFs and options across mobile, web and desktop platforms. It supports fractional share trading starting at $5 or as little as 0.00001 shares per order. The platform also includes a demo paper trading simulator with $100,000 in virtual funds to learn for risk free practice. Webull’s advanced charting has over 50 technical indicators and customizable drawing tools to make things easy. Real time Level I quotes come free, and you can subscribe to Level II market data for $1.99 per month only. Extended-hours trading covers pre market and after hours sessions, from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Custom alerts and watchlists also helps you to monitor price moves and news. The feature rich interface may overwhelm absolute beginners, but it empowers active traders.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Commission free trading on stocks, ETFs and options | Steep learning curve for novice investors |
| Fractional-share investing from $5 | Level II data costs extra |
| Paper trading simulator with $100,000 virtual cash | No mutual funds or bond offerings |
| Advanced charting with 50+ technical indicators | Interface can feel overwhelming |
| Extended hours trading and custom alerts | Customer support wait times can be long |
Best for: Active traders who want powerful analysis tools and risk-free practice across mobile and desktop.
Fidelity
Fidelity’s mobile app offers commission free trading on stocks, ETFs and options. It supports fractional-share trades from $1. The app includes real-time quotes and in-depth research reports from top analysts. You get interactive charts with drawing tools and overlay indicators. Fidelity’s learning center has articles, videos and webinars built into the app. There’s no account minimum deposit and no inactivity fees. ACH deposits and withdrawals post in one to two business days. The app also features secure biometric login and 24/7 customer support.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Commission free trades on stocks, ETFs and options | No paper trading simulator |
| Fractional share investing from $1 | Learning tools feel basic compared to rivals |
| In-app research reports and screeners | No cryptocurrency trading |
| Interactive charts with drawing tools | ACH transfers can take up to two days |
| No account minimum or inactivity fees | Mobile interface can feel cluttered |
Best for: Long-term beginners who want robust research and no-hassle, low-cost investing.
Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab’s mobile app offers commission free trades on stocks, ETFs and options. It supports fractional share trading from $5 per slice of S&P 500 companies. The app delivers real-time quotes and award-winning research tools, including screeners and expert commentary from Schwab specialists and third-party providers. Interactive charts include drawing tools and overlays. Stock alerts and customizable watchlists help you track key moves. Extended hours, trading spans pre-market and after-hours sessions, letting you trade from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET . There’s no account minimum or inactivity fees.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Commission free trades on stocks, ETFs and options | No paper trading simulator |
| Fractional-share trading from $5 per slice | Some advanced tools only on desktop (StreetSmart Edge) |
| Award-winning research and screeners | Limited cryptocurrency offerings |
| Extended-hours trading (4 a.m.–8 p.m. ET) | Charting less advanced than thinkorswim |
| Stock alerts, watchlists and live chat support | Mobile interface can be cluttered |
Best for: Investors who want robust research tools, fractional investing and extended hours access in one app.
E*TRADE (Mobile & Power)
ETRADE offers commission-free trades on U.S.-listed stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and options. It charges $0.65 per options contract (drops to $0.50 for 30+ trades per quarter). The Power ETRADE app puts desktop grade tools in your pocket—100+ technical studies, preset scans and real-time quotes. You get fee free Treasury trades and a Dime Buyback program that waives all small contract fees. There’s no account minimum and no inactivity fees. You also get access to 5,000+ no-transaction fee mutual funds and five zero-expense-ratio index funds. Built-in screeners, news feeds and charting support in-depth research.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Commission free U.S.-listed stocks, ETFs, mutual funds & options | No paper-trading simulator |
| No account minimum or inactivity fees | Options fees apply ($0.65–$0.50 per contract) |
| Power E*TRADE mobile app with desktop-grade tools | No fractional shares on individual stocks (only ETFs) |
| Fee-free Treasuries & Dime Buyback program | Platform can slow during peak hours |
| 5,000+ no-transaction-fee mutual funds & 0%-expense index funds | Mobile and web layouts differ—learning curve if you switch |
Best for: Traders who want robust, desktop-level analysis tools and a wide range of investment choices on mobile and web.
M1 Finance
M1 Finance offers commission free trading on stocks and ETFs. It uses customizable “pies” made of slice-weighted holdings. Fractional shares start at $1 per slice. The app auto rebalances to keep your target allocations. There is no account or inactivity fees. You need $100 minimum to open a portfolio account and $10 to buy slices. ACH deposits and withdrawals post in 1–2 business days. Built-in research and custom watchlists cover basic needs. M1 Plus ($125/year) adds real-time quotes, 1% cash-back debit card and a portfolio line of credit. The sleek interface is great for passive investors but lacks advanced trading tools.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Commission free stock & ETF trading | No options or crypto trading |
| Fractional-share pies with auto-rebalancing | $100 minimum to open a portfolio |
| No account minimums or inactivity fees | Real-time quotes require Plus subscription |
| Expert-curated or custom portfolio options | Limited in-app research tools |
| Automated dividend reinvestment | Customer support is email-only |
Best for: Passive investors who want auto-rebalanced, customizable portfolios with no trading fees.
SoFi Active Investing
SoFi Active Investing offers commission free trades on stocks and ETFs. It supports fractional share trading starting at $5 per order. There is no account minimum or inactivity fees. Real-time quotes and basic in-app research tools help you stay informed. You can set up recurring investments on a custom schedule for dollar cost averaging. ACH deposits and withdrawals post in 1–2 business days. The app uses secure biometric login and offers 24/7 support. There is no paper-trading simulator or advanced charting available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Commission free stock & ETF trades | No paper trading simulator |
| Fractional share trading from $5 | Limited advanced charting |
| No account minimum or inactivity fees | No options or crypto trading |
| Recurring investments for auto buys | ACH transfers can take up to two days |
| Real time quotes & basic in-app research tools | Occasional app glitches reported |
Best for: New investors who want simple, no-fee stock and ETF trading with fractional shares and auto-invest options.
Lets dive now into the comparisons of all the apps. We will try explain in table which will make very easy for you to finalize the best app according to your needs.
Comparison Table
| App | Commissions | Min. Deposit | Fractional Shares | Mobile Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | $0 on stocks, ETFs, options & crypto | $0 | From $1 | 5.0 |
| Webull | $0 on stocks, ETFs & options | $0 | From $5 (or 0.00001 share) | 4.5 |
| Fidelity | $0 on stocks, ETFs & options | $0 | From $1 | 4.0 |
| Charles Schwab | $0 on stocks, ETFs & options | $0 | From $5 per slice | 4.5 |
| E*TRADE | $0 on stocks, ETFs & mutual funds; $0.65–$0.50 per options contract | $0 | ETFs only (no stock slices) | 4.5 |
| M1 Finance | $0 on stocks & ETFs | $100 | From $1 (pies) | 4.0 |
| SoFi Active Investing | $0 on stocks & ETFs | $0 | From $5 | 3.5 |
Mobile Rating reflects ease of use, feature set, and stability on smartphone.
Getting Started: First Trade
First, download your chosen app from the ios App Store or android Google Play. Create an account with a valid email and strong password. Complete ID verification by uploading a photo of your government ID and a quick selfie.
Next, link your bank account for ACH transfers. Deposit funds and get instant deposits up to $1,000 post immediately, standard transfers can take 1–2 business days.
When your cash is available, tap the search icon and enter your desired ticker symbol. Select the stock or ETF from the results. Tap Buy. Enter either the dollar amount (for fractional shares) or the number of full shares. Choose a Market order to buy at the next available price, or a Limit order to set your maximum purchase price. Review the order details carefully. Then tap Submit.
Once your trade executes, view it under your Portfolio tab. Set price alerts to track gains or losses. Start with a small position and use built-in tutorials or paper-trading modes to learn without risk. You’ll be trading like a pro in minutes.
As all the apps may not come with exact options but these are the basic option and steps to take your first trade. So I hope it will help you understand how to take your first trade. We also would like to give you some tips if you are an beginner at trading.
Tips for Beginner Mobile Traders
- Start Small
Begin with a small amount-$50 or $100—until you learn how orders execute and apps work. - Use Paper-Trading
Practice risk free in demo modes. Treat it like real trading to build muscle memory. - Set Price Alerts
Use in app alerts to notify you when a stock hits your target entry or exit price. - Stick to What You Know
Trade companies or sectors you understand. Read news and earnings reports before diving in. - Diversify Your Buys
Don’t put all your funds into a single ticker. Spread risk across at least 3–5 stocks or ETFs. - Review Fees & Limits
Watch for options or withdrawal fees. Know minimums for fractional or full-share orders. - Follow a Plan
Define your goals (e.g., long-term growth, income). Decide your risk tolerance and position size ahead of time. - Learn Constantly
Use built-in tutorials, articles and videos. Join online communities to ask questions and share strategies. - Keep Emotions in Check
Avoid impulse trades on hype. Use limit orders or stop loss orders to enforce discipline. - Track Your Performance
Review your trades weekly. Note what worked and where you made mistakes.
Conclusion & Next Steps
You now know the top seven mobile trading apps for beginners, how to choose between them, and how to place your first trade. Remember to start small, practice with paper-trading, and stick to a clear plan. Ready to take action? Download your preferred app, use the steps above to fund and place your first order, and start building your portfolio today. Good luck with your path to confident, mobile first investing starts now!