10 Best Stock Trading Apps for 2024

Many investors in the US will now use a top-rated stock app in conjunction with an online brokerage account. In doing so, this allows you to buy and sell stocks no matter where you are, and thus – you’ll never miss a trading opportunity again.

In this guide, we review the 10 best stock trading apps for 2024 in terms of supported markets, fees, trading tools, customer service, and more.

When considering where to buy stocks for your financial goals and skillset, consider reading our in-depth reviews – which you will find in the subsequent sections of this guide. 

Best Stock Trading Apps Reviewed 

Nowadays the best stock trading platforms provide access to a convenient stock trading app. To compile our list of the top stocks apps for 2022 – we considered a range of important factors. This includes everything from fees, commissions, and supported stock markets to user-friendliness, device compatibility, and the availability of trading tools.  

Check out the 10 reviews below.

1. Webull – Top Stock Trading App with 0% Commission on US-Listed Stocks

Webull offers a popular stock trading app that is fully optimized for both iOS and Android smartphones. There is no fee to download the Webull app, but you first have to register an account and upload some ID before you can start trading stocks. There is no minimum deposit and you can transfer funds via ACH or domestic bank wire. 

Take note, while ACH transfers are free, domestic bank wires are charged at $8 and $25 for deposits and withdrawals, respectively. Once your Webull account is set up, you will then have access to thousands of US-listed stocks. This covers virtually all equities listed on the NYSE and NASDAQ.   

Moreover, you will also have access to a small number of ADRs – which gives you exposure to large-cap stocks listed overseas. When it to fees, Webull allows you to buy US-listed stocks on a commission-free basis. ADRs, however, come with additional fees. The Webull trading app allows you to buy stocks from just $5 per trade via its fractional ownership tool. 

On top of stocks, the Webull app also supports ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and options. Although most traders opt for a self-directed trading plan, Webull also offers a variety of retirement accounts in the shape of IRAs. The Webull app also offers a range of charting tools – which will suit short-term day traders looking to speculate on stock options.   

Your capital is at risk.

3. XTB – Leading CFD Broker with more than 2,000 Global Stocks

XTB is a CFD broker that offers trading on more than 2,100 stocks from around the globe. When trading CFDs (contracts for difference), traders don’t own the underlying stock shares. Instead, they’re betting on whether the stock will rise or fall in price relative to the price at which they entered their trade. Stock CFDs make it easy to take long or short positions on a stock and can be traded with leverage up to 10:1 at XTB.

XTB offers one of the best mobile trading apps we’ve seen: xStation 5. This app is available for iOS and Android devices and comes packed with tools for technical analysis. Traders will find customizable charts, technical studies, drawing tools, price alerts, and more. Importantly, traders can enter trades right from the charting window so they never miss an opportunity.

All stock CFD trades at XTB are 0% commission. Traders just pay the spread, which is around 0.3% for most US stocks. There’s no minimum deposit to open a new account with XTB and traders can test out the xStation 5 mobile app through a free demo account to practice stock trading.

Your capital is at risk. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

4. Interactive Brokers – Popular Trading App with Advanced Trading Tools

Interactive Brokers is one of the top stock trading apps that is available on the market. Its proprietary IBKR mobile app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and it comes packed with advanced trading features.

This includes dozens of technical indicators, institutional-grade research tools, real-time market information, and over 50 data columns. Although the IBKR app is suited to advanced traders, it has been well designed – meaning that you won’t have any issues navigating around the platform to buy and sell stocks.

When it comes to supported markets, this is where Interactive Brokers really stands out. This is because you will have access to stocks in over 30 different countries. Moreover, in addition to stocks, Interactive Brokers supports everything from index funds, bonds, and ETFs to financial derivatives, gold, and access to upcoming IPOs. 

The Interactive Brokers stock trading app offers a low-fee policy. This is because when you buy or sell US-listed stocks, you won’t be charged any commissions. You will need to pay fees when buying non-US assets – so do check this before placing an order. Finally, Interactive Brokers does not have a minimum deposit requirement on standard self-directed accounts.   

5. Schwab – Preferred Stock Trading App for Seasoned Investors

Schwab is an established US-based brokerage firm that allows you to trade thousands of assets in a low-cost environment. Although accounts take several days to open, once you are set up you can download the Schwab mobile app to your iOS or Android device and start trading stocks at 0% commission.

This is, however, only possible if your chosen stocks are listed in the US. If you decide to buy stocks that are listed overseas, then additional fees will apply. The Schwab stock app offers a simple interface, especially when it comes to placing buy and sell orders.

Although Schwab is often preferred by seasoned investors that wish to stake large sums of capital, the brokerage firm offers fractional share trading tools. And, this enables you to buy any stock that is listed on the S&P 500 from just $5 per trade. This means that you can buy Amazon stock and other expensive equities without needing to risk thousands of dollars.

Another core feature of the Schwab mobile app is that it gives you access to diversified portfolios at the click of a button. Its thematic stock lists cover a wide range of markets – such as active lifestyle, blockchain, cyber security, social networking, caffeinated drinks, and more. Finally, there is no minimum deposit at Schwab when opening a standard account.

6. Fidelity – Best Stock Trading App to Prepare for Retirement

Fidelity is another stock trading app that is available in the market. This is because its Stocks by the Slice tool enables you to buy and sell US-listed stocks from just $1 per trading order. Once again, this is particularly useful when it comes to buying expensive stocks like Amazon.

In addition to stocks, the Fidelity app gives you access to dozens of other asset classes. This covers everything from bonds and ETFs to mutual funds and options. You can also access upcoming IPOs and sign up for a managed portfolio. With that said, the latter will come with higher account minimums depending on your chosen strategy.

Otherwise, there is no minimum deposit to meet when opening a standard self-directed account. With the Fidelity mobile app – which is available on both iOS and Android, users can access retirement accounts. This covers Traditional, Rollover, and Roth IRAs. And, if you’re unsure which IRA is right for you, Fidelity offers a useful comparison tool. 

The Fidelity app also gives you access to international stock exchanges, but each market comes with its own pricing structure. Moreover, Fidelity also offers real-time financial news – so you can easily stay updated with core market developments. 

7. SoFi – Top Trading App for Crypto Investment

SoFi offers a variety of accounts – all of which give you access to thousands of US-listed stocks. SoFi also supports cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Dogecoin, alongside ETFs and access to upcoming IPOs.

When you buy stocks on the SoFi mobile app – you won’t be charged any trading commissions. Moreover, irrespective of which US-listed stock you decide to invest in – you only need to risk $5. When setting up your account, you won’t need to meet a minimum deposit. Moreover, verified accounts can typically be opened in under 10 minutes from start to finish.

SoFi is also popular with investors that wish to combine trading and banking services via a single app. This is because SoFi offers digital checking accounts and even loans, mortgages, and auto financing. 

Another popular feature offered by the SoFi app is its automated investing accounts. This is a diversified investment strategy that will initially require you to state your long-term financial goals. Then, the underlying algorithm will subsequently build a portfolio based on your objectives and risk tolerance.

8. Ally Invest – Trading App also offering Banking Services and Loans 

In many ways, Ally Invest is a direct competitor to SoFi. This is because the Ally Invest mobile app not only gives you access to a simple investment suite – but also banking services and loans.

Before we get to fees, it is important to note that Ally Invest does not support fractional shares. As such, if you’re looking to buy expensive stocks like Amazon or Tesla, then you will need to purchase a full equity. On the other hand, Ally Invest does at least support automated DRIPs, which enables you to grow your portfolio via compound interest.

Nonetheless, Ally Invest app offers 0% commission policy on all supported stocks and ETFs. Fixed-rated bonds and mutual funds are also listed on the app – but these come with additional fees. Ally Invest also offers robo portfolio services, which allow you to build a diversified portfolio based on your financial goals. 

And, the robot portfolio service at Ally Invest is managed and maintained on your behalf. This means that once you have made your initial investment, you can sit back and allow your money to work for you. Finally, the Ally Invest stock app also offers margin trading facilities – which can come in handy if you’re looking to amplify your investment capital.  

9. E*TRADE – Top Trading App for Long-Term Investment Portfolio

If you’re thinking about building a long-term investment portfolio for your retirement years, then E*TRADE offers one of the best apps to invest in stocks for this purpose. Account options here include Beneficiary, Rollover, Roth, and Traditional IRAs. You can even open an IRA for your children.

With that said, E*TRADE is also a suitable option if you’re simply looking to open a standard self-directed brokerage account. This is because there is no minimum deposit requirement and you will have access to thousands of commission-free US-listed stocks. Unfortunately, E*TRADE does not allow you to buy fractional shares, so this should be considered before you sign up.

Nonetheless, E*TRADE also allows you to buy assets outside of just stocks. This includes everything from options, futures, mutual funds, ETFs, bonds, and even access to IPOs. The E*TRADE mobile app also gives you access to managed portfolios, which are ideal for those of you that don’t feel comfortable picking your own stock investments. 

If you’re interested in opening a managed portfolio plan here, you will need to invest at least $500. Furthermore, you will be charged a management fee of 0.30%. Financial advice is also available at E*TRADE, but this will require a minimum capital outlay of at least $25,000. Finally, E*TRADE also offers a range of investment guides that are aimed at beginners.

10. TD Ameritrade – Leading Trading App for Experienced Investors with Advanced Features

TD Ameritrade is a leading trading app in the market for experienced investors that seek high-level tools and features. This established brokerage firm is behind the popular trading platform thinkorswim – which is available through web browsers, desktop software, and a mobile app.

The latter is fully optimized for both iOS and Android devices. Once you download the TD Ameritrade app, you will have access to thousands of stocks, ETFs, and options markets. US-listed markets can be accessed on a 0% commission basis. International exchanges can also be accessed, albeit, this will be charged at a premium.

Take note – in a similar nature to Ally Invest and E*TRADE, TD Ameritrade does not support fractional trading – so you will need to purchase stocks in full increments.

Moreover, users can use multiple technical indicators, chart drawing tools, and real-time pricing quotes. The TD Ameritrade app also enables you to create watchlists and receive alerts directly to your smartphone. Finally, although TD Ameritrade is aimed at seasoned traders, the app also comes with educational tools.

11. Robinhood – Best Stock Trading App for Beginners

The final provider on our list is Robinhood. This top-rated investment app is used by millions of US-based clients for its simple interface and low-cost policy and is one of the best stock trading apps for beginners.

Robinhood offers commission-free access to all supported markets. Not only does this includes US-listed stocks, but also cryptocurrencies, options, and ETFs. Robinhood also offers a small number of ADRs, but additional fees apply. In terms of getting started, it takes just minutes to open a verified account with Robinhood.

You won’t need to meet a minimum deposit and the provider allows you to trade from just $1.

As such, the Robinhood app will be of interest to those on a budget. The app – which is compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems, will limit you to $1,000 in instant deposits, with the rest being credited a few days later. With that said, at just $5 per month, the Robinhood gold account offers much higher limits.

Furthermore, the Robinhood gold account also gives you access to margin trading facilities and additional research tools.

Best Stock Apps Compared

For a complete overview of the providers we reviewed above, check out our comparison table of the best stock market apps for 2022.

Features of the Best Stock Apps

Whether you’re looking for the best cybersecurity stocks or the most popular tech stocks, you may want to analyze the available stock trading apps by looking at a few key metrics. Here are a few of the features to look at:

Safety and Trust

All of the 10 stock apps that we reviewed on this page are approved to offer brokerage services to US clients.

And as such, you can choose any of these providers for your stock trading needs without needing to worry about the safety of your funds.

Supported Markets 

Each and every stock investment app that we reviewed give you access to thousands of US-listed shares across the US’s two primary exchanges – the NYSE and NASDAQ.

In terms of international diversification, some of the stock investment app providers that we discussed do not give you access to foreign exchanges, while some offer ADRs.

Fees and Commissions

All of the stock apps discussed today allow you to open a standard self-directed account that is free to maintain. However, fees might come into play when you make a deposit.

For instance, bank wire deposits at Webull are charged at $8, so do bear this in mind if you’re looking to invest small amounts.

Another thing to note is that all the providers from our list of top stock apps for 2022 offer commission-free access to US-listed shares.

Account Types

If you’re simply looking to buy and sell stocks in a casual manner, then you will likely be suited for a standard self-directed account. This means that you will be responsible for making your own stock picks.

• With that said, many of the stock apps that we reviewed today offer a range of alternative accounts.
• For example, at Webull, you can open a retirement account across a range of IRAs.

Moreover, many stock app providers also offer managed portfolios.

Fractional Shares

Fractionsal shares allow users to purchase just a small fraction of one stock – which is particularly useful if you are on a budget.

For example, as of writing, Alphabet stocks are trading at just under $3,000 per share. However, if you were to use a fractional sharing stock app, it lets you purchase a percentage of shares.

The best penny stock trading apps also offer shares on much smaller or start-up companies.

Alternative Assets

Seasoned traders will often look to hedge their stock investments with other asset classes.

As such, the best stock investing apps in the market also gives you access to index funds, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, commodities, and more.

Just be sure to check what fees apply on non-stock and ETF investments, as brokers will often charge a premium for alternative assets.

Mobile Experience

Across the board, we found that the 10 providers from our list of the best online stock trading apps each offer a mobile experience across both iOS and Android.

However, we did find that some stock apps are better suited for beginners, while others are aimed at those with prior trading experience.

For example, the likes of Robinhood and Webull are most definitely suited for first-time investors, as their respective apps are simple to use. Moreover, to buy a stock, it’s just a case of searching for the company and entering your total investment stake.

You then have stock apps like Interactive Brokers and TD Ameritrade – both of which are preferred by seasoned investors that need access to high-level data and analysis tools.

Copy Trading

Another core feature that we came across when reviewing the best stock apps for 2022 is copy trading. This tool lets users copy the exact trades of skilled of experienced investors. For beginners looking to invest but have little knowledge of the markets, this feature can be valuable.

Margin Facilities

Many of the stock apps that we discussed on this page give you access to margin trading facilities. This means that you can trade with more capital than you have in your brokerage account.

Take note, as per SEC rules, you need to maintain a balance of at least $2,000 to access margin.

Trading Tools

Trading tools allow you to scan the stock markets with the view of predicting future price action. The best stock analysis apps that we came across offer everything from technical indicators and chart drawing tools to stock screeners and market insights.

Minimum Deposit

We mentioned earlier that the best stock trading apps allow you to buy fractional shares with just a few dollars. With that said, you also need to check whether or not your chosen trading app requires a minimum deposit.

In most cases, you should find that standard self-directed accounts allow you to do get started with any amount of your choosing. However, if you decide to open a retirement account or invest in a managed portfolio – this will likely require a higher minimum.

Demo Account

Many free stock trading apps in the market will enable you to trade risk-free via a dedicated demo account. This typically mirrors live market conditions, meaning that you can practice trading strategies without needing to invest any money.

The best stock trading apps for beginners will offer demo accounts that are suited for both novices and experienced traders alike – so this is definitely something to look for when choosing a suitable stock app for you.

Onboarding Times

Make no mistake about it – there is often a huge disparity in the number of days that you need to wait before you can start trading with a new brokerage account.

This is because of the onboarding process – which requires the stock app provider to verify your identity for anti-money laundering purposes.

For example, when registering with the likes of Interactive Brokers or TD Ameritrade, it can take several days for your account to be verified.

However, when using a new-age stock app provider like Webull, your ID documents will typically get verified in less than five minutes. This is because the onboard process is automated.

Payment Methods

All of the free stock trading apps that we discussed today enable you to deposit and withdraw funds via ACH or a domestic bank wire. Some providers also support third-party transfers and checks.

Customer Service

Consider whether or not your chosen stock app offers a sufficient level of customer service. For instance, be sure to check what hours the support team works and what options you have when it comes to making contact.

The best stock trading apps will offer 24/7 customer support via live chat. This means that you can speak with a human advisor simply by logging into your stock app.

How to Buy Use a Stock App 

If you’ve never previously used a trading app to buy and sell stocks – you might be somewhat intimidated by the process.

After choosing a suitable broker of your choice, here is how you can purchase stocks with the best stock apps in a few steps:

Step 1: Open a Stock Broker Account 

Users can head over to the chosen broker they wish to begin trading with and download the stock app. Traders are required to enter their personal details and create their account by confirming their username and password.

Step 2: Upload ID

The next step is to verify your identity by uploading a valid photo ID. Users can do so by sending a copy of your passport/driver’s license and proof of address.

Step 3: Deposit Funds

The next step for users is to deposit funds into the account. Choose one of the available payment methods and then deposit money into the trading account.

Some of the available payment methods may include credit/debit card options, bank transfers or e-wallets like PayPal.

Step 4: Buy Stocks

The final step is to begin purchasing the stocks. Search for the stocks name on the platform’s search bar and click “enter”. Users can now create a new buy order position. Enter the amount you wish to enter into the position and confirm the transaction.

Conclusion

Choosing a suitable stock app for your skillset and the markets that you wish to access to crucial. As discussed throughout this guide, the best stock trading apps for 2022 offer low fees, plenty of trading tools, and support for fractional shares.

Users can compare the available options and pick a suitable stock broker to begin trading with.

Webull is our overall pick for best stock trading app for 2024 as it offers a wide range of financial trading apps, is one of the best mobile stock trading apps and is also one of the best trading apps for beginners.

Your capital is at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions on Stock Apps