Finding the right online brokers for stocks can help you trade easily without paying extra fees. Free brokers let you buy and sell stocks without commission charges. They also provide tools to help you make smart investment decisions. Here are 7 great options for 2025:
- Webull – Best for beginners with free stocks and easy trading.
- Robinhood – Best for commission-free trades and a simple app.
- Moomoo – Best for research tools and real-time market data.
- M1 Finance – Best for automated investing and long-term growth.
- Tastytrade – Best for options trading with low costs.
- Fidelity – Best for long-term investors with zero-fee mutual funds.
- Public – Best for social investing and learning from experts.
Before picking an online broker for stocks, check key features that matter. Look for free trading, easy-to-use platforms, many investment choices, helpful research tools, and automatic investing to improve your experience.
In this article, I will explain how these online brokers for stocks work, their key features, and what makes each one a top pick for 2025. Whether you are just starting or looking for better tools, you will find the best broker for your needs.
Why Choose Free Online Brokers for Stocks?
Free online brokers for stocks have transformed how we invest. Here’s why you should consider them:
- Commission-free trading: No fees on stock and ETF trades.
- User-Friendly Platforms – Simple to use, even if you’re just starting.
- Educational Tools – Many brokers offer learning resources for beginners.
- Mobile Access – Trade from anywhere with easy-to-use apps.
- Diverse Investment Options – Choose from stocks, ETFs, options, and more.
- Robo-advisors: Automated investing based on your goals.
- Paper trading: Practice investing with virtual money.
- Real-time market data: Free access to charts, analysis, and news.
- Fractional shares: Invest in expensive stocks with small amounts.
- Security and protection: FDIC or SIPC insurance to protect your funds.
7 Best Free Online Brokers for Stocks in 2025
Let’s delve into the top seven free online brokers for stocks in 2025
Best for Beginners – Webull
Webull is an excellent platform for those new to investing. It offers a range of tools to help you get started.
Key Facts:
- Commission Fees: None
- Account Minimum: $0
- Trading Options: Stocks, ETFs, options, cryptocurrencies
Best for: Beginners who want a simple, easy-to-use platform with helpful tools.
Why We Picked It:
Webull is perfect if you’re new to investing. The platform has an intuitive interface that makes trading simple. Unlike some complex trading platforms, Webull guides you with educational tools, webinars, and demo accounts to practice. It also offers extended trading hours, which can be useful for learning market behavior. The mobile app is well-designed, making it the best online brokers for stocks trading on the go effortlessly.
Good to Know:
- Offers free paper trading to practice without real money.
- Allows trading during extended hours.
- Provides technical analysis tools for more advanced learning.
- With Webull promotions, get 12 Webull free stocks worth up to $30,600
Best for Commission-Free Trading – Robinhood
Robinhood pioneered commission-free trading, making it a favorite among cost-conscious investors.
Key Facts:
- Commission Fees: None
- Account Minimum: $0
- Trading Options: Stocks, ETFs, options, cryptocurrencies
Best for: Investors who want a simple, no-cost trading experience.
Why We Picked It:
Robinhood pioneered commission-free trading, making it accessible for everyone. It has a clean, easy-to-use interface, which makes buying and selling stocks fast. The app’s minimalistic design removes unnecessary distractions, helping you focus on trading. It also offers fractional shares, allowing you to invest in expensive stocks with just a few dollars. Robinhood is an excellent choice if you’re looking for free online brokers for stocks with a streamlined, beginner-friendly experience.
Good to Know:
- Offers a cash management account with a debit card.
- Allows fractional share investing.
- Provides instant deposits for faster trading.
- Now, with Robinhood promotions, you can enjoy commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and options, and start investing with just $1.
Best for Research Tools – Moomoo
Moomoo stands out for its advanced research tools, catering to investors who seek in-depth market analysis.
Key Facts:
- Commission Fees: None
- Account Minimum: $0
- Trading Options: Stocks, ETFs, options
Best for: Investors who need detailed market analysis and research tools.
Why We Picked It:
Moomoo is one of the best online brokers for stocks, offering some of the industry’s top research tools. It provides real-time market data, in-depth stock analysis, and advanced charting features. This broker is great if you love digging into stock fundamentals before investing. Unlike many free brokers, Moomoo gives access to Level 2 market data at no extra cost, helping you see real-time bid and ask prices for better decision-making.
Good to Know:
- Provides free access to Level 2 market data.
- Includes customizable trading charts.
- Offers AI-driven investment insights.
Best for Automated Investing – M1 Finance
M1 Finance combines robo-advisory services with self-directed trading, making it a standout option among online brokers for stocks, perfect for those seeking automated investing.
Key Facts:
- Commission Fees: None
- Account Minimum: $100
- Trading Options: Stocks, ETFs
Best for: Investors who prefer automated, hands-off investing.
Why We Picked It:
M1 Finance is great if you want to build and automate your portfolio without micromanaging trades. It offers a “pie” investing system, where you choose a mix of stocks and ETFs, and the platform automatically rebalances your investments over time. This makes it an ideal choice for long-term investors who want to stay invested without daily market monitoring.
Good to Know:
- Offers fractional shares for better portfolio diversification.
- Provides automatic portfolio rebalancing.
- Includes high-yield cash management accounts.
- Experience the incredible M1 Finance promotions offering up to $20,000 when transferring from another brokerage account to M1
Best for Options Trading – Tastytrade
Tastytrade offers innovative tools and resources, making it a top choice among online brokers for stocks, especially for active traders.
Key Facts:
- Commission Fees: None for stocks, $1 per options contract (to open)
- Account Minimum: $0
- Trading Options: Stocks, options, futures
Best for: Investors who want a platform focused on options trading.
Why We Picked It:
Tastytrade is designed for serious traders who want powerful tools to trade options. Unlike other brokers, it provides detailed educational content specifically for options strategies. The platform also features advanced analytics and customizable trading tools. If you’re looking to explore options trading, Tastytrade offers some of the best resources in the industry.
Good to Know:
- Provides educational webinars on options trading.
- Offers a highly customizable trading interface.
- Features competitive margin rates for leveraged trades.
- Get a $3000 Welcome Credit when you open a new account using this Tastytrade referral code (HELPINGDESI23) and make your first deposit.
Best for Long-Term Investors – Fidelity
Fidelity is renowned for its comprehensive services, making it ideal for long-term investors.
Key Facts:
- Commission Fees: None
- Account Minimum: $0
- Trading Options: Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options
Best for: Investors who want a full-service broker for long-term wealth building.
Why We Picked It:
Fidelity is a trusted name among online brokers for stocks, known for its research and long-term investment tools. It provides commission-free trades along with top-tier customer support. Unlike many free brokers, Fidelity offers thousands of no-fee mutual funds, making it a great choice for retirement investors. It also has excellent educational resources to help you make smarter investment decisions.
Good to Know:
- Offers strong retirement planning tools.
- Provides access to a wide range of investment options.
- Features excellent customer service and live chat support.
- Fidelity promotions offer various opportunities for earning higher returns through diversified investments.
Best for Social Investing – Public
Public is one of the online brokers for stocks that offers an easy-to-use platform and lets investors connect and share ideas with each other.
Key Facts:
- Commission Fees: None
- Account Minimum: $0
- Trading Options: Stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies
Best for: Investors who want a social investing experience with transparency.
Why We Picked It:
Public makes investing interactive by letting you see what others are investing in. It encourages learning through community discussions, making it a great platform for beginners who want to engage with other investors. The app also avoids risky margin trading, making it safer for new investors who are still learning how to manage risk.
Good to Know:
- Offers transparency by showing public portfolios.
- Includes community features for sharing investing ideas.
- Does not allow margin trading, making it safer for beginners.
How Free Online Brokers Work
Free online brokers for stocks let you buy and sell stocks without paying commissions. These platforms use technology to cut costs and provide services at no charge.
How They Make Money
- Payment for order flow (PFOF): Brokers earn money by sending your trade orders to specific market makers.
- Interest on cash balances: They invest your uninvested cash and earn interest.
- Premium features: Some brokers offer paid tools, advanced research, or robo-advisors.
- Margin lending: They charge interest if you borrow money to trade stocks.
How You Can Benefit
- Trade stocks without paying fees.
- Access research tools, charts, and data for free.
- Invest small amounts with fractional shares.
- Use mobile apps for easy trading on the go.
Conclusion
Choosing the right free online brokers for stocks depends on your needs. Whether you’re a beginner, a long-term investor, or an options trader, there’s a platform that suits you. Each of these seven brokers provides commission-free stock trading with unique features. Start investing today and make the most of these free platforms.
FAQs
Are free online brokers really free?
Yes, most don’t charge commissions on stock trades, but they may make money in other ways, like payment for order flow or premium features.
Can I trust free online brokers?
Yes, as long as they are regulated by financial authorities like the SEC or FINRA. Always check for SIPC insurance to protect your investments.
Do free brokers offer good research tools?
Some do, like Moomoo and Webull, which provide real-time data and technical charts. Others may require paid subscriptions for advanced features.
Can I trade options or crypto with free brokers?
Yes, some brokers like Tastytrade and Public offer options trading and even cryptocurrency investments.
What is the best free online broker for beginners?
Webull and Robinhood are good choices because they have simple interfaces and no minimum deposit.