11 Best Online Stock Brokers for Beginners 2025

Investing in stocks online has never been easier. In fact, many online brokers offer commission-free trading and fractional shares, meaning the industry is now accessible to casual investors. 

This comparison guide reveals the 11 best online stock brokers for beginners in 2025. Read on to discover the cheapest, safest, and most user-friendly brokers in the market.

Best Online Stock Trading Platforms Reviewed

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing an online stock broker. This includes trading commissions, usability, regulation, supported exchanges, and customer service.

Read on for our reviews of the best stock trading platforms for 2025. 

1. eToro: An Established, Regulated Broker with Exceptional Trading Tools

eToro grabs the first spot due to the trading tools it provides for both beginners and seasoned traders. Founded in 2007, the broker offers access to over 3,000 stocks and ETFs.

The broker currently has over 35 million registered users from over 100 countries.

In July 2024, eToro announced that more than 1,000 UK stocks would be added to the trading platform. The deal with the London Stock Exchange (LSE) means higher-quality pricing data and an improved trading experience.

Stock trading fees

From August 2024, eToro charges a commission of $1.00 to $2.00 for trading stocks, depending on your country of residence.

Residence	Australia, Hong Kong, and Dubai stock exchanges	All other exchanges
Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden	$2 commission	$1 commission
Australia and New Zealand	$2 commission	$2 commission
All other countries	Free	Free

eToro stock trading tools

eToro enables copy trading, where traders may copy each other’s trades or holdings. Each trader is ranked based on past performance, with clear metrics appropriate for both beginners and seasoned investors.

The second trading tool is the Research tab. Through a partnership with TipRanks, this tool provides investors with valuable information on US stocks.

The Research tab includes more than just analysts’ forecasts. It also includes price targets, hedge fund sentiment, and analysts’ recommendation summaries. In the future, Insiders’ transactions will be added.

The Research tab is available in US stocks and ETFs.

For traders keen on technical analysis, eToro partnered with TradingView to provide advanced charting and analysis tools fully optimized for mobile devices.

No. Stocks	3,000+
Trading Commission	0% for most countries (see the prior commissions table)
Account Minimum	varies from country to country
Fractional Trading?	Yes
Demo Account?	Yes
Top Features	Copy trading, research tab, and advanced charting and analysis tools.

“Your capital is at risk”

2. XTB – Overall Best Stock Broker for Beginners 

We rank XTB as the best option for beginners. This online stock broker offers a user-friendly dashboard and there is no minimum deposit requirement to get started. XTB supports more than 2,800 stocks from 16 global exchanges. This makes it seamless to build a diversified portfolio across many different markets. 

When it comes to fees, XTB offers 0% commission trading on all supported stocks. The only condition is that your monthly trading volume remains below €100,000. If you go over this threshold, a 0.2% fee will apply. Either way, you’ll also need to cover the market spread, which is displayed when setting up an order. 

XTB will appeal to budget investors; the minimum trade size is just €10. This means you can buy expensive stocks like Netflix and Tesla without risking too much money. In addition, XTB also offers 0% commissions on over 300 ETFs. This covers popular index funds like the Russell 2000 and S&P 500. 

XTB also supports some of the best cryptocurrencies to buy. This includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Stellar, and other leading altcoins. In terms of payments, XTB accepts debit/credit cards and e-wallets. Bank transfers are also available, but expect to wait several days for the funds to arrive. 

Another feature is the XTB demo account. This is free to open and enables you to buy and sell stocks with risk-free funds. XTB is available on standard web browsers. It also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android, not to mention desktop software for Windows and Mac. However, do note that XTB is not available in the US, New Zealand, Belgium, and Hong Kong.

No. Stocks	2,800+
Trading Commission	0%
Account Minimum	No minimum
Fractional Trading?	Yes
Demo Account?	Yes
Top Features	Lists stocks from 16 global exchanges. Native desktop software and mobile app. Invest in stocks from just €10. Free demo account with risk-free paper funds. Also supports other asset classes.

75% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

3. FP Markets – Trade Thousands of Stock CFDs with Direct Market Access

FP Markets was established in 2005 in Australia. It offers trading in multiple asset classes, including stock CFDs. The broker offers multiple platforms for trading stock CFDs: MetaTrader4 (MT4), MetaTrader5 (MT5), cTrader, and IRESS.

The MT5 is a popular retail trading platform with fast executions. Traders can develop their own algorithms (referred to as Expert Advisors or EAs for short) or custom indicators and deploy the platform.

Approximately +1000 stock CFDs are available in MT4, MT4. IRESS, on the other hand, offers you access to +10,000 stock CFDs with direct market access via IRESS.

IRESS stands for Integrated Real-time Equity System. It is a leading financial services brand that serves wealth managers. Thanks to the DMA model, IRESS users enjoy market depth and superior executions.

The broker is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

No. Stocks	10,000+
Trading Commission	From 0.06% – 2 cents per share
Account Minimum	$50
Fractional Trading?	No
Demo Account?	Yes
Top Features	IRESS and a multiple range of asset classes

4. Robinhood – Buy and Sell Fractional Stocks From Just $1 per Trade 

With a cult following among online stock brokers, Robinhood ensures that even budget-conscious individual traders can invest in the stock market. Its fractional investing tool comes with a minimum trade requirement of just $1. This is also the case with other supported markets, including ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and options. However, do note that Robinhood is only suitable for trading US-listed stocks. 

While a selection of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) are listed, options are limited. Nonetheless, Robinhood is a commission-free broker. There are no minimum deposit requirements and both ACH and domestic wires are supported. That said, only the first $1,000 will be credited instantly. If you need higher limits, you’ll need the Robinhood Gold account. 

This costs $5 per month and comes with additional features, including higher interest rates. Robinhood also offers margin trading accounts, enabling US clients to amplify their positions. The main drawback of Robinhood is its ‘Payment for Order Flow’ system, which means unfavorable spreads are charged.  

No. Stocks	5,000+
Trading Commission	0%
Account Minimum	No minimum
Fractional Trading?	Yes
Demo Account?	No
Top Features	Invest in stocks from just $1. Offers retirement accounts with contribution matches. No minimum deposit requirement.

5. Admirals – Plenty of options for CFD trading

The company, which was founded in 2001, rebranded a few years ago from Admirals Markets to just Admirals. It’s a good platform for more experienced traders who are comfortable trading multiple assets through CFDs. Its offers traders several platforms, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), all with advanced charting, technical analysis tools, and automated trading capabilities.

Admirals has tight spreads and fast execution, features that are helpful for traders who frequently enter and exit positions.

It also has several features that would endear itself to newer traders, such as a demo account, fractional trading and a user-friendly interface and plenty of educational opportunities, including webinars, articles and training videos.

It’s important to note that it doesn’t allow traders to own stocks directly, but it does provide for diversification through CFD trading in stocks, indices, bonds, forex and cryptocurrencies. It is not available for trading in the US, however.

No. Stocks	3,000+
Trading Commission	Varies
Account Minimum	$100
Fractional Trading?	Yes
Demo Account?	Yes
Top Features	Admirals’ fees are generally low, including spreads on forex trading. The company is known for its powerful platforms and above-average educational resources.

6. Interactive Brokers – Premium Investment Experience Covering Stock Markets in 33 Countries 

Although Interactive Brokers is preferred by experienced traders, it’s also suitable for beginners. For a start, there is no minimum deposit requirement. What’s more, Interactive Brokers supports fractional stocks; the minimum trade size is just $1. We also like that Interactive Brokers supports thousands of stocks from around the world. 

In fact, it lists 150 global markets from 33 countries. US clients can buy domestic stocks and ETFs at 0% commission. Non-US clients will pay a variable commission depending on the market and the monthly trading volume. Interactive Brokers is also one of the best online stock brokers for research. 

It offers premium analysis tools that cover technical and fundamental data. You’ll also find advanced stock screeners, simulators, and expert market insights. Interactive Brokers supports various devices, including desktop software and a mobile app for iOS and Android. Its client interface is also available via standard web browsers.  

No. Stocks	Thousands of stocks from 33 different countries
Trading Commission	US clients can buy US-listed stocks at 0% commission. Other nationalities will pay a variable commission depending on the market and monthly trading volume.
Account Minimum	No minimum
Fractional Trading?	Yes
Demo Account?	Yes
Top Features	Huge range of stocks covering 33 different countries. One of the best investment tools for technical research. Offers margin accounts with competitive financing rates.

7. Libertex – Buy Real Stocks at 0% Commission or Trade Leveraged CFDs 

Libertex is a hybrid broker that supports real stocks and contracts-for-differences (CFDs). The latter allows you to trade stocks with leverage of up to 5x. This turns a $1,000 balance into $5,000 worth of trading capital. Libertex CFDs support long and short positions, and commissions cost just 0.003% per slide. 

Alternatively, you can invest in real stocks at 0% commission without leverage or short-selling tools. Most stocks on Libertex are from US markets, although it also supports support a limited number of European and Canadian companies. Libertex offers a user-friendly dashboard that’s available online or via its iOS/Android app. 

Libertex also supports third-party platforms, including MT4 and MT5. In addition to stocks, you’ll also find commodities, forex, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. Launched in 1997, Libertex is an established stock broker used by over three million investors. That said, Libertex has a TrustPilot score of just 4.1/5, which it could improve on. 

No. Stocks	Dozens of stocks from the US, Canada, and Europe.
Trading Commission	0% on real stocks. 0.003% on leveraged CFDs.
Account Minimum	$10
Fractional Trading?	Yes
Demo Account?	Yes
Top Features	Trade leveraged stocks at 5x. Supports third-party platforms MT4 and MT5.

Comparing the Top Online Stock Brokers

Now let’s summarize everything by comparing the best platforms for stock trading in 2025. 

Stock Broker	No. Stocks	Trading Commission	Account Minimum	Fractional Trading?	Demo Trading?
XTB	2,800+	0%	None	Yes	Yes
FP Markets	10,000+	0.06% – 2 cents per share	$50	No	Yes
Robinhood	5,000+	0%	None	Yes	No
Admirals	3,000+	Varies	$100 to open	Yes
Interactive Brokers	Thousands of stocks from 33 different countries	US clients can buy US-listed stocks at 0% commission. Other nationalities will pay a variable commission depending on the market and monthly trading volume.	None	Yes	Yes
Libertex	Dozens of stocks from the US, Canada, and Europe.	0% on real stocks. 0.003% on leveraged CFDs.	$10	Yes	Yes
TD Ameritrade	All US-listed stocks plus an assortment of international markets	0% commission on US-listed stocks. Non-US stocks come with variable commissions.	None	Yes	Yes
AvaTrade	600+	0%	$100	Yes	Yes
Charles Schwab	All US-listed stocks plus an assortment of international markets	0% commission on US-listed stocks. Non-US stocks come with variable commissions.	None	Yes	Yes
Fidelity	7,000+	0% commission on US-listed stocks. Non-US stocks come with variable commissions.	None	Yes	No

How to Pick the Right Brokerage Account

Investors should do their homework when researching online stock brokers. Consider important metrics like fees, safety, supported stock exchanges, and customer support.

We’ll now discuss what factors need to be considered when choosing the right brokerage account in 2025. 

• Regulation and Safety: The safety of your investment capital and securities is the most important factor. US clients should only consider brokers regulated by FINRA and covered by the SIPC. In the event of a brokerage failure, the SIPC covers investors up to $500,000. Non-US clients should look for similar protections. For instance, UK clients should only use brokers approved by the FCA and protected by the FSCS. 
• Range of Stocks: Diversification is a sensible strategy when investing in stocks, so choose a broker that supports a wide range of markets. For example, XTB supports thousands of stocks from 16 global exchanges. In contrast, other than a small selection of ADRs, Robinhood only offers US-listed stocks. To diversify further, choose an online stock broker that also offers other assets, such as ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, and commodities. 
• Fees: The best stock brokers offer 0% commission trading on US-listed companies. You should also consider spreads, margin rates, and ongoing account fees. Some brokers also charge deposit and withdrawal fees, so be sure to check this before proceeding. 
• Tools and Analysis: It’s wise to choose an online broker that offers adequate tools and features for your financial goals. For example, some brokers may offer managed and copy trading. These tools appeal to investors who want to trade stocks passively. Hands-on investors should look for brokers offering pricing charts, financial news, technical indicators, and stock screeners.  
• Minimum Deposit: Most online brokers have either reduced or completely removed their minimum account requirements. For example, there is no minimum deposit threshold at XTB, Interactive Brokers, TD Ameritrade, Charles Schwab, or Fidelity. That said, specialist accounts – such as those linked to margin trading or managed portfolios, typically come with much higher minimums. 
• Demo Account: Another must-have tool when trading stocks as a beginner is a demo account. Otherwise referred to as ‘paper trading’ or ‘trading simulators’, demo accounts allow you to buy and sell stocks risk-free. Pricing data will mirror live market conditions in real-time, allowing you to craft a strategy without risking any trading capital. Just remember that some demo accounts come with a time limit.  
• Mobile App: The future of online investing is mobile trading, so make sure you choose a broker that offers a mobile app. In doing so, you can buy and sell stocks even when you’re away from your primary desktop device. The mobile app should offer a solid user experience; check Google Play or the App Store for reviews from other customers. We prefer investing apps that offer full functionality, meaning the same features as the desktop version.  
• Payment Methods: The best brokerage accounts for stock trading support local banking methods, such as domestic wires and ACH. That said, the likes of XTB and AvaTrade also support debit/credit cards and e-wallets. This makes it a lot more convenient to deposit and withdraw funds. Some payment methods can attract additional fees and account minimums, so do bear this in mind. 
• Customer Service: The best online stock brokers offer an excellent customer experience, meaning accessible and responsive support. This usually comes via a live chat button. Most brokers offer 24/5 support, although some extend this to 24/7. Choose brokers that keep waiting times to a minimum when using chat live.    

Our Methodology for Testing Stock Market Brokers

The best online stock brokers are regulated institutions that cater to retail clients. Investors should expect zero commissions, competitive spreads, and low account minimums.

There are hundreds of online brokers in the market. Oftentimes, it’s challenging to separate one broker from the next, so we developed a meticulous methodology. We began the research process by shortlisting reputable brokers based on regulatory status and consumer protections. For example, SIPC and FSCS protections for US and UK clients, respectively.  

Next, we examined the pricing structure for each shortlisted broker, covering a wide range of data points. This includes commissions for domestic and international trades, spreads, deposits/withdrawals, and margin facilities. We favored online stock brokers offering fractional ownership. 

This ensures that traders of all budgets can invest in the stock market. Once we were satisfied with the fundamentals of the brokers on the shortlist, we then ranked brokers based on additional tools, features, and services. This included everything from the investment dashboard, technical indicators, and pricing charts to research reports, copy trading, and managed portfolios. 

In addition, we also explored supported stock exchanges, with priority given to brokers offering a broad range of markets. This ensures that investors can create a diversified portfolio from a single brokerage account. Ultimately, while this criteria list enabled us to rank the 9 best online stock brokers for this guide – independent research is advisable.  

Conclusion

In summary, choosing the right stock broker is an important task. Overall, we rate XTB as the best option for beginners. 

This online broker offers more than 2,800 stocks for trading at 0% commission, covering 16 global exchanges. There is no minimum account balance, and traders can start with just €10.

For US-based stock traders, eToro may be your top choice.  

FAQs