Best Online Brokers in the USA 2025

Choosing the right online broker is one of the most important decisions new and experienced investors make. A good broker provides not only access to markets but also tools, education, low fees, and security that support your long-term financial goals. In 2025, the U.S. online brokerage landscape continues to evolve, with a mix of traditional industry leaders and innovative platforms competing for your attention.

This guide breaks down the best online brokers in the USA for 2025, what makes each one stand out, and how to choose the right platform for your investing style.

Why Choosing the Right Broker Matters

Before diving into individual brokers, it’s important to understand why your choice matters:

Fees and commissions directly impact returns
Tools and platforms can simplify analysis and execution
Customer support and education help you grow as an investor
Security and regulation protect your assets

Not all brokers suit every investor, so choosing based on your goals—whether long-term investing, active trading, or options—is crucial. Forbes

What to Look for in an Online Broker (2025)

Before choosing, consider these core features:

1. Low or zero commissions
Many brokers now offer commission-free trading for U.S. stocks, ETFs, and sometimes options, though fees for certain products vary. WealthyPot: Build, Save, Invest, Repeat

2. Platform quality and usability
An intuitive app or web platform makes research, trading, and portfolio monitoring easier.

3. Investment tools and education
Good brokers provide research tools, educational content, and market insights for smarter investing.

4. Account minimums & features
Some brokers have no minimum deposit, while others offer advanced features like fractional shares, international trading, or options analytics. Forbes

Top Online Brokers in the USA for 2025

Here are the leading platforms that stand out in 2025 across key investor categories:

1. Charles Schwab – Best Overall Broker

Charles Schwab consistently ranks as the top online broker in 2025 thanks to its comprehensive services, robust research tools, and reliable customer support. Forbes

Why Schwab stands out:

$0 commissions on U.S. stocks and ETFs
Excellent research and educational resources
User-friendly for both beginners and advanced investors
Trusted reputation with high customer satisfaction and industry trust levels (2025 rankings emphasize Schwab as a top trusted brokerage). Investors

Best for: Investors seeking a balanced platform with strong support, retirement planning tools, and depth of services.

2. Fidelity Investments – Best for Long-Term Investors

Fidelity ranks near the top for its broad investment offerings, comprehensive research, and low costs. Forbes

Key features:

$0 commissions on U.S. securities
Fractional share investing
Excellent retirement planning tools
Advanced platforms including Active Trader Pro

Best for: Investors focused on retirement, diversified portfolios, or long-term wealth building.

3. Webull – Best for Day Traders and Active Traders

Webull is a strong choice for active traders due to its competitive fees and robust trading tools. It often appears near the top in both editorial rankings and user communities focused on active trading. Forbes+1

Highlights:

$0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and many options trades
Advanced charting and technical analysis tools
Active trading community and educational materials

Best for: Investors who trade frequently or rely on real-time data and advanced tools.

4. Interactive Brokers – Best for Advanced Traders and Global Access

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) continues to expand its footprint and capabilities, including joining the S&P 500 index in 2025, signaling strong market confidence and growth. CT Insider

Why choose IBKR:

Commission-free trades on U.S. stocks and ETFs
Access to global markets, multiple asset types
Professional-level trading tools

Best for: Experienced traders, global investors, or those needing access to multiple asset classes beyond U.S. stocks.

5. Robinhood – Best for Beginner Investors

Robinhood’s intuitive mobile app and zero commissions make it a popular choice among new investors. The company has also expanded offerings with low-cost advisory services. Barron’s

Benefits:

$0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options
Simple interface and easy account setup
Fractional share investing

Best for: Beginners who want ease of use and low cost.

6. eToro – Best for Social Investing

eToro offers social trading features that allow investors to follow and copy experienced traders’ strategies, which can help beginners learn by doing. Forbes

Features:

CopyTrader social tools
Commission-free U.S. stock and ETF trading
Clean, intuitive interface

Best for: Novice investors who want community-driven insights.

**7. E*TRADE – Solid All-Around Broker**

E*TRADE continues to be a reliable platform with multiple interfaces designed for different investor needs, combining ease of use with powerful tools. Forbes

Highlights:

$0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
Multiple trading platforms including Power E*TRADE
Robust research resources

Best for: Investors who want a mix of beginner-friendly and advanced tools.

Tips for Choosing the Best Broker for You

Match your broker to your goals: Long-term investor vs day trader
Consider product offerings: Stocks, ETFs, options, crypto, international markets
Check fees beyond commissions: Withdrawal, inactivity, options contracts
Try demo accounts when available before committing

Each broker excels in different areas, so your personal strategy should guide your choice.

FAQ: Best Online Brokers USA 2025

1. Which broker is best for beginners?

Robinhood and Fidelity are often recommended for their intuitive platforms and low cost. Forbes

2. Do online brokers charge fees in 2025?

Most top brokers offer $0 commissions on U.S. stocks and ETFs, but fees may apply for options or other products. WealthyPot: Build, Save, Invest, Repeat