The 11 best stock trading apps of 2026

As technology advances, investors demand the ability to trade stocks anywhere they go, without trade-offs like lacking security or trading tools. At the same time, it’s important to choose the best stock trading app that aligns with your personal investment strategy, risk tolerance and goals.

Doing your own research before downloading stock trading apps and making investment decisions is essential to making informed choices. Features, fees and asset availability can change year to year, and what works for one investor may not work for another.

We selected the apps on this list based on a combination of usability, feature depth, platform reliability and reviews. Explore and learn more about the best stock trading apps below.

• Best for: US investors who want crypto, stocks and ETFs on one platform
• Fees/commission: fees vary/$0 commission
• Notable features:
  • Access to 11,000+ US-listed stocks and ETFs across NYSE, NASDAQ, AMEX, etc.
  • Seamless integration of crypto, stocks and ETFs in one app
  • Industry-leading security measures, including proof of reserves, 2FA and more
• Minimum balance/deposit required: None
• App reviews:
  • Google Play: 4.4/5
  • Apple: 4.7/5

Kraken has long been known as a major crypto exchange, but its expansion into equities makes it stand out among the crowd of trading apps. With support for more than 11,000 U.S.-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and zero commissions on trades, Kraken now offers a unified platform where users can manage both cryptocurrencies and traditional stocks seamlessly.

Beyond the convenience of an all-in-one platform, Kraken offers users fractional share purchases, lowering the barrier to entry for users who want to invest in high-priced stocks but don’t have the capital to buy full shares. With proceeds from trade-ins instantly available for reinvestment, the app suits both hands-on traders and long-term investors who value flexibility.

• Best for: Beginner to intermediate investors who want an intuitive, commission-free platform for stocks, ETFs and options
• Fees/commission: fees vary/$0 commission
• Notable features:
  • Trade stocks 24 hours a day, five days a week
  • First stock is free
• Minimum balance/deposit required: None
• App reviews:
  • Google Play: 4.2/5
  • Apple: 4.7/5

Robinhood is recognized as one of the best stock trading apps for beginners because of the platform’s accessibility. The app’s appeal to beginner and intermediate investors is driven by commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs and options, along with fractional share purchases that make it easy to get started for less.

For users who need more assistance, Robinhood offers 24/7 support directly within the app. Paired with the ability to trade stocks 24 hours a day, five days a week, it makes managing your portfolio simple and accessible for those trying to enter the market.

TL;DR: Robinhood offers a simple user experience that’s attractive to new investors; Kraken’s depth is best for users seeking long-term growth, flexibility and deeper functionality in a single platform.

When comparing , Kraken stands out as an option that provides investors with a more complete, multi-asset experience.

Robinhood offers investors a clean and easy-to-navigate interface that appeals to beginner investors or those interested in basic trading. Kraken, however, is designed for investors who want to manage a diverse portfolio with advanced tools in one place.

• Best for: Investors seeking a full-service brokerage experience with commission-free trading, deep research and advanced trading tools in one app
• Fees/commission: Fees vary/$0 commission on U.S. online stock and ETF trades
• Notable features:
  • Biometric login and two-factor authentication
  • All-in-one experience that includes mobile check deposit and account management
• Minimum balance/deposit required: None
• App reviews:
  • Google Play: 2.9/5
  • Apple: 4.8/5

Schwab Mobile delivers the power of one of America’s largest brokerages directly to your devices, making it one of the best trading apps. It serves both everyday investors and those looking to dive deeper into markets on its all-in-one platform. A combination of brand legacy, usability and multi-asset functionality sets Schwab Mobile apart from the rest.

The app integrates market data, interactive charts, customizable watchlists and breaking news, giving users the ability to research and execute trades from anywhere. Additional features like mobile check deposit, account transfers and built-in bill pay add to its full-service financial capabilities.

Schwab Mobile is also known for its strong security, requiring biometric login and two-factor authentication. This gives investors peace of mind knowing their accounts remain secure.

TL;DR: Schwab Mobile has the legacy of a long-standing, full-service brokerage; Kraken is more modern and extends beyond traditional equity trading.

Both Schwab Mobile and Kraken offer investors an all-in-one experience, whether they’re beginners or seasoned traders.

Schwab Mobile is backed by the full-service brokerage’s support and infrastructure. This provides investors with access to deep research and banking tools in addition to trading tools. Kraken helps investors blend traditional trading with other assets, like cryptocurrencies. This gives traders seamless access to all their investments in one location.

• Best for: Investors at any experience level seeking a full-featured brokerage with robust research, planning and commission-free trading across stocks and ETFs
• Fees/commission: Fees vary/$0 commission on U.S. online stock and ETF trades
• Notable features:
  • Recurring investments and mobile portfolio management
  • Integrated banking features, including bill pay and mobile check deposit
• Minimum balance/deposit required: None
• App reviews:
  • Google Play: 4.5/5
  • Apple: 4.8/5

Fidelity Investments is another stock trading app that delivers a well-known brokerage directly to your device. Beyond basic trading, the app offers deep research, analyst insights and educational resources to help users better understand markets and investment strategies.

Its usability makes the app ideal for beginners, while the availability of in-depth analysis appeals to experienced investors. Advanced trading tools available in the Fidelity Investments app include:

• Customizable charting
• Recurring investments
• Watchlists
• Real-time quotes
• Market news

Additional built-in financial functions, including mobile check deposits, bill pay and cash management tools, make Fidelity Investments a hub for managing your finances, rather than just a trading marketplace.

TL;DR: Fidelity Investments is for investors who value traditional brokerage services, deep research and wealth management; Kraken is for investors who value modern services with multi-asset options and innovative features.

The Fidelity Investments app appeals to investors who want a comprehensive, traditional financial ecosystem. They’re searching for something that supports everything from retirement planning to tax-efficient strategies and long-term wealth building.

Kraken offers a more versatile multi-asset platform. Its modern approach integrates traditional stock and ETF trading with a broad suite of cryptocurrency markets all under one account.

For traders seeking professional-grade tools similar to Fidelity’s advanced features, Kraken Pro provides enhanced charting, order types and execution options for sophisticated portfolio management.

• Best for: Casual and active investors who want a well-rounded brokerage with strong research, multiple trading platforms and tools
• Fees/commission: Fees vary/$0 commission on U.S. online stock and ETF trades
• Notable features:
  • Named Best in Class mobile app in StockBrokers.com 2025 Annual Awards
  • Advanced trading tools, including real-time Bloomberg TV viewing
• Minimum balance/deposit required: No minimum deposit for a standard brokerage account; margin accounts require a $2,000 minimum
• App reviews:
  • Google Play: 4.7/5
  • Apple: 4.7/5

E*TRADE expertly blends easy-to-use mobile features and access to advanced brokerage capabilities, making it one of the best stock trading apps. Operating under the investment banking juggernaut Morgan Stanley gives E*TRADE additional credibility and powerful market tools.

The app offers users the following features to manage their portfolio performance from anywhere:

• Real-time market data
• Live analysis from Bloomberg TV
• Customizable charts
• Watchlists
• Push notifications

Two apps are available, depending on the type of investor you are and your goals. The basic E*TRADE mobile app is best for day-to-day trades and portfolio monitoring, while the Power E*TRADE app is best for active traders looking for richer charting, options support and advanced order types.

TL;DR: E*TRADE takes a traditional brokerage approach with a wide range of assets supported in-app; Kraken offers investors access to traditional assets and cryptocurrencies in-app.

E*TRADE’s strength lies in its legacy brokerage ties and deep research resources. Kraken’s unified multi-asset platform — especially with features like fractional trading and seamless reinvestment across asset classes — appeals to those seeking innovation and convenience in a single mobile experience.

• Best for: Self-directed investors who want low-cost trading with an easy-to-use app and integrated banking transfer features
• Fees/commission: Fees vary/$0 commission on U.S. online stock and ETF trades
• Notable features:
  • Easy transfers between Ally Bank and Ally Invest
  • Three choices for investing options: Automated, Self-Directed and Personal Advice
• Minimum balance/deposit required: No minimum for Self-Directed Trading; $100 minimum for Automated Investing
• App reviews:
  • Google Play: 4.4/5
  • Apple: 4.7/5

The Ally app, through Ally Invest, is for investors who want low-cost trading with intuitive tools and seamless integration into their broader financial accounts. In addition to offering popular trading tools also featured in many of the other best stock apps, Ally offers users a choice of account types.

Investors can choose between or combine the following:

• Automated Investing: Input your investment goals and let an Ally robo-advisor do the work of creating your portfolio.
• Self-Directed Trading: This hands-on approach allows you to do your own research in the Ally app to build and maintain your portfolio.
• Personal Advice: The option gives you a dedicated advisor to talk through your financial goals and create a tailored plan.

The app also makes transferring funds between Ally Bank and Ally Invest simple, giving users a unified view of cash and investments in one location.

TL;DR: Ally bridges the gap between banking and investments in one place; Kraken provides access to traditional equities and cryptocurrencies in one location.

Ally Invest is a traditional brokerage option that appeals to a variety of traders. The ability to transfer funds quickly between Ally Bank and Ally Invest accounts in a familiar interface appeals to existing Ally customers.

For traders who want a one-stop shop that bridges the worlds of digital assets and traditional stocks, Kraken may be the preferred choice. Its unified experience eliminates the need to manage multiple brokerage accounts when moving between crypto and equities, appealing to active and technologically inclined investors.

• Best for: Long-term investors who want a low-cost, research-oriented brokerage with access to multiple traditional asset types
• Fees/commission: Fees vary/$0 commission on U.S. online stock and ETF trades
• Notable features:
  • Access to Vanguard Digital Advisor® and financial planning tools
  • Enhanced usability with simple navigation and intuitive design
• Minimum balance/deposit required: No minimum balance for standard brokerage; managed services (e.g., Digital Advisor) may require a $100 minimum, and some funds have individual minimum investments
• App reviews:
  • Google Play: 3.1/5
  • Apple: 4.7/5

The Vanguard app brings the company’s reputation for investor-friendly experiences with low fees directly to your fingertips. In addition to the trading tools common on the other best stock apps, Vanguard gives users access to thousands of mutual funds with competitive expense ratios.

The app and company are most known for focusing on long-term investing and financial planning. Advanced tools like Vanguard Digital Advisor® provide users with professional guidance wherever they have access to the app.

TL;DR: Vanguard focuses on long-term investing and wealth building; Kraken provides more agility with broader market exposure.

Vanguard’s strength lies in supporting disciplined, passive investing with tools focused on goals and broad portfolio diversification. Risk-averse and retirement-minded investors who value simplicity and low lifetime costs tend to favor Vanguard.

Kraken is a stronger pick for investors who want the flexibility to pivot between traditional and digital markets without juggling multiple platforms. It’s ideal for a more modern, multi-asset experience that supports dynamic portfolio management.

• Best for: Investors who want a blend of stocks, ETFs and social trading features
• Fees/commission: Fees vary/$0 commission
• Notable features:
  • Social features like CopyTrader and Smart Portfolios for social/influenced trading
  • Fractional share trading and global market access
• Minimum balance/deposit required: First-time deposit typically $100 in the U.S. (varies by region)
• App reviews:
  • Google Play: 4/5
  • Apple: 4.5/5

The eToro app offers users a mix of traditional and social investments. These social, community-oriented investing experiences, known as CopyTrader and Smart Portfolios, let users replicate the trades of other investors they admire or invest in ready-built thematic portfolios. As a result, the app can feel more like a social network than a traditional brokerage.

The platform also lets users make relatively small trades. Minimum order amounts are around $10, opening the door to fractional investing for users with limited initial capital. However, it does charge inactivity fees and some withdrawal fees.

TL;DR: eToro offers social features attractive to beginners and community-minded investors; Kraken provides more access to trading tools for investment research.

eToro is known for its social trading features that let users mirror the strategies of other investors and engage in community-driven investing. If you’re a casual investor, be mindful of inactivity fees charged when you don’t log into your account after 12 consecutive months.

Kraken has a strong reputation as a highly secure and versatile multi-asset platform. This appeals to traders who prioritize investment options and deep market knowledge.

• Best for: Investors who want a trusted full-service brokerage with strong research and integrated banking for Bank of America customers
• Fees/commission: Fees vary/$0 commission
• Notable features:
  • Full view of your finances with integration between Merrill Edge and Bank of America
  • Robust research and market insights with customizable trading tools
• Minimum balance/deposit required: No minimum for self-directed accounts (Guided Investing has higher minimums)
• App reviews:
  • Google Play: 3.2/5
  • Apple: 4.6/5

The Merrill Edge app is another option that offers a traditional brokerage backed by two legacy financial institutions: Merrill Lynch and Bank of America. The integration with Bank of America allows users to view banking and investment information in one place.

Merrill Edge also offers its users a strong suite of research and trading tools built on vast insight from its connected institutions. It offers options for self-directed investing, where you’re in control of your portfolio, as well as guided investing and advisory services for users who want professional help with portfolio building.

TL;DR: Merrill Edge is rooted in traditional brokerage services; Kraken offers a more modern, multi-asset trading option.

Merrill Edge offers investors a more legacy-oriented approach. It appeals to users who prioritize traditional investment planning with robust support and banking integration.

Kraken blends traditional equity investing with digital asset exposure. This is often more appealing to traders who value access to a variety of assets and ecosystem flexibility.

• Best for: Beginner to intermediate investors who want easy access to assets, automated portfolios and integrated financial services
• Fees/commission: Fees vary/$0 commission
• Notable features:
  • Fractional shares from $5
  • Automated investing with no management fee
• Minimum balance/deposit required: None (some features, like Automated Investing, may require at least $1)
• App reviews:
  • Google Play: 3.9/5
  • Apple: 4.8/5

The SoFi app is one of the best stock trading apps for beginners and those with low capital, allowing users to invest in fractional shares for as low as $5. Usability is also a prominent feature, with a simple interface combined with helpful features.

Additionally, SoFi stands out by providing access to upcoming initial public offerings (IPOs) at offering prices. This helps democratize opportunities typically reserved for institutional investors.

Another key feature is its automated investing option. Robo Investing builds and manages diversified portfolios with no management fee. This is a great choice for hands-off investors who want a “set-and-grow” approach without extra costs.

TL;DR: SoFi focuses on simplicity and automated support; Kraken supports growth-oriented investors open to exploring new opportunities.

SoFi’s strength is its simplified, user-centric design. The app works for casual or beginner investors who want a straightforward way to build a diversified portfolio without a steep learning curve.

Kraken is built around versatility and depth of knowledge, especially for investors who want broad asset access and advanced functionality. Kraken’s advanced trading tools cater to more active, sophisticated traders who want control and flexibility over their investments.

• Best for: Active and advanced traders who want professional-level execution, global market access and powerful trading tools
• Fees/commission: Fees and commissions vary by plan; IBKR Lite has $0 commission, while IBKR Pro charges a tiered or fixed commission
• Notable features:
  • Professional-grade mobile trading with advanced order types
  • Access to 150+ global markets and diverse assets
• Minimum balance/deposit required: $0 minimum deposit for standard accounts
• App reviews:
  • Google Play: 4.7/5
  • Apple: 4.5/5

The IBKR Mobile app brings Interactive Brokers’ industry-leading technology and deep liquidity to your fingertips. IBKR Mobile delivers powerful execution and advanced trading tools that rival desktop platforms — making the app ideal for advanced, professional and global traders.

IBKR Mobile users have access to:

• Over 150 markets worldwide
• Placing complex orders like Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) and adaptive algos
• Integrated scanners and watchlists to analyze trends

Investors can choose from IBKR Lite for commission-free U.S. stocks and ETFs, or IBKR Pro for ultra-competitive per-share pricing and advanced routing options.

TL;DR: IBKR Mobile offers professional-level trading capabilities to advanced investors; Kraken appeals to both newer investors exploring diverse markets and experienced crypto traders seeking exposure to traditional assets on one platform.

IBKR Mobile holds an edge for users who need granular control, advanced order types and institutional-grade tools. Kraken is ideal for users with a variety of investment experience — specifically traders who want flexibility and unified access to both crypto and stock markets.

Choosing the best stock app can feel overwhelming with so many platforms offering different features, fees and levels of support. The right app should align with your goals, trading style and experience level — whether you’re just learning how to invest in stocks or actively managing a complex portfolio.

Key considerations when choosing a stock trading app include:

• Fees and commissions: Compare costs for trades, options and other services to find an app that fits your trading frequency and budget.
• Ease of use: Look for an intuitive interface that matches your comfort level, from beginner-friendly platforms to advanced trading dashboards.
• Investment options: Ensure the app supports the assets you want to trade, whether that’s stocks, ETFs, options, fractional shares, cryptocurrency or a combination.
• Research and analysis tools: Check for charting capabilities, market news, stock screeners and other features to help you evaluate bullish vs. bearish trends.
• Account types and minimums: Consider account requirements and whether the app supports retirement accounts, margin trading or automated investing.
• Security and reliability: Prioritize apps with strong security protocols, encryption and two-factor authentication to keep your information and account safe.
• Customer support: Responsive support can be crucial if issues arise or you have questions about trading or account management.
• Integration and additional features: Apps that link to bank accounts, allow automated investing or provide educational resources can enhance your overall experience.

For investors seeking the best stock trading app, Kraken offers a versatile platform that combines commission-free trading, advanced tools and access to cryptocurrencies. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced trader, Kraken’s seamless interface and robust features make it easy to manage your portfolio and explore new investment opportunities.

Ready to get started? You can trade stocks with Kraken today and take advantage of its full suite of investing capabilities.