Looking for the best free stock trading apps in 2025? Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right platform based on your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, these apps offer commission-free trading, advanced tools, and educational resources to suit different investment styles.
*Editors note: we do not have an affiliation with any of the apps mentioned on this page. This review is provided for educational purposes only. Please see our content disclaimer for more.
Top 5 Apps to Consider:
- eToro: Best for social trading and copying strategies from other investors.
- Robinhood: Perfect for beginners with its simple interface and no minimum deposit.
- Webull: Great for advanced analytics and paper trading for practice.
- moomoo: Ideal for detailed market analysis and professional-level tools.
- SoFi Invest: Combines investing with financial planning tools for a well-rounded approach.
Key Comparison Criteria:
- Fees: All platforms offer commission-free trading, but some have additional charges like withdrawal fees or optional subscriptions.
- Features: From eToro’s social trading to Webull’s advanced charts, each app brings unique tools.
- Security: All apps are regulated by FINRA, with SIPC protection and strong encryption.
- Education: SoFi and eToro excel in beginner resources, while Webull and moomoo focus on hands-on learning through practice accounts.
Quick Comparison Table
| Platform | Best For | Fees | Key Features | Educational Tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | Social trading | $5 withdrawal fee | CopyTrader, 3,500+ stocks | eToro Academy |
| Robinhood | Beginners | No hidden fees | Fractional shares, no deposit | Basic articles |
| Webull | Advanced analytics | No hidden fees | Paper trading, technical tools | Limited resources |
| moomoo | Professional tools | No hidden fees | Advanced charts, $1M demo funds | Comprehensive library |
| SoFi Invest | Financial planning | 0.25% advisory fee | Robo-advisors, personal finance | Personalized advice |
Choose the app based on your goals – whether it’s ease of use, advanced tools, or financial planning. Read on for a detailed breakdown of each platform.
Top 7 Best Investing Apps For Beginners (2025)
1. eToro Overview
eToro is a trading platform that blends traditional investment tools with social trading features, attracting over 20 million users globally. It offers access to more than 3,500 stocks along with a variety of other investment options.
Fee Structure
eToro provides commission-free stock trading, charges a 1% fee for cryptocurrency transactions, and applies a $5 withdrawal fee. The minimum initial deposit to start trading is $50.
Trading Features and Tools
One of eToro’s standout features is its social trading, which allows users to replicate strategies from successful investors. The platform also includes real-time market data, advanced charting tools, customizable watchlists, and technical indicators to assist with market analysis.
Security and Protection
eToro prioritizes user security with FINRA regulation, SIPC coverage up to $500,000, strong encryption, and two-factor authentication.
Educational Resources
The eToro Academy offers a range of courses and guides covering topics like options, cryptocurrency, and ETFs. These resources are designed to support both beginners and seasoned traders.
With its mix of social trading, advanced tools, and educational offerings, eToro caters to traders at all experience levels. Next, let’s see how Robinhood measures up in terms of simplicity and ease of use.
2. Robinhood Overview
Robinhood has attracted over 22 million active users with its straightforward and user-friendly investment tools. Its mobile-first approach makes it especially appealing to those just starting their investment journey.
Fee Structure
Robinhood allows commission-free trading for U.S. stocks and ETFs, with no minimum deposit required. For those looking for additional features, the optional Robinhood Gold subscription offers margin trading and extended trading hours.
Trading Features and Tools
Key features include real-time data updates, fractional trading starting at just $1, recurring investments, and customizable watchlists to monitor your favorite stocks. The platform is designed to deliver essential tools without overwhelming users.
Security Measures
Robinhood prioritizes account safety with measures like biometric authentication, two-factor authentication, encrypted data storage, and strong password hashing.
Educational Resources
The platform includes educational articles and real-time market insights, offering basic guidance tailored for beginners. However, these resources are not as extensive as what competitors like eToro provide.
Robinhood is a go-to option for mobile-focused investors looking for simple trading tools. Its accessibility makes it a strong choice for beginners, though seasoned traders might find its analytical tools lacking. For those seeking more advanced features, Webull could be a better fit.
3. Webull Overview
Webull has made a name for itself since its launch in 2017, offering a robust trading platform packed with features for both beginners and seasoned traders. It combines advanced analytics with a clean, user-friendly design.
Fee Structure
Webull provides commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, and options. There’s no minimum deposit required, and users can even earn interest on uninvested cash balances.
Trading Features and Tools
The platform offers a range of advanced tools, including real-time quotes, technical analysis features, extended hours trading, and a paper trading option for practicing strategies. For added convenience, its voice-controlled trading feature lets users execute commands hands-free – perfect for mobile traders.
Security Measures
Webull prioritizes user safety with encryption, two-factor authentication, regular audits, and memberships with FINRA and SIPC.
Educational Resources
While Webull’s educational materials are somewhat limited, the paper trading feature lets users test strategies in a risk-free environment, making it a practical option for learning without using real money.
Platform Experience
Webull offers a seamless experience across both desktop and mobile platforms. It delivers real-time market data and advanced analysis tools, making it accessible for users who need to trade on the go.
Webull is a great choice for those who want advanced tools and an opportunity to learn through practice. However, beginners might need additional educational support. While it shines in analytics, moomoo brings its own set of features tailored for active traders. Let’s dive into how the two compare.
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4. moomoo Overview
moomoo has positioned itself as a leading commission-free trading platform, offering a mix of advanced tools and educational resources. It’s a great choice for those looking for professional-level features combined with learning opportunities.
Fee Structure
moomoo allows commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, and options. It also provides competitive interest rates on uninvested cash balances.
Trading Features and Tools
The platform offers real-time data on over 6,000 stocks and ETFs, advanced charting options, and technical indicators. Users can also practice trading with a paper trading account loaded with $1 million in virtual funds.
Educational Resources
moomoo supports learning with in-depth market analysis tools and a comprehensive library of educational content. Its paper trading feature is a hands-on way to build trading skills.
Security and Regulation
The platform is regulated by key financial authorities like the SEC and FINRA. Investments are also protected under SIPC, adding an extra layer of security.
Platform Experience
moomoo’s interface is designed for ease of use, whether on desktop or mobile, making it simple to manage portfolios from anywhere.
With its focus on analytics and education, moomoo is ideal for traders aiming to sharpen their skills while using high-quality tools. For those seeking a different angle, SoFi Invest blends trading with personal finance features, offering a unique alternative.
5. SoFi Invest Overview
SoFi Invest combines trading tools with financial planning resources, all within the broader SoFi Technologies ecosystem. It stands out as a user-friendly option among commission-free trading platforms.
Fee Structure
With SoFi Invest, you can trade stocks and ETFs without paying commissions. Automated portfolios come with no management fees, and managed services have a modest 0.25% advisory fee. You can start investing with as little as $1, making it accessible to nearly everyone.
Trading Features and Tools
The platform offers real-time market data, portfolio tracking, mobile trading apps, and automated investing via robo-advisors. While platforms like Webull and moomoo focus on advanced analytics, SoFi Invest emphasizes ease of use and integrates personal finance tools for a streamlined experience.
Educational Resources
SoFi Invest includes built-in articles, market updates, and personalized investment advice to support both new and seasoned investors. Its financial planning assistance is a standout feature, helping users craft long-term strategies tailored to their goals.
Security and Regulation
The platform employs robust security measures, such as SIPC membership, FINRA oversight, two-factor authentication, and advanced encryption. Its seamless integration of financial planning and security tools adds an extra layer of confidence for users managing their overall finances.
Platform Experience
SoFi Invest provides access to more than 4,000 stocks and ETFs. Its design focuses on merging trading features with broader financial services. By connecting with other SoFi products, it offers a more comprehensive way to manage personal finances.
While SoFi Invest is perfect for beginners or those looking for a well-rounded financial approach, it might not meet the needs of active traders seeking advanced tools.
Comparison of Pros and Cons
Choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming, but this side-by-side comparison simplifies the decision-making process. The table below highlights key strengths and drawbacks of each platform to help you find the one that fits your investment style.
| Platform | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| eToro | • Social trading with CopyTrader • Virtual demo account • Over 3,500 fee-free stocks • 390+ ETFs available |
• $100 minimum deposit • $5 withdrawal fee • $30 minimum withdrawal • Limited CopyTrader access in the U.S. |
| Robinhood | • Commission-free trading • Easy-to-use interface • No minimum deposit • Free withdrawals |
• No mutual funds • Limited retirement tools • Basic research options • No demo trading feature |
| Webull | • Earn 5% on cash balances • Advanced charting tools • Paper trading available • No minimum deposit |
• Limited educational resources • Can be complex for beginners • Restricted support hours • No mutual fund options |
| moomoo | • Detailed analytics tools • High interest on cash balances • Quality educational materials • Commission-free trades |
• Complex interface • Steep learning curve • Limited asset variety • Geared toward advanced users |
| SoFi Invest | • Fast digital account setup • Financial planning tools included • Responsive customer support • Educational resources available |
• 0.25% advisory fee • Basic trading tools • Limited investment options • Simplistic charting tools |
Each platform stands out in specific areas: eToro for social trading, Robinhood for ease of use, Webull for its advanced analytics, moomoo for professional tools, and SoFi Invest for financial planning support. When deciding, think about factors like minimum deposits, asset availability, and the level of educational resources you need.
The right choice ultimately depends on how well the platform matches your trading goals and personal preferences.
Final Thoughts
Here’s how each platform caters to different trading needs in 2025:
SoFi Invest is ideal for beginners, offering an easy-to-use interface paired with educational resources and financial planning tools. The simple account setup makes it a great starting point for new investors.
Webull stands out for experienced traders with its advanced charting tools, in-depth analytics, and 5% interest on cash balances. Its paper trading feature is perfect for testing strategies before committing real money.
eToro shines in social trading with its CopyTrader feature, giving users access to over 3,500 commission-free stocks and 390+ ETFs. While it requires a $100 minimum deposit, the virtual demo account with $100,000 in practice funds allows for risk-free learning.
moomoo is a strong choice for data-focused traders, offering detailed market analysis tools, educational content, and competitive interest rates on cash balances.
Robinhood remains a favorite for casual investors, thanks to its commission-free trades and no minimum deposit requirements, making it simple and accessible.
In 2025, trading apps are more specialized than ever, designed to meet a variety of user needs. Your choice should depend on your goals, experience level, and the features that matter most to you. Use this overview to find the platform that best matches your trading style in today’s evolving market.
FAQs
What is the best free trading platform for beginners?
If you’re new to stock trading in 2025, picking the right platform can feel overwhelming. Based on our research, SoFi Invest stands out as the top choice for beginners, with Robinhood as a close second.
These platforms are beginner-friendly because they offer:
- Easy-to-use interfaces
- Commission-free trades
- No minimum deposit requirements
- Basic educational materials
- Strong security backed by FINRA and SIPC protection
When choosing your first trading platform, keep these key factors in mind:
- Security: Ensure the platform is FINRA-registered and offers SIPC protection.
- Educational Tools: Look for resources like tutorials, articles, or webinars to help you learn.
- Cost Structure: Be aware of fees for withdrawals or premium features.
- Initial Investment: Opt for platforms with low or no minimum deposit requirements.
- Customer Support: Choose one with reliable and accessible support.
SoFi Invest is particularly helpful for beginners, thanks to its financial planning tools. Robinhood, on the other hand, keeps things simple and straightforward. If you’re looking for more advanced features to grow into, platforms like Webull, moomoo, and eToro are worth exploring as you gain experience.
Your choice will ultimately depend on your goals, but starting with beginner-friendly options like SoFi Invest or Robinhood can make the learning process smoother while giving you access to essential tools and educational content.