Most investors check their portfolio on their phone more than any other device. The app experience matters. We tested 15+ trading apps on iOS and Android -- opening accounts, executing real trades, testing charting tools, checking order execution speed, and evaluating how each handles everything from a simple stock purchase to a multi-leg options trade. These five deliver the best mobile investing experience, each for a different type of investor.
Zogby is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. We may receive compensation from the companies whose products appear on this site. This compensation may impact how, where, and in what order products appear. Zogby does not include every financial company or every product available in the marketplace.
Bottom Line
- $0 commissions are universal. The real differences between apps are tools, research quality, account types, and how well the interface works on a 6-inch screen.
- Fractional shares let you invest $1 in any stock. This changes everything for portfolio diversification -- you do not need $500 to own a piece of every S&P 500 company.
- Robinhood and Webull are built for phones first. Fidelity and Schwab are desktop platforms with strong mobile apps. Choose based on whether your phone is your primary or secondary trading device.
- If you want to manage taxable accounts, IRAs, 529s, and HSAs in one place, Fidelity and Schwab are the only apps that support all account types.
- Paper trading (virtual money, real markets) is available on Webull, thinkorswim, and eToro. If you are new, practice for a month before risking real money.
Fidelity Mobile
4.9/5 Best OverallOur top-rated pick for reliability, customer service, and proven results.
Our Top Picks for Trading Apps
1
Fidelity Mobile
4.9
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Fidelity Mobile
- Account Minimum
- $0
- Trading Fees
- $0 commissions
- Asset Classes
- Stocks, ETFs, options, crypto
Fidelity's mobile app packs more functionality into a phone screen than any competitor. You get the same zero-expense-ratio index funds, $0 commissions, fractional shares from $1, and deep research tools that make their desktop platform great -- just optimized for touch. Advanced charting with 30+ technical indicators, real-time streaming quotes, research from 20+ third-party providers, and a stock screener that actually works on mobile. The app handles every account type Fidelity offers: brokerage, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 529, HSA, custodial. Multi-leg options trading works well on mobile, which is rare. The trade-off is density -- the interface can feel overwhelming for someone who just wants to buy their first ETF. But for an investor who wants one app that does literally everything and never feels limited by the mobile experience, Fidelity is the best available.
2
Robinhood
4.7
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Robinhood
- Account Minimum
- $0
- Trading Fees
- $0 commissions
- Asset Classes
- Stocks, ETFs, options, crypto
Robinhood remains the easiest investing app to use. The interface is so clean that buying your first stock takes about 30 seconds. $0 commissions on everything -- stocks, ETFs, options (no per-contract fee either), and 30+ crypto coins. Fractional shares from $1 and recurring investments for automatic dollar-cost averaging make it dead simple to build a habit. The IRA match (1% for free accounts, 3% for Gold at $5/month) is unique -- nobody else gives you free money for contributing to a retirement account. Robinhood Gold also unlocks Morningstar research, Level II data, and higher instant deposits. The downsides are well-documented: limited research tools, no mutual funds, no bonds, no futures, and customer support that is mostly chat-based. Robinhood is built for the investor who values simplicity above all else and is comfortable doing their own research elsewhere.
3
Webull
4.6
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Webull
- Account Minimum
- $0
- Trading Fees
- $0 commissions
- Asset Classes
- Stocks, ETFs, options, crypto
Webull is what happens when you build a trading app for people who actually trade. The charting on mobile is the best available: 50+ technical indicators, drawing tools, customizable layouts, and it all runs smoothly on a phone screen. Extended-hours trading from 4 AM to 8 PM ET means you can trade on earnings announcements and pre-market movers. Paper trading with virtual money is built right in, which makes Webull the best app for learning to trade without risking real cash. The social feed lets you see what other traders are discussing and follow their analysis, though take community sentiment with a grain of salt. $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options. Crypto trading for 40+ coins. The gaps: no mutual funds, limited account types compared to Fidelity or Schwab, and the platform is oriented toward active trading rather than long-term investing. If your phone is your primary trading terminal and you care about charts, Webull is the clear winner.
4
Schwab Mobile
4.6
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Schwab Mobile
- Account Minimum
- $0
- Trading Fees
- $0 commissions
- Asset Classes
- Stocks, ETFs, options, futures
Schwab gives you two mobile apps: the main Schwab app for everyday investing (clean, straightforward, handles all account types) and thinkorswim mobile for serious trading (400+ technical indicators, options Greeks in real-time, custom thinkScript studies). The combination covers every use case from buying your first index fund to executing a complex iron condor. Research is a strong suit -- free Morningstar reports, Schwab Equity Ratings on 3,000+ stocks, and integrated analyst recommendations. Schwab Slices fractional shares are limited to S&P 500 stocks (not the 7,000+ that Fidelity offers), which is a notable limitation. The unique advantage: 300+ physical branches and 24/7 phone support. If you have a question about your IRA at 11 PM, you can call someone. If you want to sit down and plan your retirement, you can walk into a branch. For investors who want institutional-grade tools on mobile with real human backup, Schwab delivers.
5
eToro
4.5
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eToro
- Account Minimum
- $10
- Trading Fees
- $0 commissions
- Asset Classes
- Stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex
eToro is built around one idea: what if you could automatically copy the trades of successful investors? Their CopyTrader feature lets you browse top-performing traders by returns, risk score, and strategy, then allocate money to replicate their trades in real time. It is essentially a personalized fund managed by a real trader whose track record you can verify. For someone who wants exposure to an experienced trader's decision-making without doing the research themselves, it is a compelling concept. Beyond copy trading, eToro offers $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs, 80+ cryptocurrencies (more than Robinhood or Fidelity), forex, and commodities. Smart Portfolios provide themed baskets (BigTech, Renewable Energy, Gaming) that auto-rebalance. The social feed is like a financial Twitter where traders share analysis and trade rationale. The downsides: a $5 withdrawal fee and $10 minimum withdrawal are annoying, and crypto/forex spreads run wider than dedicated platforms. Best for investors who want a social, community-driven approach to investing.
I was drowning in credit card debt and didn't know where to turn. The debt relief program helped me cut my balances almost in half.
How to Choose the Best Trading App
Match the app to how you actually invest. Buying a few ETFs once a month? Robinhood's simplicity is perfect. Trading multiple times a week with technical analysis? Webull or thinkorswim mobile have the charts you need. Managing a full financial life -- brokerage, IRA, 529, HSA? Fidelity or Schwab handle all account types in one app. Choosing based on your actual behavior matters more than choosing based on feature lists.
Think about what you trade. Every app offers $0 stocks and ETFs. But options, crypto, futures, and forex availability varies widely. If you want options with no per-contract fee, Robinhood is the cheapest. If you want 80+ crypto coins, eToro has the deepest selection. If you want futures, Schwab is one of the few mobile options.
Do not underestimate the importance of customer support and account types. If something goes wrong with a trade during market hours, can you call someone? Schwab offers 24/7 phone support and 300+ branches. Robinhood is chat-only for basic accounts. And if you want to open an IRA later, make sure the platform supports it -- moving accounts between brokerages is possible but annoying.
Important Tip
Before you risk real money, spend 2-4 weeks paper trading on Webull or thinkorswim. Use the same amount of virtual money you plan to invest for real. You will learn the platform, test strategies, and -- most importantly -- discover how it feels to watch positions go up and down. The emotional education is worth more than any tutorial.
How They Stack Up
| Metric |
Fidelity Mobile Top Pick
|
Robinhood |
Webull |
Schwab Mobile |
eToro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Account Minimum | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $10 |
| Trading Fees | $0 commissions | $0 commissions | $0 commissions | $0 commissions | $0 commissions |
| Asset Classes | Stocks, ETFs, options, crypto | Stocks, ETFs, options, crypto | Stocks, ETFs, options, crypto | Stocks, ETFs, options, futures | Stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex |
| Rating |
4.9
|
4.7
|
4.6
|
4.6
|
4.5
|
Economic Snapshot
Source: Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED). Indicators refresh daily.
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About the Author
Michael Chen
Senior Investment Analyst
Michael Chen is a senior investment analyst at Zogby with over 9 years of experience covering trading platforms, mobile investing, and fintech innovation. He holds a CFA charter and a degree in Computer Science from MIT. Michael has been published in Barron's, Investopedia, and Bloomberg, and his work focuses on evaluating the technology and user experience of modern trading platforms.
Estimate Your Savings
Use our free calculators to estimate your potential savings and find the best path to financial relief.
Authoritative Resources on Investing
These regulatory sources informed our evaluation of investment platforms.
SEC — Investor.gov
U.S. Securities and Exchange CommissionSEC investor education, fraud alerts, and tools to check broker registrations.
FINRA — BrokerCheck
Financial Industry Regulatory AuthorityVerify any broker or investment advisor's registration, credentials, and history.
SEC — EDGAR Company Filings
U.S. Securities and Exchange CommissionSearch public company SEC filings including 10-K, 10-Q, and prospectuses.
SIPC — Investor Protection
Securities Investor Protection CorporationVerify SIPC membership and understand brokerage account protection limits.
Federal Reserve — Financial Accounts
Federal ReserveFlow of Funds data on household net worth, assets, and investment trends.
IRS — Retirement Plans
Internal Revenue ServiceIRA, 401(k), and retirement plan contribution limits, rules, and tax benefits.
How We Tested
User Experience & Design
30%Navigation speed, visual clarity, trade execution flow, reliability during market hours, and whether the app actually works well on a phone versus feeling like a shrunken website. We weighted this highest because a trading app you dislike using is a trading app you stop using.
Features & Tools
25%Charting quality on mobile, available order types, research tools, screeners, alerts, watchlists, and standout features like paper trading, copy trading, or extended hours. We tested whether advanced features are actually usable on a phone or just checkbox marketing.
Investment Options & Fees
25%Range of tradeable assets, commission and fee structures, account types supported, and the real all-in cost of trading including spreads. Fractional share availability and minimums also factored in.
Education & Support
20%In-app learning resources, customer support responsiveness (we tested response times during market hours), community features, and whether help is available when you actually need it -- not just during business hours.
We installed 15+ trading apps on both iOS and Android, opened accounts, deposited real money, executed trades across different asset classes, and used each app as our primary trading platform for at least a week to evaluate the real-world mobile experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did You Know?
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The average 401(k) balance hit $118,600 in 2025, though the median is much lower at $35,286.
Financial News & Regulation
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Jan 21, 2025Argus Information and Advisory Services, a subsidiary of TransUnion, has agreed in writing that it will not seek any government contract with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for three years.
Blog | Consumer Financial Protection BureauStrengthening Appraisal Oversight: Progress at the Appraisal Subcommittee
Jan 17, 2025CFPB Deputy Director Zixta Martinez discusses changes at the ASC since she became Chair in 2022, including enhanced state oversight, landmark hearings on appraisal bias, and improved collaboration with The Appraisal Foundation to create a more equitable and accountable appraisal industry.
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Blog | Consumer Financial Protection BureauFederal Reserve Board announces termination of enforcement actions with Crédit Agricole S.A. and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Mega International Commercial Bank Co., Ltd, and the Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
Apr 9, 2026Federal Reserve Board announces termination of enforcement actions with Crédit Agricole S.A. and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Mega International Commercial Bank Co., Ltd, and the Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
FRB: Press Release - All ReleasesHeadlines sourced from government agencies and legal publications. Updated every 12 hours.
Important Trading & Investment Disclaimers
- All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The value of investments may fluctuate, and investors may receive back less than they invest.
- Securities products and services are offered through the respective broker-dealers listed on this site, not through Zogby. We are an independent comparison service and do not provide investment advice or portfolio management.
- Commission-free trading refers to $0 commissions for online stock, ETF, and options trades. Options involve risk and are not appropriate for all investors. A per-contract fee may apply.
- Cryptocurrency investments are highly speculative and volatile. Digital assets held on trading apps may not be SIPC-protected. Consult the platform for details on digital asset protections.
- Payment for order flow (PFOF) is a practice used by most commission-free brokerages. The SEC continues to evaluate PFOF regulations, which may change in the future.
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be construed as, financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.
Editorial Independence
We make money from some companies on this page. That doesn't change our rankings -- the editorial team scores every product independently, and the business side has no say in what we recommend.