Below is an expert crafted, market driven roundup of the Top 20 Stock Brokerage Companies in 2025. Each profile follows seven key sections Company Name, Founders, Founded Year, Headquarters, Product Categories, ~100 word Description, and 5–10 Key Features so you can quickly compare platforms and choose the right fit for your trading style.
1. Fidelity Investments
Founders: Edward C. Johnson II
Founded Year: 1946
Headquarters: Boston, MA, USA
Product Categories: Stocks & ETFs, options, mutual funds, retirement accounts
Description:
Fidelity has long been the go to for both new and seasoned investors, thanks to zero commissions on stocks and ETFs, deep research libraries, and a full suite of retirement planning tools. Their Active Trader Pro platform offers dynamic charting, algorithmic order types, and customizable dashboards, while mobile and web interfaces ensure seamless execution. Fidelity’s scale over \$6 trillion in client assets powers best in class pricing and margin rates, and their customer service ranks top for speed and expertise. (Investors.com)
Key Features:
- \$0 online equity & ETF commissions
- Active Trader Pro desktop platform
- Robust research from Fidelity and third party providers
- Extensive no transaction fee mutual fund lineup
- Retirement calculators and planning tools
- Full mobile app with alerts and mobile check deposit
2. Charles Schwab
Founders: Charles R. Schwab
Founded Year: 1971
Headquarters: Westlake, TX, USA
Product Categories: Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, banking
Description:
Charles Schwab stands out for its investor friendly pricing \$0 stock and ETF trades plus low cost options and its thinkorswim platform (inherited from TD Ameritrade) tailored for active traders. Schwab’s robust research suite, including Schwab Equity Ratings and StreetSmart Edge, pairs with banking services (checking, debit) to deliver a unified financial experience. With over \$10 trillion in assets and 14 million accounts, Schwab’s scale drives continuous innovation in tools and service. (Money – U.S. News)
Key Features:
- \$0 online equity & ETF commissions; \$0.65/options contract
- thinkorswim desktop & mobile platforms
- Schwab Equity Ratings and third party research
- Fractional share trading via Schwab Stock Slices
- Banking integration with ATM fee rebates
- 24/7 customer support
3. E*TRADE
Founders: William A. Porter, Bernard A. Newcomb
Founded Year: 1982
Headquarters: Arlington, VA, USA
Product Categories: Stocks, options, futures, mutual funds, futures
Description:
ETRADE continues to be a powerhouse for both casual and advanced traders. With \$0 equity and ETF commissions, two proprietary platforms ETRADE Web and Power E*TRADE (for options/futures) and robust mobile apps, it balances ease of use with professional grade tools. Their TradeBuilder tool visualizes multi leg option strategies, and a library of market research, screeners, and educational webinars helps investors stay informed. (Bankrate)
Key Features:
- \$0 stock & ETF trades; \$0.65/options contract
- Power E*TRADE platform with advanced charting
- TradeBuilder for options strategy visualization
- 5,000+ no transaction fee mutual funds
- 24/7 live phone support
- Integrated banking with E*TRADE Checking
4. TD Ameritrade
Founders: Joe Ricketts
Founded Year: 1975
Headquarters: Omaha, NE, USA
Product Categories: Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, forex
Description:
Now fully integrated under Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade’s thinkorswim platform remains a top choice for active and professional traders. thinkorswim offers advanced charting, paper trading, and a vast array of technical studies. Despite the Schwab merger, the TD Ameritrade brand endures through thinkorswim’s standalone identity and legacy educational content, making it a perennial favorite for complex strategies and deep technical analysis. (Money – U.S. News)
Key Features:
- thinkorswim desktop & mobile apps
- Advanced technical studies & live trading labs
- Paper trading (paperMoney)
- Integrated newsfeed and fundamental data
- Streaming CNBC and third party research
- No fee equity & ETF trades
5. Interactive Brokers
Founders: Thomas Peterffy
Founded Year: 1978
Headquarters: Greenwich, CT, USA
Product Categories: Stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, global markets
Description:
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is the platform of choice for sophisticated traders and institutions, offering direct market access to 150+ global markets. Their IBKR Lite tier provides zero commission trading on US stocks and ETFs, while IBKR Pro delivers Tiered and Fixed pricing for high volume traders. Trader Workstation (TWS) powers advanced algos, risk analytics, and portfolio margin. With APIs in multiple languages, IBKR supports automated strategies and quant models. (Money – U.S. News, Investopedia)
Key Features:
- IBKR Lite: \$0 stock/ETF trades; IBKR Pro: tiered pricing
- Trader Workstation with algos & risk tools
- Access to global markets (stocks, options, futures)
- Portfolio margin & hedging tools
- API access (Python, Java, C++)
- Robust mobile app with real time alerts
6. Merrill Edge
Founders: Bank of America (launch)
Founded Year: 2010
Headquarters: Charlotte, NC, USA
Product Categories: Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, banking
Description:
Merrill Edge combines Bank of America’s banking network with brokerage services, offering \$0 commission trades on stocks and ETFs and seamless integration between accounts. Its MarketPro platform delivers customizable dashboards and advanced charting, while the Idea Builder tool generates personalized trade ideas. Clients with \$20,000+ can access Merrill financial advisors. Merrill Edge’s deep research, funding flexibility, and customer service integration with BoA branches make it ideal for investors who value full service support. (Investors.com)
Key Features:
- \$0 online stock & ETF trades; \$0.65/options contract
- MarketPro advanced trading platform
- Idea Builder for custom trade suggestions
- Access to Merrill advisors (tiers-based)
- Banking integration with preferred rates
- Extensive fundamental and third party research
7. Ally Invest
Founders: Ally Financial (rebrand)
Founded Year: 2005 (as TradeKing), rebranded 2016
Headquarters: Sandy, UT, USA
Product Categories: Stocks, ETFs, options, forex, futures
Description:
Ally Invest delivers a low cost trading environment with \$0 commissions on stocks and ETFs and an industry low \$0.50/options contract rate. The platform integrates seamlessly with Ally Bank, offering unified login and mobile banking features. Its web-based dashboard includes screeners, market commentary, and a customizable watchlist. For advanced traders, Ally’s Active Trader platform offers Level II quotes and direct access routing. (Bankrate)
Key Features:
- \$0 stock/ETF trades; \$0.50/options contract
- Active Trader Pro with Level II quotes
- Integrated banking and banking style UI
- Spread and forex trading capabilities
- Commission free CAD/USD currency exchange
- 24/7 customer support
8. Webull
Founders: Wang Anquan, Liu Chuanjun
Founded Year: 2017
Headquarters: New York, NY, USA & Beijing, China
Product Categories: Stocks, ETFs, options, crypto
Description:
Webull is a mobile first broker that democratized zero commission trading on US stocks, ETFs, and options, with \$0.65/options contract. Its intuitive app includes extended hours trading, advanced charting, and paper trading. Webull’s social feed and community features let traders share ideas. The platform also offers cryptocurrency trading and fractional shares. Backed by sophisticated data analytics, Webull continually rolls out AI driven insights and screeners. (Bankrate, Investopedia)
Key Features:
- \$0 stock & ETF commissions; \$0.65/options contract
- Extended hours trading (pre/post market)
- In app social feed and idea sharing
- Cryptocurrency trading on select pairs
- Commission free fractional shares
- Paper trading with real time market data
9. Robinhood
Founders: Vladimir Tenev, Baiju Bhatt
Founded Year: 2013
Headquarters: Menlo Park, CA, USA
Product Categories: Stocks, ETFs, options, crypto, cash management
Description:
Robinhood pioneered commission free trading and a simplified mobile interface that attracted a generation of new investors. Beyond \$0 equity and ETF trades, Robinhood offers options (no per contract fee) and cryptocurrency trading across dozens of assets. Its Cash Management program pays competitive interest on uninvested cash. Recent platform upgrades include in app research, dividend reinvestment, and improved customer support. (Investopedia, NerdWallet)
Key Features:
- \$0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, options, crypto
- Intuitive mobile and web apps
- Instant deposits up to \$1,000 (tiers-based)
- Cash Management with FDIC insured sweep
- Dividend reinvestment (DRIP)
- Level II market data (subscription)
10. Vanguard Brokerage
Founders: John C. “Jack” Bogle
Founded Year: 1975
Headquarters: Malvern, PA, USA
Product Categories: Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, retirement
Description:
Vanguard is synonymous with low cost index investing. Its brokerage arm offers \$0 commissions on its own Vanguard ETFs and index funds, and \$0 on most third party ETFs. While it lacks some advanced trading features, Vanguard excels in cost efficiency, transparent pricing, and long term investment planning. The brokerage integrates seamlessly with Vanguard’s retirement and portfolio advisory services, making it ideal for “set and forget” investors. (The Motley Fool)
Key Features:
- \$0 commissions on Vanguard ETFs & most third party ETFs
- No transaction fee mutual fund platform
- Vanguard Personal Advisor Services (robo + human)
- Low expense ratios on Vanguard funds
- Retirement calculators and planning tools
- Simple, user-friendly mobile app
11. SoFi Invest
Founders: Mike Cagney, Dan Macklin, Ian Brady, James Finnigan
Founded Year: 2011
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA, USA
Product Categories: Stocks, ETFs, crypto, robo investing, loans
Description:
SoFi Invest offers a modern brokerage experience with \$0 commissions on stocks and ETFs, fractional shares, and cryptocurrency trading. Its automated investing (robo) feature builds diversified portfolios aligned to your goals, while Active Investing lets you pick individual securities with no fees. Perks include career coaching, member events, and seamless integration with SoFi’s lending products. SoFi’s one stop financial platform appeals to young investors. (NerdWallet)
Key Features:
- \$0 stock & ETF commissions; fractional shares
- Automated robo portfolios & active trading options
- Cryptocurrency trading on major coins
- Access to IPO shares (SoFi IPO Access)
- Member events and career coaching
- Integration with SoFi loans and banking
12. Zacks Trade
Founders: Leonard Zacks (Zacks Investment Research)
Founded Year: 2014
Headquarters: Chicago, IL, USA
Product Categories: Stocks, options, mutual funds, futures
Description:
Zacks Trade is geared toward serious traders seeking low cost, high value services. It offers \$0 commissions on US stocks and ETFs (for accounts ≥ \$25,000), plus \$0.01/share pricing on equities. Its Zacks Trader Pro platform provides advanced charting, screeners, and streaming data. Integrated Zacks Research ratings and earnings estimates give users an informational edge. Institutional grade tools at retail prices make Zacks Trade a standout for volume and research focused investors.
Key Features:
- \$0 stock/ETF commissions (min balance apply)
- Zacks Trader Pro desktop platform
- Integrated Zacks Research ratings & data
- Level II quotes and market depth
- Futures and options trading tools
- Low cost mutual fund and ADR access
13. tastytrade
Founders: Tom Sosnoff, Scott Sheridan
Founded Year: 2011
Headquarters: Chicago, IL, USA
Product Categories: Options, futures, stocks, educational content
Description:
tastytrade blends brokerage execution (through tastyworks) with financial entertainment and education. Their tastyworks platform emphasizes options and futures, with competitive \$1 round turn fees and powerful strategy visualizers. The accompanying tastytrade network offers daily live shows and tutorials on trading strategies. This hybrid of trading and education appeals to DIY traders who value community and continuous learning. (Investopedia)
Key Features:
- \$0 stock/ETF commissions; \$1 round turn options/futures
- Options strategy visualizer and P/L graphing
- Daily live shows and on demand tutorials
- Fully customizable trading layouts
- Rapid order fills and price improvement
- Commission credits for trading activity
14. Firstrade
Founders: Maxwell Hodgkins
Founded Year: 1985
Headquarters: Flushing, NY, USA
Product Categories: Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds
Description:
Firstrade offers \$0 commissions across stocks, ETFs, options, and mutual funds plus zero account minimums. Their web, desktop, and mobile platforms deliver streaming quotes, charting, and screeners. Firstrade’s customer service includes multilingual support and extended hours. For fixed income investors, they provide access to US Treasuries and corporate bonds. The platform’s simplicity and cost focus attract price sensitive traders and buy and hold investors alike. (Bankrate)
Key Features:
- \$0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds
- No account minimum
- Bond desk for fixed income trading
- Streaming quotes and customizable charts
- Multi language customer service
- Easy to navigate mobile app
15. TradeStation
Founders: Omega Research (acquired by Monex in 2011)
Founded Year: 1982
Headquarters: Plantation, FL, USA
Product Categories: Stocks, options, futures, crypto, APIs
Description:
TradeStation is built for active and institutional traders who demand advanced tools. Their commission free stock and ETF trading (\$0.60/options contract) pairs with powerful platforms: TradeStation Desktop (EasyLanguage scripting, RadarScreen, backtesting) and Web/Mobile apps. Awarded Best in Class for Platforms & Tools, TradeStation excels in futures and options analytics, high speed order entry, and API integrations for algorithmic trading. (TradeStation, TradeStation)
Key Features:
- \$0 stock/ETF commissions; \$0.60/options contract
- TradeStation Desktop with EasyLanguage scripting
- Advanced charting & backtesting tools
- Commission free crypto trading via TradeStation Crypto
- APIs for custom strategies
- Futures access with low intraday margins
16. M1 Finance
Founders: Brian Barnes
Founded Year: 2015
Headquarters: Chicago, IL, USA
Product Categories: Fractional shares, robo advising, spend accounts
Description:
M1 Finance merges automated investing with self directed control. Users build “Pies” (portfolios) comprised of fractional shares across stocks and ETFs. Automated rebalancing and dividend reinvestment happen seamlessly. M1 Plus members gain access to a line of credit and smart transfers, while M1 Spend provides checking and debit. M1’s hybrid robo/self directed approach attracts investors who want both customization and automation.
Key Features:
- Commission free fractional share trading
- Automated rebalancing & dynamic investing
- M1 Spend checking with debit card
- M1 Borrow line of credit
- Prebuilt expert pies and custom pies
- Tax efficient withdrawals
17. Public.com
Founders: Leif Abraham, Josh Katz, Hussein Ahmed
Founded Year: 2017
Headquarters: New York, NY, USA
Product Categories: Stocks, ETFs, fractional shares, social investing
Description:
Public.com combines zero commission trading with a social feed where members share insights, watchlists, and themes (“Collections”). Fractional shares start at \$1, and cash back rewards (“Manage”) let users earn free stock. Public emphasizes educational content and safe harbor portfolios. Their transparent business model (no payment for order flow) and community focus resonate with millennials and Gen Z investors seeking both investing and interaction.
Key Features:
- \$0 commissions on all equity trades
- Fractional shares from \$1
- Social feed with public commentary
- Curated Collections for thematic investing
- No payment for order flow
- Cash back rewards (“Manage” feature)
18. J.P. Morgan Self Directed Investing
Founders: JPMorgan Chase & Co. (expansion of Chase You Invest)
Founded Year: 2009 (Chase You Invest)
Headquarters: New York, NY, USA
Product Categories: Stocks, ETFs, robo advising, banking integration
Description:
J.P. Morgan Self Directed Investing (formerly Chase You Invest) provides \$0 trades on stocks and ETFs, fractional shares, and managed portfolios via J.P. Morgan Automated Investing. Seamless integration with Chase banking apps lets clients view balances and move money instantly. Robust research from J.P. Morgan’s equity analysts, along with educational content, caters to both DIY investors and those who prefer partial robo management. (NerdWallet)
Key Features:
- \$0 stock/ETF commissions; fractional shares
- Integrated Chase banking and mobile app
- J.P. Morgan Automated Investing portfolios
- Access to J.P. Morgan research & insights
- No account minimum for self directed
- Cash sweep into Chase checking
19. IG Group
Founders: Stuart Wheeler
Founded Year: 1974
Headquarters: London, UK
Product Categories: Stocks, CFDs, forex, crypto, spread betting
Description:
IG Group is one of the world’s largest CFD and spread betting providers, offering access to 17,000+ markets including stocks, indices, forex, and crypto. Their proprietary platform features advanced charting, risk management tools, and algo trading via IG Labs. Regulated in 17 jurisdictions, IG caters to both retail and institutional clients. Competitive financing rates and a rich suite of research and educational webinars make IG a global leader.
Key Features:
- Access to 17,000+ instruments (stocks, CFDs, forex)
- Proprietary web and mobile platforms
- Algo trading via IG Labs API
- Negative balance protection and guaranteed stops
- Integrated news, analysis, and webinars
- Spread betting for UK clients
20. eToro
Founders: Yoni Assia, Ronen Assia, David Ring
Founded Year: 2007
Headquarters: Tel Aviv, Israel & London, UK
Product Categories: Stocks, ETFs, crypto, social copy trading
Description:
eToro pioneered social copy trading, allowing users to replicate the portfolios of top investors with a single click. Beyond \$0 commissions on stocks and ETFs, eToro offers 70+ cryptocurrencies. Their web and mobile apps feature built in charting, risk management, and a social feed where traders discuss strategies. eToro’s CopyTrader™ and Popular Investor™ programs incentivize top performers, blending brokerage services with community engagement.
Key Features:
- \$0 stock & ETF commissions; crypto trading
- CopyTrader™ social trading functionality
- Popular Investor™ rewards program
- In platform charting & analysis tools
- Unified web & mobile experience
- Multiple funding options (cards, PayPal, bank)
Each of these 20 brokerages brings a unique mix of pricing, platforms, and services. Whether you’re a buy and hold investor, an active options trader, or exploring global markets, this list highlights the leading firms that deliver innovation, reliability, and value in 2025.
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