Top 7 Best Stock Trading Apps for Beginners in 2025

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eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

The amount of people using trading platforms on their phones has tripled since the outbreak of the pandemic. The battle to attract all these new users has been fierce, which means there are now hundreds of stock trading apps to choose from.

We know that a lot of choice can be overwhelming, particularly if you’ve never traded before. So we tasked our trading experts to research and review every top trading app to find the best one on the market today.

We picked out a bunch of key features that every trading app must have, from low fees and a simple interface, to advanced trading features and plenty of positive user reviews. Then we tested and rated each app to see who hit the mark and who left a lot to be desired.

Read on for the results and find out which app ranked as our top mobile trading app in 2025.

Best stock trading apps overall for 2025

What is the best stock trading app?

Our expert panel rates eToro as the top stock trading app in 2025.

Below are the top trading apps, based on extensive testing and market research. You can filter and sort them according to the features you think are most important, or read on to learn more about each app in detail.

4.6

eToro

Min. Deposit $100

Fees 1%

No. assets 3600+

Demo account Yes

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eToro review

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

4.5

Plus500

Min. Deposit $100

Fees From 2%

No. assets 2800+

Demo account Yes

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Plus500 review

This information is NOT relevant to EU residents who are to be serviced by EU subsidiaries of the Plus500 Group, such as Plus500CY Ltd, authorized by CySEC (Reg. 250/14). Different regulatory requirements apply in Europe, such as leverage limitations and bonus restrictions.

Best stock trading apps

Min. Deposit n/a

Fees -

No. assets n/a

Demo account -

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7 top stock trading apps, reviewed

1. eToro. Best for beginners, copy-trading & demo-account

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4.5

Ratings

$100

Min. deposit

0% commission

Fees

3,600

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love eToro because it’s a trading platform built with beginners and casual traders in mind. The platform combines an interactive, social trading experience with an easy-to-use interface, making it ideal for novice traders.

The far-reaching catalog of more than 5,500 stocks and ETFs includes big names like Apple and Tesla, as well as smaller companies with high growth potential. You can start trading with as little as $10 using fractional shares if you’re on a tight budget.

One feature we particularly appreciate is the ability to interact with eToro’s 35 million users on any asset, market, or portfolio page. If you find traders whose strategies match your risk tolerance, you can copy their portfolios automatically using eToro’s flagship copy trading functionality. This is a great way to learn and potentially benefit from the expertise of more experienced traders.

If you don’t feel comfortable investing your cash straight away, you can use a free demo account, credited with $100,000 virtual dollars. This offers plenty of opportunities to try out a trading strategy that works for you across stocks, crypto, and options trading markets.

Highlights

No. of tradable assets	3600+
Min. Deposit	$100
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	Yes
Supported assets	Stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Index CFDs, Commodity CFDs, NFTs, Crypto
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	ASIC, FCA, CySEC, FinCEN

Fees & Costs

Trading fees	Yes, on certain assets
Inactivity fees	Yes
Rollover/overnight fees	Yes, on CFDs
Withdrawal fees	Yes
Spreads	Yes, on certain assets
Conversion fees	Yes, for non-USD currencies

Pros & Cons

Great for beginners, simple to set up and get started Competitive, industry-leading commissions Popular ‘Copy Portfolios’ function lets you follow top traders Excellent customer service, with live chat support provided

Comparatively high fees for withdrawals and account inactivity Does not integrate with the MetaTrader platform High spreads on some assets

Read review Visit eToro

eToro offers real assets only, no CFD products. eToro securities trading offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc. (‘the BD”), member of FINRA and SIPC. Investing involves risk, and content is provided for educational purposes only, does not imply a recommendation, and is not a guarantee of future performance. Invezz.com is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the BD.

2. Plus500. Best for international trading*

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4.5

Ratings

$100

Min. deposit

From 0.8%

Fees

2,800

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love Plus500 because it is one of the industry’s most transparent and reliable brokers. Its fees are clear and you’ll know exactly what you will be paying before you make a trade. Its technology driven platform gives access to futures contracts for some of the biggest indices.

Plus500 has something for all types of traders, no matter what level of experience. Its low margin requirements (starting at $100) and different contracts make it a top choice for day traders. At the same time, its trading academy is packed with educational content, perfect for beginners just starting. 

For accurate instrument availability, visit plus500.com.

The fees: Plus500 charges a commission of $0.49 per Micro contract and $0.89 per Standard contract (per side). There is an Auto-Liquidation fee of $10 per contract. Other exchange fees may be applicable and can be found on the CME group website. 

*Based on a comparison of 60+ leading brokers and trading platforms.

Highlights

No. of tradable assets	2800+
Min. Deposit	$100
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	Yes
Supported assets	Stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Index CFDs, Commodity CFDs
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	FSA, ASIC, FMA, FCA, CySEC

Fees & Costs

Trading fees	No
Inactivity fees	Yes
Rollover/overnight fees	Yes
Withdrawal fees	No
Spreads	Yes
Conversion fees	Yes

Pros & Cons

Free demo account for every user Secure broker, licensed by top-tier regulators Wide variety of CFDs to trade Several good risk management tools

No support on trading information and education Website isn’t brilliantly designed to help users find answers to their questions No MetaTrader trading platform compatibility

Read review Visit Plus500

This information is NOT relevant to EU residents who are to be serviced by EU subsidiaries of the Plus500 Group, such as Plus500CY Ltd, authorized by CySEC (Reg. 250/14). Different regulatory requirements apply in Europe, such as leverage limitations and bonus restrictions.

3. Public. Best for AI analysis

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4

Ratings

$20

Min. deposit

Spreads

Fees

9,000

No. assets

No

Demo account

Overview

We love Public because it makes use of cutting-edge AI technology to enhance your trading and investing experience. Public’s AI-powered feature, Public Alpha offers personalized insights and recommendations through its natural language interface in real time. 

Public’s AI technology helps you make more informed decisions by analyzing massive amounts of data and providing actionable insights. These AI-driven insights are easily accessible and give users access to the latest advancements in financial analysis and trading. 

Not only do can you use AI to help your investments, Public is one of the lowest cost brokerage firms out there. You can invest in stocks and ETFs commission free. You can also buy and trade fractional shares and if you want to diversify, you can explore a range of alternative investments including music and film royalties. 

The fees: There are no fees for investing in stocks during regular trading hours in the US – 9.30am-4pm EST. There is a $2.99 fee for trades outside of regular hours. 

Highlights

No. of tradable assets	9,000 +
Min. Deposit	$20
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	No
Supported assets	Stocks, ETFs, Crypto, , ,
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	SEC, FINRA, SIPC

Fees & Costs

Trading fees	Yes
Inactivity fees	Yes
Rollover/overnight fees	No
Withdrawal fees	No
Spreads	Yes
Conversion fees	Yes

Pros & Cons

Commission free stock and ETF investing Share and compare your portfolio on a social trading platform Trade crypto, fractional shares, and alternative investments

You can't trade on margin or use leverage No forex, options, funds, metals, or bonds

Read review Visit

Cryptocurrency execution and custody services are provided by Apex Crypto LLC (NMLS ID 1828849) through a software licensing agreement between Apex Crypto LLC and Public Crypto LLC. Crypto trading on Public platforms is served by Public Crypto LLC and offered through APEX Crypto. Please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved before trading.

What is a stock trading app?

It’s an application that allows you to trade the stock market from your mobile device. Most brokers offer the ability to use their platforms via an app and can be accessed by either a smartphone or tablet. When using a stock trading app you will usually be able to carry out the same functions as you can on a broker desktop platform. 

How does a stock trading app work?

To use a stock trading app you need to first register with an online broker. Once your account is created you simply download an app to access your account on the go. Stock trading apps let you monitor and analyse the markets from your mobile device. You can buy and sell stocks as well as carry out technical analysis on price charts. 

How should I choose the best stock trading app for me?

Safety, security, and an easy-to-use interface are three of the most important things to look for. While specific features might affect those that you choose from, take all these factors into consideration before you make a final choice. That way you’ll get the best experience in the end.

1. Design and ease of use

One of the main advantages of using an app is making it easy to purchase and sell company shares. You want to be able to find your way around and use all the features available. If you’re a beginner this is even more important, you want useful information to be laid out in a way you can understand as you learn.

2. Reputation and regulation

You want to be confident in the trading app you’re using. As with anyone you trust with your money, you want to be sure they aren’t going to disappear with it. Stock brokers have to abide by strict regulations, from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) so look for proof of this before you sign up.

Similarly, brokers should have insurance to protect the customer in case they go bankrupt. Longer-term investments like IRAs are protected by government regulation too, check your chosen service abides by all of this before you download.

3. Tools and charts

These can be very useful when you start trading. If you’re going to do the work yourself, you want to be able to study a stock’s performance before you invest. Look out for apps that offer charts you can do some technical analysis on. Other tools worth looking for are comparison features, say between a fund’s performance and the market average.

4. Fees and commissions

Many apps advertise themselves as free but they have to make money somewhere. Usually, it’s with fees for specific actions, like trading, deposits, or withdrawals. Other companies will make money on the ‘spread’, the difference between the buy and sell price they offer on a share. Comparing the size of the spread can be a good way of choosing the best platform – the smaller the better.

5. Security

You want to keep your money and assets secure all the time. Look out for the different security features that are offered; do they use encryption? Two-factor authentication? What about protection against fraud? And how do they deal with your private data? Be wary of any service that skimps on these features.

6. Trading options

You want flexibility on your stock app, with lots of different trading options. New traders just getting started might want to stick to simply buying and selling shares but as you get more experience there are lots of ways to trade. Here are some popular ones you should look out for:

• Stock trading is the standard way of playing the stock market. You purchase shares in a company, with the aim of making money either from it going up in value or in the form of dividends. When you sell it, ideally you make a profit on the difference in price.
• Contracts for difference (CFDs) are a way of speculating on how an asset is going to perform without owning it. They’re popular on retail trading apps like eToro and Robinhood and can be a way of trading cryptocurrencies and commodities as well as stocks.
• Trading with leverage means making bigger trades by putting up only a small amount of the overall value as a deposit. You borrow the rest from your broker but remain liable for the entire trade. You can make big wins this way but it’s very risky as losses can escalate quickly.
• Spread betting is a way of betting on the performance of an entire market, rather than individual stocks within it. You place a bet on whether it’s going to go up or down, and earn a profit of your stake multiplied by the amount of points the market moved. The reverse is also true: you lose your stake multiplied by how much it goes the other way.

7. Additional features

These are just the most important features to look out for. The ideal trading app is packed with even more that can help you make money. Demo accounts, where you trade with fake money to start with, are great for beginners. So are educational tools, tutorials, and push alerts to let you know how your shares are performing.

Quick answers to key questions

Can I trade stocks on Android and iOS devices?

Yes. Most stock trading apps are available on both operating systems. A few are exclusive to one or the other, but you can easily find out which ones are available on your phone by going to the Google Play store or the App Store.

How much do stock apps cost?

To download: usually nothing. Setting up an account is also usually free for trading apps but once you get into the realm of long term investing you might need to subscribe to one of the best investing apps before you can use all the services. Even for free stock apps, there’s usually a cost somewhere in the form of additional fees or commissions.

Do I have to verify my identity with a stock app?

Yes, usually there is some form of verification but the methods vary. Expect to have to provide some contact details and a form of photo ID to prove who you are before you can trade.

Do apps charge fees for trading stocks?

Some do, some don’t. Those aimed at retail investors have led the charge towards free trading. Traditional stock brokers have been forced to reduce their fees to compete but often do still charge. 

Exactly how they charge varies widely, It could be a fixed rate, a percentage of the trade value, or some let you perform a certain amount of trades a month for free. It’s very important to check this before you start. Here’s a look at the types of fees you may encounter for using a stock trading app.

What are the fees for stock trading apps?

Each trading app will have its own fees and it will depend on your broker’s terms and conditions. Most modern apps are free to download and offer zero-fee trading. More established brokers tend to charge a flat fee per trade, or a monthly subscription. The cost of using that type of broker to trade can range from $5 to $12.

You need to decide what you want the app to do before you choose one. There are services aimed at day traders, others for long term investors, and still more that use artificial intelligence to invest your money for you. Here are some of the top stock apps, whatever your goals are.

Can I use multiple apps at the same time?

Yes. You can have as many as you like. Some traders prefer to have a few different apps for different asset classes. However, it’s usually easiest to use just one app so that all of your investments are in one place.

Is a mobile stock trading app better than a desktop version?

That will depend on your own requirements. Desktop versions sometimes have more features and are generally easier to use. However mobile apps give a lot of flexibility and you can check on your trades even on the go. 

Are stock apps regulated?

Yes, in a manner of speaking. The stockbrokers themselves are strictly regulated by financial authorities across the world and have to put in place lots of consumer protections. So if you choose a respected, established company then you can be confident their app is regulated too.

Should I use a stock trading app?

If you plan on trading the stock market then using an app to do so is a good idea. Most traders use a combination of both desktop and mobile applications and both have their benefits. A desktop app may offer a few more features that are not available on a mobile app, however, mobile apps offer a great deal of flexibility. 

The best stock trading apps incorporate most of the functionality of their desktop versions and make buying and selling stocks from your device an easy process. These apps offer the freedom to check on your trades even when you’re not at your computer and make it easy to spot new opportunities very quickly. 

What are the risks of using a stock trading app?

There is a high risk of losing money from trading, particularly if you’re new or inexperienced. That risk applies whether you trade via a stock trading app or on your desktop. The convenience and ease of using an app to trade can add more risk, because you can open and close a trade from anywhere.

It’s important to stay disciplined when you trade. Create a list of rules in advance to set out the conditions that must be met before you open a trade and the maximum you’re prepared to lose on any one trade. Similarly, set hard and fast rules for when to take profit.

In short, you should make stock trading decisions based on strict guidelines set when you have a clear head. Trading becomes significantly more risky when you make emotional decisions in the heat of the moment. Below is a short summary of the risks, as well as the benefits, of using an app to trade stocks.

If you’re still undecided on if you want to use a stock trading app then you can use the pros and cons below to help you make up your mind.

User reviews: your verdict on the best trading apps

We conduct regular surveys to get an idea of what the Invezz community feels about a particular app or service. We also welcome feedback from readers as to which apps they like and why. This information from real users factors into the overall ranking and help us find the top stock trading app.

Below you can see the results of our surveys and browse through user reviews to find out what other people thought about each service. Use this to help you come to a final decision about which app to use.

The best stock trading apps: How did we choose them?

Helping people make better financial decisions is at the heart of our mission at Invezz. 

We periodically test more than 63 stock trading apps to provide our users with clear, accessible guidance on the investing options available. All testing is carried out by our panel of stock market experts, analysts, and active traders who sign up to each broker, conduct research, and score each service.

Our tests are designed to find stock brokerages that offer a beginner-friendly, secure investing experience at a fair price. To supplement our practical testing and experience, we research each trading platform to gather any further relevant information. We read online customer reviews, app reviews on the Play Store and App Store, and conduct user surveys to get feedback from real people about what works, and what doesn’t.

Each stock broker is awarded a final score based on 130+ data points across 8 ranking categories: cost, reliability, user experience, deposit & withdrawals, investing options, range of products/markets, research & analysis tools, and the availability of educational & learning resources.

We work closely with individual brands to ensure all factual information displayed here is accurate. All data is then fact-checked by an independent reviewer. You can learn more about our expert panel and how we test, rate, and review platforms in our review process.

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