Compare the best stock trading apps in 2022

By: Prash Raval

When not researching stocks or trading, Prash can be found either on the golf course, walking his dog or… read more.

Updated: May 24, 2022

The amount of people trading on their phones has nearly tripled since 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. Use this guide to compare the best apps and pick one that suits you.

What is the best stock trading app?

These are our favourite stock trading apps ranked so you can get started quickly. If you want a more detailed comparison between the apps and the service they offer, then keep reading to learn more about each one.

Most Popular

1

Min. Deposit

$10

Promotion

User Score

10

Trade/invest in stocks with just $10

Deposit with ACA, Wire, Pay with my bank

Invest for dividends and get payout on stocks on Ex-Dividend day

Start Trading

more info

Pros:

Trade/invest in stocks with just $10

Deposit with ACA, Wire, Pay with my bank

Invest for dividends and get payout on stocks on Ex-Dividend day

Payment Methods

Bank Transfer, Wire Transfer

Full regulations list:

CySEC, FCA

Investoo Ltd is compensated if you access certain of the products or services offered by eToro USA LLC and/or eToro USA Securities Inc., as applicable. This compensation incentivizes Investoo Ltd to describe those products and services in favorable terms. Any testimonials contained in this communication may not be representative of the experience of other eToro customers and such testimonials are not guarantees of future performance or success.

2

Min. Deposit

$0

Promotion

User Score

9.3

$0 commission and $0 Options contract fees

Upgraded research with advanced charts

Smart Menus for faster trades

Start Trading

more info

Pros:

$0 commission and $0 Options contract fees

Upgraded research with advanced charts

Smart Menus for faster trades

Payment Methods

Full regulations list:

Top stock trading apps

1. eToro: Best trading app

• Minimum deposit: $10
• Trading fees: $0
• Download from: App Store, Play Store

eToro is our choice as the best stock trading app. It’s one of the largest brokers in the world for a reason and offers over 1,500 stocks to trade through your mobile phone. Users can download the eToro app via the Apple app store or Google Play store and benefit from the same functionality as its web based platform. 

One of the features stock traders will find most beneficial is the low fee’s eToro charges. There are zero fees when trading stocks. Traders only need to pay the bid/ask spread and do not need to worry about added commissions. Another feature traders will find helpful is that it doubles as a social trading network which allows investors to copy the trades of more experienced traders.

Read the full review: eToro

2. Capital.com: Best trading app for beginners

• Minimum deposit: $20
• Trading fees: $0
• Download from: App Store, Play Store

Capital.com has the best rated stock trading app for beginners. It has one of the widest choices of stocks available. Traders can buy and sell shares for over 5000 companies from around the world including countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and Russia. 

Its custom build app is easy to use and offers an impressive educational section. Beginner traders can learn about the stock market in general, see the latest market analysis, and watch trading webinars among a host of other features. The app also has a minimum deposit size of just $20 and a low minimum trade size requirement making it perfect for beginners just starting out.

Read the full review: Capital.com >

3. Plus500: Best for experienced stock traders

• Minimum deposit: $100
• Trading fees: $0
• Download from: App Store, Play Store

Experienced traders will be best suited to the Plus500 app. Plus500 is supported in over 50 countries and regulated in multiple jurisdictions making it a top choice for experienced stock traders with safety in mind. It offers stocks from multiple markets across the globe and gives traders access to 1:5 leverage on their positions. 

An added advantage experienced stock traders will find useful is Plus500’s additional asset classes. On its app traders can access not only stocks, but indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Its mobile app also includes a range of technical features such as indicators and trading tools suitable for experienced traders.

Read the full review: Plus500 >

4. Pepperstone: Best for CFD trading

• Minimum deposit: $200
• Trading fees: $0
• Download from: App Store, Play Store

Pepperstone is the best broker for CFDs on the stock market. Through using contracts for differences or spread betting, users can trade a range of shares on the Pepperstone app and benefit from the potential of tax free profits. Pepperstone includes stocks from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia. 

The broker has a number of different platforms available, however to trade stocks via a mobile device, users need to download its MetaTrader5 app (MT5). When using the app, traders will have access to a wide range of technical indicators and information making it quick and easy to place positions on the stock market.

Read the full review: Pepperstone

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 a stock trading app?

There are a number of factors that you should consider before making a decision and below we’ve highlighted some of the key ones. 

• Fees. When it comes to stock trading fees are unavoidable. Some apps may charge commissions but have low spreads, while others will have zero commissions but higher spread. You should check your broker’s fee schedule prior to trading. 
• Reliability. If you’re planning on trading stocks from your mobile device then a reliable app is necessary. When downloading an app you can check customer reviews on the Appstore or Google play store. 
• Speed. Stock traders often look to capitalise on small movements in a shares price. If you plan on making lots of trades throughout the day then speed is something you should consider. Customer reviews can help you understand how fast an app is. 
• Security. You’ll want to make sure that you the stock trading app you use is secure. All apps have security features built into them, but the best ones have additional measures such as 2 factor authentication. 
• Technical tools. Traders often use technical indicators and other tools when making trading decisions. Finding a stock trading app that has a broad range of tools should be something you consider. 

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 an 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.

What are the fees for stock trading apps?

Each 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.

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

We thoroughly research every app, platform, and service before we recommend them. We have tested every app where there is a full length review available on Invezz, and we have supplied a link to each of the reviews in question. Testing them means downloading the app, placing trades, and making a deposit and withdrawal.

In addition to those tests we carry out extensive online research to find out relevant costs and compare the features on offer. We use customer reviews and online feedback to supplement our own experience of using each app. Our final ranking is based on all of these factors.

That ranking is not influenced by any of the companies listed on this page, but we may make an affiliate commission if you choose to sign up and start trading by clicking one of the links above. For more details, read our review process.

FAQs