Compare the 6 best options trading platforms in 2023

Options trading is a popular way to invest in the markets but requires a specific type of broker. This page helps you choose the best options trading platform.
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Updated: Mar 16, 2023
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Our panel of trading experts investigated and reviewed the best online trading platforms for options and you can find out which brokers ranked the best right here. Read on to learn more about options trading and find the best brokers to use. 

Best options trading brokers overall for 2023

  1. eToro: Best for beginners, copy-trading & demo-account
  2. Public: Best for sharing beginner trading ideas
  3. Exness: Best for tight spreads and a pro-style trading experience

What are the best options trading platforms?

You can find out trading experts’ recommended options platforms below. These are the top options brokers to use in 2023 and you can register an account in just minutes by clicking on the links. 

1
Min. Deposit
$ 10
Promotion
User Score
10
Up to $240 bonus!
Deposit with ACA, Wire, Pay with my bank
Invest for dividends and get payout on stocks on Ex-Dividend day
Start Trading
Payment Methods:
Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer
Full Regulations:
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
10
Get insights from millions of investors, creators, and analysts
Build your portfolio of stocks, ETFs, and crypto–all in one place
No minimum deposit
Start Trading
Payment Methods:
Bank Wire, Check, Debit Card, Wire Transfer
Full Regulations:
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.
3
Min. Deposit
$ 100
Promotion
User Score
10
Trade out-of-hours on over 70+ US stocks
Get exposure to a wide range of popular UK, US and international stocks
Enjoy flexible access to more than 17,000 global markets, with reliable execution
Start Trading
Payment Methods:
Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal
Full Regulations:
ASIC, FCA, FINMA, is a licensed bank (IG Bank in Switzerland)
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Top 6 options brokers, reviewed

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

2900

No. assets

$10

Minimum deposit

Stocks

Platform type

Pros & Cons

Overview

Visit eToro Read Review

2. Public. Best for sharing beginner trading ideas

public.com logo

...

No. assets

...

Minimum deposit

Stocks

Platform type

Pros & Cons

Overview

Visit Read Review

3. Exness. Best for tight spreads and a pro-style trading experience.

...

No. assets

...

Minimum deposit

Stocks

Platform type

Pros & Cons

Overview

Visit Exness Read Review

What is an options trading platform?

It is a type of software a broker offers that allows you to trade options contracts on financial markets. The best options trading platforms can be used online via desktop software or on the go with mobile apps. An options trading platform lets you buy and sell options contracts, view real-time prices, and track your portfolio. 

What are options?

Options are financial contracts that give a trader the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specified date and price. Options can be used on various financial instruments, including stocks, commodities, currencies, indexes, futures, and more. 

The value of an options contract is derived from the value of the underlying asset. 

There are two types of options, calls and puts. 

  • Call option. A call option gives you the right to buy the underlying asset at a predetermined date and price. 
  • Put option. A put option gives you the right to sell the underlying asset at a predetermined date and price. 

Call and put options have expiration dates, the date the option must be exercised. If it is not exercised by the predetermined date, it becomes worthless. 

How should I choose an options trading platform?

When it comes to choosing a trading platform, there’s a lot to consider if you want to find the best options broker. You can check out our comprehensive options trading platforms reviews above to help you find a broker that suits your needs. You can also use the tips below to find the best options trading broker. 

Use a platform that has a wide range of options contracts. 

Some investment brokers for options trading may only offer a limited selection of contracts, which may not suit your needs. The best options trading brokers offer a variety of contracts with different expiration dates and strike prices. 

Make sure you understand the fees and commissions. 

Trading options can be expensive and fees and commissions can quickly add up. To keep costs down, look to use low commission options, trading brokers. Some award-winning options brokers are commission free, so you should consider your choices. 

Consider the platform’s user interface. 

Options trading can be complex and a difficult to use platform can lead to frustration and mistakes. Look to use an options trading platform that is easy to navigate that allows you to place your trades quickly and easily. Many of the top options brokers also offer advanced tools and features to help with your analysis. 

Look for educational resources. 

Options trading education and resources are provided by the best brokers and can help you brush up on your skills to improve your trading. Options are a complex investment derivative, so using a platform with extra educational content is especially important if you’re a beginner. 

Choose a platform with real-time data, advanced tools, and features. 

When you’re trading options, you’ll require up-to-date information on prices and market conditions. Make sure you use an options trading broker that provides real-time data and options prices to help you make informed decisions. 

Should I use an options trading platform?

Options trading can be helpful for some investors. However, it is important to remember that it can be a complex and risky activity, so it is best suited to those who understand the markets and risks involved well.

Investors looking to hedge their investments, earn income, or speculate on price changes may find options contracts a good choice. For beginners, options trading can be a confusing way to trade. Learning the different strategies available and working with a reputable options broker is important. 

Whether or not using an options trading platform is your best choice depends on your investing experience. If you’re an experienced investor with a solid understanding of the markets, then options are a good choice; however, beginners should look to use another type of derivative. 

What are the risks of using an options trading platform?

There are lots of risks associated with using an options trading platform. Options are leveraged products, so you must ensure you have the margin available in your trading account to place your orders. The options market can also be volatile, which means the value of your contract can change rapidly. Liquidity issues can make it difficult to close our positions at desired prices. 

Here are a few pros and cons of using an options trading platform. 

Pros

  • You can use options to hedge your positions
  • Options can be used to limit your risk while earning returns
  • There are options contracts for a wide range of financial markets

Cons

What are the fees for using an options trading broker?

The fees for options trading can vary depending on the platform you use. Some common fees include commissions on trades, account maintenance charges, option exercise and assignment fees. Some advanced options platforms also charge for specific data feeds and real-time market information. 

Methodology: How did we choose the best options trading platforms?

Our investment experts tested every platform listed on this page and scored each one for several features. The testing included opening an account, depositing funds, placing a trade, and withdrawing funds. We also looked at various aspects of each platform, such as spreads, commissions, payment charges, and other fees. 

Our evaluation was not solely based on our findings but also considered online reviews and research. You can find an in-depth analysis of each of the brokers we have included in our comparison guide. Our rankings are not influenced by any broker; however, we may receive a commission if you register an account using a link on this page. 

Please visit our full review process page for further information about our methodology

FAQs

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Sources & references
Risk disclaimer

Invezz is a place where people can find reliable, unbiased information about finance, trading, and investing – but we do not offer financial advice and users should always carry out their own research. The assets covered on this website, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, and commodities can be highly volatile and new investors often lose money. Success in the financial markets is not guaranteed, and users should never invest more than they can afford to lose. You should consider your own personal circumstances and take the time to explore all your options before making any investment. Read our risk disclaimer >

Prash Raval
Financial Writer
When not researching stocks or trading, Prash can be found either on the golf course, walking his dog or teaching his son how to kick a… read more.