Are you looking to start investing but feeling overwhelmed by the many options available? You're not alone. In 2025, mobile investing apps have become increasingly popular, making it easier than ever to begin your investment journey. Let's explore the top five stock trading apps that can help you grow your wealth this year.
Why Mobile Trading Apps Are Booming
The popularity of investing apps has surged worldwide, initially sparked by the pandemic-era boom in retail trading and sustained by ongoing fintech innovation. Today's leading platforms emphasize low costs, user-friendly interfaces, and robust security features like two-factor authentication.
Most top apps now offer commission-free stock and ETF trading, fractional shares for those with limited capital, and various research or social trading features to help you make informed decisions.
Top 5 U.S. Stock Trading Apps in 2025
1. Fidelity Investments
Fidelity stands out as a large, well-established broker known for its low costs and comprehensive product offerings. Rated as the best overall investment platform by multiple sources, Fidelity offers:
What I love:
- $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
- Extensive ETF and mutual fund selections
- Fractional-share trading for beginners
- High-quality research tools
- Cash management features
What could be better:
- No direct cryptocurrency trading
- Minimal interest on uninvested cash
- Interface can feel complex for absolute beginners
Fidelity is particularly well-suited for long-term investors and those planning for retirement.
2. Charles Schwab
Following its merger with TD Ameritrade, Charles Schwab has become a full-service brokerage powerhouse offering zero-commission trading on U.S. stocks and ETFs.
What I love:
- Excellent educational content, including tutorials and webinars
- Multiple user-friendly platforms (mobile, web, and the advanced Thinkorswim app)
- Free stock and ETF trading
- Robust ETF research tools
- Physical branches for in-person support
What could be better:
- Higher margin loan rates compared to competitors
- Very low interest rates on idle cash
- No fractional-ETF trading
- No direct cryptocurrency trading
Charles Schwab works well for both beginners who value educational resources and advanced traders who need sophisticated tools.
3. Robinhood
As the app that popularized commission-free trading, Robinhood continues to target new and casual investors with its straightforward approach.
What I love:
- Zero commissions on all trades
- Exceptionally clean, intuitive mobile interface
- No account minimum to start investing
- Streamlined experience for basic stock and ETF investing
What could be better:
- Limited asset selection (no mutual funds or bonds)
- Lacks advanced order types and comprehensive research tools
- History of platform outages during high-volume trading periods
- No access to IPOs or bonds
Robinhood is ideal for beginners who prioritize simplicity, though more experienced investors may eventually outgrow its basic platform.
4. E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley)
This popular platform offers commission-free trades on U.S. stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds, with both self-directed trading and managed portfolio options.
What I love:
- Commission-free stock, ETF, and mutual fund trades
- Integrated paper-trading demo for practice
- "Core Portfolios" option for beginners who want automated investing
- Advanced charting tools for technical analysis
What could be better:
- $500 minimum investment for automated advisory plans
- Options contracts cost $0.65 each (or $0.50 for high-volume traders)
- Occasional fees on infrequent options trading activity
E*TRADE offers a good balance between user-friendliness and advanced features, with a mobile app that closely mirrors its comprehensive web platform.
5. Webull
Aimed at active and intermediate traders, Webull provides a highly customizable platform with sophisticated tools at no commission cost.
What I love:
- $0 fees for stock, ETF, and options trades
- Advanced charting with over 20 technical indicators
- Customizable watchlists and stock screeners
- Extended-hours trading capabilities
What could be better:
- Can be overwhelming for beginners due to feature complexity
- No mutual funds available
- No traditional banking features
- Relatively high margin requirements
Webull is best suited for tech-savvy users and active traders who need more advanced analysis tools.
Getting Started
When choosing an investment app, consider your experience level, investment goals, and the specific features that matter most to you. If you're just beginning, platforms like Robinhood or Fidelity might be your best bet. For more experienced investors looking for advanced tools, Webull or Charles Schwab's Thinkorswim platform could be more appropriate.
Remember that regardless of which platform you choose, investing involves risk. Start small, diversify your portfolio, and only invest money you can afford to lose.
Sources:
- Best Online Brokers and Trading Platforms for April 2025 - Investopedia (https://www.investopedia.com/best-online-brokers-4587872)
- Fidelity vs. Robinhood 2025 - Investopedia (https://www.investopedia.com/fidelity-vs-robinhood-4587945)
- Robinhood vs. Webull 2025 - Investopedia (https://www.investopedia.com/robinhood-vs-webull-6754841)
- Best Stock Trading Apps of April 2025 - Business Insider (https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/best-stock-trading-apps)