Best App for Buying Stocks in 2026

Fidelity is the app we point to first for most people, because it combines low cost with depth. US stock and ETF trades carry zero commission, fractional shares start from $1, and retirement accounts such as IRAs sit alongside taxable accounts in the same app. Research, screeners and educational content help a new investor learn without leaving the platform, and customer support is widely rated as strong for a large broker.

The trade off is complexity. The app packs in many features, and a first time investor may need a few sessions to find the tools that matter. That is a fair price for a platform that can grow with you, from a first stock purchase to retirement planning. If you want one broker that handles both simple investing and long term planning well, Fidelity is a safe and strong choice.

Charles Schwab is a close second for most investors, with zero commission online US stock and ETF trades, no minimum to open a brokerage account, and a wide range of retirement and education accounts. The thinkorswim platform, now part of Schwab, gives advanced traders charting, screeners and options tools that few free apps match. Support options, including branches and phone help, appeal to investors who want a person to talk to.

The catch is that Schwab can feel like several platforms stitched together, with the main app and thinkorswim serving different needs. New investors may not need thinkorswim at first, and the overlap can confuse. For a long term investor who values support, research and a full service broker at DIY prices, Schwab remains an excellent pick.

Robinhood remains the simplest mobile first way to buy stocks. The app is clean, onboarding is fast, and zero commission trades plus fractional shares from $1 let a new investor start small. Options trading carries no contract fee in recent comparisons, and IRA accounts include a match option that can add value for retirement savers who contribute regularly. Crypto trading sits in the same app for users who want it, though crypto carries its own risks and fees.

The honest limit is research. Robinhood offers less depth than Fidelity, Schwab or E*TRADE for company analysis, screeners and planning tools. Support is also mainly digital, which suits app native users but frustrates others. If you want the easiest possible start and you plan to invest regularly in stocks and ETFs, Robinhood is a strong choice. If research drives your decisions, pair it with outside research or choose Fidelity.

Webull suits investors who want pro level data without paying for it. Advanced charting, technical indicators, real time quotes and paper trading help an active trader practice and analyze before risking real money. Zero commission stock, ETF and options trades keep costs low for frequent traders, and the desktop and mobile apps share the same workflow. For a trader who lives in charts, Webull offers more depth than Robinhood at the same price point of free.

The trade off is breadth for long term investors. Webull does not offer mutual funds, and its retirement and planning tools are thinner than Fidelity or Schwab. Paper trading is a real advantage for beginners, so use it before you trade live. If you trade actively and want data rich tools for free, Webull is a strong pick. If you want a set and forget retirement plan, look elsewhere.

SoFi Invest appeals to people who want banking, loans and investing in one place. Active investing carries zero commission on stock and ETF trades, with fractional shares from $5, and an automated option builds a portfolio for users who would rather not pick stocks. That all in one shape suits a younger investor who already banks with SoFi or wants a single app for money basics.

The limit is depth. Research tools and asset range are narrower than Fidelity, Schwab or Interactive Brokers, and automated investing requires a higher minimum than active investing. If you want a simple app that covers banking and investing together, SoFi is convenient. If you want deep research or a wide asset range, a larger broker will serve you better.

Public is built for investors who want stocks, ETFs, bonds and crypto in one app, with research and community features that explain what is happening in the market. Zero commission stock and ETF trades keep the core cost low, and bond and Treasury options appeal to investors who want income alongside growth. The app design is clean, and guided research helps a newer investor understand a company before buying.

The catch is scale. Public is newer and smaller than Fidelity or Schwab, so its research library and account range are narrower, and some advanced features sit behind paid tiers. Check the fee schedule for the assets you actually trade, since spreads and fees vary by asset type. For a multi-asset investor who values a clean app and guided research, Public is a fresh and useful choice.

ETRADE, now part of Morgan Stanley, suits investors who want strong options tools and retirement accounts in one broker. Power ETRADE gives options traders charting, strategy tools and analysis, while the main app covers stocks, ETFs and retirement accounts. Zero commission online US stock and ETF trades keep core costs low, and Morgan Stanley research adds depth for investors who read analyst work.

The downside is polish. Parts of the app and web experience feel older than Robinhood or Public, and the overlap between platforms can confuse a new user. For an options trader or a retirement saver who values research and a full service broker, those quirks are worth tolerating. For a pure mobile beginner, a simpler app may feel easier.

Interactive Brokers is the choice for serious and international traders. It offers access to a very large number of global markets and currencies, far beyond a US only broker, and IBKR Lite provides zero commission US stock and ETF trades for casual investors. Low margin rates appeal to qualified active traders, and the trading tools are among the most powerful available to retail investors.

The learning curve is real. The platform assumes knowledge, and a beginner can feel lost among order types, market data options and global exchanges. Use IBKR Lite and the paper trading features first, and read the fee schedule for market data and pro pricing. If you trade internationally or trade seriously, Interactive Brokers is unmatched. If you are buying your first stock, start with Fidelity or Robinhood instead.