Choosing the right app to buy stocks can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, there's an app out there for you. We've compiled a list of the 7 best stock buying apps, taking into consideration factors like user interface, research tools, and commission fees. Top contenders include E*TRADE, with its comprehensive platform for advanced traders, Robinhood, a popular choice for beginners, and Fidelity Investments, known for its low fees and wealth of resources.
Top app to buy stocks
1. E*TRADE
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ETRADE is my go-to stock buying app because it's just so easy to use. They have commission-free trades on US-listed stocks, ETFs, and options, which saves me a ton of money compared to other apps. Plus, their research and tools are top-notch, making me feel like I'm making informed decisions. With their streamlined design and intuitive interface, I can quickly find the information I need and execute trades with confidence. ETRADE has over 4.2 million downloads on the Play Store, showing just how many other people trust them.
Key Features:
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades
- Streaming quotes and charts
- Professional portfolio management tools
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2. Robinhood
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I've tried a bunch of stock buying apps, but Robinhood is hands down the best. It's super easy to use, even for beginners, and it's completely free to trade stocks, ETFs, and options. What sets it apart is the user-friendly interface and the absence of commission fees, which means more money in my pocket. Plus, the app offers real-time market data and news, keeping me in the loop on everything I need to know to make smart investment decisions.
Key Features:
- Zero-commission trading on stocks and ETFs
- Fractional shares for investing in expensive stocks
- Easy-to-use interface for beginners and experts
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3. Fidelity Investments
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Fidelity Investments is a robust stock buying app that boasts a legacy layout packed with information for seasoned traders. While not the most beginner-friendly, the app quickly becomes intuitive, and its comprehensive features make it a top choice for many investors. Although users have recently raised concerns about the missing autofill feature in the login, impacting security and speed, Fidelity’s commitment to user experience is evident in its dedication to providing a secure and reliable platform for trading stocks and securities. Despite the occasional glitches with notification features, Fidelity’s user base remains loyal to the app's overall functionality and the extensive resources it provides.
Key Features:
- Trade stocks, ETFs, and fractional shares
- Commission-free trades for US securities
- Research tools to inform investment decisions
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4. Webull
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Cost: Webull Standard (Free), Level 2 Market Data Subscription ($1.99/month)
Webull is a popular stock buying app for mobile devices that's quickly becoming a favorite among young investors. Unlike some other apps that charge hefty commission fees, Webull offers zero-commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and options, making it easy to start investing without breaking the bank. You can even buy fractional shares, starting with just $5, which lets you invest in top companies even if you don't have a huge budget. Webull's user-friendly interface and insightful research tools make it perfect for both beginners and experienced traders, and its impressive 4.7-star rating in the App Store speaks volumes about its popularity and user satisfaction.
Key Features:
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
- Fractional shares for affordable investing
- Real-time foreign stock trading in OTC markets
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5. Acorns
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Acorns isn't just another stock buying app, it's a personalized investment tool designed to make growing your money easier and more accessible. Unlike other apps that might overwhelm you with complicated jargon, Acorns takes a simple, hands-off approach by automatically investing your spare change. You can even connect your checking account to round up purchases and invest the difference. With over $4,000,000,000 invested, Acorns has helped millions of people, young and old, build their financial future without even realizing they were doing it.
Key Features:
- Invest spare change with automatic round-ups
- Diversified portfolios with expert-built options
- Easy access to fractional shares for investing
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Other stock buying app
The most important factors when choosing a stock buying app
- Fees: Commission fees, trading fees, and account maintenance fees can all impact your returns.
- Research Tools: Access to real-time quotes, charting tools, and fundamental data is essential for making informed investment decisions.
- User Interface: A user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation is crucial, especially for beginners.
- Investment Options: Consider the range of investment products offered, such as stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and options.