As mobile trading gains traction, the right trading app can really elevate your investment experience. From beginners wanting easy-to-use platforms to seasoned investors who require advanced tools, these are the top 10 apps for 2024 and what each has to offer for added success in the markets.

1. Charles Schwab: Best Overall Trading App

Charles Schwab has solidified itself as one of the best platforms for both new and experienced traders. No minimum fee makes investing easy for all. Their mobile app is fully featured, from real-time market data, customizable alerts, and a voice-activated assistant for easy navigation through the app.

For a more advanced offering, Schwab’s StreetSmart Edge provides detailed charting and analysis. Schwab acquired TD Ameritrade and now provides the thinkorswim platform, which is widely used among active traders. This has essentially provided all types of traders with a comprehensive package that caters for both day traders and longer-term investors as well.

What it offers

• No minimum account requirement or hidden fees.
• It provides a great set of research tools.
• Ideal for novices as well as advanced traders

2. TD Ameritrade (thinkorswim): Best for Active Traders

Active traders will want to look to TD Ameritrade’s thinkorswim platform. For advanced traders, it has the best package of advanced trading tools, with the strongest charting capability and technical analysis, plus paper trading to practice your strategy. Thinkorswim is considered one of the most flexible and in-depth platforms, ranging from options trading to futures and forex.

It provides a desktop-level experience in the palm of your hand as traders can track the markets, place trades, and get real-time news wherever they may be. Whether you trade stocks or more advanced derivatives, thinkorswim’s got you covered.

Why it’s great:

• Best-in-class technical studies.
• Real-time data streaming with fully customizable interface.
• Good for futures, forex, and options trading.

3. SoFi Invest: Best for Beginners

If you are a beginner, SoFi Invest is one of the best options for you. The app simplifies trading with its intuitive design, and beginning traders need educational resources to get started. Among other features, the app allows the use of fractional shares that can be purchased with as little as $5 on pieces of expensive stocks.

In addition to stocks and ETFs, SoFi Invest also supports automated investing, making it easier on those who want a hands-off approach. There are no trading fees, and even the tools for saving and investing are goal-based.

Why it’s great:

• No fees on stock trades or account minimums.
• Fractional shares allow for small investments.
• A user-friendly app with education for beginners.

4. Vanguard: Best for Low Fees

For long-term investing, there is the special focus on low fees. Known as having **low-cost index funds**, Vanguard was the ideal platform for any investor who sought to grow his or her wealth steadily over time. The app features commission-free trading on many securities and a wealth of retirement planning tools.

Because of this reason, Vanguard would more specifically be appealing to passive investors who focus on a buy-and-hold strategy. But while the app itself is not as flashy as some competitors, it delivers reliable performance and options for investment concentrated on minimizing costs.

Why it’s great:

• Great for long-term and retirement-focused investors.
• A wide range of low-cost index funds.
• A commission-free trade for a range of different assets.

5. Fidelity Investments: Best for Long-Term Investments

It is also known as one of the best for long-term investors, Fidelity. This online trading firm gives a wide and solid range of investment tools and accounts. The app supports everything from stock to retirement plans, including services like fractional shares.

Fidelity’s goal-oriented apps, such as Fidelity Spire, help users stay on track with their financial goals. This app is perfect for long-term, buy-and-hold investors but also caters to those seeking a more active trading approach.

Why it’s great:

• Strong focus on goal-oriented investing.
• Fractional shares make it easy to invest in expensive stocks.
• Comprehensive retirement and investment tools.

6. Interactive Brokers (IBKR): Best for Expert Traders

For experienced traders, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) provides one of the most sophisticated trading platforms online. You can access virtually any market in the world-from stocks to options, futures, or forex, all are available through the app with very low fees and advanced research capabilities.

The IBKR Mobile app is quite similar to the complexity of the desktop platform, offering professional-level trading on the go. It is more suited for traders who require comprehensive data and trading across numerous asset classes.

Why it’s great:

• Offers an array of advanced trading tools and access to international markets.
• Offers low-cost trades with a huge range of assets.
• Best suited for professional and experienced traders.

7. Ally Invest: Best for Banking and Trading Integration

Ally Invest offers a very lean and all-in-one experience to users looking to bank and invest at the same time. The app gives access to commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and options while allowing for banking through checking and savings accounts.

Ally Invest is suited for investors who require a no-frills site that can place all of their banking and trading needs into one place.

Why it’s great:

• Seamless integration of banking and investment accounts.
• No commission on stock and ETF trades.
• Easy to use for casual traders.

8. Robinhood: Best for Zero Commissions

Robinhood is famous for disrupting the commission-free brokerage, making it a popular choice for first-time or casual traders. The app features a friendly interface, real-time market data, and trading in stocks, ETFs, and even cryptocurrencies with no commission fees.

While Robinhood lacks some of the advanced tools found in other apps, it remains a favorite for those just starting or looking for a simple, no-cost trading experience.

Why it’s great:

• Zero commissions on trades.
• Easy to use, especially for new investors.
• Supports cryptocurrency trading.

9. E*TRADE: Best for Education and Resources

E*TRADE has been a go-to favorite for many years due to its abundance of educational material and trading tools. From market news to charting features, E*TRADE has the tools you need, whether you are a beginner investor or an old-hand trader to help guide you in your decision-making process.

You can also trade with mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and many other types, making it a versatile choice for any investor such as in.

• This app also offers access to mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and more, all with excellent educational resources for all types of traders.
• Access to a broad range of investment options.
• Strong mobile experience with advanced tools for active traders.

10. Webull: Best for Advanced Tools

Webull is another commission-free app that has made a name for itself by offering more sophisticated tools than competitors like Robinhood. The app provides in-depth charting, technical analysis tools, and extended trading hours, making it ideal for active and technical traders.

With no fees and a whole set of research tools, Webull is ideal for traders who want to take their investment to a higher level.

Why it’s great:

• No fees, yet advanced technical tools.
• Extended trading hours available.
• Advanced set of research tools for adept traders.

Conclusion

It depends on what you want. From a novice’s platform, such as SoFi Invest, to the professional trader seeking more sophisticated tools on either TD Ameritrade’s thinkorswim or Interactive Brokers, an app exists for everyone. This makes each of the top trading apps unique with some advantages, making them effective for any given trading style.

Let me know if you want any other changes or more information!