Best E*TRADE Alternatives in October 2025

The post Best E*TRADE Alternatives in October 2025 by Jordan Robertson appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

E*TRADE, one of the pioneering platforms in online brokerage, has long been a popular choice for investors looking to manage their portfolios with ease. Despite its reputation and comprehensive suite of tools, E*TRADE may not meet the specific needs or preferences of every investor, whether due to its fee structure, available services or user interface.

If you’re seeking alternatives that might better align with your investment strategies, options like Interactive Brokers and Robinhood present compelling opportunities. Each of these platforms offers unique features and advantages that can cater to different investing styles and requirements. In this article, we’ll take a look at five E*TRADE alternatives and the pros and cons of each platform.

Quick Look at the Top E*Trade Alternatives:

• Best for global traders: Interactive Brokers
• Best for beginners: Robinhood
• Best for low fees: Fidelity Investments
• Best for fund investing: Charles Schwab
• Best for all types of investors: Ally Invest

5 Best Alternatives to E*TRADE

We’ve compiled an extensive list of some of our favorite alternatives to E*TRADE, which includes a variety of brokerage platforms that cater to different investment needs and preferences, offering features such as low fees, user-friendly interfaces, a wide range of investment options, advanced trading tools and excellent customer support.

1. Best for Global Traders: Interactive Brokers

Best For

Active and Global Traders

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Best For

Active and Global Traders

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Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

Best For

• Access to international markets
• Active traders
• Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
• Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets

Pros

• IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
• Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
• Industry’s lowest margin rates
• Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares

Cons

• Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is widely regarded as one of the leading online brokerage firms, particularly attractive to professional and active traders. The platform provides access to a wide array of financial products, including stocks, options, futures, forex and fixed income securities across multiple global exchanges.

One of the standout features of Interactive Brokers is its comprehensive trading platform. The Trader Workstation (TWS) is robust and offers a myriad of functionalities tailored for experienced traders, including advanced charting, market research and customizable monitoring tools.

The firm also offers low trading costs and commissions, especially for high-volume traders. Unlike many brokers that charge flat fees, IBKR operates on a tiered pricing model, allowing you to pay lower commissions as their trading volume increases.

Fees: U.S. stocks & ETFs $0 (IBKR Lite) / $0.0005–0.0035 per share (IBKR Pro); options $0.15–0.65 per contract.

Why we picked it: Interactive Brokers stands out as an excellent choice for professional traders seeking low costs, a wide array of trading options and sophisticated tools. 

2. Best for Beginners: Robinhood

Best For

Commission-Free Mobile Trading

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Best For

Commission-Free Mobile Trading

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Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

Best For

• Beginners looking for simplicity
• Mobile-first investors
• Commission-free trades

Pros

• User-friendly mobile app
• Instant double
• Cash management
• Access to cryptocurrencies

Cons

• Limited research tools
• No mutual funds available
• Basic customer support options

Robinhood is a commission-free brokerage firm that has gained popularity in recent years, especially among younger investors.

Robinhood allows you to purchase fractional shares, which can be a great way to invest in expensive stocks without having to buy a whole share.

Robinhood has a user-friendly app that is easy to use. The clean interface allows you to quickly understand how to access different features without feeling overwhelmed by complex layouts or jargon. Additionally, Robinhood provides customizable notifications and features that allow you to tailor your trading experience according to your preferences. \

Fees: $0 commission on stocks, ETFs, and options (just pass-through regulatory fees).

Why we picked it: Robinhood has made investing more accessible to the masses, disrupting the traditional brokerage model with its commission-free trading.

3. Best for Stock Research: Fidelity

Best For

Stock Research

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Best For

Stock Research

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Fidelity is a comprehensive and responsive brokerage suitable for both new and experienced traders alike. With complete access to the full U.S. stock and options markets, a set of state-of-the-art education and research tools, as well as a wide fee-free fund selection, Fidelity is equally useful for the veteran swing traders to novices opening their first accounts. Mobile traders will be especially happy with Fidelity’s app, which mirrors full capabilities of the platform. Though there isn’t much to criticize about Fidelity, the broker does have a few areas where it can afford to improve. Margin rates are significantly higher than most other brokers, especially for traders borrowing less than $25,000. It also doesn’t offer any access to the futures markets. Despite these minor flaws, Fidelity remains a strong choice for most investors.

Best For

• Easy-to-navigate yet functional platform strikes the perfect balance between expert tools and comfort for beginners
• Mobile trading app is fully-optimized and mirrors full functionality of the desktop platform
• Wide range of education and research options make learning more about securities and the market easier and less time-consuming

Pros

• Complete range of both independent and managed services available at exceptionally affordable prices
• Offers access to both domestic markets and 25 foreign markets, as well as a wide range of options contracts and over 10,000 mutual funds
• Mobile app that is well-integrated and works just as well as the desktop platform
• Wide selection of education tools and resources available free of charge

Cons

• Margin rates higher than many other competing brokerages
• No access to futures trading
• High fees for buying a non-Fidelity mutual fund (with over 3,300 fee-free funds available)

Fidelity is a full-service brokerage firm that offers a wide range of investment products and services, including stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds and more.

Fidelity has some of the lowest fees in the industry, with no commission for trading stocks, ETFs or options. This, along with no account minimums for certain investment vehicles, allows you to enter the market without the burden of excessive costs. 

With responsive support teams available via phone, chat and email, Fidelity ensures that clients receive personalized assistance tailored to their needs.

Fees: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs; options $0.65 per contract.

Why we picked it: Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing a brokerage account or looking to grow your wealth, Fidelity’s robust tools and resources provide an advantageous environment for achieving your financial goals.

4. Best for Fund Investing: Charles Schwab

Best For

Fund Investing

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Best For

Fund Investing

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Charles Schwab is a solid choice for traders of all skill levels. It offers full access to the U.S. equity and options markets as well as 30 international markets. Traders can create a diverse portfolio with $0 commissions and no account minimums. Schwab’s margin trading is expensive but Schwab makes up for it with affordable futures and options trades, along with a comprehensive mobile offering.

Best For

• 3 trading platforms perfectly in sync makes matching your platform to your skill level a snap
• Excellent futures trading education for new traders
• $0 account minimum means anyone can start trading

Pros

• Wide range of available assets to trade, including futures and 30 global markets
• SmartStreet Edge platform is powerful enough for advanced traders, yet easy enough for new traders to utilize
• Unique educational resources (like infographics and podcasts) make learning fun

Cons

• Margin rates are more expensive than competitors
• More limitations on available margin than competitors
• Expensive mutual funds

Known for its comprehensive suite of investment options, Schwab offers services ranging from stock and bond trading to more advanced investment products like ETFs and mutual funds. The platform provides investors of all levels with access to robust research tools and educational resources.

With no commission fees for stock and ETF trades and a variety of no-transaction-fee mutual funds, Schwab caters to cost-conscious investors seeking to maximize their returns.

The company provides 24/7 support through multiple channels, including phone, chat and email. For clients who prefer in-person assistance, Schwab has physical branches, allowing customers to consult with financial advisors directly.

Fees: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs; options $0.65 per contract.

Why we picked it: With a user-friendly interface, exceptional customer service, competitive pricing and a wide range of investment options, Schwab presents an ideal solution for investors at any stage of their financial journey.

5. Best for Socially Responsible Investing: Ally Invest

Best For

Socially Responsible Investing

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Best For

Socially Responsible Investing

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Ally Invest is a comprehensive broker offering easy access to domestic markets. Combining a wide range of charting tools with an easy-to-master platform, Ally is a solid choice for both new and experienced investors. Ally’s mobile app is particularly impressive for investors who already bank with Ally, offering seamless compatibility between accounts. While more experienced investors might be disappointed with Ally’s beginner-oriented educational center, they’re bound to love Ally’s wide range of technical tools and rock-bottom pricing.

Best For

• Investors who already bank with Ally and want to streamline between accounts
• Beginners looking for easy-to-follow educational tools
• Stock investors looking for affordable access to low-priced options and commission-free stock trading

Pros

• Streamlined interface that’s easy to use and quick to master — even for beginners
• Wide range of unique tools that makes analyzing securities simple
• Seamless integration between mobile and desktop offerings, especially for Ally Bank account holders
• Diversified managed investment portfolios with a low minimum and no advisory fees
• Impressive ETF screening tools that make it easy to find your next fund

Cons

• No fee-free mutual funds
• No access to futures trading

Ally Invest is one of the leading online brokerage platforms that caters to both beginner and experienced investors. As a subsidiary of Ally Financial, the platform has garnered a reputation for offering a user-friendly experience, competitive pricing and a range of investment options.

Ally Invest excels by providing a robust suite of resources. Its trading platform includes advanced charting tools, real-time market data and customizable dashboards that cater to different trading styles.

One of the standout features of Ally Invest is its low-cost structure for trading stocks and ETFs. Additionally, Ally Invest offers competitive pricing for options trading, which further reduces the barriers for active traders looking to maximize their returns. 

Fees: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs (for securities ≥ $2); options $0.50 per contract.

Why we picked it: Ally Invest is a compelling choice for investors seeking a blend of affordability, functionality and user experience in their trading platform.

Final Thoughts on E*TRADE Alternatives

As you can see, there are many E*TRADE alternatives available to investors. Each platform has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to do your research and choose the one that best meets your needs. Interactive Brokers is an excellent choice for experienced traders who want advanced trading tools, while Robinhood is a great option for new investors who want a user-friendly app. Fidelity and Charles Schwab both offer a wide range of investment products and excellent customer service, but have higher minimum investments. Ally Invest is an excellent choice for new investors who want low fees and an easy-to-use interface. Ultimately, the best E*TRADE alternative for you will depend on your investment goals, experience level and personal preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Best E*TRADE Alternatives in October 2025 by Jordan Robertson appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.