Best Vanguard Alternatives in November 2025

The post Best Vanguard Alternatives in November 2025 by Ryan Peterson appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

Investors seeking diversification beyond traditional Vanguard options have a variety of intriguing alternatives to explore. While Vanguard is renowned for its range of low-cost index funds, other platforms offer unique benefits and features that may align more closely with your investment goals. For instance, Interactive Brokers is known for its comprehensive suite of tools and competitive pricing structures. Let’s dive into some of the best Vanguard alternatives to help you achieve your financial goals.

Quick Look at the Top Vanguard Alternatives:

• Best for international trading: Interactive Brokers
• Best for advanced traders: TradeStation
• Best for forex trading: XTB
• Best for research tools: Zacks Trade
• Best for user-friendly interface: E*TRADE
• Best for retirement planning: Fidelity
• Best for full-service brokerage: Charles Schwab
• Best for commission-free trading: Robinhood
• Best for social trading: eToro

9 Best Alternatives to Vanguard

We’ve consolidated the Vanguard alternatives to nine top platforms:

1. Best for International Trading: 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 offers a comprehensive platform with access to a wide range of markets and asset classes globally. It’s particularly beneficial for investors who want to trade internationally and need access to various investment options.

Fees: Under IBKR Lite, U.S. stocks and ETFs are commission-free. Under IBKR Pro, options commissions start at $0.65 per contract for standard retail volume and can drop to about $0.15 for very high-volume traders.

Why we picked it: Interactive Brokers provides low trading fees, extensive research tools and a powerful trading platform. It’s ideal for investors looking for a robust, flexible investment environment with a strong international presence.

2. Best for Active Traders: TradeStation

Best For

Futures Trading

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Best For

Futures Trading

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TradeStation is for advanced traders who need a comprehensive platform. The brokerage offers an impressive range of investable assets as frequent and professional traders appreciate its wide range of analysis tools. TradeStation’s app is also equally effective, offering full platform capabilities.

Best For

• Advanced traders
• Options and futures traders
• Active stock traders

Pros

• Comprehensive trading platform and professional-grade tools
• Wide range of tradable securities
• Fully-operational mobile app

Cons

• Confusing pricing structure to leave new traders with a weak understanding of what they pay
• Cluttered layout to make navigating TradeStation’s platform more difficult than it should be

TradeStation is known for its advanced trading tools and features tailored for active traders. It offers a powerful platform with real-time data, extensive charting capabilities and sophisticated trading strategies.

Fees: Under TS SELECT, U.S. stocks/ETFs trade at $0 commission for up to 10,000 shares per order (for shares $1 or more); for shares over 10,000, the rate is $0.005 per share. Options cost $0.60 per contract.

Why we picked it: TradeStation’s platform is designed for high-frequency and algorithmic traders, providing the tools needed to execute complex trading strategies efficiently. It’s a top choice for serious traders who need a professional-grade trading environment.

3. Best for Forex Trading: XTB

Best For

Non US Traders

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Best For

Non US Traders

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XTB provides traders of all skill levels access to more than 2,100 global markets. It’s one of the largest stock-exchange-listed forex and contract for difference (CFD) brokers offering a regulated, proprietary platform. For almost 20 years, XTB’s platform has simplified trading for beginner traders yet enabled experts to optimize their strategies by incorporating advanced tools.

Its fully customizable, easy-to-use platform incorporates educational content, market insights and technical tools to give traders an edge over the rest of the market. XTB’s all-in-one offering has made it the ideal broker for more than 500,000 traders globally. 

Best For

• Beginner traders seeking educational content and around-the-clock support
• Investors wanting access to various financial markets
• Traders analyzing fundamental factors to optimize their strategies
• Expert traders incorporating advanced tools

Pros

• Easy-to-use trading platform with access to numerous assets
• Free educational material and market insights
• Cashback for trades (professional clients only, not retail)
• Offers xStation 5, mobile app and MetaTrader 4

Cons

• Weekend support unavailable

XTB specializes in forex and CFD trading, providing a range of tools and resources for traders interested in these markets. It offers a user-friendly platform with competitive spreads and access to various forex pairs.

Fees: Forex/CFD trades (excluding equities/ETFs) are commission-free (costs are built into the spread, with minimum spreads such as 0.5 pips for FX) and you may incur overnight swap (financing) charges when holding positions overnight.

Why we picked it: XTB stands out with its focus on forex trading. It offers low fees, a comprehensive educational library and an intuitive platform. It’s perfect for those prioritizing forex and CFD trading over traditional stock investments.

4. Best for Research Tools: Zacks Trade

Best For

Global Investing

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Best For

Global Investing

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Founded by Len Zacks of Zacks Investment Research, the Zacks Trade online discount brokerage offers clients a broad range of financial assets to trade and invest in, as well as access to many of the most active global exchanges. Zacks Trade has considerable resources for active traders and investors, including excellent research and trading platforms. 

Zacks Trade’s 3 trading platforms include a wide array of trading tools and can be completely customized for active traders. Another advantage of Zacks Trade is phone access to a live human broker to enter trades and receive trade confirmations from. Unlike many other brokers, Zacks Trade doesn’t charge an extra fee for this service, although the broker still charges a per share transaction fee even though quite a few of its competitors now offer commission-free stock trading. 

If you’re an experienced trader or investor who can afford the broker’s rather high minimum deposit, Zacks Trade could be worth considering.

Best For

• Self-directed traders and investors
• Active traders
• International traders and investors
• Those wanting access to a human broker

Pros

• Excellent research resources
• Access to over 90 international exchanges
• 3 trading platforms and a mobile app
• Free access to a human broker

Cons

• Charges commissions on stock trades
• No forex, precious metals, futures or cryptocurrency trading

Zacks Trade is renowned for its research and analysis tools. It provides access to in-depth market research, stock analysis and expert insights, making it an excellent choice for informed investors.

Fees: U.S. stocks and ETFs cost $0.01 per share with a $1.00 minimum commission, and options cost $1 for the first contract plus $0.75 for each additional contract.

Why we picked it: Zacks Trade excels in delivering top-notch research and analysis tools, which are crucial for making informed investment decisions. The platform’s extensive research capabilities set it apart from many competitors.

5. Best for Comprehensive Services: E*TRADE

Best For

Mobile Traders

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Best For

Mobile Traders

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Boasting one of the best mobile brokerage platforms on the market and a competitive fee structure, Power E*TRADE is a popular platform for options and futures trading, especially among high frequency traders. It boasts intuitive tools and beginner-friendly options for active traders and investors. 

Best For

• High frequency traders who execute more than 30 options trades per quarter
• Investors who want to be able to trade via their phone or tablet

Pros

• Among the most advanced mobile apps, complete with a customizable dashboard
• Lower fees and margin rates for frequent traders
• Prebuilt portfolios, preset scans and automation tools that are great for passive investors and new investors.

Cons

• Fees are higher for less frequent traders
• Forex and international markets are not available

E*TRADE offers a full suite of investment services, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and retirement accounts. It’s known for its user-friendly platform and extensive educational resources.

Fees: Stocks and ETFs trade commission-free. Options cost approximately $0.65 per contract, with potential discounts based on options volume.

Why we picked it: E*TRADE provides a well-rounded investment platform with comprehensive services and robust customer support. It’s an excellent alternative for investors seeking various investment options and educational materials.

6. Best for Low Fees: 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 celebrated for its low-cost investment options and excellent customer service. It offers a variety of investment products, including commission-free ETFs and mutual funds.

Fees: Stocks and ETFs are commission-free, and options cost $0.65 per contract (plus regulatory fees).

Why we picked it: Fidelity’s commitment to low fees and high-quality customer service makes it a strong contender for cost-conscious investors. The platform’s wide range of low-cost investment options is particularly appealing.

7. Best for Beginner Investors: 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

Charles Schwab provides an easy-to-use platform with a broad range of investment products and services. It offers extensive educational resources to help beginner investors get started.

Fees: U.S. stocks and ETFs trade for $0 commission online, and options cost $0.65 per contract (online).

Why we picked ot: Charles Schwab’s intuitive platform and educational support make it ideal for new investors. The platform’s comprehensive services and user-friendly design help beginners navigate the investment landscape confidently.

8. Best for Easy-to-Use Interface: 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 known for its simple and easy-to-use interface, making it a popular choice for new investors. It offers commission-free trades and a straightforward mobile app.

Fees: Stocks, ETFs and options are commission-free (i.e. $0 per trade and $0 per contract) (though small regulatory and transaction costs may still apply)

Why we picked it: Robinhood’s user-friendly interface and commission-free trading make it accessible for beginners. The platform’s simplicity and ease of use are significant advantages for those just starting.

9. Best for Social Trading: eToro

Best For

Social Investing

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Disclosure: Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Cryptocurrency is offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk.

Best For

Social Investing

N/A

1 Minute Review

eToro is a leading trading and investing platform that’s recognized for its stock and crypto broker services. Its standout feature, copy-trading, allows users to reproduce the trades of other investors on the platform. In addition to stocks and cryptocurrencies, eToro provides Smart Portfolios — diversified portfolios of crypto assets managed by eToro. 

The platform is regulated by regulatory authorities such as the FCA, SEC, ASIC and CySEC, ensuring a level of trust and security for users. While eToro boasts a user-friendly web and mobile platform, it has limited customizability and lean educational and research offerings. Overall, eToro provides a convenient and regulated platform for social trading and investment.

Best For

• Investors who want to follow and copy other traders
• Investors who want to trade crypto, stocks and options on the same platform
• Beginners who want to invest in stocks and ETFs with zero commissions and copy-trading features

Pros

• Commission-free stocks and ETFs trading
• Innovative social investing platform with CopyTrader feature
• Access to a wide range of cryptocurrencies, stocks and ETFs
• Free virtual trading account and digital wallet

Cons

• High spreads for buying and selling crypto assets
• Contracts for difference (CFDs) unavailable inside the U.S.

eToro offers a unique social trading platform where users can follow and copy the trades of experienced investors. It provides a range of investment options, including stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies.

Fees: U.S. stock and ETF trades are commission-free; the platform does not currently offer options trading in the U.S., though other fees (e.g., currency conversion, inactivity) may still apply.

Why we picked it: eToro’s social trading features allow investors to learn from and mimic successful traders. The platform’s innovative approach and diverse investment options make it a compelling alternative to traditional brokers.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Vanguard Alternative

When looking for alternatives to Vanguard, consider the following factors:

Investment Goals

Begin by evaluating your financial goals and how a Vanguard alternative suits them. Determine if your priorities lean towards growth, income or a balance of both, and assess whether the fund’s strategy is in line with your long-term aspirations.

Fees and Costs

Examine the expense ratios and management fees associated with Vanguard alternatives. Lower costs can lead to better net returns for investors, making it vital to analyze these expenses and comprehend their impact on your overall investment decisions.

Performance History

Review the historical performance of potential Vanguard alternatives. Although past success doesn’t ensure future outcomes, it can offer valuable perspectives on how different funds have navigated various market conditions over time.

Fund Management Team

Look into the qualifications and reputation of the fund management team. A capable and consistent management crew can significantly influence an investment’s success, so it’s essential to understand their strategies and historical effectiveness.

Asset Allocation

Assess how the asset allocation of a Vanguard alternative stacks up against what Vanguard offers. Consider the level of diversification across asset classes and sectors, and ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and investment strategy.

Company Reputation and Stability

Research the standing of the institution providing the Vanguard alternative. Evaluate its track record, customer service quality, regulatory compliance and resilience during past market downturns to confirm that you are investing with a trustworthy organization.

What Is Vanguard?

Vanguard is one of the largest investment companies, known for its extensive range of low-cost mutual funds and ETFs. It offers a variety of investment products, including index funds, actively managed funds and retirement accounts. Vanguard is particularly popular for its emphasis on low fees and its investor-owned structure, which aims to align the company’s interests with those of its investors.

Is It Worth Investing in Vanguard?

Low Expense Ratios  

Vanguard is renowned for its affordable investment alternatives, especially in index funds and ETFs. With their competitive expense ratios, investors retain a greater share of their returns, enhancing the potential for better long-term performance in their portfolios.

Passive Investment Strategy    

Vanguard excels in passive investing, which focuses on mirroring market returns rather than attempting to exceed them. This approach has consistently delivered positive outcomes over time, making it particularly appealing for investors seeking a less active management style. 

Reputable Track Record  

With a long history of reliability and integrity, Vanguard is well-respected in the investment community. Their decades of experience, coupled with strong performance across a variety of funds, instills confidence in investors regarding their investment selections.

Investor-Owned Structure  

Vanguard’s distinctive investor-owned model means that profits are redistributed to investors through lower costs and enhanced services. This structure aligns Vanguard’s objectives with those of its investors, fostering a commitment to long-term growth.

Diverse Range of Investment Options    

Vanguard provides a broad selection of investment products, including mutual funds, ETFs and retirement accounts. This variety enables investors to construct diversified portfolios that align with their specific financial objectives and risk profiles.

Why Vanguard Might Not Be Right for You

Investment Focus

Vanguard is renowned for its index funds and passive investment strategies. However, if you lean towards actively managed funds or prefer a stock-picking approach, Vanguard’s offerings may not fit your investment philosophy.

Limited Research and Tools

While Vanguard provides foundational investment resources, it lacks the extensive research tools and advanced trading platforms that active investors might seek. For those desiring comprehensive analysis and sophisticated market tools, other brokerages may be a better match.

Customer Service Model

Vanguard operates on a low-cost, investor-owned structure, which can result in limited customer service options. If you prioritize personalized support and tailored financial planning, you may find Vanguard’s customer service less attentive compared to firms that emphasize higher-touch services.

Fees for Certain Services

Although Vanguard is praised for its low expense ratios, some specific services may incur fees. If you’re in search of a completely fee-free investment experience or the perks associated with premium accounts, exploring alternative investment platforms might be necessary.

Account Minimums and Restrictions

Vanguard’s funds typically feature higher minimum investment thresholds relative to many other platforms. For beginner investors or those with limited capital, meeting these minimums may pose challenges when embarking on their investment journey with Vanguard.

Finding the Best Vanguard Alternative

Choosing the right investment platform depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for lower fees, better customer service or more advanced trading tools, a Vanguard alternative can meet your requirements. By comparing different platforms’ features, fees and services, you can find the one that best aligns with your investment goals.

Frequently Asked Questions 

The post Best Vanguard Alternatives in November 2025 by Ryan Peterson appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.