Choosing a stockbroker in 2025 feels a bit like picking a smartphone — sleek interfaces, shiny features, and endless claims about who’s “best.” But at the end of the day, you just want a platform that works for your goals, whether you’re investing spare change or building a six-figure portfolio.
So we did the digging for you. Below is an honest, side-by-side breakdown of Robinhood, Webull, and E*TRADE — covering what matters most: fees, features, tools, and user experience.
1. Robinhood
Best For: Beginner investors and those who value simplicity
Why People Love It:
Robinhood popularized commission-free trading, and its app is still one of the easiest to use. If you’re just starting and don’t need advanced tools, Robinhood feels more like a mobile game than a broker — in a good way.
Features:
- Commission-free stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto
- Fractional shares (start with as little as $1)
- Instant deposits up to $1,000
- No minimum balance
- Cash card for spending & investing cashback
- New in 2025: Retirement accounts (Roth IRA & Traditional IRA)
Tools:
- Basic charting
- Real-time quotes
- No Level II data (unless you pay for Robinhood Gold)
- Limited research tools
Fees:
- $0 commission on trades
- Robinhood Gold: $5/month for margin + pro tools
- Crypto trading: No direct fee, but spreads apply
Pros:
✅ Easiest to use
✅ Great for crypto + stocks in one app
✅ Sleek UI for mobile-first users
Cons:
🚫 Limited advanced tools
🚫 No mutual funds or bonds
🚫 Customer service has improved, but still not best-in-class
Best For: Active traders and DIY investors who want tools without the price tag
Why People Love It:
Webull offers a surprising amount of power without charging you a dime. You get slick interfaces, technical indicators, and even paper trading — all for free.
Features:
- Commission-free stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto
- Pre-market and after-hours trading
- Paper trading mode
- IRAs now available
- New in 2025: Crypto staking + recurring investments
Tools:
- Advanced charting
- 50+ technical indicators
- Earnings calendar, screeners, Level II data (free with promo)
- Customizable desktop platform
- Fees:
- $0 commissions
- $0 account minimum
- Crypto spreads apply (like most platforms)
- Margin trading interest is competitive
Pros:
✅ Powerful tools for free
✅ Good for day traders
✅ Option chains & analysis built-in
Cons:
🚫 Learning curve for beginners
🚫 Crypto selection is limited vs dedicated platforms
🚫 Customer support can be slow
3. E*TRADE
Best For: Serious investors and retirement-focused users
Why People Love It:
Backed by Morgan Stanley, E*TRADE has legacy credibility. It’s the most feature-rich of the three — perfect if you want access to everything from stocks to bonds, mutual funds, retirement accounts, and beyond.
Features:
- Commission-free stocks, ETFs, and options
- Access to bonds, mutual funds, and futures
- Two platforms: ETRADE Web and Power ETRADE
- Full retirement account suite
- New in 2025: AI-powered investment insights & auto-rebalancing
Tools:
- Extensive screeners, charting, and research
- Analyst reports from Morningstar, Moody’s, etc.
- Paper trading with Power E*TRADE
- Tax-loss harvesting (manual & robo options)
Fees:
- $0 on stocks/ETFs
- Options: $0 + $0.65/contract
- Mutual fund fees vary (some free, others up to $19.99/trade)
- No account minimums for brokerage, but higher for managed portfolios
- Pros:
✅ Most comprehensive investment lineup
✅ Best for IRAs, 401(k) rollovers, and retirement
✅ Superior research tools
Cons:
🚫 Not as mobile-friendly as Robinhood or Webull
🚫 More complex for casual users
🚫 Slightly slower onboarding
🏆 So, Who Wins in 2025?
| Platform | Best For | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | Beginners, casual investors | Simplicity + crypto + stocks |
| Webull | Traders, DIY investors | Power tools without the price |
| E*TRADE | Long-term, serious investors | Retirement + full asset access |
There’s no one-size-fits-all broker. The best choice depends on how involved you want to be, what you’re investing in, and how much hand-holding you need.
- Want a fast, fun way to dip into investing? Go with Robinhood.
- Looking for more tools to trade actively? Webull will feel like home.
- Planning your long-term wealth with diversification and research? E*TRADE is built for you.
👉 Pro Tip: You’re not locked in. Try two (or all three) and see which one fits your style best. It’s your money — you should feel in control of it.
