The availability of stock apps that allow free trading on the go has significantly enhanced the simplicity and accessibility of stock trading.
With a wide range of options, both seasoned investors and newbies can find a stock app that suits their needs.
This guide presents a comprehensive comparison of some of the best stock apps for beginners on the market, taking into account factors such as supported markets, fees, ease of use, trading tools, and customer service.
By evaluating these key aspects, the perfect stock app for individual needs can be easily identified. Whether the focus is on buying and selling stocks on the fly or using advanced trading tools, this comprehensive comparison of the best stock apps to use simplifies the decision-making process.
What are stock apps?
Stock apps, also known as trading apps, are mobile applications that allow investors to buy stocks using their smartphones. They offer individuals a convenient and accessible way to buy and sell stocks, cryptocurrencies, Forex, bonds, and other assets on the go.
The best stock apps stand out for their user-friendly platform, real-time data, and a variety of analytical tools to help investors make informed decisions.
The stock app market has grown rapidly in recent years as more and more investors seek the convenience and flexibility of trading via their mobile devices. Stock apps are usually developed by banks or brokerage firms. Admittedly, the variety of options available can make it difficult for investors to determine which app is best for them. However, a new breed of brokerage app providers, known as neo-brokers, has emerged and are now offering their stock apps for free. This raises the question of whether a free stock app can really compete with the mainstream options.
Similar to desktop trading, investors must first open an account or securities account with a provider before using a stock app. Once the account is opened, investors can trade securities through the Stocks app, with their orders being processed through the broker. Once the purchase is complete, investors can track the asset’s price performance within the Stocks app and make decisions about when to sell.
What are the best stock apps in 2024?
There are a few important factors to consider when looking for the most suitable stock trading app. Many platforms today provide access to handy stock investing apps that can make buying and selling stocks easier.
In addition, important considerations such as fees, commissions, supported stock markets, ease of use, device compatibility and availability of trading tools were taken into account when creating our list of the 5 best apps for trading stocks. Through this comprehensive analysis, the top stocks apps can be identified and featured in the following sections.
Read also: What are the Best AI Stocks to Buy Now in 2023?
1# eToro app for stocks
Our stock app test winner is eToro. This free stocks trading app offers a user-friendly and accessible trading platform for both experienced and novice traders. Available for both iOS and Android, the eToro app provides access to thousands of markets including stocks, ETFs, CFDs, forex, commodities, indices and even cryptocurrencies.
One of the outstanding features of the eToro stocks trading app is commission-free trading. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to invest in a variety of markets without paying high trading fees.
In addition, eToro offers a copy-trading feature that makes it possible to replicate the trades of other eToro-verified traders, making it easy for novice traders to benefit from the expertise of more experienced traders. Another great feature of eToro is its Smart Portfolios, which are pre-built investment portfolios managed by the eToro team. These portfolios reflect specific markets and industries such as technology, renewable energy or artificial intelligence, making it easy for passive investors to diversify their investments.
Getting started with the eToro app is easy. All investors have to do is open an account and make a deposit of at least $50. Supported deposit methods include debit and credit cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and bank transfers. That means you can easily buy Bitcoin with PayPal at eToro. The eToro stocks app is also regulated within the European Union to ensure the safety and security of its users.
Pros
- International Assets
- 0% commission
- Copy trading
- Smart portfolios
- Stock purchase via PayPal
Cons
- Minimum deposit of $50
- No high frequency trading
Use the link below for eToro app download.
Download eToro App
2# Robinhood stock app
What is Robinhood app? Robinhood is a widely popular stock app that has revolutionized the investing landscape, especially for newcomers to the stock market. Its user-friendly interface and streamlined design make it incredibly easy for anyone to start investing.
Robinhood app gained immense popularity for its zero-commission policy, allowing users to trade stocks and ETFs without incurring brokerage fees, making it an attractive option for small investors who want to get started without worrying about high costs.
One of the standout features of Robinhood is its offering of fractional shares. This feature enables users to invest in expensive stocks or ETFs by purchasing a fraction of a share, breaking down the barrier for entry into pricier securities. This approach democratizes investing, making it accessible to investors with limited funds.
However, some experienced investors may find Robinhood lacking in advanced research tools and analysis capabilities. While the app provides basic market data and news, it might not meet the needs of those who require in-depth analysis for more complex strategies. Additionally, some users have reported concerns about customer service and response times, which can be frustrating during critical moments.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Commission-free trades
- Fractional shares
Cons:
- Limited research tools
- Customer service concerns
You can click the link below to download Robinhood app for Android.
Download Robinhood App
3# Skilling stock trading app
Skilling is a new stock trading app that offers a comprehensive range of financial instruments including stocks, forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies. The Skilling Trading App is user-friendly and easy to use, making it a great option for beginners. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and is free to download.
One of the great advantages of the Skilling app is the transparent pricing model. The stock investing app mainly charges spread fees, and all commissions and brokerage fees are clearly communicated. Standard accounts have spreads starting at 0.7 pips, while premium accounts with a minimum deposit of $5,000 have even lower spreads at 0.1 pips and a nominal fee of 0.006.
Skilling is fully regulated and authorized by CySEC, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, to ensure security of investments. The app offers a wide variety of tradable products, making it a great option for traders who want to explore different markets and options beyond the basics.
However, the Skilling Stocks app has some downsides. The app has relatively high CFD fees and the minimum deposit required is $100. Also, the app does not currently support payment via PayPal.
In summary, the Skilling Stocks app offers a user-friendly and transparent platform for trading stocks, forex, CFDs and also new cryptocurrencies. The app is fully regulated and authorized and offers a wide range of tradable products. However, it has some disadvantages such as high CFD fees and a minimum deposit requirement of $100.
Pros:
- Beginner friendly
- Transparent pricing
- Wide range of assets
Cons:
- Minimum deposit of €100
- High CFD fees
Try Skilling App
4# TD Ameritrade stock app
TD Ameritrade is renowned for its comprehensive research tools and extensive educational resources, making it a top choice for investors who seek in-depth market analysis and education. The app offers an array of features, including a customizable dashboard that allows users to access real-time data, market insights, and technical analysis tools.
For those seeking to expand their knowledge of investing, TD Ameritrade provides access to webinars, videos, and educational materials that cater to different levels of expertise.
TD Ameritrade’s range of investment options is a key advantage, as users can trade not only stocks and ETFs but also options and futures. This diversity allows investors to explore different strategies and investment opportunities within the same app.
While the platform has eliminated commissions for most trades, certain transactions, such as options and futures trading, still come with associated fees. This could be a consideration for investors who frequently engage in these types of trades.
Pros:
- Beginner friendly
- No minimum deposit
- Transparent pricing
- Wide range of assets
- Robust research and analysis
- Comprehensive educational resources
- Diverse investment options
Cons:
- Commissions on some trades
Download TD Ameritrade App
5# Trade Republic stock trading app
Trade Republic is a popular choice for a stock trading app among a younger audience. The app was founded in September 2015 and offers trading exclusively via its user-friendly app platform.
The Trade Republic stock app is constantly expanding its database and already offers access to over 7,800 stocks, ETFs, and 40,000 derivatives. The app is regulated by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and offers deposit protection of up to EUR 100,000.
One of the main advantages of the Trade Republic trading app is the extended trading hours, which range from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. This allows traders more flexibility in their trading activities. The app is free to download for iOS or Android and the registration process is straightforward. All functions can be conveniently controlled via the app.
The app also offers commission-free trading for shares, ETFs, and derivatives. The app also allows for ETF savings plans that can be set up for free. There is a flat rate of $1 per trade for third-party costs, but investors should be aware of hidden fees such as registering for general meetings, confirmation of balances, and tax returns, which cost $25 each.
The app received positive feedback for its high level of usability and the large selection of stocks and ETFs. However, some people have criticized the company for its handling of the GameStop stock scandal and high spreads on derivatives. Overall, Trade Republic Stocks App is reliable and user-friendly.
Pros:
- Beginner friendly
- BaFin Regulated
- Trading hours until 23:00
- Clear app
Cons:
- Hidden Fees
- High spreads on CFDs and derivatives
- Questionable handling of the GameStop stock scandal
Try Trade Republic App
Comparing the best stock apps to use
To better show you the best stock apps to make money this year, we have created a table that compares the general fees, trading fees, and Android and iOS app availability for each app.
| Stock Apps | General Fees | Trading Fees | Stocks app for iOS and Android |
|---|---|---|---|
|
eToro ★★★★★ |
No deposit fees, withdrawal fees, inactivity fees and account maintenance fees.
Hidden Fees. |
Spread | Yes |
|
Robinhood ★★★★★ |
No annual, inactivity, or ACH transfer fees. An ACAT outgoing transfer fee of $100 applies (Robinhood Gold costs $5 a month). For IRAs with matching funds, withdrawing money before five years may result in the funds being taken back. | $0 commissions | Yes |
|
Skilling ★★★★★ |
No deposit fees, withdrawal fees, inactivity fees and account maintenance fees. | Spread + trading fees (depending on account) | Yes |
|
TD Ameritrade ★★★★★ |
Options trades are subject to a fee of $0.65 per contract, and there are no additional exercise or assignment fees. Online trades of over-the-counter (OTC) stocks, which are not listed on a U.S. exchange, incur a commission of $6.95. | $0 commission | Yes |
|
Trade Republic ★★★★ |
No deposit fees, withdrawal fees, inactivity fees and account maintenance fee | $1 external costs flat rate per trade, favorable spreads for shares | Yes |
How to get started
Signing up for a user-friendly stock app is quite simple. We will now take you step-by-step through the signing up process, verifying, and using eToro stock app.
With these five simple steps, new customers can easily register with eToro and start using the stock trading app. The app is user-friendly and accessible to everyone, even without prior knowledge.
- 👨💻 Step: Account creation. In order to be able to use the eToro stock trading app, you must first create an account with eToro. This is done by investors visiting eToro’s website and clicking the “Register” button. A username, an email address and a secure password must be entered.
- ☑️ Step: Verification Process. As eToro is a licensed and regulated exchange, all new customers must go through a KYC (Know Your Customer) process to verify their identity. The quickest method of verification is using an electronic ID card or via video chat.
- 📥 Step: Download Stock App. After creating an account, the eToro stock trading app can be easily downloaded for iOS and Android devices by customers searching for it in the respective app stores.
- 📱 Step: Shares app registration. The registered account can now be accessed by logging in through the eToro app.
- 🛒 Step: share purchase. Stocks can be purchased through the Stocks app, either by searching for a specific stock or by browsing through the options provided. Once a suitable stock has been selected, the buy order can be confirmed and the stock will be added to your own portfolio.
Try eToro App
How we choose the best stock app
At Markets Xplora, we put several key factors into consideration when choosing the best stock apps to use. In this section, we will discuss the criteria we used to identify the best stock trading apps on the market.
Regulation
First and foremost, it is important to pay attention to the regulation of the provider when choosing a good broker app. Reputable stock apps always have official regulation that ensures the trading platform is reliable, safe and stable.
Trading places
The ability to trade on foreign exchanges is also an important factor to consider. This allows investors access to different markets and a greater choice of trading hours.
Fees
Another important aspect is the fees charged by the provider. The fees for managing the custody account and order processing can have a direct impact on the return. It is important to pay attention to hidden costs and to be familiar with the different billing models. The best trading apps offer low fees and transparent prices.
Features
When it comes to the mobile experience, we’ve found that the best stock apps offer an excellent mobile experience on both iOS and Android. The best apps offer a wide range of features, including technical indicators, chart drawing tools, stock screeners, and market insights.
In addition, demo accounts are a great way to learn how to trade without risking any money. These accounts usually reflect real market conditions, allowing users to practice trading strategies with real data.
Customer service
Customer service is also a crucial factor to consider when choosing a stock app. The best trading apps offer 24/7 customer support via live chat or phone.
Easy account opening
In addition, it is important to pay attention to factors such as quick and easy account opening and easy registration. The video identification process is the preferred method for many providers when it comes to identifying and verifying new investors.
Access to Fractional Shares
Another important feature investors should look out for is the fractional share option. This allows investors to buy and sell small fractions of shares. This is especially useful for those on a budget.
Miscellaneous Assets
In addition, the best stock apps also provide access to alternative assets such as index funds, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, commodities, and more. This allows experienced traders to hedge their stock investments with other asset classes.
User-friendliness
Another important aspect to consider when comparing stock apps is the user interface and ease of use. The best trading apps offer a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, even for those with no prior trading experience. This includes features like a customizable dashboard and easy-to-use order entry forms.
Training materials
Finally, it is important to consider the research and educational resources provided by the Stocks app. The best trading apps offer a variety of resources such as market news, analysis, and educational materials to help investors make informed decisions.
Conclusion – Which stock app is best in 2024?
In this guide, we reviewed different stock apps and ranked them based on factors such as fees, trading tools, and user interface.
Our stocks app comparison has shown that eToro has the overall best stock app to make money, providing access to thousands of stocks and ETFs with no commission, excellent customer service, and an easy-to-use interface.
In addition, the eToro stock app has no custody account costs, no order fees, and no minimum order volume for over 300,000 assets, including shares, funds, certificates, ETFs, savings plans, and crypto ETPs.
Overall, the best stock app to use will depend on one’s skills, preferences, investment goals, and markets one wants to access, but eToro came out top in our comparison.
FAQs
What are stock apps?
Stock apps, also known as trading apps or brokerage apps, are mobile applications that enable investors to trade securities via their smartphones. They offer individuals a convenient and accessible way to buy and sell stocks, bonds, and other assets on the go.
What are the best stocks apps for beginners?
The best free stock apps for beginners are the ones that offer low fees, an easy-to-use interface, and lots of educational resources. The popular options for beginners are Skilling and eToro. These apps provide an easy-to-use platform and a variety of tools to help new investors learn the ins and outs of stock trading.
Are there any apps that I can use to buy stocks with a small amount of money?
Yes, there are stock apps that investors can use to buy stocks with a small amount of money. These apps, known as fractional share stock apps, allow you to buy a fraction of a share instead of a whole share. That means investors can invest in stocks even if they don’t have a lot of cash to invest.