1. Introduction
If you’re asking “what are the best apps for trading?”, you’re in the right place. The mobile trading space is crowded, but the “best” app depends on your needs—do you want low fees? advanced charts? options trading? crypto? While no single platform is perfect for everyone, this guide breaks down top choices in 2025 and shows which ones offer affiliate or referral programs you can monetize or use.
2. Why Choosing the Right Trading App Matters
2.1 Fees & Commissions
Even a small commission or spread can eat into profits over time. Some apps advertise “zero commission” trading for stocks/ETFs, but there may be hidden fees, payment for order flow, or higher fees for options/other assets.
2.2 Usability & Mobile Experience
A powerful desktop platform is great, but if your mobile experience is clunky, you’ll lose when trading on the go. Look for intuitive UI, fast order execution, charting tools, watchlists, alerts, and customization.
2.3 Asset Variety
Some apps let you trade stocks + ETFs only. Others add options, futures, forex, or cryptocurrencies. If you want a one-stop app, check what asset classes each supports.
2.4 Security, Regulation & Trust
A good trading app should be regulated in your jurisdiction, use encryption, offer two-factor authentication (2FA), and have robust reputation and reviews. Download reviews and regulatory status help you assess trustworthiness.
3. Top Trading Apps in 2025
Below are some of the best trading apps as of 2025 (and why people use them). Several sources have ranked these based on usability, tools, cost, etc.
3.1 Robinhood
- Known for its sleek UI, zero-commission stock & ETF trading, and crypto support.
- Good for beginners.
- However, advanced traders may find limitations in tools or order types.
- Referral Offer: For eligible customers, Robinhood will provide a certain dollar amount of rewards in the customer’s individual Robinhood taxable brokerage account, and the eligible customer must use that dollar amount entirely on purchases of whole or fractional shares of stocks that Robinhood makes available through this program.
3.2 Webull
- More advanced charts and tools compared to Robinhood.
- Offers margin, more analytics.
- Referral Offer: Join Webull today and unlock your bonus! Get started
3.3 Fidelity / Fidelity Mobile / Active Trader
- Excellent for serious investors, full range of research, funds, robust tools.
- Generally competitive costs for stock/ETF trades.
4. Comparison Table: Features & Fees
| App / Platform | Asset Types Supported | Commission / Fee Structure | Standout Features | Referral/Affiliate Program? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Crypto | $0 stock/ETF commission | Simplicity, mobile-first UI | Referral invites (not full affiliate) |
| Webull | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Crypto | Low / $0 for many stock trades | Better charts, margin, analytics | Referral programs in some regions |
| Fidelity | Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, etc. | Competitive pricing | Research tools, long-term strength | Limited public affiliate info |
5. How to Evaluate a Trading App: Checklist
When choosing, consider:
- Regulation & licensing in your country
- Fee transparency (commissions, spreads, hidden charges)
- Order types & execution speed
- Mobile & desktop synchronization
- Charting & analytics
- Customer support & reliability
- Deposit / withdrawal ease
- Referral / affiliate opportunities (if you intend to monetize)
- Security features like 2FA, encryption, insurance
9. FAQs
Q1: What should beginners look for in a trading app?
Beginners should prioritize apps with an easy-to-use interface, clear educational resources, and low fees. Features like fractional shares, demo accounts, and built-in tutorials can make starting out much less intimidating.
Q2: Are commission-free trading apps really free?
Yes and no. Most apps no longer charge stock or ETF commissions, but they may earn money through spreads, margin interest, or “payment for order flow.” Always review the fine print to understand hidden costs.
Q3: Can I invest in both stocks and crypto using the same app?
Some apps, like Robinhood or Webull, allow you to trade both stocks and cryptocurrencies. However, dedicated crypto exchanges (like Coinbase or Binance) typically offer more digital asset options and tools.
Q4: Is it safe to invest using a mobile trading app?
Most reputable trading apps are regulated and use advanced security like encryption and two-factor authentication. Still, it’s wise to enable extra security features, avoid public Wi-Fi, and keep your login details private.
Q5: How much money do I need to start investing?
Thanks to fractional investing, you can often start with as little as $1. Apps like Fidelity, Robinhood, and SoFi allow small-dollar investments, making it easy to begin building a portfolio gradually.
Q6: Which app is best for long-term investing?
For long-term investors, apps like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or Vanguard stand out because of their robust retirement account options, mutual funds, and research tools designed for wealth-building over decades.
Q7: Which trading app is best for active day trading?
Day traders benefit from apps with fast execution, advanced charting, and margin options. Platforms like Interactive Brokers, Webull, or Moomoo often suit active traders better than beginner-friendly apps.
Q8: What risks should I know before investing?
Investing always carries risk—markets can go up or down. Beginners should avoid trading with money they can’t afford to lose, diversify investments, and think long-term instead of chasing short-term gains.
10. Conclusion
Choosing the best trading app depends on your personal goals, risk tolerance, and experience level. Beginners may benefit from simple, user-friendly apps like Robinhood or Webull, while long-term investors might prefer the research tools and retirement account options offered by Fidelity or Charles Schwab. Active traders, on the other hand, often gravitate toward platforms like Interactive Brokers or Moomoo for their advanced features and global market access.
The most important step is to match the platform with your needs:
- If you want to learn, look for apps with educational resources.
- If you trade frequently, prioritize speed and low fees.
- If you invest for the future, choose apps that offer robust retirement tools.
No matter which app you choose, remember that investing is a journey, not a sprint. Start small, diversify your portfolio, and stay consistent. With the right trading app in your hands, you’ll have the tools you need to build financial confidence and work toward long-term success.
