Navigating the investing world is easier than ever, thanks to the abundance of online brokerage platforms. But with so many options, choosing the right one can feel like picking a stock on a wild trading day, confusing, risky, and overwhelming.
Whether you’re a professional trader, a casual investor, or just starting to explore the financial markets, this guide will help you find the best online brokers in 2025, tailored to your goals, budget, and style.
Best Online Brokers in 2025
- Interactive Brokers (IBKR) – Best for advanced traders, investors, high volume traders, institutional clients, and global multi-asset access.
- Saxo – Best for professional investors/traders, high volume traders.
- Oanda – Best for dedicated forex traders.
- IG – Best for CFD trading.
- eToro – Best for beginners, passive investors, social, and copy trading.
- NinjaTrader – Best for dedicated futures traders.
Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
Interactive Brokers is an undisputed leader in global online brokerage. It serves over 3 million+ clients in over 200+ countries worldwide with top-tier regulation in every major financial jurisdiction, including the U.S., UK, EU, Singapore, Australia, and Hong Kong, ensuring compliance for international investors.
Interactive Brokers stands out with its exceptional global market access, industry-leading fees, and institutional trading infrastructure for serious investors. It offers access to over 160 markets across 36 countries with an extensive range of asset classes, including stocks, options, futures, forex, cryptocurrencies, and bonds. This broad reach positions IBKR as a top choice for traders who require international exposure and asset diversity.
While the platform may not be beginner-friendly, its depth and breadth are unmatched for advanced traders and institutions. Its tools are designed for seasoned traders who need advanced charting, advanced order types, powerful research features, algorithmic trading capabilities, risk management features, and real-time data.
| Regulation | SEC, FINRA (U.S.), FCA (UK), CBI (Europe/ Ireland), CIRO (Canada), SFC (Hong Kong), ASIC (Australia), MAS (Singapore), FSA (Japan), SEBI (India) |
| Rating | 4.8/5.0 ★ |
| Products | Stocks, ETFs, Spot Currencies, Margin, Options, Futures/FOPs, Forecast & Event Contracts, US Spot Gold, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Hedge Funds |
| Platform | Client Portal (Web), IBKR Desktop, Trader Workstation (Desktop), IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader (Mobile), TradingView |
| Account Minimum | $0 |
| Account Currencies | AED, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNH, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HUF, ILS, JPY, MXN, NOK, NZD, PLN, RON, TRY, SEK, SGD, ZAR, and USD |
| Fees | Stocks/ETFs (US) IBKR Lite (Fixed Pricing): $0.005 per share IBKR Pro (Tiered Pricing): $0.005 to 0.0035 per share Spot Currencies: from 0.1 pips Bonds: 0.1% of Face Value per order Options IBKR Lite (Fixed Pricing): $0.65 per contract IBKR Pro (Tiered Pricing): $0.25 to $0.65 per contract Futures IBKR Lite (Fixed Pricing): $0.85 per contract IBKR Pro (Tiered Pricing): $0.25 to $0.85 per contract Mutual Funds: 3% of trade value (up to $14.95 per transaction) Cryptocurrency: 0.12% to 0.18% of trade value Inactivity Fee: $0 Margin Rates (USD): from 5.83% |
| Beginner Friendly | No |
| Ideal Users | Professional Traders and Investors, Derivative Traders, Institutional Clients, High‑Volume Traders, Global Multi‑Asset Investors, Quantitative and Algorithmic Traders |
Pros
- Strong global regulatory framework.
- Extensive product offering across global markets.
- Supports fractional shares for U.S. stocks and ETFs.
- Professional-grade platforms with algorithmic trading and API integration.
- Powerful desktop platform (Trader Workstation) built for advanced traders.
- IBKR Mobile and IBKR GlobalTrader offer simplified mobile interfaces.
- Offers multiple account types, including individual, joint, IRA, and institutional.
- Institutional-level order execution and routing.
- Ultra-low fees and institutional pricing.
- Supports 27 account base currencies.
- Rich research and educational resources.
- Advanced margin trading capabilities.
- Significantly lower margin rates compared to competitors.
Cons
- Platform complexity can overwhelm beginners
- Limited educational tools for novices.
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak hours.
- IBKR Lite is available only in the U.S.
- Its complex pricing structure may confuse beginner traders.
Read Full Review: Interactive Brokers Review
Saxo
Saxo is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, and regulated in over 15 jurisdictions, including major financial centers across the globe. With a strong global presence in over 170+ countries across the globe, its platforms are available in multiple languages, and it provides multi-currency accounts to facilitate cross-border trading with ease.
It offers both investing and trading products with access to over 60,000+ financial instruments across multiple global markets, covering everything from global equities to forex, bonds, commodities, options, CFDs, and futures.
Saxo stands out as one of the most globally capable online brokers, offering unparalleled asset variety, top-tier platforms for beginners and professionals, competitive pricing, and reliable regulatory coverage for serious investors across the globe.
| Regulation | FSA (Denmark/ Europe), FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), MAS (Singapore), FINMA (Switzerland), SFC (Hong Kong), FSA (Japan), Consob (Italy), National Bank of Belgium & FSMA (Belgium), Bank of Brazil (Brazil), Czech National Bank (Czech), Central Bank of U.A.E (U.A.E.), Banque de France & AFM (France) |
| Rating | 5.0/5.0 ★ |
| Products | Cash Products – Stocks, ETFs, Investment Funds, Bunds, Crypto ETFs Leveraged Products – Forex, Options, CFDs, Stocks, Forex Options, Crypto FX, Futures, Commodities, Turbo, ETFs, Mutual Funds, and Bonds. |
| Platform | SaxoInvestor (Web & Mobile), SaxoTraderGO (Web & Mobile), SaxoTraderPRO (Desktop Only), TradingView, OpenAPI for Excel, and MultiCharts. |
| Account Minimum | $0 |
| Account Currencies | AED, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNH, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HUF, INR, ILS, JPY, MXN, NOK, NZD, PLN, SEK, SGD, ZAR, TRY, and USD. |
| Fees | Stocks (US): From $1 ETFs (US): From $1 Bonds: From 0.05% Futures: $1 Per Contract Options: $0.75 Per Contract Mutual Funds: $0 Inactivity Fee: $0 |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes |
| Ideal Users | Professional Traders and Investors, Derivative Traders, Margin Traders, High Volume Traders, and Institutional Clients (Banks, Brokers, Corporates, Family Offices, Fund Managers, IAM, EAM, DFM, IFA, and Prop Traders). |
Pros
- Strong global regulatory framework and bank-grade security.
- Extensive product offering across global markets.
- Access to institutional-grade platforms.
- Tiered account structures with VIP-level support.
- Offers multi-language and multi-currency support for international users.
- 23 Account base currencies.
- Rich research, analytics, and educational content.
Cons
- High minimum deposits, especially for Platinum and VIP tier accounts.
- Pricing is less competitive for small-volume traders.
- No commission-free trading on stocks or ETFs.
- Limited crypto access compared to some brokers.
Read Full Review: Saxo Review
Oanda
OANDA is a globally trusted forex broker with over 25+ years of proven expertise in delivering reliable, transparent, and client-focused trading services. Founded in 1996, the broker has since established a strong international presence, operating under the regulatory oversight of top-tier authorities in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Singapore, Japan, and Australia.
OANDA focuses exclusively on forex and CFDs. While it lacks the broader asset variety of some competitors, its strength in forex trading, low fees, execution quality, and flexible platform options make it a top choice for dedicated forex traders, including beginners and professionals.
| Regulation | CFTC (U.S.), NFA (U.S.), FCA (UK/EU), KNF (Poland), MAS (Singapore), CIRO (Canada), ASIC (Australia), FSA (Japan), and FSC (BVI/Global). |
| Rating | 4.6/5.0 ★ |
| Products | CFDs ( on Forex, Shares, Indices, Commodities, Metals, and Bonds) |
| Platform | Oanda Web, Oanda Mobile, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and TradingView. |
| Account Minimum | $0 Margin: USD 2,000 (or the non-USD equivalent) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, HKD, SGD |
| Fees | Forex: From 0.6 pips (EUR/USD); may vary by account type Commission: Spread-only pricing Inactivity Fee: $10 monthly (after 12 months of account inactivity) Overnight Swap Rates: Competitive, varies by instrument |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes |
| Ideal Users | Forex Traders, CFD Traders, Active Traders, Day Traders, and Algorithmic Traders. |
Pros
- Strong global regulatory framework.
- Supports MT4, MT5, and TradingView integration.
- Access to 68 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs.
- Suitable for beginner and professional traders.
- Easy account opening and onboarding process.
- No minimum deposit requirement.
- Fast execution speed and low slippage.
- API trading is available.
Cons
- Limited product range.
- Lacks robust educational resources for complete beginners.
IG
IG is a globally established online broker, known for its regulatory strength, longevity, technological innovation, and extensive market access. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in London, IG operates under IG Group Holdings plc (LSE: IGG), a publicly traded company and constituent of the FTSE 250 index.
It offers access to more than 17,000 global financial instruments, including equities, forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and options. Clients globally can engage in short-term trading through contracts for difference (CFDs), spread betting (in the UK and Ireland), and options (for European traders).
IG’s strength lies uniquely in its CFD and forex trading offering, where it provides tight spreads, deep liquidity, and consistently low fees across major instruments. This positions IG as a versatile broker, catering to a wide range of active traders with a powerful combination of market access, platform flexibility, and cost efficiency.
| Regulation | CFTC (U.S.), BaFin and Deutsche Bundesbank (Europe), FCA (UK), FSCA (South Africa), MAS (Singapore), FMA (New Zealand), DSFA (UAE), BMA (International) |
| Rating | 4.5/5.0 ★ |
| Products | Forex, Stocks, Crypto, CFDs ( on Stocks, ETFs, Indices, Commodity, Bonds, and Crypto) |
| Platform | IG Web, IG Mobile & Tablet Apps, IG Progressive Web App (PWA), IG Tastytrade Platform, ProRealTime, MetaTrader 4, L2 Dealer, and TradingView. |
| Account Minimum | $0 |
| Account Currencies | AUD, EUR, GBP, HKD, SGD, and USD. |
| Fees | Forex: from 0.6 pips Stock: 0.10% commission per side Options: $0.1 per contract Stock CFDs: High Index CFDs: Average Forex conversion fee: 0.7% Inactivity Fee: $12 to $18 (based on region), after 2 years of account inactivity |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes |
| Ideal Users | Forex Traders, CFD Traders, and Algorithmic Traders. |
Pros
- Strong global presence and reputation.
- Regulated by top-tier authorities in multiple jurisdictions globally.
- 50 years of excellent industry experience.
- Access to 17,000+ global financial instruments.
- Rich educational resources for beginners, intermediate, and professional traders.
- Provides user-friendly proprietary platforms and access to TradingView, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, and L2 Dealer.
- API access for algorithmic traders.
Cons
- Limited product range compared to competitors.
- Limited support for physical stock and crypto ownership in some regions.
- Some premium tools cost extra.
- High stock CFD fees.
eToro
Founded in 2007, eToro now serves over 30+ million users across 140+ countries and operates under the robust regulatory oversight from top-tier authorities globally, including the FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), ASIC (Australia), and FinCEN (USA).
eToro is a globally recognized multi-asset investment platform, known for pioneering social trading and copy trading features that allow users to follow and replicate the strategies of successful investors. It offers access to stocks, crypto, and CFDs on stocks, ETFs, currencies, indices, and commodities.
It stands out for its user-friendly interface, social and copy trading features, zero-commission stock trading, and its vibrant community of over 30+ million users. These unique features make eToro ideally suited for beginners and passive investors globally.
| Regulation | FINRA(US), SEC (US), FCA (UK), CySEC (Europe), ASIC (Australia), SFSA (Seychelles), FSRA (UAE) |
| Rating | 4.5/5.0 ★ |
| Products | Stocks, Crypto, CFDs ( on Stocks, ETFs, Currencies, Indices, Cryptocurrency, and Commodities). |
| Platform | eToro Web Trading Platform and eToro Mobile App. |
| Leverage | Retail – 1:30 Professional – 1:400 |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, GBP, and EUR. |
| Fees | Stock and ETFs: 0% commission for U.S. stocks CFDs: Vary by asset. Notably higher in crypto and forex Crypto Fee: 1% flat fee per trade Copy Trading Fee: $0 (standard fees like spreads still apply) Inactivity Fee: $10/month after 12 months of no login activity Withdrawal Fee: $5 per withdrawal |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes |
| Ideal Users | Beginner Traders and Investors, Passive Investors, Social Traders, and Copy Traders. |
Pros
- Strong global regulatory framework.
- Social and copy trading functionality.
- Beginner-friendly mobile and web platforms.
- Active social community with over 30+ million users and newsfeed-style updates.
- Supports multiple asset classes, including stocks, ETFs, currencies, indices, and commodities.
- Commission-free trading on US stocks and ETFs.
- Offers fractional shares.
- Offers crypto trading with wallet support.
- Provides a free demo account with $100,000 in virtual funds for practice trading.
- Built-in risk management tools for copy trading.
- Transparent trader stats and risk scores for copy trading.
Cons
- Limited charting and technical analysis tools for technical traders.
- High CFD fees.
- No support for options or futures trading.
- No access to advanced platforms like MT4, MT5, or TradingView.
- Doesn’t support advanced order types or custom strategies.
- Charges a $5 withdrawal fee.
- Slow response times for customer support during high-volume periods.
NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader is a US-based brokerage and trading technology provider known for its advanced futures capabilities. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, it has built a global presence with a user base exceeding 500,000 traders worldwide.
NinjaTrader focuses exclusively on futures and offers a wide variety of globally traded products, including indices, energy, cryptocurrencies, metals, treasuries, and agricultural futures. The platform provides direct market access to major exchanges, enabling traders to participate in benchmark contracts such as the E‑mini S&P 500 (ES), Crude Oil (CL), and Gold (GC).
Its flagship desktop application delivers advanced charting tools, a Depth‑of‑Market interface, market replay functionality to backtest trades, and a drag‑and‑drop strategy builder that requires no coding. For more sophisticated users, the C# development environment supports the creation and backtesting of fully automated trading strategies.
| Regulation | NFA (US), CFTC (US) |
| Rating | 4.5/5.0 ★ |
| Products | Futures (Index, Energy, Cryptocurrency, Metal, Treasury, and Agriculture) |
| Platform | NinjaTrader Web, NinjaTrader Desktop, and NinjaTrader Mobile Apps |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD Note: Funds are calculated and displayed in USD for trading activity on US-based exchanges. |
| Fees | Commissions: $0.09–$0.35 per side (based on account type: free, monthly, or lifetime) Platform Licensing: Free (basic), $99/month, $1,499 one-time (lifetime license) Inactivity Fee: $25 (if there is no activity in a month) |
| Beginner Friendly | No |
| Ideal Users | Futures Traders and Algorithmic Traders. |
Pros
- Best-in-class platform for futures trading.
- Industry-leading futures trading platform.
- Offers a lifetime platform license.
- Low futures fees and margins.
- Fast execution.
- Offers a free simulation mode for practice trading.
- Integrated order flow, volume profile, and market depth tools.
- Supports multiple data providers and brokerage integrations.
- Frequent updates and an active user community.
- Quality educational materials.
Cons
- Only futures are available.
- Not ideal for passive or infrequent traders.
- The desktop platform has a steep learning curve for beginners.
- Monthly platform fees are required unless using the free basic version.
- Add-on data feeds and tools may increase overall cost.
- Initial margin requirements may be high for smaller accounts.
- Some advanced features require a paid license.
Conclusion
Selecting the right online broker can make or break your trading and investment experience. The broker you choose should align with your objectives, needs, and desired level of sophistication.
As you evaluate your options, here’s a quick recap of the best online brokers and who they best serve:
- Interactive Brokers (IBKR): Best for advanced traders and investors, margin trading, global market reach, high-volume traders, low-cost trading, and algorithmic trading.
- Saxo: Best for high-volume traders and investors seeking multi-asset exposure.
- OANDA: Best for dedicated forex traders.
- IG: Best for CFD traders.
- eToro: Best for beginners, passive investors, social trading, and copy trading.
- NinjaTrader: Best for dedicated futures traders.
Ultimately, no single broker is perfect for every trader. Your choice should reflect your preferred asset classes, trading style, desired level of platform customization, and commitment to either active or passive strategies.