How We Rate and Compare Brokers
We rate and compare a broad range of brokers to help our readers understand what each one brings to the table. To get the clearest picture possible, we apply the same methodology and criteria when evaluating every broker featured on our site.
Broker Rating Categories
Here are the categories we look at when reviewing the top stockbrokers in the U.S.
Prices (35%)
Pricing is one of the first things investors look at when comparing brokers. Since most online brokers now offer ‘commission-free’ trading, it can be hard to determine which brokers are actually the least expensive. We review brokerage costs such as memberships and subscriptions, commissions, hidden fees, and bonus offers.
Trading Tools (15%)
Brokers provide trading tools designed to match the needs and preferences of their customer base. A broker needs to offer the tools you need to navigate the market successfully. We review each broker’s trading tools, including mobile integration, advanced charting, fast order execution, robo-investing, and more.
Range of Products (15%)
Some brokers offer a simple lineup of securities like stocks and ETFs, while others provide a broader mix of investment products. We look at the available offerings, as well as how effectively the broker delivers them.
Research Amenities (15%)
Research amenities vary a lot from one broker to the next. In this category, we look at the availability of market research tools such as screeners, heatmaps, social sentiment, detailed stock and sector reports, backtesting, corporate action calendars, and much more.
Customer Service (8%)
If you have ever needed to contact support, you know how important it is to reach a customer service rep. For this category, we look at the quality of the FAQ, live chat availability, response times, and politeness.
Beginner Friendliness (6%)
A broker’s ability to serve market newcomers is becoming more important as more first-time investors open brokerage accounts. We look at the learning curve required to use charting technology and trading platforms, and how easy it is to access (and understand) a broker’s various tools and services.
Education (6%)
The quality of a broker’s educational resources is an important factor for many investors. The amount of knowledge needed to invest successfully in the market can be significant. For this category, we look at a broker’s library of learning content, whether courses are available, and the availability of live webinars.
Assessment Criteria Logic and Weighting
Our reason for weighting each category the way we do is simple. The most in-demand features receive the highest weighting, and the criteria that receive less attention affect the final score less.
Brokerage pricing, promotions, bonus offers, and transfer reimbursements are among the most competitive areas in the online brokerage industry. The move to commission-free trading and attractive cash giveaways has created a new era in low-cost trading, and many investors have become interested in trading as a result. That is why the Pricing category receives the highest weighting.
When it comes to trading activity and a broker’s ability to meet its customers’ investment needs, the categories that receive the most attention are trading tools, the range of investable securities, and market research tools.
Customer service, ease of use, and educational materials are also important parts of a broker’s services. However, these categories often come into focus after investors open brokerage accounts. That is why these categories receive the lowest weighting.
Top Brokers
Although you will want to choose a broker with the specific features and services you need, the following are some of our favorite brokers.
Some brokers score highly in every category. While there are differences between them (read the
individual reviews for more complete information on them), choosing one of the top-rated brokers
from our list helps ensure you get a ‘complete package’ based on our assessment criteria. Fidelity,
Charles Schwab, and Robinhood receive our highest rating.
Then there are brokers that score highly in nearly every category but fall short in one area or
another. For example, brokers like E*TRADE, moomoo, ZacksTrade, and Acorns provide excellent services,
but some investors may not like certain aspects of them.
Online Brokerage Comparison Recommendation
It is helpful to remember that the brokers we review have all gone through extensive assessment and evaluation. Each one is different and has its own mix of services, features, pros, and cons. You will likely do very well with any of our top-rated brokers, but it is still a good idea to read information specific to your chosen broker before making a final decision. There are cases where a broker’s rating does not reflect what is best for you.
Updated on 3/30/2026.
Arthur Chachuna is a professional personal finance blogger, and the owner of Brokerage-Review.com.
He has been an avid investor for 25 years, and has a background in both applied math and programming.
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