Stock Picks
Editor's ChoicePaper trading
The #1 paper trading app — realistic fills, options, and live market data so you rehearse before you risk capital.
FreePaper trading & practice
✦ Free forever — no deposit required
Rankings
Trading app rankings
Compare offerings carefully — rankings and terms change. Verify details directly with each provider.
Scored on data quality, execution realism, options support, and cost. Filter by category, sort by rating or fee — compare the sample entries side by side.
#1 Paper trading — try Stock PicksTradingView
Best ChartingCharting
Industry-standard charts, Pine Script, and a massive idea community. The default canvas for serious technicians.
FreemiumCharting & community ideas
✦ Pro+ 30-day trial via partners
Interactive Brokers
Best Pro DeskBrokerage
Deep liquidity, global access, and TWS for traders who outgrew commission-free apps.
Low commissionsPro execution & global markets
tastytrade
Best OptionsOptions
Built for options traders — curve analysis, probability tools, and capped commissions that punish overtrading less.
Capped commissionsOptions & futures
TrendSpider
Best AutomationAutomation
Raindrop charts, multi-timeframe scanning, and strategy automation without writing a line of code.
SubscriptionAutomated technical analysis
✦ Save 15% on annual plans
Webull
Brokerage
Level 2 data, extended hours, and a polished mobile desk for commission-free active traders.
Commission-freeActive retail trading
moomoo
Best Free DataBrokerage
Institutional-grade quote depth and options chains wrapped in a commission-free retail app.
Commission-freeData-rich retail desks
Thinkorswim
Options
Schwab’s thinkorswim remains the gold-standard desktop for options analytics and paperMoney sims.
Commission-free*Power options analysis
Finviz Elite
Best ScreenerScreeners
Heatmaps, presets, and real-time filters that still set the baseline for visual equity screening.
SubscriptionVisual stock screening
Robinhood
Brokerage
The on-ramp — clean UX, fractional shares, and Gold for larger instant deposits.
Commission-freeBeginners & simplicity
eToro
Best SocialSocial
Copy portfolios and a social feed for traders who learn by following others’ books.
Spread-basedSocial / copy trading
Benzinga Pro
News & research
Squawk, calendars, and news scanners tuned for day traders who trade catalysts.
SubscriptionFast news & catalysts
✦ 14-day trial available
TC2000
Screeners
Deep EasyLanguage-style formulas and layout flexibility for scan-driven swing traders.
SubscriptionCustom scans & layouts
Public.com
Social
Treasury yields, themed investing, and a social layer without the meme-stock chaos.
Commission-freeSocial investing & bonds
Feature & fee compare
| App | Score | Monthly | Commission | Paper trading | Options | Mobile | API | Real-time | Fractional | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1Stock Picks Paper trading & practice | $0 | N/A (sim) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Visit | |
#2TradingView Charting & community ideas | $0–$59.95 | N/A | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | Visit | |
#3Interactive Brokers Pro execution & global markets | $0 (activity) | $0.005/share | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Visit | |
#4tastytrade Options & futures | $0 | $1/contract capped | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | — | Visit | |
#5TrendSpider Automated technical analysis | $39–$179 | N/A | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | Visit | |
#6Webull Active retail trading | $0 | $0 stocks/ETFs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | Visit | |
#7moomoo Data-rich retail desks | $0 | $0 stocks/ETFs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | Visit | |
#8Thinkorswim Power options analysis | $0 | $0.65/contract* | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | Visit |
Fee & pricing snapshot
Side-by-side monthly cost and commission — NerdWallet-style compare, dark storefront edition.
| Rank | Platform | Pricing model | Monthly fee | Commission | Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Stock Picks | Free | $0 | N/A (sim) | Free forever — no deposit required |
| #2 | TradingView | Freemium | $0–$59.95 | N/A | Pro+ 30-day trial via partners |
| #3 | Interactive Brokers | Low commissions | $0 (activity) | $0.005/share | — |
| #4 | tastytrade | Capped commissions | $0 | $1/contract capped | — |
| #5 | TrendSpider | Subscription | $39–$179 | N/A | Save 15% on annual plans |
| #6 | Webull | Commission-free | $0 | $0 stocks/ETFs | — |
| #7 | moomoo | Commission-free | $0 | $0 stocks/ETFs | — |
| #8 | Thinkorswim | Commission-free* | $0 | $0.65/contract* | — |
| #9 | Finviz Elite | Subscription | $39.50 | N/A | — |
| #10 | Robinhood | Commission-free | $0–$5 Gold | $0 stocks/ETFs | — |
| #11 | eToro | Spread-based | $0 | Spreads + FX | — |
| #12 | Benzinga Pro | Subscription | $97–$297 | N/A | 14-day trial available |
| #13 | TC2000 | Subscription | $29–$109 | Broker-linked | — |
| #14 | Public.com | Commission-free | $0 | $0 stocks/ETFs | — |
Rankings are editorial. Affiliate links may earn us a commission — see the footer disclosure.