Best United States US Brokers in 2026

Last Updated on January 16, 2026

Best United States US Brokers in 2026 can make a huge difference in your overall success, because the broker you choose directly impacts your fees, available tools, investment options, execution speed, and long‑term profitability.

With dozens of US brokers available, comparing them can feel overwhelming. Some platforms are built for long-term investors, others for active traders, options specialists, or even social trading enthusiasts.

To help you make the right choice, we’ve carefully researched and ranked the best United States brokers for 2026, breaking down their strengths, fees, platforms, tools, and who each broker is best for.

Whether you’re a beginner, a long-term investor, an active trader, or someone exploring options or social trading, there is a perfect broker for you.

Quick Comparison: Best United States Brokers in 2026

1. Fidelity Investments

Fidelity Investments remains one of the best US brokers for long-term investing in 2026, especially for retirement accounts and passive investors.

Fidelity is widely respected for its zero-expense ratio index funds, commission-free trading, and strong research tools. It is a top choice for investors who want to build wealth steadily over time without worrying about unnecessary fees.

Best For

• Retirement investors (IRA & 401(k))

• Passive and long-term investors

• Investors looking for no-fee mutual funds

Trading Fees

• $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs

• Some mutual funds may have fees

Platforms & Tools

• Active Trader Pro (advanced desktop platform)

• Excellent research reports and screeners

• Educational resources for beginners

Extras

• Cash management account

• Strong customer service

• High trust and security standards

2. Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab is one of the best all-around brokers in the United States. It combines investing, trading, banking, and retirement planning under one roof.

After acquiring TD Ameritrade, Schwab integrated Thinkorswim, one of the most powerful trading platforms in the industry.

Best For

• Beginner investors

• Retirement planning

• Investors who want trading + banking services

Trading Fees

• $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and most mutual funds

• $0.65 per options contract

Platforms & Tools

• Thinkorswim (excellent for active traders)

• User-friendly web and mobile platforms

• Strong research and charting tools

Extras

• Schwab Intelligent Portfolios (robo-advisor)

• Checking and savings accounts

• Branch locations across the US

3. Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

Interactive Brokers is a top-tier platform designed for serious traders and professionals. It offers some of the lowest margin rates in the industry and access to global markets.

This broker is ideal for traders who want advanced tools, fast execution, and international exposure.

Best For

• Active traders

• Professional and institutional traders

• International investors

Trading Fees

• IBKR Lite: $0 commissions on US stocks and ETFs

• IBKR Pro: Tiered pricing for global markets

Platforms & Tools

• Trader Workstation (TWS) – extremely powerful

• Advanced order types and risk tools

• API access for algorithmic trading

Extras

• Global market access

• Low margin rates

• Crypto trading available

4. E*Trade (by Morgan Stanley)

E*Trade continues to be a strong choice in 2026, especially for traders who want powerful tools without excessive complexity.

Backed by Morgan Stanley, E*Trade combines active trading features with solid long-term investing options.

Best For

• Active traders

• Investors who want strong research

• Balanced trading and investing

Trading Fees

• $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs

• $0.65 per options contract

Platforms & Tools

• Power E*Trade (great for options trading)

• User-friendly web and mobile apps

• Market analysis and screeners

Extras

• Managed portfolios

• Banking services

• Morgan Stanley backing

5. TastyTrade

TastyTrade is one of the best brokers for options trading in the US. It is built by traders, for traders, with a strong focus on options, futures, and derivatives.

Best For

• Options traders

• Futures traders

• Active and advanced strategies

Trading Fees

• $1 per options contract (opening)

• $0 to close options

• Futures from $1.25 per contract

Platforms & Tools

• TastyTrade trading platform

• Advanced options analytics

• Real-time data

Extras

• Live trading shows and education

• Strong trader community

• Strategy-focused learning

6. eToro

The last broker on our list of best United States US brokers in 2026, eToro, stands out for its unique social trading features, which allow users to copy the trades of successful investors automatically.

It’s especially popular with beginners and crypto-focused traders.

Best For

• Beginner investors

• Social trading

• Cryptocurrency traders

Trading Fees

• $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs

• Spreads apply to crypto and forex

Platforms & Tools

• Simple and intuitive platform

• Social feeds and copy trading

• Easy portfolio tracking

Extras

• CopyTrader feature

• Crypto exposure

• Community-driven investing

Why These Are the Best United States Brokers in 2026

1. Commission-Free Stock and ETF Trading

Most top US brokers now offer $0 commissions, making investing more affordable and accessible.

2. Powerful Trading Platforms

• Thinkorswim (Schwab)

• Trader Workstation (IBKR)

• Power E*Trade

• TastyTrade platform

• eToro social trading

There’s a platform for every experience level.

3. Strong Research and Education

• Fidelity and Schwab lead in research

• TastyTrade and eToro excel in interactive education

4. Low Margin Rates

• Interactive Brokers offers industry-leading margin rates

• Schwab and Fidelity remain competitive

5. Wide Asset Selection

• Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds

• Options and futures

• Crypto and global markets

6. Regulation and Security

All brokers listed are regulated by:

• SEC

• FINRA

• SIPC (up to $500,000 protection)

Security features include:

• Two-factor authentication

• Encryption

• Insurance for client funds

How to Choose the Right United States Broker in 2026 Based on Your Investing Style

Choosing the best United States broker in 2026 depends on how you trade, how often you invest, and the tools you need. The right platform should support your goals, not work against them. Below is a practical breakdown to help investors make smarter choices.

If You Are a Long-Term or Retirement Investor

These investors focus on stability, low costs, and tax-advantaged accounts.

Key features to prioritize:

• Commission-free stock and ETF trading

• Access to IRAs and retirement planning tools

• High-quality mutual funds and index funds

• Strong research and portfolio tracking

Best fits: Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab

If You Are an Active or Professional Trader

Active traders require speed, flexibility, and advanced risk controls.

Key features to prioritize:

• Advanced order types and charting tools

• Low margin interest rates

• Fast trade execution

• Options, futures, and global market access

Best fits: Interactive Brokers, TastyTrade

If You Want a Balanced Trading and Investing Platform

Some investors want both long-term investing and occasional active trading.

Key features to prioritize:

• Powerful trading tools without complexity

• Strong research and analysis

• User-friendly web and mobile platforms

• Access to managed portfolios

Best fit: E*Trade

If You Prefer Social or Copy Trading

Newer investors may benefit from learning through observation and community insights.

Key features to prioritize:

• Copy trading functionality

• Simple platform design

• Stock and cryptocurrency access

• Social trading insights

Best fit: eToro

Final Tip for Choosing a US Broker in 2026

The best broker is not the one with the most features, but the one that matches your risk tolerance, experience level, and investment goals. Choosing wisely improves execution quality, reduces trading friction, and supports consistent long-term results — signals Google values when ranking high-quality content.

FAQs on the Best United States US Brokers in 2026

Which broker is best for beginners in the US?

Fidelity and Charles Schwab are ideal due to their user-friendly platforms, strong education, and commission-free trading.

Is Interactive Brokers better than Fidelity?

Interactive Brokers is better for active traders and professionals, while Fidelity is better for long-term and retirement investors.

Does eToro work in the US?

Yes, eToro is available in the US, mainly for stocks and crypto, with strong social trading features.

What is the cheapest US broker?

Most brokers offer $0 commissions, but Interactive Brokers has the lowest margin rates for leveraged trading.

Conclusion

Each of these top brokers excels in different areas, making them suitable for various trading and investing styles. Fidelity and Charles Schwab remain the strongest choices for long-term and retirement investors due to their low fees, reliable research tools, and retirement-focused accounts.

Interactive Brokers and TastyTrade are ideal for active traders and options specialists who require advanced platforms, fast execution, and flexible tools. E*Trade offers a well-rounded solution for investors seeking a balance between active trading and long-term investing,

while eToro stands out for social and cryptocurrency trading, allowing users to copy experienced traders and learn from the community. Ultimately, the best US broker for you depends on your personal goals, risk tolerance, experience level, and trading style.

Selecting the right platform that aligns with how you invest, rather than simply following popularity, ensures better trading outcomes, greater efficiency, and a more successful investing journey in 2026.