ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) investing has become one of the most popular ways to build a low-cost, diversified portfolio. Whether you’re saving for retirement, growing a long-term investment plan, or simply entering the markets, choosing the right broker can make all the difference.
In 2025, the landscape of ETF investing is highly competitive. Many stock brokers in the USA now offer commission-free ETF trades, intuitive trading platforms, and powerful tools designed for both beginners and experienced investors. But which broker is best for your specific needs?
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through the best brokers for ETF investing in the U.S., comparing key features like pricing, usability, asset selection, research tools, and customer service. We’ll also introduce an alternative for traders with limited capital — prop firms like TradeThePool.
Why Choosing the Right ETF Broker Matters
Whether you’re new to investing or already comfortable with trading platforms, the broker you choose will impact your long-term returns, access to funds, and overall user experience.
Key Benefits of ETF Investing:
- Diversification across sectors and asset classes
- Low expense ratios and trading costs
- Liquidity and real-time pricing
- Tax efficiency compared to mutual funds
- Accessibility for both short- and long-term strategies
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Broker for ETFs:
- Commission costs (free ETF trades vs. fees)
- Platform usability (desktop, web, mobile)
- ETF availability (access to popular and niche ETFs)
- Research and screening tools
- Account types (individual, IRA, custodial, etc.)
- Customer service and educational content
Top Brokers for ETF Investing in 2025
Here’s our breakdown of the best trading platforms for ETF investing in the U.S. — ideal for low commission investing, long-term growth, and ease of use.
| Broker | Commission on ETFs | Best For | Account Minimum | Mobile App | Research Tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | $0 | Long-term investors | $0 | Yes | Excellent |
| Charles Schwab | $0 | Retirement & ETFs | $0 | Yes | Strong |
| TD Ameritrade | $0 | Active traders, education | $0 | Yes | Excellent |
| Vanguard | $0 (Vanguard ETFs) | Vanguard fund investors | $0 | Limited | Good |
| E*TRADE | $0 | ETF screeners & IRAs | $0 | Yes | Great |
| Webull | $0 | Mobile-first ETF traders | $0 | Yes | Moderate |
| Robinhood | $0 | Beginners, simple interface | $0 | Yes | Basic |
1. Fidelity – Best Overall Broker for ETFs
Fidelity is consistently ranked among the top stock brokers USA-wide for ETF investing. It offers commission-free ETF trades, a massive library of third-party and in-house research, and excellent customer service.
Pros:
- $0 commissions on all ETFs
- Access to over 2,000 ETFs
- Award-winning customer support
- Fractional share investing
- Great mobile and desktop platforms
Cons:
- Not ideal for day traders
Fidelity is a great fit for long-term investors and those looking to build a low-cost, diversified portfolio with ease.
2. Charles Schwab – Best for Retirement and Core ETF Holdings
Charles Schwab is a household name for low commission brokers, especially popular with retirement investors and those using IRAs.
Pros:
- $0 commissions on ETFs
- Schwab ETF Select List for easy recommendations
- Excellent retirement tools
- Fractional shares with Schwab Stock Slices
Cons:
- Platform may feel a bit traditional
Schwab also offers automatic rebalancing for robo-advised portfolios through Schwab Intelligent Portfolios.
3. TD Ameritrade – Best for Research and Education
Known for its Thinkorswim platform and extensive educational content, TD Ameritrade is a strong pick for traders who want to learn and grow their ETF strategy.
Pros:
- Commission-free ETF trading
- Extensive research from Morningstar and others
- Paper trading via Thinkorswim
- No account minimum
Cons:
- Thinkorswim may overwhelm beginners
Even after its integration with Schwab, TD Ameritrade remains one of the best trading platforms for ETF research and tools.
4. Vanguard – Best for Vanguard ETFs
If you’re planning to invest primarily in Vanguard-branded ETFs, using Vanguard directly might be your best option.
Pros:
- Commission-free Vanguard ETF trading
- Ideal for long-term, low-cost investing
- Excellent reputation
Cons:
- Limited mobile features
- Clunky website interface
Vanguard’s platform is simple and reliable, but not suited for active traders.
5. E*TRADE – Best for ETF Screeners and Tools
E*TRADE offers a wide variety of commission-free ETFs and powerful screeners that let you filter by performance, expense ratio, sector, and more.
Pros:
- Great ETF screening tools
- Solid mobile and desktop apps
- Zero commissions on ETFs
- Strong IRA and retirement options
Cons:
- Less intuitive than Robinhood or Webull for beginners
E*TRADE is great for investors who like digging into ETF fundamentals.
6. Webull – Best for Mobile ETF Traders
Webull is a modern, mobile-first broker with solid ETF investing features for beginner and intermediate users.
Pros:
- No commissions on ETF trades
- In-app charts and performance tracking
- No account minimum
Cons:
- No mutual funds or bonds
- Limited portfolio analysis tools
Webull is ideal for mobile users who want a sleek, low-cost trading app.
7. Robinhood – Best for Simplicity
Robinhood helped pioneer commission-free trading and continues to be one of the best brokers for ETF investors who value simplicity.
Pros:
- Zero-commission trading on ETFs
- Intuitive mobile and web interface
- Instant deposits
Cons:
- Limited research and data tools
- No retirement accounts or mutual funds
Robinhood is great for beginners just starting out with trading for beginners or casual ETF investors.
Prop Firms: A No-Capital-Needed Alternative
Discount brokers are excellent for ETF investing — but what if you don’t have the capital to start trading?
Many traders are also exploring TradeThePool stock prop firm in 2025 — these stock prop firms fund traders, so you can trade with little or no deposit.
TradeThePool allows traders to pass a short evaluation and access up to $260,000 in funded capital. Instead of risking your own savings, you get a funded trading account and share in the profits.
Why Consider TradeThePool:
- No large deposit needed when trading with a prop firm
- Remote, performance-based opportunity
- Transparent rules and low fees
- Prop firms help you get funded to trade remotely
If you’re confident in your trading skills but lack the starting capital, TradeThePool might be the stepping stone you need. Learn more at tradethepool.com.
FAQ: Best Broker for ETF Investing
1. What is the best broker for ETF investing in 2025?
Fidelity and Schwab are top picks for low-cost, long-term ETF investors, while TD Ameritrade offers excellent research tools.
2. Can I invest in ETFs with no minimum deposit?
Yes. Most top brokers including Fidelity, Robinhood, and Webull have $0 account minimums.
3. Are ETFs good for beginners?
Absolutely. ETFs are low-cost, diversified, and easy to trade — ideal for beginners.
4. Do I pay fees when buying ETFs?
Many brokers offer commission-free ETF trades. You still pay the ETF’s internal expense ratio, but it’s usually low (often under 0.20%).
5. Which broker offers fractional shares of ETFs?
Fidelity, Schwab, and Robinhood all offer fractional share investing.
6. Can I trade ETFs in a retirement account?
Yes. Most brokers let you trade ETFs inside an IRA or Roth IRA.
7. What’s the difference between ETFs and mutual funds?
ETFs trade like stocks throughout the day, while mutual funds are priced once daily. ETFs also tend to have lower fees.
8. Are prop firms good for ETF traders?
Prop firms like TradeThePool are better suited to active stock traders, but they offer a way to trade without large capital.
Final Thoughts
ETF investing continues to be one of the smartest, lowest-cost ways to build wealth in 2025. The best trading platforms make it easy, fast, and affordable to invest in ETFs, whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned investor.
If you’re short on funds and still want to start trading, prop firms offer a unique alternative.
Want to start trading without using your own money? Explore the top-rated stock prop firm tradethepool.com.
