Best Trading Platforms 2024

The investment sector has been evolving over the years through the introduction of exciting new assets with a lot of potentials. This has led to competition from a growing number of best trading platforms each offering a selection of these assets. 

Therefore, choosing the best online trading platforms for you among them is no longer an easy task for traders. That is why our team has made the effort to identify the top 10 online trading platforms that stand out in 2024. In this guide, we present them to you while taking into account what they offer, and charge, and why you should pick one over another.

Our comparison of the 10 best brokers online 

Discover here our top 10 best rated trading platforms in 2024, with a brief introduction and features for each. 

eToro

It was one of the early online brokers to set up a platform back in 2007 and since then eToro has not only remained one of the top platforms but is constantly challenging the status quo. It does this by consistently adding new features based on its users’ needs, and with a client base of over 30 million, the company has its finger on the pulse of online trading.

Most prominently, it is known as providing the largest community trading platform through the copy trading feature where all its members can mimic others’ trades. But this isn’t the only standout feature because every trader can always find at least one attractive offering on the platform. 

Fees tables

CFD Assets

Real Assets

Characteristics/features

• Thousands of real stocks are available to buy at 0% commission
• Copy trades from millions of other traders
• Regulated in multiple jurisdictions including the EU
• Easy-to-use, friendly platform on desktop and mobile
• It has over 30 million registered users

eToro Pros/cons

AvaTrade

Active traders need to have the right trading conditions without taking too much risk. This is what AvaTrade offers, having been around since 2006 and continuously winning awards for staying ahead of the curve, attracting over 400,000 customers globally. 

Low trading fees when trading on the most advanced trading platforms should give any trader an edge over the market. And with strong regulations to ensure that your funds are secure, you can trade with confidence. 

Fees table(s)

CFD Assets

Characteristics/features

• Multiple licenses from several financial regulators
• Award-winning broker with a strong, positive record
• AvaProtect protects your trades from losses of up to $1 million
• Trade on numerous leading platforms for free
• Founded in 2006; hence, about 18 years in the industry

AvaTrade Pros/cons

XTB

For any trader looking for a balance between security and access, XTB is where you want to be. Started in Poland in 2004, the company now has nearly half a million registered users from all over the world. It is also one of the few online brokerages that have been listed on a stock exchange, which means greater scrutiny of its operations. 

Despite this, XTB still offers some of the most favorable trading conditions regardless of your expertise. Moreover, xStation 5, which is amongst the best trading platforms, allows anyone to trade like a professional with access to the most advanced and sophisticated trading tools. 

Fees table(s)

CFD Assets

Real Assets

Characteristics/features

• Stock-listed company, meaning highly regulated by authorities
• Global presence in 13 countries and regulation across jurisdictions
• Over 20 years of existence with a good reputation
• Access to thousands of assets in various asset classes
• Multiple awards for excellent service and trading platform

XTB Pros/cons

XTB

• Outstanding customer service
• Variety of forex and CFDs
• Competitive terms

XTB

4.4

Read the review →

Sign up

CFDs are complex instruments and have a significant risk of losing money quickly due to leverage. 76%-83% of retail investor accounts lose money due to CFD trading with this provider. Consider whether or not you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take this high risk of losing your money.

Vantage

Vantage FX is an international online brokerage platform primarily facilitating the trade of CFDs for Forex pairs, ETFs, indices, commodities, stocks, and bonds. It originates from Australia where it was founded in 2009 and has gained a good reputation, notably being regulated by several financial regulators. 

Over the years, this forex trading platform has evolved to cater to all traders’ needs by offering different trading applications. This allows access to over 1,000 financial assets from different applications depending on your preferences and requirements. It has also garnered Vantage FX numerous awards, which is a badge of approval from traders around the world.

Fees table

Characteristics/features

• Multiple licenses from the ASIC, FSCA, and VFSC
• Trade over 1,000 different assets in the form of CFDs
• Access to MT4/5 and proprietary trading platforms
• Has received many awards since its foundation in 2009
• Relatively low spreads and zero spreads on some account types

Vantage Pros/cons

VantageFX

• Regulated broker
• Crypto trading on MT4 and MT5
• Crypto CFD trading

VantageFX

3.9

Read the review →

Sign up

Investing in CFDs carries high risks.

Admiral Markets

With Admirals, you can trade over 8,000 different financial assets on your favorite trading platforms, including real stocks and ETFs. This is why the company has been around for over 20 years and attracted thousands of users from all over the world. 

You can be one of these users today too because Admiral Markets can be accessed from most countries thanks to strong regulation in several jurisdictions. The platform has proven through time to be secure and performative, so it should be able to handle all of your trading needs. 

Fees table(s)

CFD Assets

Real Assets

Characteristics/features

• Over 8,000 tradable instruments across different categories 
• Real stocks and ETFs available for a little commission
• Well-regulated in the UK, EU, and elsewhere
• Admirals debit card for physical transactions
• Competitive trading fees on all assets

Admirals Pros/cons

Interactive Brokers

This is perhaps the preferred broker for professional traders who are looking for a vast array of trading options. It was among the pioneering brokerage firms in 1978 to introduce online trading and still, to this day, serves a variety of clientele with different needs.

Whether you’re looking to buy your first stock or need a reliable platform for your professional trading needs, Interactive Brokers has got you. It’s no surprise then, that the company is publicly listed on the Nasdaq exchange after years of showing exemplary service.

Fees table 

Real Assets

Characteristics/features

• 10,000+ instruments available for trade from many exchanges
• One of the earliest online trading platforms
• A stock-listed company on the Nasdaq
• Professional trading platform on IBKR desktop and TWS
• Excellent trading conditions for all traders

Interactive Brokers Pros/cons

Interactive Brokers

• Access to 135 markets
• Award-winning global platform
• Low trading fees

Interactive Brokers

3.3

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Trade Republic

In Europe, Trade Republic is one of the top mobile banking apps thanks to its offer of free investments. Today, it is perhaps the leading app in the region and can be accessed in 17 countries in various languages, allowing its users to buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and cryptos at almost no cost. 

There’s a reason 4 million users trust the app, and that’s probably because it is licensed by BaFin in Germany, assuring users that their funds are secure and offering a 20,000 EUR compensation. So, if you’re in the region looking for an easy way to invest and earn, perhaps this is it. 

Fees table 

Real Assets

Characteristics/features

• Invest with as little as 1 EUR in stocks, ETFs, and crypto
• Create a savings plan to earn 4% interest
• 4 million registered clients with 35 billion EUR in assets
• European investment company founded in Berlin, Germany
• Banking and investment from your mobile device
• Trade Republic debit card

Trade Republic Pros/cons

Trade Republic

Trade Republic

3.1

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Sign up

Trading 212

As both an investment and trading platform, Trading 212 is an attractive option for anyone who seeks to manage their finances from one platform. You can do this on either desktop or mobile through the company’s proprietary platforms which are both very intuitive and easy to use. 

These enable you to earn interest of up to 5.2% on your cash deposit daily while at the same time investing in global markets. Access stocks and ETFs at 0% commission as you trade thousands of CFDs with very little spreads. 

Fees table(s)

CFD Assets

Real Assets

Characteristics/features

• Regulated in the UK, Australia, Cyprus, and Bulgaria
• Commission-free investments in stocks and ETFs
• Over 13,000 stocks and ETFs from across the globe
• Compensation by FSCS up to 85,000 GBP
• Invest cash for 5.2% interest paid daily

Trading 212 Pros/cons

Trading 212

Trading 212

3.2

Read the review →

Sign up

DEGIRO

This is another quintessential European online brokerage that aims to open up the financial markets to individuals within and even outside the region. For this, it has been awarded 100+ titles and attracted 2.5 million+ users. 

More than just low fees, Degiro gives you access to the world’s financial markets at the tap of a screen and security in strong regulation. This means you can trade through more than 50 exchanges across 30 countries at very low fees. 

Fees table 

Real Assets

Characteristics/features

• Netherlands-based and regulated company
• A brand of flatexDEGIRO Bank AG regulated by BaFin
• Trusted by over 2.5 million users
• Offers a desktop trading platform for professionals
• One of the most used trading platforms in Europe

DEGIRO Pros/cons

XM

If you’re a trader who likes to get the most value from a service, then XM is one of the top trading platforms. With over 10,000,000 clients since it was founded in 2009, XM has grown to a large and well-established international investment firm thanks to its focus on customer needs. 

That may include low trading fees and zero commissions, high leverage, the best trading platforms, and more. Here you can have access to over 1,000 assets including cryptocurrencies and various bonuses to help you on your trading journey. 

Fees table(s)

CFD Assets

Real Assets

Characteristics/features

• Offers over 1,000 tradable instruments
• Favorable trading conditions in leverage and fees
• Regulated by CySEC for operations in most countries
• It has over 10 million clients
• Offers many bonuses and promotions, especially for new traders

XM Pros/cons

Our recommendation of the best trading broker

After a thorough analysis of the brokerage market, we recommend eToro as the best platform for trading in 2024. With its wide range of financial instruments, flexible commissions, and security, this broker offers the best experience on the market today. 

Its simple, easy-to-use interface also makes it the best online trading platform for beginners. Nevertheless, experienced traders can also use it to enhance their performance thanks to advanced trading tools and copy trading.

Libertex

• Regulated broker by CySEC
• Crypto CFD trading with leverage
• 50k Demo account

Libertex

4.8

Read the review →

Sign up

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74.91% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

What is a broker? 

A broker acts as a financial middleman between a trader and the financial exchanges, allowing you to trade various financial instruments directly in the global market. In return for these services, they make money through commissions, spreads, and other associated fees. 

How does a broker work? 

Individual investors can not simply access a stock exchange and buy a share from the market. This is where brokers come into play by interfacing with the stock exchange and providing an access point. The largest brokers can interface directly with the exchange, but most go through a liquidity provider. 

The broker indicates the price of an asset in the market but thereafter includes a fee for the service. This can be in the form of a spread or commission and is the main way brokers make money. 

Features offered by brokers 

Brokers offer several features to enhance their users’ trading experience. These include trading apps, technical analysis tools, training, and sometimes even an account manager. 

Trading app(s)

This is the most essential feature offered by a broker because it enables you to see what is going on in the market, place orders in real time, and manage your portfolio. More advanced platforms will have additional features such as a news stream, trading signals, expert advisors (EAs), trading robots, and copy trading. 

Among today’s most popular trading apps are MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Other brokers may have a proprietary trading app such as eToro’s, which happens to be one of, if not, the best.

Economic calendar

To stay ahead of market events, the economic calendar shows all the upcoming events that may affect market prices for various assets. For stock traders, this typically involves earnings releases while FX traders watch out for economic releases such as the NFP and CPI. 

The idea is to prepare you for potentially impactful events to help you both manage your holdings and plan your future trades. Because without it you would simply be navigating the financial seas without a compass. 

Advanced charts

Trading apps should have an advanced view of trading charts beyond the simple price chart. Here, you should be able to add technical indicators such as the MACD and RSI, and overlay charting tools to help you spot patterns.

Regardless of your trading strategy, technical or fundamental, you need these tools to act as a guide particularly when you set price targets. That is why the best brokers pride themselves in providing charts with advanced features to give their traders an edge. 

Social trading/Copy trading

Traders have always shared information, be it through online forums or Bloomberg on Wall Street. Now online brokers have created social trading solutions that allow traders to see the trading activities of the broker’s other clients. 

If you like how they’re performing, you can then automatically copy all their trading operations. Doing so could potentially increase your performance especially if you’re not very good, but everyone can benefit from this feature. 

Our advice for choosing the best broker for yourself 

To find the best broker, we’ve considered several criteria including regulation and security, commissions and spreads, available financial instruments, and trading tools. 

Regulations and safety 

Regulators ensure that a broker is acting fairly and according to the law to protect you from unfair losses and scams. The NFA, CFTC, and FinCEN are the leading regulators in the US, while AMF (France), FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and ASIC (Australia) are the other highly reputable and popular regulators for the rest of the world.

In addition, the platform should include security features like fund segregation and data encryption to protect users’ funds and two-factor authentication and access monitoring to prevent unauthorized access to users’ accounts. 

Competitive commissions and spreads 

You don’t realize how important trading fees are until you add them all up, so it’s better to make sure upfront that you are paying the most competitive fees in the market. Fortunately, honest brokers are transparent and will clearly list all the fees you can expect to be charged so that there are no surprises.

Available trading assets

Good trading platforms in the sector offer a full range of assets including stocks, ETFs, forex pairs, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and more. This enables you to build up a diversified portfolio that can hold up to market shocks while also increasing your performance. Besides, it’s always good to get exposure to different asset classes and discover new revenue sources.

Trading app

Nowadays, most orders from individual traders are placed via smartphone. So the broker must have an easy-to-use trading app to enable its customers to trade from anywhere. Nonetheless, a professional desktop trading app is a must for those deep-dives into the market and to perform advanced activities.

Research tools

Research tools such as advanced charts, the economic calendar, and stock screeners can make the difference between 2 reliable brokers. The one with the most tools, preferably at no additional cost, can give you an edge and improve your trading experience. 

How to sign up to a trading platform 

Registering with a new broker should be straightforward and done in a few minutes. Here’s how we signed up with eToro, the best broker in our guide. 

Step 1: Fill in the registration form 

Go to the official eToro website and click on Start Investing on the homepage. You’ll then be presented with a form to fill in with your name, email address, telephone number, etc. Accept the terms and conditions, then click on Create an account.

Step 2: Verify your account 

As demanded by market regulators, eToro will need to verify your account. This includes a series of questions about your trading profile, then you will be asked to upload your personal documents such as an ID card. 

Step 3: Account funding

Once your account has been approved, you can fund it with the payment method of your choice by clicking on the Deposit Funds button. Then start investing by following the platform’s instructions.

How did we review and choose these brokers for you? 

The Tokize team has examined and identified the best brokers on the market according to a precise methodology. 

Analysis of broker offerings 

We analyzed the different features and offerings offered by each broker by going through their websites. These included aspects such as fees, regulations, financial instruments, trading platforms, etc. Furthermore, we read through other broker reviews online with a special interest in client feedback to establish patterns and verify the truth. 

Demo account and platform comparison

For each broker, we created a demo account to test the trading conditions. It also allowed us to get a feel of the platform before risking real cash while also testing different platforms on both desktop and mobile.

Real account

Once satisfied, we created a real account for the brokers that passed the demo and made a cash deposit. This is to evaluate trade execution and overall performance in the market and then attempt a withdrawal to confirm that it works and how fast. 

Analysis

This is the final stage of our review. At this stage, we’ve simply taken stock of the conclusions drawn during the comparisons to establish an objective selection of the best online trading platforms.