9 Best Platforms for Active Trading 

Active trading has become a popular way to invest in today’s fast-paced world. With the help of technology, traders can buy and sell securities in real time from the comfort of their own homes. However, choosing the right platform to execute those trades can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the nine best platforms for active trading, so you can make an informed decision and maximize your profits. 

From well-established platforms like E*TRADE and TD Ameritrade to newer players like Robinhood and Webull, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just starting out, these platforms offer a variety of features and tools to help you make the most of your investments. So, let’s dive in and explore the best options for active trading in 2021. 

Looking for the best platforms for active trading? Check out our top picks below:

1. TD Ameritrade

Why We Like It: TD Ameritrade offers a comprehensive trading platform with a range of tools and resources for active traders. 

Who Should Get It: Active traders who need a powerful platform with advanced features and access to a wide range of financial instruments. 

Pros: 

• Customizable charting and technical analysis tools 
• Access to a wide range of financial instruments, including stocks, options, futures, and forex 
• Real-time market data and news 
• 24/7 customer support 

Cons: 

• High fees for some services 
• Complex platform may be overwhelming for beginners 

2. E*TRADE

Why We Like It: E*TRADE offers a user-friendly trading platform with a range of tools and resources for active traders. 

Who Should Get It: Active traders who want a platform that is easy to use and provides access to a wide range of financial instruments. 

Pros: 

• User-friendly trading platform with customizable dashboard 
• Access to stocks, options, futures, and forex 
• Real-time market data and news 
• 24/7 customer support 

Cons: 

• Higher fees compared to some competitors 
• Limited educational resources for beginners 

3. Interactive Brokers

Why We Like It: Interactive Brokers offers a powerful trading platform with low fees and access to a wide range of financial instruments. 

Who Should Get It: Active traders who want a powerful platform with low fees and access to a wide range of financial instruments. 

Pros: 

• Powerful trading platform with advanced features 
• Access to stocks, options, futures, forex, and bonds 
• Low fees for trading and account maintenance 
• Real-time market data and news 

Cons: 

• Complex platform may be overwhelming for beginners 
• Minimum account balance required to start trading 

4. TradeStation

Why We Like It: TradeStation offers a professional-grade trading platform with advanced features and tools for active traders. 

Who Should Get It: Active traders who want a professional-grade platform with advanced features and tools for analysis. 

Pros: 

• Professional-grade trading platform with advanced features and tools 
• Access to stocks, options, futures, and forex 
• Real-time market data and news 
• Excellent customer support 

Cons: 

• Higher fees compared to some competitors 
• Complex platform may be overwhelming for beginners 

5. Fidelity

Why We Like It: Fidelity offers a user-friendly trading platform with a range of tools and resources for active traders. 

Who Should Get It: Active traders who want a user-friendly platform with access to a wide range of financial instruments. 

Pros: 

• User-friendly trading platform with a customizable dashboard 
• Access to stocks, options, and ETFs 
• Real-time market data and news 
• 24/7 customer support 
• Low fees for trading and account maintenance 

Cons: 

• Limited access to futures and forex 
• Higher fees for some services 

6. Charles Schwab

Why We Like It: Charles Schwab offers a wide range of financial products and a user-friendly trading platform. 

Who Should Get It: Active traders who want access to a wide range of financial products and a user-friendly platform. 

Pros: 

• User-friendly trading platform with a customizable dashboard 
• Access to stocks, options, and ETFs 
• Real-time market data and news 
• 24/7 customer support 

Cons: 

• Higher fees compared to some competitors 
• Limited access to futures and forex 

7. Robinhood

Why We Like It: Robinhood offers commission-free trading and a user-friendly mobile app. 

Who Should Get It: Active traders who want a user-friendly mobile app and the ability to trade without paying commissions. 

Pros: 

• User-friendly mobile app for trading on the go 
• Commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, and options 
• Real-time market data and news 
• User-friendly mobile app 

Cons: 

• Limited access to financial products 
• No access to mutual funds or bonds 

8. Ally Invest

Why We Like It: Ally Invest offers low fees and a user-friendly trading platform for minimum risk and maximum profit. It’s a reliable platform with easy-to-use tools and features.  

Who Should Get It: Active traders who want a low-cost platform with a range of financial instruments. 

Pros: 

• User-friendly trading platform with a customizable dashboard 
• Low fees for trading and account maintenance 
• Access to stocks, options, and ETFs 
• Real-time market data and news 
• Excellent customer support 

Cons: 

• Limited access to futures and forex 
• Higher fees for some services 

9. Webull

Why We Like It: Webull offers commission-free trading and a user-friendly mobile app for its users. The features are very simple and even a person with basic knowledge can understand the trading process. 

Who Should Get It: Active traders who want a commission-free platform with a user-friendly mobile app. 

Pros: 

• User-friendly mobile app for trading on the go 
• Commission-free trading for stocks, options, and ETFs 
• Real-time market data and news 
• No account minimums 

Cons: 

• Limited access to financial products 
• No access to mutual funds or bonds 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Here are some frequently asked questions about the 9 best platforms for active trading. 

1. What are the fees for using these platforms?  

The fees for using these platforms vary depending on the platform and the type of account you have. Many of these platforms offer commission-free trading for certain types of investments, such as stocks and ETFs. However, there may be fees for options trading, mutual funds, and other types of investments. Some platforms also charge fees for account maintenance, inactivity, and other services. 

2. What types of investments can I trade on these platforms? 

These platforms offer a wide range of investment options, including stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, futures, and forex. Some platforms may offer more options than others, so it’s important to consider your investment goals and strategy when choosing a platform. 

3. What are the risks of active trading? 

Active trading can be a high-risk, high-reward strategy. The risks of active trading include market volatility, which can cause rapid price changes and losses; high fees and commissions, which can eat into your profits; and emotional trading, which can lead to poor decision-making and losses. 

4. What should I look for when choosing a platform for active trading? 

When choosing a platform for active trading, there are several factors to consider, including fees, investment options, trading tools and analytics, customer service, and user experience. You may also want to consider the platform’s reputation, security, and regulatory compliance. 

It’s important to compare several platforms and read reviews from other traders before making a decision. You may also want to consider opening a demo account or using a platform’s paper trading feature to test out the platform before investing real money. 

The world of active trading is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to choose a platform that can keep up with the changes. With the nine best active trading platforms, you can stay ahead of the game and achieve your financial goals. 

Whether you are an experienced trader or just starting, these platforms will equip you with the necessary tools and resources to help you succeed. From commission-free trading to advanced charting tools, you can find a platform that suits your trading style and preferences. So, start exploring these platforms today and take your trading to the next level!