Starting your investment journey means choosing the right trading platform — an often overwhelming task given the sheer number of options available. Many platforms promise top features and seamless experiences, but what truly matters is finding one that fits your needs.
When selecting a trading platform, it's important to evaluate the key factors that can impact your experience, such as fees, usability, and asset selection.
We’ve prepared this guide to simplify your decision by focusing on the essentials: ease of use, fees, educational support, available assets, and ongoing reliability. Whether you’re new to investing or want flexible tools for trading anywhere, this overview points you toward platforms built to help you succeed.
Our Summary of the Best Trading Platforms for Stocks in 2025
Based on our research into trading platforms offering the strongest features, market access, and user experience, this summary aims to help readers find the right fit for their stock trading needs:
- XTB – Best trading platform overall, with zero minimum deposit and user-friendly tools
- FP Markets – Best for active traders seeking professional-grade execution and broad asset selection
- XM – Best low-cost entry with extensive stock CFDs and fast, reliable trade execution
- FXPro – Best for experienced traders needing ultra-fast execution
- Swissquote – Best premium service, offering a premium solution with AI-powered investing, advanced features, and superior support for clients seeking added value
Why Can You Trust Us?
We evaluated over 35 trading platforms to identify those excelling in stock trading for 2025. Our focus was on delivering practical guidance tailored to different trader profiles. Key criteria included:
- Market access and range of stock instruments
- Trading fees and commission structures
- Platform technology, usability, and execution speed
- Educational resources and customer support
- Regulatory transparency and security
Our research also included a thorough review of provider websites to ensure comprehensive and unbiased platform comparisons.
Top Platforms for Stocks in 2025
1. XTB
XTB is a leading global online trading platform for stocks headquartered in London, offering access to over 10,800 instruments including real stocks across more than 14 international exchanges, alongside ETFs, forex, commodities, indices, and CFDs. The platform operates on its proprietary xStation 5, known for advanced charting tools and real-time trade execution. Due to FCA regulations, though, cryptocurrency trading is not available to UK users through XTB. Also, investors should be aware that investment values can fluctuate, and capital is at risk of loss when trading.
Minimum Deposit: £0 (standard account)
Stock Trades: 6,600+ stocks and 1,600+ ETFs
Trading Fees: Commission-free for monthly turnover equivalent up to 100,000 EUR; transactions above this limit incur a 0.2% commission (minimum £10). A 0.5% currency conversion fee may apply.
Pros:
- Zero commission on stocks and ETFs within monthly limits
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Advanced proprietary trading platform with real-time analytics
- Fractional shares available from £10 trade minimum
- Educational resources and free demo account
- 24/5 customer support
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- Dedicated account manager for personalized assistance
- Access to 10,800+ instruments
Cons:
- Cryptocurrency trading unavailable for UK clients due to regulation
- Inactivity fee after 12 months of no trading
Why we chose it: XTB offers a comprehensive stock trading experience with advanced technology and flexible trading conditions suitable for a wide range of investors.
Note that CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 72% 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.
2. FP Markets
FP Markets is a global brokerage firm offering access to over 10,000 financial instruments, including forex, stocks (via CFDs and direct equities), commodities, indices, metals, energies, futures, cryptocurrencies, and trading options. The platform supports a selection of few platforms — MetaTrader 4 and 5, cTrader, TradingView, and IRESS — each tailored to different trading needs. These platforms provide sophisticated trading tools, advanced charting, low-latency execution, and deep liquidity through an ECN pricing model.
Minimum Deposit: $50 for MetaTrader brokerage accounts; $1,000 for IRESS DMA stock brokerage accounts
Stock Trades: 10,000+ global stocks available as CFDs or direct equities via IRESS
Trading Fees: Competitive commissions on direct equities, tight spreads on CFDs; ECN pricing with ultra-low spreads starting from 0.0 pips; contract fee applies to certain options trades
Pros:
- Extensive asset selection including direct stocks, CFDs, and trading options for portfolio diversification
- Multiple advanced trading platforms with sophisticated trading tools for professional users
- Low-latency ECN execution and tight spreads
- Strong regulatory oversight from ASIC and CySEC
- Educational resources and AI-powered analytics
Cons:
- Higher minimum deposit for direct stock trading via IRESS
- Complex platform options may overwhelm beginners
- Mobile app less advanced than competitors in analytics
- Inactivity and platform fees apply under certain conditions (users making at least three trades per quarter may qualify for reduced or waived platform fees)
- Some geographic and asset restrictions
Why we chose it: FP Markets delivers broad market access and professional-grade execution with competitive pricing across multiple platforms.
3. XM
XM is an online broker providing access to over 1,400 financial instruments, including more than 1,000 stock CFDs and physical shares available in select regions via the MetaTrader 5 platform. The broker supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and a proprietary mobile app with fast execution and one-click trading. XM offers a low minimum deposit for most account types, a variety of brokerage accounts — including taxable accounts for general investing — and extensive educational resources that provide general investment advice to help users make informed decisions.
Minimum Deposit: $5 (most accounts), $10,000 (Shares Account)
Stock Trades: 1,000+ stock CFDs and physical shares (region-dependent)
Trading Fees: Generally commission-free on stock CFDs; direct shares subject to exchange fees
Pros:
- Very low minimum deposit for most accounts
- Wide range of stock CFDs and physical shares
- Fast, reliable execution with minimal re-quotes
- Strong educational content and multilingual support, including general investment advice
- No deposit or withdrawal fees in most cases
Cons:
- Shares Account requires high minimum deposit ($10,000)
- Not regulated by the strictest authorities for UK clients
- No ETFs, bonds, or options offered
- Cryptocurrency trading unavailable to UK users
- Inactivity fee applies after 90 days
Why we chose it: XM combines low entry barriers with broad market access and fast trade execution, making it highly accessible.
4. FXPro
FXPro is a brokerage firm designed to meet the needs of advanced traders seeking sophisticated features and technology. The platform offers access to over 2,100 CFD instruments, with a strong emphasis on trading stocks — featuring more than 1,800 stock CFDs spanning major markets across the US, Europe, Asia, and beyond. FXPro supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and its proprietary FxPro Edge platform, providing advanced charting and ultra-fast order execution. Moreover, FXPro operates a no dealing desk model, ensuring transparent and low-latency trades.
Minimum Deposit: $100
Stock Trades: 1,800+ stock CFDs
Trading Fees: Primarily spreads and overnight swap fees; no fixed commissions for most accounts
Pros:
- Wide selection of instruments, including extensive stock CFDs
- Multiple advanced trading platforms with customizable tools
- Ultra-fast execution with no dealing desk model
- Strong global regulatory oversight
- Demo and swap-free (Islamic) accounts available
Cons:
- No direct ownership of stocks, only CFDs
- Higher minimum deposit than some competitors
- Limited educational resources compared to top brokers
- Customer support available 24/5 only
- No copy trading or interest on uninvested funds
Why we chose it: FXPro offers institutional-grade execution and diverse platform options.
5. Swissquote
Swissquote is an investment platform and full service broker, offering access to more than 100,000 tradable instruments, including global stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, futures, bonds, forex, and cryptocurrencies. As a full service broker, Swissquote provides not only brokerage services but also additional offerings such as tax advice, estate planning, and integrated digital banking, making it comparable to other full-service brokers in the market. Its professional-grade platforms, including MetaTrader 4/5 and its proprietary Advanced Trader, support both DIY and managed investing.
Minimum Deposit: $0 (standard accounts)
Stock Trades: Thousands of global stocks and ETFs with real ownership
Trading Fees: Commission fees apply on stock trades; generally higher than discount brokers
Pros:
- Extensive market access with over 100,000 instruments
- Ultra-fast execution speeds under 9ms
- AI-powered portfolio tools and automated savings plans
- Integrated digital banking and crypto services
- Transparent and strong regulatory framework
- Additional services such as tax advice and estate planning
- Client protection via Financial Services Compensation Scheme and Financial Ombudsman Service
Cons:
- Higher commissions and fees compared to discount brokers
- Complex interface may overwhelm beginners
- No commission-free stock trading volume
- Some advanced platforms require experience
- Limited commission discounts for high-volume traders
Why we chose it: Swissquote provides a comprehensive market access combined with premium banking.
Conclusion
Selecting the right trading platform shapes your investing success. Prioritizing ease of use, transparent costs, and educational support helps beginners build confidence and grow skills.
Among the options, XTB stands out for its accessibility and comprehensive features, making it an ideal starting point. Ultimately, the best platform is one that fits your goals and encourages consistent, informed trading.
FAQ
1. What features should I look for in a stock trading platform?
A stock trading platform should offer a wide range of stocks and ETFs, low trading fees, fast execution speeds, and an intuitive user interface. Additional features like real-time market data, advanced charting tools, educational resources, and mobile access enhance trading efficiency and decision-making.
2. Can I trade fractional shares, and why is it important?
Fractional share trading allows purchasing portions of a stock rather than whole shares, increasing affordability and portfolio diversification. It benefits investors with limited capital by enabling exposure to high-priced stocks and more precise allocation of funds.
3. How secure and regulated are stock trading platforms?
Regulation by reputable authorities, such as FINMA, ASIC, or CySEC, ensures platforms comply with financial laws and protect client funds. Secure platforms implement encryption, segregated accounts, and investor compensation schemes to reduce fraud and safeguard assets.
4. What is the difference between CFDs and direct stock ownership on trading platforms?
CFDs (Contracts for Difference) enable speculation on price movements without owning the underlying asset, often with leverage, but carry higher risk. Direct stock ownership grants shareholder rights, dividends, and long-term investment benefits but may involve higher capital requirements.
5. Which trading platform is best for beginners interested in stocks?
XTB stands out for beginners due to zero minimum deposit requirements, commission-free stock trading up to high monthly limits, a user-friendly proprietary platform with advanced tools, and strong educational support. Its blend of accessibility and functionality suits novice investors building their portfolios.
