If you’re a first-time investor, choosing the right broker can be the single most important step toward achieving your financial goals. In 2025, with AI-powered platforms, zero-commission trades, and user-friendly interfaces becoming the norm, the landscape has changed dramatically. But not all brokers are built equally — especially for beginners.
In this guide, we cut through the noise to help you identify the best brokers for beginners in 2025. We combine user experience, hidden fees, customer support, educational resources, and features that often go unnoticed on other review sites. Whether you’re interested in stocks, ETFs, or even crypto, we’ve got you covered.
What Makes a Broker “Beginner-Friendly” in 2025?
Before diving into our list, it’s important to define what “beginner-friendly” really means in 2025. Here’s our criteria:
- Zero or Low Fees on trades and account maintenance
- Simple UI/UX: Clean dashboard, clear order placement, and no overwhelming jargon
- Fractional Shares: Ability to invest with as little as $1
- AI Tools: Automated portfolio building, market insights, and robo-advisors
- Fast, Human Support: 24/7 live chat or phone support — not just forums and FAQs
- Security & Regulation: SEC, FINRA, or international equivalents
Most broker comparisons miss cost-per-trade in volatile markets, real AI integration, and long-term account benefits, which we’ve prioritized here.
Top 5 Best Brokers for Beginners in 2025
1. Public.com – Investing Made Social

Best for: Social investing & learning by watching others
Minimum Deposit: $0
Commission Fees: $0 on stocks and ETFs
Unique Feature: Community-driven investing with transparency
What makes Public.com stand out in 2025 is its unique social feed-style interface where investors can watch and learn from verified traders. It’s like a mix of Twitter and Robinhood, but with educational overlays on every trade. They’ve recently launched “Investor Circles”, allowing beginners to simulate investments alongside expert-curated portfolios.
2. Fidelity – The Legacy Broker Reinvented
Best for: Long-term investors and retirement planning
Minimum Deposit: $0
Commission Fees: $0 on stocks, ETFs, and options
Unique Feature: Fidelity’s AI Retirement Advisor
While Fidelity has been around for decades, its 2025 beginner interface rivals even the newest fintech platforms. Their robo-advisory service has gone full AI, tailoring investment plans in seconds based on your income, goals, and risk appetite. Their premium research and retirement simulators are also top-notch.
3. SoFi Invest – Best for Total Financial Planning
Best for: Beginners looking to manage investing, banking, and credit in one app
Minimum Deposit: $0
Commission Fees: $0
Unique Feature: Combined platform for credit building, banking, and investing
SoFi isn’t just a broker—it’s a financial ecosystem. In 2025, they’ve introduced “Auto-Invest Plus”, an upgraded robo-advisor that reacts to market changes in real time. Their financial planning tools are built into the investment dashboard, allowing users to see how their investments affect their debt-to-income ratio or credit score.
4. Webull – Best for Tech-Savvy Beginners
Best for: Analytical minds who enjoy charts and real-time data
Minimum Deposit: $0
Commission Fees: $0
Unique Feature: Advanced tools in a free platform
Webull bridges the gap between beginner and intermediate trading. While it offers advanced tools, the 2025 version includes a “Beginner View” that simplifies data and offers “Trade Coach,” a gamified way to learn technical analysis. Its paper trading feature remains one of the best for practice.
5. eToro – For Copy Trading & Crypto Beginners

Best for: Passive investors and crypto-curious users
Minimum Deposit: $10
Commission Fees: Zero for stocks; spreads apply to crypto
Unique Feature: CopyTrader™
eToro’s CopyTrader™ remains unmatched in 2025. It allows beginners to mirror the trades of seasoned investors. The platform now offers “Risk Profile Matching,” which pairs beginners with traders whose style aligns with their comfort zone. It also expanded into Web3 portfolios tailored for low-risk entry.
Insider Tips Most Sites Won’t Tell You
- Avoid Brokers with “Hidden Tiered Fees”: Some platforms offer free trades but charge inactivity or data feed fees. Always check the fine print.
- Check Mobile App Latency: In 2025, fast execution is a must—even for long-term investors.
- Ask About Exit Fees: Transferring out of a broker can cost you. eToro and SoFi waive these fees for beginners in the first year.
- Use a Dummy Account First: Brokers like Webull and Public.com offer paper trading or “ghost portfolios” where you can test-drive strategies.
The Right Broker = Your Investing Success
Choosing the right online broker in 2025 is not just about zero commissions — it’s about aligning with a platform that educates, supports, and evolves with you. Whether you’re saving for retirement, dabbling in crypto, or just setting up your first emergency fund, these platforms offer the safety, transparency, and tools every beginner needs.
The investment world is more accessible than ever, but your success still depends on making the right first move.