The Best Options Trading Platforms
Among a sea of possibilities, here are five of the best options trading platforms for investors.


It's not an easy task to identify the best options trading platforms among a seemingly endless number of choices.
As an investor, getting your selection right is vital: The best options trading platforms can help you maximize your investment potential.
We'll take a deep dive into five of the best options trading platforms, including distinct features and potential drawbacks.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
We'll examine pros and cons so you can identify the one most suitable for your objectives and confidently embark on a rewarding journey into the world of call options and put options.
Here are five of the best options trading platforms for investors.
E*Trade
Pros:
- A comprehensive range of investment options: E*Trade offers a diverse array of investment choices, providing ample opportunities for portfolio diversification.
- User-friendly interface: The platform's intuitive layout makes it accessible to investors of all experience levels, including beginners.
- Educational resources: Access a wealth of educational materials to enhance your understanding of the markets and improve your investing acumen.
Cons:
- Commission fees: E*Trade's commission structure can be relatively high, compared with some other platforms, potentially affecting your overall trading costs.
- More on fees: E*Trade charges commissions on both sides of a trade, which can result in higher-than-average commissions for those placing less frequent options trades.
InteractiveBrokers
Pros:
- Versatility and global market access: InteractiveBrokers caters to investors with diverse needs, offering advanced analytical tools and access to global markets.
- Robust research: Gain access to in-depth market research and analysis, enabling you to make informed investment decisions.
- Professional-grade platform: Ideal for seasoned investors seeking advanced features and tools.
Cons:
- Learning curve: The platform's extensive features might require a learning curve, especially for investors new to the world of options trading.
Webull
Pros:
- Seamless experience: Webull offers a smooth and user-friendly platform, suitable for investors of all levels.
- Paper trading: Practice risk-free with Webull's paper trading feature, allowing you to refine your strategies before committing real funds.
- Advanced charting: Benefit from advanced charting tools for technical analysis and trend identification.
Cons:
- Customer support: Some users have reported limited customer support options, potentially affecting timely resolution of issues.
- Educational resources: While Webull offers educational materials, they might not be as comprehensive as other platforms, especially for in-depth research.
Thinkorswim (by TD Ameritrade)
Pros:
- Advanced tools: Thinkorswim stands out with its advanced charting, technical analysis and customizable trading strategies, empowering investors with sophisticated tools.
- Extensive research: Access a wealth of research tools and data for thorough analysis and market insights.
- Professional-grade platform: Ideal for seasoned investors seeking robust features and tools.
Cons:
- Learning curve: The platform's advanced features might require time and effort to fully grasp, especially for investors transitioning to more complex trading strategies.
- Complexity for novices: Beginners might find the platform overwhelming due to its professional-grade tools and extensive capabilities.
Tastytrade
Pros:
- Built for retail traders: Created by the same team that developed TD Ameritrade's thinkorswim platform, tastytrade (formerly tastyworks) was designed specifically with retail traders in mind.
- User-friendly commission structure: Tastytrade doesn't charge commission for closing positions (only opening positions) and caps fees at $10 per leg for any options trade, no matter the size of the trade. This results in a truly competitive fee structure.
- Fundamental analysis: Although tastytrade is all about option strategies, it includes a fundamental analysis tab on both its desktop and its browser platforms.
- Focus on trading rather than investing: Tastytrade offers robust option analytics and tools for traders, allowing for relatively pain-free position creation and trade management.
Cons:
- Focus on trading rather than investing: This is both a pro and a con. Investors may feel underwhelmed, as there are limited investment choices.
FAQs about the best options trading platforms
- Are these platforms suitable for both stock and options trading? Absolutely! All mentioned platforms support both stock and options trading, offering comprehensive investment options.
- Do these platforms offer mobile trading options? Yes! Each platform provides mobile trading apps, enabling you to stay connected to the markets and execute trades on the go.
- Are commission fees applicable for all trades? While some platforms offer commission-free trades, others might charge fees for certain types of transactions. It's essential to review the fee structure of each platform.
Related content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Jared Hoffmann is a highly respected financial content creator and options expert, holding a journalism degree from San Francisco State University. Formerly a Senior Options and Day Trading Editor and on-air personality at Money Morning, he excels in delivering comprehensive options education, technical analysis, and risk management education to traders.
-
A 'Fast, Fair and Friendly' Fail: Farmers Irks Customers With Its Handling of a Data Breach
Farmers Insurance is facing negative attention and lawsuits because of a three-month delay in notifying 1.1 million policyholders about a data breach. Here's what you can do if you're affected.
-
Serving the HNW Market: How Financial Advisers Can Break Through and Deliver Lasting Value
Financial advisers have a significant opportunity to serve high-net-worth clients by elevating their capabilities, delivering comprehensive planning, building diverse teams and prioritizing family wealth education.
-
A 'Fast, Fair and Friendly' Fail: Farmers Irks Customers With Its Handling of a Data Breach
Farmers Insurance is facing negative attention and lawsuits because of a three-month delay in notifying 1.1 million policyholders about a data breach. Here's what you can do if you're affected.
-
Serving the HNW Market: How Financial Advisers Can Break Through and Deliver Lasting Value
Financial advisers have a significant opportunity to serve high-net-worth clients by elevating their capabilities, delivering comprehensive planning, building diverse teams and prioritizing family wealth education.
-
Don't Just Sell, Connect: How Financial Advisers Can Ignite Their Sales Growth
Avoid complacency and embrace small, consistent improvements to optimize your sales process and results.
-
Dow Adds 587 Points as Stocks Bounce: Stock Market Today
The main indexes rebounded sharply Monday after President Trump took a calmer stance toward China.
-
Are You a Small Business Owner Buckling Under Economic Pressure? Here's How You Can Cope
Significant emotional and financial challenges, including tariff worries, are piling up on small business leaders. Here's how leaders can develop more healthy coping strategies and systems of support.
-
To Raise Prices or Not to Raise Prices: Tariff Tips for Small Businesses
Small businesses are making critical decisions. Should they pass on higher costs due to tariffs, or would that only cost them more in lost customers?
-
Five Retirement Planning Traps You Can't Afford to Fall Into, From a Wealth Adviser
To help ensure you reach your savings goals and enjoy financial security in your golden years, be aware of these common pitfalls. The key is to be proactive, informed and flexible.
-
Your 401(k) Can Now Include Alternative Assets, But Should It? A Financial Adviser Weighs In
Many employer-sponsored plans offer limited investment options, which can stunt growth. But participants considering alternatives might need some sound advice to get the most from their accounts.