Best Platforms for ETF Investing in 2025

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Best Platforms for ETF Investing in 2025

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) remain one of the most popular investment vehicles in 2025. They offer diversification, low costs, and easy access to both U.S. and international markets. But not all brokerage platforms are equal when it comes to ETF investing.

In this guide, we compare the best ETF trading platforms for U.S. investors in 2025, highlighting fees, usability, research tools, and unique features.

📌 Table of Contents

  1. Why ETFs Are Popular in 2025

  2. Key Features to Look for in an ETF Platform

  3. Comparison Table of Top ETF Platforms

  4. Platform Reviews
     • Fidelity
     • Vanguard
     • Charles Schwab
     • Robinhood
     • Interactive Brokers
     • E*TRADE

  5. Which Platform Is Best for You?

  6. FAQs

1. Why ETFs Are Popular in 2025

ETFs continue to attract investors because they provide:

  • Diversification: Exposure to a basket of stocks, bonds, or commodities.

  • Low Costs: Most ETFs carry expense ratios below 0.20%.

  • Flexibility: Tradeable throughout the day like stocks.

  • Access to Global Trends: Green energy, AI, emerging markets, and more.

For both beginners and advanced traders, ETFs are a cost-effective way to build wealth.

2. Key Features to Look for in an ETF Platform

When choosing a platform for ETF investing, consider:

  • Commission fees (most brokers offer $0 on U.S. ETFs).

  • Access to commission-free ETFs (some platforms have exclusive lists).

  • Research and screening tools (helpful for beginners and advanced investors).

  • Fractional share investing (good for high-priced ETFs).

  • Retirement account integration (IRA, Roth IRA).

3. Comparison Table of Top ETF Platforms (2025)

Platform ETF Commission Fractional Shares Research Tools Best For
Fidelity $0 Yes Excellent Beginners & retirement investors
Vanguard $0 (Vanguard ETFs) No Moderate Long-term investors, index funds
Charles Schwab $0 Yes Strong All-round investing, global ETFs
Robinhood $0 Yes Limited Beginners, mobile-first users
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) $0 Yes Advanced Active traders, global ETF access
E*TRADE $0 Yes Strong Options + ETFs, retirement accounts

4. Platform Reviews

🔹 Fidelity

  • ETF Fees: $0 commission on U.S. ETFs.

  • Strengths: Outstanding research tools, fractional shares, retirement accounts.

  • Best For: Beginners and retirement-focused investors.
    Fidelity is one of the best all-rounders. Its ETF screeners and retirement account integration make it a top choice for both new and long-term investors.

🔹 Vanguard

  • ETF Fees: $0 commission for Vanguard ETFs.

  • Strengths: Industry leader in low-cost index ETFs.

  • Best For: Buy-and-hold investors who prefer Vanguard’s funds.
    Vanguard pioneered index investing. If your goal is long-term wealth building with low-cost index ETFs, Vanguard remains the gold standard in 2025.

🔹 Charles Schwab

  • ETF Fees: $0 commission.

  • Strengths: Fractional shares, global ETF access, and comprehensive research.

  • Best For: Investors seeking flexibility and global exposure.
    Schwab offers a wide variety of commission-free ETFs, plus the Schwab ETF Select List, which makes it easier to find top funds.

🔹 Robinhood

  • ETF Fees: $0 commission.

  • Strengths: User-friendly app, fractional shares, instant trading.

  • Limitations: Limited research and analysis tools.

  • Best For: Beginners who prefer mobile-first investing.
    Robinhood is excellent for quick access to ETFs but lacks the depth and research tools of traditional brokers.

🔹 Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

  • ETF Fees: $0 commission (IBKR Lite).

  • Strengths: Global ETF access, advanced trading tools, low forex fees.

  • Best For: Active traders and international ETF investing.
    IBKR is unmatched for investors who want to trade ETFs across 100+ global markets. Its professional-grade tools make it ideal for advanced users.

🔹 E*TRADE

  • ETF Fees: $0 commission.

  • Strengths: Powerful research, options integration, IRA support.

  • Best For: Retirement investors and options traders using ETFs.
    ETRADE’s **Power ETRADE** platform provides advanced charting and research, making it suitable for ETF traders who also trade options.

5. Which Platform Is Best for You?

Investor Type Recommended Platform
Beginner / Retirement Investor Fidelity or Vanguard
Mobile-First, Simple Investing Robinhood
Global Market Access Interactive Brokers
Balanced All-Round Investing Charles Schwab
Options + ETFs Combo E*TRADE

Tip: If you’re new to ETFs, start with a low-cost broad market fund like Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) or Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF (SCHB), available commission-free on multiple platforms.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do I have to pay commissions on ETFs in 2025?
No, most U.S. brokers offer $0 commission on U.S.-listed ETFs.

Q2: Can I buy fractional ETF shares?
Yes. Platforms like Fidelity, Schwab, Robinhood, and Interactive Brokers allow fractional ETF investing.

Q3: Which platform is best for international ETFs?
Interactive Brokers provides the widest access to overseas ETFs. Schwab also offers strong global coverage.

Q4: Are ETFs good for retirement accounts?
Yes. ETFs are tax-efficient and cost-effective, making them ideal for IRAs and Roth IRAs.