Finding an ideal online trading platform in 2022 seems like a tall order for many traders. Price turbulence and crypto crash sent shock waves across the markets and paralyzed trading on many platforms. However, some are still resisting and are operating at full capacity. Here are our recommendations for the best online trading platforms in 2022.
Best Online Trading Platforms to Consider In 2022 – Overview
- eToro – Overall Best Trading Platform in 2022
- Webull – Excellent Trading Platform for US Stocks
- Binance – Excellent Cryptocurrency Trading Platform
- Fidelity – Best Trading Platform for Beginners
- Ally Invest – Excellent Trading App for Mobile Users
Best Online Trading Platforms to Consider In 2022 – Detailed Comparison
eToro – Overall Best Trading Platform in 2022
eToro has been making many waves with its crypto exchange, so people forget that it is a stock and FOREX trading platform first. It was founded in 2007 in Israel and has since created a name for itself as one of the most reliable and affordable online trading platforms.
Right off the bat, eToro offered stock and currency trading to its users on a commission-free basis. This approach proved extremely popular, which is why the platform boasts millions of users from more than 140 countries today. Furthermore, the designers have done a marvelous job with the site, making opening an account and starting trading a walk in the park. This may seem like a no-brainer, but a surprisingly high number of trading platforms neglect this aspect of their business and make new users jump through hoops before granting them access to trading options.
One of the features that make eToro stands out among the best trading platform to consider in 2022 is social trading. In exchange for various perks, seasoned traders agree to share their trading patterns for everyone to copy. This is an excellent feature for inexperienced traders that can help them learn the ropes of stock trading by copying decisions made by veteran users. Other useful features for new investors, called smart portfolios, are collections of stock portfolios maintained and curated by eToro staff. They divide into sectors, like oil, energy, or crypto assets. Smart portfolios are excellent options for people looking for more passive ways of stock trading and income streams.
Webull – Excellent Trading Platform for US Stocks
Following the example of many online exchanges, Webull has united stock and crypto trading on a single trading platform. Their crypto exchange is among the cheapest ones on the market. The minimal amount you need to start trading is just $1, and most crypto trades have no fees. For stock trading, the minimal amount is $5 with 0% commission. At the moment, Webull lists cryptocurrency, stocks, ETF, and options.
One issue with Webull is that its offer of international stocks is quite limited The platform focuses on US stocks almost exclusively. Considering that Webull was only founded in 2017, with the mobile app coming out in 2018, chances are that it will add more international stock options in the future.
Many users have complained about Webull’s somewhat convoluted user interface. It is true that it can be confusing at times, especially for inexperienced users. However, Webull is a platform intended for younger investors who usually have more than enough digital skills to navigate even complex UIs with ease. This is why there is nothing similar to eToro’s social trading on Webull. They expect their users to know enough about trading to be able to do it on their own. This approach has its pros and cons, but so far it seems to be working just fine.
In short, if you do not need advanced options like Forex, futures, fixed income, or mutual funds, and no-fees trading is enough, Webull is perfect for you.
Binance – Excellent Cryptocurrency Trading Platform
As far as exclusive cryptocurrency trading platforms go, you can hardly do better than Binance. Although it had its share of legal troubles last year, it is still one of the most advanced crypto exchanges on the market. It has plenty of advanced options that will satisfy even the most demanding users. With fully functional apps for both Android and iOS that offer the same features as the web version, Binance is an excellent choice for crypto traders.
One area where Binance is lacking, at least according to users’ reviews, is customer support. Many people have complained that the support is often non-responsive and that it takes days to resolve even the simplest issues. Binance has stated that it has taken steps to improve this by opening new chat channels and extending the support via its Twitter account.
Binance is notable for its many advanced trading orders that allow even the most complex trading operations. A limit order, market order, stop-limit, stop market, post-only order, and several others will allow you to have full control of your assets and crypto portfolio. Combined with a wide array of listed cryptocurrencies, it is easy to see why Binance is the largest crypto exchange on the market.
Due to local laws, Binance will limit how many and which coins it offers to customers from different countries. For instance, the United States users will have access to just 75 tokens, limiting their ability to trade. Compared to hundreds of digital coins offered on Binance’s global trading platform, 75 does sound like a pitiful number. However, all the most popular cryptos list among them, so it is not as inconvenient as it may sound.
Fidelity – The Best Trading Platform for Beginners
Fidelity is the oldest trading platform on our list, founded in 1947. For most of its existence, Fidelity was strictly a US broker, becoming an international one in the 1990s. Later, it added an online platform as well that proved very popular with users, especially with the low-cost trading it offers.
Fidelity has a vast library of educational materials and videos, explaining in detail every aspect of stock trading. This can provide invaluable help to inexperienced traders, helping them better understand the process and learn the craft. Coupled with excellent asset care and insightful tools, Fidelity has created one of the best trading platforms in the world for beginners.
Fidelity does not charge commission for stock and ETF trading, transfer fees, bank transfer fees, or account closure, like so many other trading platforms. They, however, charge live assistance $32.95. This broker fee is among the highest on the market, and using it regularly can quickly add up. Their trading algorithm tracks 50 market centers, ensuring that once you have acceptance of your order, you will get the best possible price available for both buying and selling.
The cons of using Fidelity are few, but they are significant. First, they accept only users from the United States. Second, Fidelity does not list futures, cryptocurrency, or commodities ― only stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and options. If this is unacceptable, you will be better off with some other trading platform from our list.
Ally Invest – Excellent Trading App for Mobile Users
In this day and age, it is unfathomable for any serious trading platform not to have an app. However, Ally Invest takes it one step further than the competition. It is a fully functional and optimized app that offers even more features than some web platforms. Ally Invest has managed to create probably the best trading application we have ever seen.
When using Ally Invest, there are no deposit minimums. You can fund your account with any amount you want, and Ally Invest will let you start trading immediately. For people who do not have huge funds at their disposal but want to try their hand at trading, this is an ideal situation. In addition, there are no fees when trading US stocks.
All those features do come at a price, though. Ally Invest does not support any international stocks, so you are limited to the US only. It also lacks many advanced features present on other trading platforms. That makes it less than an ideal solution for experienced traders, especially compared to what the competition is offering.
In addition, Ally Invest offers mortgages, checking accounts, and loans to its users, all handily located in one place.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has helped you choose the best online trading platforms in 2022. Our recommendation goes to eToro for its comprehensive solutions and a vast variety of options.
