The 7 Best Trading and Investing Apps for Beginners: Low Fees, Education, and Easy Tools

Mobile user interface of a beginner-friendly stock trading app showing portfolio, transaction history, and deposit screens 

Trading is complex choosing the right app immediately simplifies the learning curve and helps beginners avoid costly mistakes. In today’s world, the best app to learn trading for beginners means finding simple tools, built-in education, and zero-risk practice. Over 75% of trades now happen on mobile apps globally.​

Top 3 Recommended Apps for Beginners

• ETNA Paper Trading Platform – Best risk-free simulator for learning by doing​
• Fidelity – Best overall blend of education, low fees, and hands-on support​
• Webull – Best unlimited paper trading plus advanced chart tools​

Mobile user interface of a beginner-friendly stock trading app showing portfolio, transaction history, and deposit screens

Our Ranking Methodology: How We Chose the Best Apps for Learning

Ranking Criteria Used:

• Educational Content Quality – Are lessons, tutorials, and courses easy to find and follow?
• Fee Structure (Commission-Free Importance) – Does the app offer $0 commissions and transparent costs?
• User Interface/UX – Is the app designed for beginners, with a clear dashboard and navigation?
• Virtual/Paper Trading Availability – Can you practice trades risk-free before using real money?
• Minimum Deposit Requirements – Is entry affordable with low or $0 minimums for students and first-timers?

Webull paper trading simulator dashboard showing detailed trading interface for beginners on desktop and mobile apps 

Deep Dive: Essential Features for a Beginner Trader

Knowing what features matter most helps new traders pick the right apps to learn investing.

Virtual Trading and Paper Money Accounts

• Paper trading = Simulating real trades using fake money to learn without risk
• Best apps now offer demo accounts and stock market simulators matching real market conditions
• Develop skills, test strategies, and practice safe before risking cash
• ETNA’s Paper Trading is “institution-grade” for beginners real data, adjustable scenarios, smart analytics​

Fee Structures and Commission-Free Trading

Typical Broker Fees Comparison

Fee Type	Traditional Brokers	Modern Free Apps
Stock Commission	$5 – $10 per trade	$0
ETF Commission	$5 – $10 per trade	$0
Options Contract Fee	$0.50 – $1.00 per contract	$0 – $0.65 per contract
Account Maintenance Fee	$25 – $100 annually	$0
Minimum Deposit	$500 – $2,000	$0 – $100

Note: Fees listed as of Q4 2025. Subject to change.

User Interface (UI) and Simplified Navigation

• Clean dashboard = Easy access to balance, positions, trade buttons
• Simple app flow reduces confusion for new users
• A solid best trade app for beginners lets you:
  • Search stock (“AAPL”)
  • Tap BUY, enter shares, confirm all in under a minute
• Picture: a 60-second video would show a new user placing their first simulated trade step-by-step: search, select, confirm with a screen guide and voice instructions​

The Top 7 Apps to Learn Trading

Actionable bullet-point reviews. Quick features checklist:

App 1: ETNA Paper Trading Platform

Pros

• Full-featured paper trading, real-time/practice scenarios
• Customizable dashboard and widgets for learning
• Used by educators, brokers, and trading teachers
• No risk: practice freely, improve skills
• Transition easily to live trading with partner brokers​

Cons

• Advanced tools may feel overwhelming to true beginners
• Requires demo access or institutional partnership for “pro” features

Unique Educational Tools

1. Custom simulation setups for specific market situations
2. Real-time trade analytics with performance feedback
3. Integrated curriculum for brokers and classrooms

App 2: Charles Schwab (thinkorswim)

Pros

• “PaperMoney” simulation ($100K virtual cash)
• Pro-level charting and market data
• Tons of videos, webinars, and help​
• Link demo and live accounts for quick switch

Cons

• Complex for users who want basic investing only
• Options features are not available in all Schwab apps

Best for Advanced Learning

1. Customizable workspace tabs for different topics
2. In-depth analytics on virtual trades
3. Live news stream linked to market moves

App 3: Fidelity

Pros

• $0 commissions, no minimums, fractional shares for $1+
• Best-in-class education, guides, and webinars
• Intuitive app and dashboard
• Rewards for learning via Youth Account​

Cons

• Paper trading is not supported natively in the main platform
• Options contracts at $0.65 each

Educational Excellence

1. Webinar library and step-by-step tutorials
2. 20+ research reports from credible third parties
3. “Stocks by the Slice” for learning fractional investing

App 4: Webull

Pros

• Unlimited paper trading, zero-cost options trading
• Advanced charting, technical indicators for free
• Mobile-first, modern layout
• Extended trading hours for flexibility​

Cons

• Fewer educational courses vs larger brokers
• Tax-advantaged account options are limited

Perfect for Technical Analysis

1. Real-time Level II data, even witha  free account
2. In-app paper trading toggle: instant practice/live switch
3. Built-in trade journaling and performance review

App 5: ETRADE (Power ETRADE)

Pros

• Mobile paper trading on the Power E*TRADE app
• Extensive education resources (courses, commentary)
• Simple yet powerful mobile user experience​

Cons

• Paper trading is only available in one of two mobile apps
• No fractional shares

Options Education Excellence

1. On-screen profit/loss calculators for options
2. Interactive strategy builder tools
3. Dedicated options learning center

App 6: Interactive Brokers (IBKR Lite)

Pros

• $1M virtual trading funds
• All asset classes, global market access
• Zero commissions for U.S. stocks/ETFs​

Cons

• Complex interface, steep learning curve
• Must open an account to access demo features

Best for International Practice

1. Currency trading with paper money
2. Custom risk/profit calculators across markets
3. Advanced order types for hands-on practice

App 7: SoFi Active Investing

Pros

• $0 commissions, $1 minimum, free financial planning
• Integrated bank/investment/loan hub
• Simple and clear, great for new investors​

Cons

• Fewer research/charting features
• No paper trading simulation

Holistic Investment Tools

1. Automated investing (“robo-advisor”) for beginners
2. Free calls with certified financial planners
3. Rewards system for course completion

How to Start Trading with a Learning App (Checklist)

1. Download your chosen app and open an account, prioritizing those with built-in paper trading
2. Complete ID verification (required by all major brokers)
3. Locate the demo/paper account feature and start risk-free training
4. Take the first interactive tutorial or lesson before trading
5. Place a simulated trade track performance in your journal
6. Repeat simulated trades for 3+ months to build up knowledge
7. Transition carefully to live trading with small amounts only after consistent success in demo mode​

Never start with money you cannot afford to lose. Always master paper trading first.​

Final Verdict and Your Next Steps

After a comprehensive analysis of educational resources, fee structures, user experience, and learning support, the verdict is clear: the best app for learning trading balances comprehensive education with zero-risk practice opportunities. The platforms that excel in both dimensions ETNA’s Paper Trading Platform, Fidelity, Charles Schwab’s thinkorswim, and Webull provide the strongest foundations for long-term investing success.

For absolute beginners seeking the best app to learn the stock market for free, the choice depends on your specific learning style and goals:

Choose ETNA Paper Trading Platform if you want professional-grade trading education with institutional-quality tools, customizable learning environments, and realistic market simulation across multiple asset classes. The platform’s comprehensive approach, used by universities and broker-dealers worldwide, provides unmatched preparation for serious trading careers.​

Choose Fidelity if you want the most comprehensive educational resources combined with seamless transition to live trading within a trusted, established brokerage. Fidelity’s combination of learning tools, research quality, and investment options makes it ideal for beginners planning long-term relationships with their platform.​

Choose Charles Schwab’s thinkorswim if you’re ready to tackle advanced concepts like technical analysis and options trading with professional-grade tools. The platform’s complexity pays dividends for committed learners willing to invest time mastering sophisticated features.​

Choose Webull if you want unlimited paper trading with advanced charting tools in a mobile-first design. Webull’s zero-cost options trading and intuitive interface make it perfect for tech-savvy beginners who primarily trade from smartphones.​

Choose SoFi if you want integrated financial services that teach investing within the context of overall financial wellness. The free financial planning consultations provide personalized guidance that pure trading platforms cannot match.​

The statistics supporting educational preparation are compelling: 86% of students already use AI in their studies, and 75% of retail trades globally are executed via smartphone apps. The tools available today comprehensive educational platforms, risk-free paper trading, AI-powered insights, and commission-free execution provide unprecedented opportunities for beginners to develop investing skills that previous generations couldn’t access without substantial capital or industry connections.​

However, success requires patience and discipline. Research unequivocally demonstrates that beginners who extensively practice with paper trading before committing real capital achieve significantly better outcomes than those who immediately trade live accounts. Resist the temptation to shortcut the learning process the months spent in simulation represent invaluable insurance against costly mistakes that many beginners make with real money.​

Your immediate action steps:

1. Download your chosen platform based on the analysis above, prioritizing paper trading availability and educational resources
2. Complete identity verification so you’re ready to transition to live trading when appropriate
3. Commit to 3-6 months of paper trading before risking real capital, documenting every trade in a journal
4. Complete structured educational content rather than random exploration follow learning paths that progress logically from basics to advanced concepts
5. Try ETNA’s educational tools at 
6. https://www.etnasoft.com/trading-educators/the
7.  to experience a professional-grade trading simulation

The journey from beginner to confident investor unfolds trade by trade, lesson by lesson, mistake by mistake in simulation environments where mistakes cost nothing but teach everything. The best apps that teach you how to invest provide the rails for that journey comprehensive education, realistic practice, transparent costs, and intuitive interfaces that make learning engaging rather than overwhelming. Choose wisely, practice diligently, and remember that trading education is measured in years, not weeks. The skills you develop through patient, deliberate practice with the right platform will compound in value throughout your investing lifetime.