Best Online Brokers for Options Trading in 2025

Options trading is complex and comes with risks, so it’s important to find a reputable online broker to conduct transactions and ensure the safety of your capital. 

Reputable brokers offer trading platforms with reliable execution, critical to capturing fleeting opportunities in the options market. They typically provide educational resources, risk-management tools and responsive customer support to help navigate options strategies and potential pitfalls. 

If you use an unreliable or unregulated platform, you could be exposed to unnecessary risks, including fraud, market manipulation and inadequate fund protection. 

In this guide, we’ll cover the top brokers based on cost, access to options trading, platform quality and overall investor experience.

Quick Look at the Best Options Trading Platforms: 

• Tastytrade – Best Overall for Options Trading 
• Interactive Brokers – Best for Global Traders 
• Charles Schwab — Best for Traders of All Levels
• Fidelity Investments – Best for Intermediate Investors
• Robinhood – Best for Beginners

How We Chose the Best Online Brokers for Options Trading

We selected the five best online brokers for options trading based on the usability of their platforms and accessibility for a broad range of users. We looked at their commission structure for trading various asset classes, the intuitiveness and efficiency of the platform’s design, mobile app functionality and ease of navigation. 

We also considered the available account options and associated minimums, the responsiveness of customer service and the depth of educational content and support resources.

5 Best Options Trading Platforms

Tastytrade – Best Overall for Options Trading 

Tastytrade is designed for active traders who are focused on options. The platform is built for sophisticated trading strategies and its library of live and on-demand educational content is produced by experienced traders. 

Key Features: 

• Fees: Tastytrade charges $1 per contract for options trading with a $10 cap on per-leg fees. Stock trades are commission-free. Account minimums vary depending on account type. 

• Investment Access: Primarily focuses on stocks, ETFs and options. 

• Platform Experience: Offers a customizable desktop platform and a mobile app that mirrors many of the desktop functionalities. The platforms offer advanced charting, analysis tools and order entry for active traders. 

• Tools/Education Highlights: Tastytrade’s live programming and on-demand video library feature experienced traders who discuss strategies, market analysis and trading concepts. 

• Drawbacks: The platform is complex and may be overwhelming for beginner or passive investors. The commission structure for options is more complicated than flat-fee brokers. 

Who It’s Best For: Experienced and active traders focused on options strategies and value in-depth trading education and a sophisticated trading platform. 

Interactive Brokers – Best for Global Traders

Interactive Brokers' low trading costs and extensive market access make it a compelling choice for active traders. The platform caters to investors who prioritize cost efficiency and a variety of investment instruments across global markets. 

Key Features: 

• Fees: Interactive Brokers’ tiered and fixed commission structures are often lower than competitors. It also offers low or no account minimums for most account types. Watch out for inactivity fees, which may apply to accounts with low trading volume. 

• Investment Access: Offers access to many exchanges worldwide to trade stocks, futures, currencies, bonds and funds. 

• Platform Experience: Provides desktop and mobile applications designed for experienced traders. The platforms are customizable but have a steep learning curve for beginners.

• Tools/Education Highlights: Offers sophisticated trading tools, real-time data, charting capabilities and research resources geared toward experienced investors. 

• Drawbacks: The platform may be too complex for novice investors looking for a user-friendly experience. 

Who It’s Best For: Experienced and active traders who prioritize low costs and global market access. 

Charles Schwab: Best for Traders of All Levels

Charles Schwab’s user-friendly platform is suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. It emphasizes education, research and customer support while providing a range of investment options and competitive pricing.

Key Features: 

• Fees: While Charles Schwab offers commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs, it charges a 65-cent fee per contract. There are no minimums for most accounts. 

• Investment Access: It provides access to various investments including stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds and futures. 

• Platform Experience: Options trading is available on mobile and desktop thinkorswim or Schwab platforms, which both offer charting, analysis tools and order entry capabilities. Customizable workspaces are available on the thinkorswim platforms. 

• Tools/Education Highlights: Charles Schwab offers extensive educational resources, including articles, videos, webinars and in-person workshops. The thinkorswim platform provides advanced trading tools and analytics. 

• Drawbacks: It offers commission-free trading for many assets, but some specialized investments may have fees. 

Who It’s Best For: Investors of all levels who want a comprehensive platform with strong educational resources, research and a choice of user-friendly and advanced trading tools.

Fidelity Investments – Best for Intermediate Investors

Fidelity Investments’ trading platform suits a wide range of investors including intermediate options traders. Known for its strong research capabilities, user-friendly platforms and excellent customer support, Fidelity is a good online broker for navigating options trading. 

Key Features: 

• Fees: Trading stocks, ETFs and options is commission-free, although an options contract fee applies to both buy and sell transactions. 

• Investment Access: A variety of investments is available including stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds and bonds.

• Platform Experience: Fidelity offers several platforms including the intuitive Fidelity.com website, the Fidelity Mobile app and Active Trader Pro, a downloadable platform designed for more active traders. Active Trader Pro provides advanced charting, options analytics and order entry tools. 

• Tools/Education Highlights: Fidelity offers research and analysis tools from its in-house team and third-party providers. Educational resources include articles, videos, webinars and learning centers dedicated to options trading. Active Trader Pro’s features include probability calculators and option chain analysis. 

• Drawbacks: Some specialized services or less common investments may have fees. 

Who It’s Best For: Intermediate options traders who value a reliable platform with strong research, educational resources and a choice of user-friendly and more advanced trading tools backed by solid customer support. 

Robinhood – Best for Beginners

Robinhood revolutionized the brokerage industry with its user-friendly mobile-first platform and commission-free trading on stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and options. New investors like it because of its simplicity and lack of account minimums. 

Key Features: 

• Fees: Offers commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs and options. There are no account minimums to get started, but it does charge fees for certain premium features and transactions.

• Investment Access: Provides access to a range of publicly traded stocks, ETFs and options. It also offers limited access to cryptocurrency trading. Access to certain complex or less liquid investments may be restricted. 

• Platform Experience: Robinhood is known for its intuitive and streamlined mobile app. The desktop platform also offers a clean design. The platform’s ease of use is great for beginners but may not have the advanced features experienced traders are looking for. 

• Tools/Education Highlights: Offers basic charting tools and market news. Educational resources are available but are not as comprehensive as larger brokers. 

• Drawbacks: Because of its simplicity, the platform may have fewer advanced trading tools and research capabilities than other online brokers. 

Who It’s Best For: People who are new to investing and prioritize a simple, mobile-first platform and commission-free trading. 

Choosing the Right Options Trading Platform

Selecting the right online broker is the first step for anyone venturing into options trading. The platforms in this guide cater to various needs and experience levels. Whether you prioritize advanced tools and education like tastytrade and thinkorswim, global market access with Interactive Brokers or a beginner-friendly interface with Robinhood, understanding each broker's features, fee structures and platform nuances will empower you to make an informed decision that aligns with your trading goals and risk tolerance. 

Frequently Asked Questions