Trading options no longer means racking up expensive commissions and today’s top brokers are proving that you don’t need to sacrifice tools or usability to save on fees. Whether you’re just getting started with puts and calls or you’re a seasoned trader fine-tuning multi-leg strategies, several platforms are offering $0 options trading and powerful analytics to help you make informed decisions.
How We Chose the Best Free Options Trading Brokers
Every broker listed here meets the following core criteria:
- $0 base commissions on options trades
- Affordable or no per-contract fees
- User-friendly platform (mobile and desktop)
- Options-specific tools and research
- Access to fractional shares, crypto or other emerging assets (where applicable)
- No required minimums or hidden fees
Quick Look at the Best Free Options Trading Brokers:
- Best Overall: Webull
- Best for Premium Research: Firstrade
- Best for Mobile: Robinhood
- Best for Fractional Shares: SoFi Active Investing
- Best for Social Investing: Public.com
- Best for Global Trading Access: Moomoo
Best Free Options Trading Brokers
Here are the top platforms that combine zero-cost options trading with the tools, education and user experience today’s traders need to succeed.
Webull – Best Overall
Webull stands out as one of the most feature-rich mobile brokers for options trading without the price tag. The platform offers commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs and options, with no contract fees. It’s especially appealing to investors who prefer a sleek interface and fast trade execution from their phone or tablet. Webull also supports instant funding and access to crypto, making it ideal for investors who want flexibility across asset classes. While research tools are more limited than at larger institutions, the platform's clean design and strong charting still make it a smart option for many.
Key Features:
- Fees: $0 commission and $0 per-contract fee on options
- Platform experience: Optimized for mobile, with strong desktop support
- Tools: Real-time charts, screeners, options chain views
- Assets: Stocks, ETFs, crypto and options
- Drawbacks: Research and educational tools may be too light for some
Firstrade – Best for Premium Research
Thanks to its zero-commission, zero-contract-fee model, Firstrade has quietly become one of the most competitive brokers for cost-conscious options traders. What makes it truly unique is the premium research access it includes at no extra charge. Morningstar, Zacks and Benzinga feeds are all available to users. Firstrade also supports fractional share investing starting at $5 and offers a simple onboarding experience for new investors. While the user interface isn’t as modern as newer apps, it makes up for it with depth and reliability.
Key Features:
- Fees: $0 commissions and $0 per-contract fees on options
- Platform experience: Web and app interfaces are straightforward, if basic
- Tools: Options chains and educational content
- Assets: Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and options
- Drawbacks: Interface lacks customization compared to peers
Robinhood – Best for Mobile
Robinhood helped pioneer commission-free options trading and remains a go-to for traders seeking a frictionless mobile experience. Its clean interface and no-minimum structure make it approachable for beginners, while features like advanced order types and multi-leg options support appeal to intermediate traders. Robinhood also offers crypto trading, fractional shares and a matching contribution feature for IRAs. Though it’s not known for deep analytics, it continues to evolve with more educational tools and retirement offerings.
Key Features:
- Fees: $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs and options; no contract fees
- Platform experience: Streamlined app design, fast trade execution
- Tools: Real-time data, options chains, basic risk metrics
- Assets: Stocks, ETFs, options, crypto
- Drawbacks: Lacks in-depth analytics and live customer support
SoFi Active Investing – Best for Fractional Shares
- Best For:IPO InvestingVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through SoFi Active Invest (Brokerage)'s website
SoFi Active Investing offers free options trading as part of its broader effort to simplify personal finance under one roof. The platform is especially convenient for SoFi members already using its banking, lending or budgeting services. While it lacks access to mutual funds and offers limited research, it includes fractional share investing and no fees across stock, ETF and options trades. Its platform is clean and easy to navigate, though more active traders may find it underpowered compared to others on this list.
Key Features:
- Fees: $0 for options trades; no contract fees
- Platform experience: Basic but beginner-friendly mobile and desktop apps
- Tools: Simple interface with limited options analytics
- Assets: Stocks, ETFs, crypto, options
- Drawbacks: No mutual funds or advanced trading tools
Public.com – Best for Social Investing
Public brings a social twist to commission-free options trading, offering a unique community-driven experience with strong educational content. While you trade options without base commissions, Public goes further by offering users a rebate on certain options trades, helping offset regulatory fees. The platform also supports fractional investing and crypto. For those seeking deeper insight, Public offers a $10/month subscription that unlocks Morningstar research and priority support. Its interface is clean, intuitive and well-suited for newer investors.
Key Features:
- Fees: $0 commissions on options; rebates may apply
- Platform experience: Social feed integration and modern design
- Tools: Basic analytics, educational videos, optional research upgrades
- Assets: Stocks, ETFs, crypto, options
- Drawbacks: Limited technical analysis and no mutual funds
Moomoo – Best for Global Market Access
Moomoo offers $0 options commissions and differentiates itself by combining low-cost trades with advanced market data and international investing access. The platform includes free Nasdaq Level II data and supports trading in U.S., Hong Kong and China A-shares, an unusual offering for American investors. Moomoo also supports margin investing with competitive rates and fractional shares, making it ideal for investors looking to grow their portfolio while keeping costs down. While the UI is more complex than some apps, it offers powerful tools for those who want to go deeper.
Key Features:
- Fees: $0 commissions, $0 equity options, $0.50 index options fee
- Platform experience: Data-heavy interface with charts
- Tools: Level II market data, customizable alerts, global asset tracking
- Assets: Stocks, ETFs, options, crypto and foreign shares
- Drawbacks: Interface can overwhelm beginners and limited customer service
Why Free Doesn’t Mean Basic in Options Trading
It used to be that avoiding commissions meant giving up something – whether that was research, usability or access to advanced tools. But today, many brokers offer commission-free options trading without compromising on features. From real-time market data to strategy simulators and educational videos, investors now have more ways to trade options without hidden costs or inferior platforms.
That said, even with $0 commissions, it’s important to factor in other elements like per-contract fees (where applicable), customer service and mobile functionality. The right platform will depend on how frequently you trade, what kind of support you need and whether you manage a broader financial plan. Free trading is just the start – your broker should help you trade smarter, too.
Aligning the Right Broker With Your Options Strategy
Free options trading is no longer rare but not all brokers offering it are created equal. Webull and Robinhood offer mobile-first experiences, while Firstrade delivers unmatched research access at no cost. Public brings social investing and SoFi integrates investing with your broader financial life. Moomoo is a strong pick for traders wanting both advanced data and access to global markets. Whichever platform you choose, make sure it supports how you trade, not just how much you want to save.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are free options trading platforms really free?
Yes, many brokers now offer commission-free options trading, meaning there’s no base fee to place an options trade. Regulatory and exchange fees may still apply and some platforms may charge per-contract fees.
What tools should beginners look for in a free options trading platform?
If you’re new to options, look for platforms that offer clear educational content, visual strategy builders and risk analysis tools.
Can I trade complex options strategies on commission-free platforms?
Many free platforms support multi-leg strategies like spreads and straddles, but the level of control and analytics varies. More advanced platforms like Moomoo or Webull may offer customizable options chains and real-time data.
