A US-focused comparison for investors choosing between a deep global brokerage platform and a simple mobile investing app.
Use the fee snapshot and key differences before opening an account.
Check entity, product type and investor protection before funding.
Use winner by category and choose-if sections to avoid brand-only decisions.
Interactive Brokers is usually stronger for experienced investors who need global markets, advanced order control, margin tools and a broad product range. Robinhood is usually simpler for US users who want an easy mobile app, but options, margin, crypto and frequent trading permissions need strict risk checks.
Best for experienced investors who need global markets low costs and advanced tools.
Read full reviewRegion-scoped Robinhood profile: US brokerage, derivatives and crypto; UK stocks and approved derivatives without ETFs; EU stock tokens, crypto and perpetual futures.
Read full reviewThis is StockTrade editorial comparison data, not live market data. Use it to narrow the broker fit, then verify current fees, products and account terms with the broker before opening an account.
Experienced investors, global market access, options, margin control, active tools and multi-currency portfolios.
US mobile-first users who want a simple app for stocks, ETFs, options and fractional shares.
Interactive Brokers is much stronger for advanced orders, global access and platform depth.
IBKR gives experienced users more granular controls, though complexity is higher.
Robinhood is easier for a simple US app-led investing workflow.
Interactive Brokers offers broader international market and product access.
Interactive Brokers is much stronger for advanced orders, global access and platform depth.
Robinhood is easier for a simple US app-led investing workflow.
Interactive Brokers offers broader international market and product access.
Robinhood has less onboarding and interface complexity, which can help simple use cases.
IBKR gives experienced users more granular controls, though complexity is higher.
Experienced investors, global market access, options, margin control, active tools and multi-currency portfolios.
US mobile-first users who want a simple app for stocks, ETFs, options and fractional shares.
9.1/10
7.7/10
Stocks / ETFs / Options / Futures / CFDs available / FX available
Stocks / ETFs / Options / Futures
Web / iOS / Android / Desktop
Web / iOS / Android / Desktop
IBKR Pro US stocks and ETFs: USD 0.0005–0.0035 per share tiered or USD 0.005 fixed; eligible IBKR Lite USD 0
US listed stocks: USD 0 Robinhood commission; pass-through fees may apply
Usually USD 0 for standard individual brokerage accounts; product and entity exceptions apply
No universal standard brokerage minimum; product, margin, Gold and deposit requirements differ
Entity-specific including Interactive Brokers LLC under SEC/CFTC and FINRA/NFA/SIPC; IBUK under FCA; IB Ireland under CBI
US broker-dealers and FCM; FCA-authorised UK entity; Bank of Lithuania-authorised EU entity
Entity and product specific; SIPC and excess SIPC figures apply only to eligible Interactive Brokers LLC securities accounts
SIPC only for eligible brokerage custody, subject to limits; excludes market losses, crypto and futures
Price the trades you will actually place. Include FX conversion, spreads, custody or platform charges, transfer-out fees and any margin or overnight funding costs before calling either broker cheaper.
Confirm whether the account gives you real stocks and ETFs, CFDs, options, cash products or another instrument. The safer-looking brand can still be the wrong choice if the product type does not match your plan.
Choose the platform that makes your intended behavior easier. If extra charts, leverage, social feeds or options prompts would push you into unnecessary trading, a simpler broker may be the better fit.
The better beginner choice depends on what would help you invest consistently without taking products you do not understand. Compare account type, real stocks and ETFs, fees, FX conversion, investor protection and platform complexity before choosing between Interactive Brokers and Robinhood.
There is no universal cheapest broker. The real cost depends on your country, trade size, asset currency, ETF availability, inactivity rules, transfer fees and whether the instrument is a real asset or a CFD. Always compare the fee schedule for the trades you actually plan to make.
No. This comparison is editorial research to help you ask better questions. It is not personal financial advice, and broker terms can change. Check official broker documents before opening or funding an account.
Last checked: May 2026. Ratings weigh fees, regulation, investor protection, platform quality, asset access, usability and reliability. Affiliate relationships do not affect ratings.