Day trading isn’t investing. It’s short-term, high-stakes speculation where speed, execution, and information matter more than long-term fundamentals. A day trader buys and sells stocks, ETFs, options, or crypto within a single trading day—often within minutes—aiming to profit from rapid price movements.
It offers the potential for fast gains but comes with equally fast risk. Slippage, high volatility, and poor tools can make or break a position. That’s why serious day traders rely on platforms that offer real-time data, direct order routing, minimal fees, and strong technical charting tools. Without the right app, you’re not just slower—you’re exposed.
If you’re just getting started, you might also want to look at our guide on the Best Investing Apps for Beginners in 2025 or the broader Fintech & Investing Tools in 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Building Wealth with Technology for an overview of how tech is changing money management.
Below are seven trading apps that, as of June 2025, offer the speed, control, and insight needed to compete. We break down pricing, features, who each app is suited for, and what to watch out for.
Quick Comparison Table
| App | Best For | Trading Fees | Standout Feature | Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBKR Pro/Lite | Advanced & algo traders | $0–$0.005/share | Direct market access | Interface complexity |
| thinkorswim | Chart-driven strategy traders | $0 stocks, $0.65 options | Deep charting & FRED data | Resource-heavy desktop |
| Webull | Mobile-first active traders | $0 for most trades | Pre/post-market + free L2 data | App can be glitchy |
| Robinhood | Beginners easing into day trading | $0 trading | Very user-friendly mobile design | Limited order types |
| moomoo | Pre/post market focused traders | $0 trades, 6.8% margin | Strong earnings calendar + paper trading | UI learning curve |
| TradeStation | Programmers + frequent traders | $0 stocks, $0.60 options | Fast rule-based automation | Complex pricing tiers |
| TrendSpider | Technical analysis + alerts | $39–$119/mo | Automated charting & backtesting | No trade execution |
1. Interactive Brokers (IBKR Pro/Lite)
- Fees: IBKR Pro: $0.005 per share (min. $0.35); IBKR Lite: $0 commission
- Best For: Advanced and algo traders
- Pros: Ultra-low margin rates, direct market access, deep customization, desktop & mobile TWS platform
- Cons: Interface can feel overwhelming
- Ideal If You: Trade large volumes, use margin, or rely on complex orders
2. Charles Schwab (thinkorswim)
- Fees: $0 stock/ETF trades; $0.65 per options contract
- Best For: Tech-savvy traders who use chart-driven strategies
- Pros: Robust charting, FRED data, advanced scanners
- Cons: Heavier desktop resources usage
- Ideal If You: Trade options and prefer desktop logic with mobile backup
3. Webull
- Fees: $0 stock/ETF/options; free Level 2 data
- Best For: Active retail traders wanting advanced tools and no fees
- Pros: Strong mobile UI, extended hours, technical indicators
- Cons: Occasional app bugs; limited futures availability
- Ideal If You: Want free tools, deep mobile functionality
4. Robinhood
- Fees: $0 trading; options & crypto free, small spreads apply
- Best For: Beginners transitioning to active trading
- Pros: Extremely easy to use, no commissions, simple UI
- Cons: Limited charting, fewer advanced order types
- Ideal If You: Are moving beyond passive investing and want low friction
5. moomoo
- Fees: $0 trading (U.S. stocks); margin interest from 6.8% APR
- Best For: Traders who want strong pre/post market access
- Pros: Real-time data, deep financials, paper trading mode
- Cons: Navigation takes getting used to
- Ideal If You: Need access to fundamentals and global trading hours
6. TradeStation
- Fees: $0 stock trades; options $0.60/contract; futures require separate agreement
- Best For: High-frequency traders needing speed and programmable rules
- Pros: Speedy execution, backtesting tools, strong scripting language
- Cons: Not ideal for casual users; pricing model is complex
- Ideal If You: Write your own trade strategies or want rule-based execution
7. TrendSpider
- Fees: $39–$119/month depending on plan
- Best For: Chart-focused traders needing smart alerts and automation
- Pros: Automated trendlines, backtesting, multi-timeframe analysis
- Cons: No trade execution (analytics only); best as a companion app
- Ideal If You: Already use another broker but want better technical signal tools
Real User Scenario: Jason, Part-Time Trader
Jason is a 41-year-old engineer who trades U.S. equities part-time before work. He began during the pandemic and has steadily built a routine around market prep and morning trading windows.
His approach:
- Uses TrendSpider each evening to scan for setups, backtest strategies, and set smart alerts
- Checks Webull pre-market to find early movers and executes trades using its fast mobile platform
- Tracks overall financial performance using a tool from our Best Apps for Tracking Your Net Worth list
Jason says separating prep from execution improved his discipline. He no longer second-guesses setups mid-trade. Though he explored passive options through Wealthfront and Betterment, he found day trading more engaging.
Results: In the past 18 months, Jason outperformed the S&P 500 by 4.2% annually—not from lucky picks, but by being consistent, data-driven, and using tools that fit his schedule.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Is day trading still profitable in 2025?
Yes, but it requires more skill and faster tools than ever. Lower spreads and more competition make edge harder to maintain.
What’s the best app for beginner day traders?
Webull or Robinhood offer low-cost entries with useful interfaces. For more tools, moomoo is a smart step up.
Do all day trading apps offer pre-market access?
No. Some, like Robinhood, offer limited access. moomoo, IBKR, and Webull support extended hours.
Can I use multiple apps for day trading?
Yes. Many traders use one for execution and another (like TrendSpider) for analytics.
Don’t Let Your App Hold You Back
If you’re active in the markets, your tools either give you an edge—or cost you one. The best trading apps combine fast execution, clear interface design, and data that doesn’t lag. Whether you’re just starting or scaling up, match your app to your needs. Avoid overpaying for features you won’t use—and never rely solely on hype.
Want to explore more tools for traders and investors? Read our Top 10 Fintech Tools Every Investor Should Know, or if you’re building a long-term portfolio, try Best Dividend Trackers and Portfolio Management Tools.
Want a broader perspective on how tech is shaping finance? See our full guide on Fintech & Investing Tools in 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Building Wealth with Technology.
