Long gone are the days when you had to sit by the phone for hours to trade stocks during opening hours.

Thanks to stock trading apps, traders can access the market at any time from anywhere, buying, selling, and trading with the push of a button. 

While trading apps are here to make life easy, I’ve found that not all of them are created equal.

I have carried out in-depth research to find the best stock trading apps in Australia. I’ve ranked and reviewed the best options so you can start your stock trading journey in 2024.

Table of Contents:

Best Stock Trading Apps in Australia

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When you’re looking for an app to get started, look no further than these.

I’ll tell you why I picked them and go over the things I looked for when creating my list.

Read over the details and use these reviews to choose your preferred broker, with a trading app to help take your trading to the next level.

1. eToro
2. Pepperstone
3. AvaTrade
4. CMC Markets
5. IG Trading
6. Superhero
7. SelfWealth
8. Stake
9. IC Markets
10. Interactive Brokers

1. eToro – Best Stock Trading App Overall in Australia

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Key App Features:

Social Crowd Sharing 

Perhaps the most popular feature that traders benefit from using eToro’s trading app is a little thing called crowd sharing. Traders of all levels can use this feature to take a peek at what other traders are doing, taking their pick of those who are highly successful.

Not only can traders observe a trader’s every move, they can also set up their account for copy trading, which will have them making the same moves the pros, to boost their trading success. 

In-Depth Analysis 

Opening up the eToro trading app gives traders access to a slew of information. Not only can they check out the latest market news but they can also take a look at real-time data. The app offers each trader a chance to configure their homepage, accessing the charts and other analysis tools that they need to make better trades. 

Configurable Alerts

Not everyone has time in the day to stay glued to their phone and check out the latest trends. With the help of automated tools and advanced software, traders can opt for notifications for events like price drops, breaking news, and news about any stock that’s on their watchlist.

All of this is useful information that can come in handy if you’re constantly on the go but want to keep in on the action.

Read our full eToro review for further details.

2. Pepperstone

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Key App Features 

Pepperstone does not have its own app. This means you will need to use it with your own platform such as MetaTrader and cTrader. 

Here are the platforms you can use them with and the features that make them special. 

Trading View 

Connect to Trading View to use charting tools and connect with the largest social trading network in the world. You can also use all the industry charting technology and have access to an economic calendar. 

cTrader 

This platform is best for those who want an educational environment. You can access FIX API and control order fills if you have the advanced cTrader. 

MetaTrader 4

This is the most popular trading platform. You can build your own advisors and run MQL4. You can also use the Authochartist and access over 28 indicators and EAs with the different SmartTrader tools. 

MetaTrader 5 

This is basically Metatrader 4 but with more features. You can code with MQL5 and enjoy faster processing. It also has more advanced customisation.

3. AvaTrade

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That is exactly what AvaTrade is: a feature-heavy platform good for employing any strategy.

What makes AvaTrade stand out is its versatility. It trades in basically every form of security, from options and Forex to cryptocurrency, and allows you to use every tool you can think of to trade it.

It has information on how these things work, tutorials on how to work them, and analytics to show when the right time is to use one over the other. Basically, the only thing that it does not do for the professional traders is get them coffee in the morning. Of course, that can be an issue.

Staring at AvaTrade’s walls of text describing the difference between a “straddle” and a “butterfly”, your experience with it may just as likely be resignation as euphoria. 

That is, of course, unless you know what you are doing. 

If you know what to look for, AvaTrade will serve you well. But if you are just starting out in retail investment, then you are going to need to adjust to having the whole world at your fingertips. 

Luckily, AvaTrade rewards experimentation. The lack of brokerage fees and access to tons of different platforms both mean that you get to trade at your own pace without being punished. 

Just be sure to cancel your account if you feel it is not right for you, otherwise you may get saddled with fees for having an inactive account.

4. CMC Markets

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There is no order type that is off-limits, and the app allows traders to do all the research necessary to make better choices about trades.

The app is an all-in-one interactive experience that allows traders to really get into trading. They can access the latest news and even score access to commentary from some of today’s most professional market analysts.

Key App Features:

Conditional Sell Orders 

When you’re not there to watch what’s happening in the market minute-by-minute, there’s a lot that you can miss out on. To help keep you in the loop and secure your investments, CMC Markets offers conditional sell orders, which will buy or sell your shares when they hit a target price. Set them up and let the mobile trading app take care of the rest. 

Real-Time Info 

At any time if you’re curious about your portfolio, you can log in and check it out with help from real-time market info. CMC Markets keeps a close watch on your portfolio, helping you decide when to make moves and when to hold back. Browse your investments and decide when you want to make moves anytime from anywhere. 

Usability 

The app has all of the same options as the desktop web page. The webpage has a ton of things to do, which could get crowded without a mindful app layout. Luckily, the app is highly organised and allows traders to navigate with ease.

Find things quickly with the homepage search bar, or scroll down and access all the key options you need including adding and withdrawing funds and executing buys and sells.

5. IG Trading

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There are options to download demos and get a feel for using the app before you dive in headfirst, creating a full-on immersive learning experience for traders of all levels.

Key App Features:

Truly Native App 

A lot of apps these days work well with a few systems and not so well with others. It can be difficult to make an app that fits all configurations, which is why IG Trading decided to cater to all systems. Whether you’re an iOS user or an Android user (the battle continues!) there is a specific configuration for you.

The native app works perfectly with all environments to adjust to every user. 

Frequent Tweaks 

The apps update regularly but, the more often they do, the safer and more useable they become. IG Trading is always going back to the drawing board, making tweaks to improve security and add new features. Security is an important feature that all trading platforms should emphasise, adding an extra layer to help reduce the chances of a cyberattack. 

Free Trial 

Don’t you like to try things before you buy? Well, with IG Trading, you can! Get a chance to get a feel for the app before you sign up and create an account, trying it out for size. You don’t have to deposit funds to check it out, simply install it to your preferred mobile device and take it for a spin.

6. Superhero

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The app is interactive and filled with educational tools that can help traders take their skills up a few notches.

Key App Features:

No Monthly Fee 

Trading platforms can charge monthly fees if their fee structure allows, which takes profits out of users’ pockets. While there are not too many truly free or low-cost trading platforms on the web, Superhero is one of them.

It doesn’t charge users fees to keep their account open and it keeps their brokerage fees flat. This helps traders keep more money in their pockets so that they can get back to the stuff that matters. 

Watchlists

Apart from a look at charts and news, the Superhero app allows traders to create watchlists, which they can customise to find the stocks that they’re interested in. When stocks drop to a certain value, or when they go up, it’s good to know so that traders can make quick decisions to buy or trade.

On top of watchlists, traders can set up alerts too, notifying them if there is something that deserves their immediate attention.  

Flat Brokerage Fees 

Brokers have to make their money somehow. Still, some tack on fees to things like interest or other things to keep fees for frequent traders lower. Superhero does that, attempting to offer traders an incentive to trade when they want to, without worrying about dipping too far below their budget. It costs just $5 flat, and some trades will cost traders nothing at all (like ETFs!).

7. SelfWealth

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There is never an inactivity fee and there are options to sneak a peek at portfolios from some of the most successful traders while you learn the ropes.

Key App Features:

No Charges for Inactivity 

Some accounts out there are not the best for investors, charging once there is no activity. While some accounts start to charge when inactivity extends past a year, others tack on an inactivity fee in as little as one month.

SelfWealth doesn’t do that, allows traders to jump in and make trades when they want to or settle on shares and hold on for a while. Not all traders who choose a trading app want to constantly keep trading, benefiting from services that won’t charge them for it. 

Portfolio Analysis 

Market analysis tools are just one of the types of tools that SelfWealth offers. In addition, there are portfolio analysis tools that will take a look at an investor’s portfolio and grade it based on its health. A look at the overall value and the value of individual assets is what traders will find, and it’s all accessible from the mobile app. 

Interactive Trading 

Trading on a desktop is fun, but there is nothing quite like trading with a mobile device. For starters, traders actually get to swipe, tap, and double-click their way through trades, really getting into it. SelfWealth’s mobile app is designed with ease in mind, where traders can navigate, buy, sell, trade, and learn with the click of a few buttons.

8. Stake

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Key App Features:

Asset Options 

With Stake, Australians have access to all kinds of assets. Not only do they have tons of options within the ASX, but they also offer access to top Forex accounts, some of which feature the most brag-worthy stocks like top social media platforms, top tech companies, and even telecommunications. 

From domestic stocks and purchasing within the NYSE to crypto, traders have options to do it all from one place.  

Zero Brokerage Fees 

Even with all of the options to choose from, Stake doesn’t get greedy and start to rack up the charges. Instead, it makes sure to keep them at a minimum, charging mostly nothing for brokerage across the board. ETFs and other US stocks are tradable without brokerage fees, allowing investors to spend less and keep more in their pocket.

No-Hassle In-Depth Analysis 

For details about the market that affect your ability to trade, you don’t want just any form of analysis. Stake comes with an in-depth analysis that traders can access right from their mobile phones. Simply tapping the icon will bring up the home dashboard which shows how shares are doing along with suggestions on how to maximise trading days and use investments to the fullest.

9. IC Markets

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You can also trade things like Forex, crypto, commodities, and some futures, but it doesn’t allow options trading. The app is known for speed and an easy-to-use interface for your needs. It’s the perfect learning platform, but also great for experienced traders.

Key App Features

IC Markets has a lot to offer, with a broad range of choices. Despite the innovative platform, many advanced users feel it’s geared towards beginners more than other users. 

Fast Execution

This platform is known for expedient trade execution. Getting your trades taken care of quickly can sometimes make or break an approach. Having a system that lags, or isn’t reliable for execution is never what you want to experience. That won’t be a problem here. 

MetaTrader5

If you aren’t familiar with MT5, it’s a simple platform that has advanced features. It’s far more impressive than MT4 as far as features go, which is why it’s a top choice of the quality stock apps. This includes the faster processing benefit, but also customisation tools on your own app too. 

Wide Variety

One of the top things that lead us to IC Investments is simply how robust the platform is. It has a heavy focus on both Forex and crypto, but it really doesn’t limit your stock options that much. You simply have to learn how to filter and sort to prioritise stocks in your feed and you will be set. It’s nice to have variety to choose from.

10. Interactive Brokers

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Interactive Brokers is robust, and excellent when it comes to stock trading. It has low fees, tons of features, and the ability to make trading simple and smart. You might be impressed to know that it is slated to have some of the lowest trading fees on the market.

Key App Features

While Interactive Brokers is a highly sought-after platform, everything about it appeals to more advanced users. These are some of those features to know about. 

Fee Structure

This platform is well-known for low fees. The trading fees are low, and the cost of using their platform is one of the lowest options you will find. That being said, it seems to make up for this by adding other fees that you may not be expecting. 

As an advanced trader, these may not matter to you, but you should know about them. This includes exchange fees, clearing fees, inactivity fees, and some subscription requirements for certain accesses. These are all reasonable, but could add up. 

Getting Started

This is one stock broker app that is more challenging to get started on, but remember it’s geared towards experienced users. The minimum deposit to get started is much higher, requiring close to 30,000 AUD to open an account. 

Those users who are advanced will likely not have a problem with this, but it could be a deterrence for other traders just looking for a good stock app. 

Innovative Technology and Education

Interactive Brokers knows what advanced traders are looking for. This includes using technology that delivers, as well as providing high-quality education for them to work with. You can utilise powerful trading platforms, take advantage of free tools, and even try out fractional trading for certain holdings. 

The education available allows you to know what you are doing before you make any decisions. You can access a wide variety of knowledge from your trading desk, and all throughout the app as well.

Guide to Mobile Stock Trading

Getting started trading with mobile apps is simple, though there are a few things you should know before you dive in.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting to embark on your journey, you’re sure to find useful information here that will help you take off and start trading in no time.

How to Choose an Online Broker

When it comes to choosing solid trading options in Australia, there are a few key things that traders should look for.

When choosing our list of the best stock trading apps, this is what I looked for in the brokers.

The Cost 💰️

We’re not just talking about what they advertise. Take a second to read the fine print and really understand what trades will cost you. A lot of brokers out there tack on costs that you might not be aware of if you’re just browsing around. Some examples out there are cost per trade, inactivity fees, and even deposit and withdrawal fees.

All of these things add up and could result in less return on your investments. Don’t wait until you get slugged with fees to figure it out, and make sure that you understand the fee structure before you sign up with any broker.

Customer Care 📠️

The last thing you want when you run into trouble is a lack of customer care. I made sure that our choices have customer service that cares, and that is actually there when you need it.

Some brokers do a great job of making their contact info visible. Others will send members on a scavenger hunt to find useful information. I like to see brokers that encourage members to contact them for questions or doubts, adding more than one way to get ahold of them. Look for brokers that offer: 

• A phone number 
• An email address
• A chatbot
• A list of FAQs and answers 
• A forum with user interaction

The Platform 🖥️

When everything checks out on the safety end, traders can start looking for preferences, including the platform and the app. If it’s fun to use, you’ll be more likely to feel comfortable using it for buying, trading, and selling.

That’s why I check out the broker’s platform, taking a tour around all of the most used areas. Included on that list are charting and market analysis areas, buying and selling areas, and areas where you can process deposits and withdrawals. The market moves fast, and so should your broker, to be able to keep up with all of the swift changes that come about during a trading day.

The Benefits of Research: Why & How To

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Finding a broker that fits your financial needs and goals is one of the most important parts of trading. A close second is researching the market to find out which ones to buy into and which assets to choose.

Choosing a market and the options within it for investing and trading is difficult and takes time to understand how to do like the pros. 

One of the simplest markets for trading is known as ETFs, which also come with lower risk in most cases. ETFs feature similar assets that are bundled together, which can help new and seasoned investors buy into something with more confidence.

ETFs are not the only stocks out there that are great for investors of all levels, as it just depends on what is happening in the market and across the globe.

Research is the best thing that traders can do, getting them prepared for what the market is going to do and how they can invest in it to turn a profit. Research shouldn’t just cover one or two stocks but, should expand across the market and other markets that are sure to affect it. 

All traders and investors are encouraged to keep up with the latest news and keep a close watch on what stocks are doing before they decide to buy, sell, or trade, to get the best out of their invested amount.

Though you might want to refrain from diversifying as a new trader, seasoned investors can take steps to grow their portfolio with the help of research, making one that works for them and their financial goals. 

The Cost of Trading Stocks: What You Need to Know

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A lot of traders start to dream big before their first trade. They look at the amount they have to invest and take a look at a company that is on the rise and start to imagine what the positive slope could mean for their pockets.

While that’s not a bad place to start, it’s always good to factor in costs and really find out how much it is to trade. 

Consider Expenses 

Brokers have expenses weaved into their services in one way or another, each somehow affecting a trader’s overall revenue. Thanks to the internet, there are brokers of all kinds out there that do not charge a brokerage fee, allowing traders to log in and start trading without having to worry about fees.

Still, that doesn’t mean that investors will get off scot-free if they trade, as ETFs and mutual funds come with a little thing known as expense ratios. 

The group of assets within an ETF are managed by a person who is paid a percent annually. That percentage is paid by all investors, sometimes adding up to 0.1% of investments. To put that into perspective, that could mean that, for every $1000 you have invested, you’ll have to pay $1.00 in expenses each year. While on this scale it doesn’t seem like much, it can definitely add up. 

Consider Risk Too

It’s not always fun to think about the risks but, it could be the thing that saves the day when investing and trading. Losses do happen and, in most cases, investors are not prepared in the slightest. A good way to start treating risk is to take a step back and think about what would happen if the asset all of a sudden dropped 50% of its value.

What would your next step be? Would you buy, sell, trade, stay? All of these are key questions to determining what your next moves will be. If you said to buy more, you clearly have a higher tolerance for risk, looking at it as a way to buy low and make your lost investments back when the market kicks back up. 

Of course, a high risk tolerance is more practical for someone who has a solid set of funds to fall back on. Those without emergency funds that they can dip into might need to act more conservatively and really make a plan for the worst. If the market drops, think of what your next moves will be and plan your investments from there.  

Trading and Taxes

Another thing that a lot of investors fail to consider is their taxes. Taxes are an important thing to consider, and they can put a damper on the value of your investments if you’re not careful. In most cases, Aussies will have to pay taxes on the profits they make on their investments, something that is referred to as capital gains tax. 

One of the main reasons for this tax structure is that it encourages investors to buy and hold onto stocks long term, cutting down the taxes for money that’s invested vs. money that’s sold and traded.

The amount of taxes will go up if your investment turns a profit and will go down if you wind up losing value, making it something all investors should keep track of while trading. 

For those who are into trading and looking for ways to decrease the amount of taxes they will have to pay at the end of the year, it’s a good idea to start taking a look into alternate accounts that can offset brokerage accounts. There are many options of this sort, all of which could work to help maximise profits and reduce the amount of taxes paid on investments every year. 

How to Trade your First Stock with a Trading App: Step by Step

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If you’re ready to get in on the action and have decided that you’re ready to start trading, then the first thing you’ll need to do is pick a broker. Once you know the one that you would like to invest with, then just follow these steps to buy and trade your first stock with a mobile trading app. 

Step 1. Create an Account ✅️

As a new trader on a brokerage website, the first thing you’ll need to do is create an account. You can do that by finding ‘Create an Account’ on the homepage of the broker you selected. Then, simply fill out the required info, choose a username and password, and then head over to your email inbox to confirm it. 

Step 2. Download the App ✅️

Before you move on to the next steps, you should download the app so it’s up and ready to go when your account is open and approved. 

Step. 3 Verify your Identity ✅️

Because you’ll need to connect your payment information and your tax ID, you’ll need to verify your identity before you can get full access. To do that you’ll need to provide a valid ID, your tax ID, proof of address, and proof of banking account. All of that together can take up to 24 hours, so make sure that you’re prepared for this before you start the process. 

Step 4. Log In ✅️

When things are ready and approved, it’s time to log into the app. If you’re a new trader, take advantage of apps that offer a demo account before you add any of your personal funds. If not, take the app for a spin and make sure you know where everything is at before you add funds. 

You might want to opt for a tutorial if there is one, getting a feel for where all the most important things are so you can make moves quickly when you need to. 

Step 5. Research ✅️

As I mentioned above, it’s recommended to do some research before you make your first trade. Take a look at what the market is doing using the apps analysis tools and decide what your best move is.

Take it a step further if needed and do some research outside of the app, looking at breaking news and events that could affect the companies that you’re looking into investing with. 

Step 6. Find your Stock ✅️

After researching, you may have found the stock you want to invest in. If you did, you’ll need to find it, heading over to the search bar and typing in the name. Once you find it, take a look at the price, seeing how many shares can fit into your budget. 

Step 7. Add Funds ✅️

Using one of the accepted payment methods, add funds to your account. Be sure to set a budget and keep that in place while trading, making sure that you don’t overdo it. Select the payment option, the amount, and add funds, moving one more step closer to owning your first stock. 

Step 8. Buy your Stock ✅️

When using a mobile trading app, you’ll have a place where you can log in to buy, sell, or trade. Once you select to buy, be sure that you configure your account the way that you want to. That means adding stop losses and other orders that will keep your investment safe. Once you get it set up, buy stock and consider yourself an official stockholder. 

Step 9. Monitor ✅️

When you buy your first stock, your job is far from over. You also have to keep an eye on it and make sure that things are going as planned. If you’re like a lot of traders, you don’t have time to sit and watch the fluctuations in the market, which is why you should add notifications to your account.

These will notify you of important things like price drops and more, making sure that you know what’s going on at all times, so that you can decide what your next moves will be. 

Creating Trading Strategies

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If you’re a true beginner, you’ll need some time to get a real feel for the market before you start developing a trading strategy.

You’ll start to grow into what you like and move toward the things that work for you. Once you get the hang of it; you can move on to more advanced trading strategies to start growing your investments. 

One strategy is options trading. Options trading comes with a lot of volatility, meaning that it comes with higher risk. The higher risk options with stocks could mean trouble for traders that don’t know the ropes, but it also could mean a huge jump in value. 

Another strategy is trading on margin, which allows the trader to borrow from the broker to trade stocks. Again, this is a strategy that comes with a lot of risks and can mean that traders walk away with much more than they came with. 

Margin traders can also take a look at a short stock, which entails selling the stock now and buying it later in hopes to make a profit from the difference. Again, this is not an option that’s recommended for the faint at heart, as it takes some in-depth analysis and requires that all traders know what they’re getting into it before they buy or sell. 

Advanced strategies are out there, and they come with a lot of opportunities to make a profit but, they are not recommended for new traders. Traders who are barely making it on the market and learning the ropes are advised to stick with easier trading first, building up their value and then taking it to the next level little by little.

Pros & Cons of Mobile Trading Apps

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As a trader, you always have to weigh your options. Mobile apps for trading come with a lot of conveniences, though they are not the best option for everyone. Are mobile apps the perfect addition to your trading setup? Let’s find out. 

The Pros

• ✔️ They’re 100% mobile! Buy, sell, trade, research, and learn, all from one spot and, take it with you wherever you go. 
• ✔️ Usability – Mobile apps are simple to navigate and easy to use, most of them featuring all of the most-used features right on the home page. 
• ✔️ Configurable – From the notifications to the setup on screen, traders can change their app to work they want it to. Add alerts for price drops or set up market orders to stop losses and reduce risk. 
• ✔️ Quick Access – All the latest news and market trends are just a click away at all times, some of them even triggered by automatic alerts. 
• ✔️ Security – Mobile trading apps come with full encryption and more security to keep traders safe. Traders should always take security precautions when using mobile apps, logging in with secure browsers, and protecting passwords. 

The Cons 

• ✖️ Limitations Apply – Though you can do virtually anything, no app is 100% inclusive. Some apps come with a limitation and only allow for a certain set of actions. 
• ✖️ Space – When analysing the market and comparing and contrasting graphs, mobile devices just don’t have the size. It can be difficult to see and uncomfortable for in-depth analysis.
• ✖️ Quickly Outdated – Apps are part of a vigorous release cycle, getting left behind quickly if they don’t keep up. Brokers have to keep them updated and stay in the know about the hottest mobile app trends.

Trading Tips for Aussies 📝️

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We know you’re probably excited and ready to take off and start trading. Before you do, check out these top tips for trading, incorporating them into your next trading day.

Tip #1. Plan

There is nothing worse than a trading day without a plan. Take a moment, set your budget, browse your markets, and have a good idea of how you want to execute your plan.

Creating an investment or trading plan is not something that you can likely do too quickly, taking time to really consider your every move. The best investors and traders are well-prepared and able to execute their exit strategies in seconds if things start to go in an unexpected direction.

Pro Tip: No matter what level of investor you are, it’s a good idea to take a look at what other investors are doing. It gives you a different angle of the market and may help spur an idea that wasn’t there before. Take advantage of brokers with social and copy trading to amp up your strategy.

Tip #2. Research

Research is what helps to keep you out of the red and make more informed trading decisions. Make sure that you do your research, knowing exactly what moves to make and when.

Good research requires good tools, some of which top brokers out there will have. Use the tools provided by brokers to take a look at charts and trends before making any trades. Remember, you’re not limited to the platform you choose, though many of them offer advanced tools to really get a good feel for the market. If possible, add integrations to your platform for a more in-depth look at the market. 

Pro Tip: The market has a lot to do with current news, which is why it’s recommended to vary your sources. Don’t just look at economic news but take a look at global news or any other news that could directly affect your investments. The more you know about what’s going on in the world, the more you’ll understand how the market works.

Tip #3. Configure

Most modern trading apps allow you to configure your account to avoid losses. Use a stop loss to keep from losing your investments and take advantage of auto trading when prices hit exactly where you want them, even if you’re not around to do it yourself.

Don’t just stop there either, making sure that you allow your trading app to send push notifications. Some of the notifications that the best apps send out include price drops and breaking news, both of which can be a key opportunity for buying, trading, or selling. 

Pro Tip: Don’t just execute any order and don’t allow all notifications. Take some time to really consider what’s most important for you and configure your account accordingly. There are a lot of good things that can come from configuring your account, so make sure to take advantage and start enjoying a more advanced way to trade.

Tip #4. Tweak 

The market is changing and evolving all of the time. For that reason, traders always are adaptable. Adjusting to changes in the market and tweaking strategies based on those changes is a way to stay up-to-date and keep from getting left behind. 

For investors, research is typically more important, checking the history of assets along with projections. Traders, on the other hand, should stay on top of the market and changes within their assets as often as possible. The more fluid investors and traders are, the better they can be at picking and choosing the right stocks for them.

What are Mobile Stock Trading Apps?  📱️

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The stock market has been around for many years, evolving with the times. While you used to have to call in to make your trades, the web changed that, allowing traders to conveniently buy online. Online trading too, has evolved thanks to mobile apps. 

Desktop versions are convenient, but apps feature a user-friendly design that’s made for quick access. The modern trading app is a revolutionary way to buy, sell, and trade, where investors can use the help of technology to trade better and keep a better grip on the market.

It’s not just about that either, with access to trends, analysis tools, and news, all from one app. 

Because of the opportunity, trading apps bring to investors and traders, they are a hot commodity, one that all of the best brokers in the business are adding to their setup. 

Best Stock Trading App Features

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Just like any other category of app out there on the market, not all trading app are created equal. Some apps have really gone above and beyond when developing features, on the lookout for all of the top things that investors want and need to trade more efficiently.

Below, we’ll take a look at some of the features that you can expect when you invest with top brokers. 

Streaming Quotes 

Mobile trading apps are about much more than just trading. One of the most advanced features you’ll find is streaming quotes, one that highlights current prices and trends within the market.

The best apps on the market offer members a way to tap the app and get a real-time look at what’s happening, using that knowledge to decide whether or not they’re ready to trade. 

Charting 

Looking at data is difficult. It’s hard to assume things when data is only in its numerical form, which is why charting is so powerful. Top brokers have taken charting technologies and built them into their mobile apps so that traders can visualise and better understand market trends.

Traders can even select the type of graph, really getting into analysing events and making key moves to make more mindful trades. 

Notifications 

Technology can do a lot of things, one of which is pickup on triggers that investors might be on the hunt for. Instead of leaving traders to look at their phones for hours to try and find the signs, mobile trading platform app technology does it for them.

Some examples of things traders want to know about are price drops, increased prices, news about assets of interest, and breaking market news. 

App notifications are configurable, so traders have to find those that they want and select them. Setting them up in the right way could mean instant access to news that matters, alerting traders to log in quickly and see what’s happening. 

Account Information

Because the market deals with finances, it’s critical to always have an idea about what’s going on. That’s why most of the best apps on the market feature in-depth account information. Traders can tap the app at any time and get instant access to their investments and check their account balances. 

Advanced Feature: Some apps offer a complete analysis of traders’ entire portfolio, giving some suggestions about stocks they might like to invest in and other tips to maximise their investments and reduce the risk within their portfolio. 

Market Simulators 

Market simulators are a great way for traders of all levels to create a strategy and better learn about the market. A lot of the best apps out there come with market simulators that traders can take for a spin with virtual cash.

These simulators offer real-time data, access to charting, and even a look at what the market is doing so that traders can get a feel for the real thing. 

Then, using their virtual cash, traders can invest, seeing what it does from start to finish. From there, they can make moves to trade or to sell, learning how all of it works and getting the hang of things before they add any real cash. 

Direct Order Routing 

One of the most advanced features on the market is direct order routing, a technology that helps traders get an edge over their trading. It works by using advanced analytics to match traders with assets that would increase the profitability of their portfolios and reduce the risk.

These are presented as suggestions and allow traders to make a decision based on the analysis.

How We Rate & Review Stock Investing Apps

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Now I’ve introduced you to the best stock trading apps on the web, I’d like to provide some insight as to how we rank them. When selecting those that are worthy of a spot on our list, I try to choose those with a variety of features to suit all kinds of investors.

Apps are popping up daily and you may have one that is on your radar that didn’t make it to our list. You too can check out just how good they are by taking a look at all of the top things I look for when selecting the best trading apps on the web. 

Regulation 

When I start my hunt for the best apps, I always start with a look at their regulators and licenses to operate in Australia. I do not include any trading apps that come from brokers without regulators, as that could raise more than one red flag. 

First of all, brokers without a regulating body and license are illegal to operate. Second of all, without regulators, investors don’t have protection in case something happens with their investment or with the broker. Lastly, there is no guarantee that the website is safe and that the broker is operating under a certain set of standards. 

All of that and more is why I make sure all brokers are regulated, only providing the safest and most legit options you can find on the web. In Australia, most entities are regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). 

User Experience 

Once all of the legal stuff checks out, the next thing I do is try out the app. What I’m looking for is a solid user experience, one where you can navigate through the app easily and execute all of the orders that you would want to. I not only try the apps out on one device but many, seeing how it adjusts across platforms. 

I click buttons and open up tabs so that I have a good idea about how the platform performs and what kinds of tasks there are to make trading easier and more efficient. If applicable, I also try out the demo accounts, seeing what it would be like to make a trade and going through the entire process step by step. 

Tradeable Stocks

There is no use in downloading an app that doesn’t provide you with the financial options you want. While you may have your heart set on one, you still should keep your options open so that, if you want, you can diversify your portfolio. This would require access to different markets and a wide range of assets. 

All of those that are included on our list have more than a few options when it comes to choosing assets, some of the apps coming with hundreds of options in which traders can buy, sell, and trade. It could be a good idea to look at what online trading platforms offer before signing up. 

Fees 

When I make my list, I also take your finances into account. All brokers have a different fee structure. This structure is the way that they make a profit, which they can do by collecting revenue in a number of ways. Trading apps for traders and for brokers are different, each of them coming with its own set of fees that can be better or worse. 

Traders don’t want fees added to each trade just like investors don’t want fees for inactivity. While I search for apps that have fees both for traders and investors, I also look at other fees to make sure you’re keeping more of your money and losing less of it to charges just to have an account. 

Spread 

This is one that most new traders will miss, not understanding the spread and how to keep an eye out for it. The spread is the difference between the buy and sell price of a stock, which is where sellers and traders typically make their money. I check out the spread and make sure that it’s not too high so that, again, you keep more of your investments.

Trading Tools & Features 

Most of the stuff above has been critical and, once that checks out, we’re on to the finer details. One of them is trading tools, which can make all the difference in your trading experience.

We like advanced tools and features like copy trading, automated trading, and even real-time charting. Most of the top brokers have their own trading tools and also come with options to add integrations if traders need more. 

Apart from the top interactive tools, I make sure that traders can customise their accounts the way they want, getting access to the latest updates without the need to stay logged in all the time.

Instead, the best apps have automated notifications that will inform traders about price drops and fluctuations within the market that would be of interest to traders. 

Research & Analysis

We know there are some traders out there who rely on luck to make money, but, that’s not recommended. Instead, trading and investing should be accompanied by research, all of it helping traders understand what they’re getting into and how to trade.

That’s why I check for the opportunity to do research and analysis, looking for today’s hottest analysis tools. 

Features like charting, access to breaking news, and even customising indicators, I choose apps that offer research and analysis for all traders, ensuring that they can choose wisely.  

Device Compatibility 

Not all traders use the same device. For that reason, I like to see apps that are compatible with lots of devices. Not only iOS and Android but also other devices such as Windows PCs. The more devices, the more available the apps. 

Payment Methods

Traders prefer different ways to fund their accounts, which is why a broker should offer more than one. I like to see a variety when it comes to adding funds and withdrawing them, making them available to all who would like to use them.

Not only is it about the different payment methods, but also about the fees for adding and withdrawing funds.

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