Head-to-head comparison across ratings, fees, asset coverage, and platform breadth.
4.0 / 5
For active day traders and short sellers with $27K+ in capital who need multi-source HTB locates, true DMA without PFOF, and a human picking up the phone. Not a fit for buy-and-hold, beginners, or anyone who wants a polished mobile app.
3.7 / 5
Direct-access broker built for active day traders who need DAS Trader Pro, ECN order routing, integrated short locates, and OTC/penny stock access. Strong on short-locate workflow; weak on transparency, mobile, and reputation given multiple FINRA enforcement actions.
Each broker scored 0–5 across the same 8 dimensions.
Green cells mark the winner on each metric. Tie rows are uncoloured.
| Metric | Cobra | SpeedTrader | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| OverallEditorial score | 4.00 / 5 | 3.70 / 5 | Cobra |
| Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees | 4.50 | 3.50 | Cobra |
| Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools | 4.50 | 4.30 | Cobra |
| Sub-ratingsMobile app | 2.00 | 2.50 | SpeedTrader |
| Sub-ratingsResearch | 2.50 | 2.50 | Tie |
| Sub-ratingsEducation | 2.00 | 2.50 | SpeedTrader |
| Sub-ratingsCustomer service | 4.50 | 4.00 | Cobra |
| Sub-ratingsRange of investments | 3.00 | 2.80 | Cobra |
| Sub-ratingsActive trading | 5.00 | 4.70 | Cobra |
| PricingLowest margin rate | 5.25% | 8.00% | Cobra |
| PricingPFOF on equities | Does not accept | Does not accept | Tie |
| Asset class | Cobra | SpeedTrader |
|---|---|---|
| OTC / Pink Sheets / OTCBB | Yes | |
| Options (multi-leg + spreads) | Yes | |
| Mutual funds | No | Limited |
| US Treasuries / bonds | No | Limited |
| International stocks / ADRs | No | |
| OTC / Pink Sheets / OTCQX / OTCQB | Yes | |
| Options (equity, ETF, SPX, other indices) | Yes | |
| Foreign stocks ("F" tickers) | Limited | |
| IRAs | No | |
| Cash accounts | No |