Head-to-head comparison across ratings, fees, asset coverage, and platform breadth.
4.0 / 5
Best for OTC and penny-stock buyers who want $0 commissions, plus mainstream mutual-fund and 24/5 access. Smaller platform and research footprint than the big four, but the price floor is uncontested.
4.0 / 5
One of the most powerful low-cost platforms for active equity and options traders in the US. Free NASDAQ TotalView Level 2, $0 equity options, flat 6.8% margin, and Hong Kong/China A-share access. Structurally incomplete: no IRAs, no joint accounts, no mutual funds, no bonds.
Each broker scored 0–5 across the same 8 dimensions.
Green cells mark the winner on each metric. Tie rows are uncoloured.
| Metric | Firstrade | Moomoo | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| OverallEditorial score | 4.00 / 5 | 4.00 / 5 | Tie |
| Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees | 5.00 | 4.70 | Firstrade |
| Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools | 3.50 | 4.50 | Moomoo |
| Sub-ratingsMobile app | 4.00 | 4.50 | Moomoo |
| Sub-ratingsResearch | 3.50 | 4.00 | Moomoo |
| Sub-ratingsEducation | 3.50 | 4.00 | Moomoo |
| Sub-ratingsCustomer service | 3.60 | 3.50 | Firstrade |
| Sub-ratingsRange of investments | 3.80 | 3.50 | Firstrade |
| Sub-ratingsActive trading | 3.60 | 4.50 | Moomoo |
| PricingLowest margin rate | 10.75% | 6.80% | Moomoo |
| PricingDefault cash sweep yield | 3.50% | — | Firstrade |
| PricingPFOF on equities | Accepts | Does not accept | Moomoo |
| Asset class | Firstrade | Moomoo |
|---|---|---|
| US stocks | Yes | |
| OTC / Pink Sheets / OTCQX / OTCQB | Yes | |
| Fractional shares | Yes | No |
| Options | Yes | |
| Mutual funds | Yes | No |
| US Treasuries | Yes | |
| Corporate / muni bonds | Yes | |
| International stocks (US app) | No | |
| US stocks (NYSE/Nasdaq) | Yes | |
| OTC stocks | Limited | |
| Equity options (up to 4-leg) | Yes | |
| Index options (SPX, NDX, including 0DTE) | Yes | |
| US Treasuries / individual bonds | No | |
| Hong Kong stocks (HKEX) | Yes | |
| China A-shares | Yes | |
| ADRs | Yes | |
| IRAs (Traditional, Roth, Rollover, SEP, SIMPLE) | No | |
| Joint / custodial / trust accounts | No |