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.
4.3 / 5
Best mobile-first broker for beginners, casual options traders, IRA contributors who want a 3% match, and 24-hour stock access. Significant gaps in OTC, mutual funds, and 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 | Robinhood | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| OverallEditorial score | 4.00 / 5 | 4.30 / 5 | Robinhood |
| Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees | 5.00 | 5.00 | Tie |
| Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools | 3.50 | 4.00 | Robinhood |
| Sub-ratingsMobile app | 4.00 | 5.00 | Robinhood |
| Sub-ratingsResearch | 3.50 | 3.50 | Tie |
| Sub-ratingsEducation | 3.50 | 3.50 | Tie |
| Sub-ratingsCustomer service | 3.60 | 3.80 | Robinhood |
| Sub-ratingsRange of investments | 3.80 | 3.50 | Firstrade |
| Sub-ratingsActive trading | 3.60 | 4.00 | Robinhood |
| PricingLowest margin rate | 10.75% | 5.00% | Robinhood |
| PricingDefault cash sweep yield | 3.50% | 3.35% | Firstrade |
| PricingPFOF on equities | Accepts | Accepts | Tie |
| Asset class | Firstrade | Robinhood |
|---|---|---|
| US stocks | Yes | |
| OTC / Pink Sheets / OTCQX / OTCQB | Yes | No |
| Options | Yes | |
| Mutual funds | Yes | No |
| US Treasuries | Yes | |
| Corporate / muni bonds | Yes | |
| Futures | No | Yes |
| International stocks (US app) | No | |
| US stocks (NYSE/Nasdaq/AMEX) | Yes | |
| Options (equity, ETF, index) | Yes | |
| Bonds | No | |
| International stocks (from US) | No | |
| IPOs | Yes | |
| Prediction markets | Yes |