Head-to-head comparison across ratings, fees, asset coverage, and platform breadth.
Interactive Brokers
4.6 / 5
Best for active, global, and advanced traders. Lowest margin rates in the industry, broadest international access (160+ exchanges, 36 countries), and the most complete API stack in retail brokerage.
Last reviewed May 13, 2026Data may be outdated — verify rates before acting
Robinhood
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.
Last reviewed May 13, 2026Data may be outdated — verify rates before acting
Sub-rating overlap
Each broker scored 0–5 across the same 8 dimensions.
Detailed comparison
Green cells mark the winner on each metric. Tie rows are uncoloured.
Metric
Interactive
Robinhood
Winner
OverallEditorial score
4.60 / 5
4.30 / 5
Interactive
Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees
4.80
5.00
Robinhood
Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools
5.00
4.00
Interactive
Sub-ratingsMobile app
4.00
5.00
Robinhood
Sub-ratingsResearch
4.20
3.50
Interactive
Sub-ratingsEducation
4.00
3.50
Interactive
Sub-ratingsCustomer service
3.80
3.80
Tie
Sub-ratingsRange of investments
5.00
3.50
Interactive
Sub-ratingsActive trading
5.00
4.00
Interactive
PricingLowest margin rate
5.83%
5.00%
Robinhood
PricingDefault cash sweep yield
4.33%
3.35%
Interactive
PricingPFOF on equities
Does not accept
Accepts
Interactive
Where they differ on asset coverage
Asset class
Interactive
Robinhood
OTC / penny stocks
Yes
Options (US + global)
Yes
Mutual funds
Yes
No
US Treasuries
Yes
Corporate / muni bonds, CDs
Yes
Forex
Yes
No
Futures / futures options
Yes
International stocks
Yes
OTC / Pink Sheets / OTCQX / OTCQB
No
Options (equity, ETF, index)
Yes
Bonds
No
Futures
Yes
International stocks (from US)
No
Interactive strengths
Lowest margin rates in retail brokerage — IBKR Pro USD blended 5.83–6.83%
Broadest international access — 160+ exchanges across 36 countries, 28 currencies
Trader Workstation (TWS) with ~120 order types, algos, Risk Navigator
Deepest short-locate inventory; SYEP shares 50% of borrow fees with clients
Full retail API: TWS, FIX, REST/WebSocket — 7 languages
Futures and futures options on 35+ global exchanges
Robinhood strengths
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs, and options — including no per-contract options fee
3% IRA match for Gold members (1% standard) on Traditional/Roth/Rollover IRAs
Robinhood Legend desktop platform with 90+ indicators, futures ladder, Cortex AI
24/5 trading on ~900 stocks and ETFs via Blue Ocean ATS — clean UX
Cleanest mobile onboarding in retail brokerage; fractional shares from $1
Crypto coverage: ~20 coins with staking + Robinhood Wallet self-custody