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Interactive Brokersvs.Robinhood

Head-to-head comparison across ratings, fees, asset coverage, and platform breadth.

Interactive Brokers logo

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Last reviewed May 13, 2026Data may be outdated — verify rates before acting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 logo

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Last reviewed May 13, 2026Data may be outdated — verify rates before acting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.

MetricInteractiveRobinhoodWinner
OverallEditorial score4.60 / 54.30 / 5Interactive
Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees4.805.00Robinhood
Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools5.004.00Interactive
Sub-ratingsMobile app4.005.00Robinhood
Sub-ratingsResearch4.203.50Interactive
Sub-ratingsEducation4.003.50Interactive
Sub-ratingsCustomer service3.803.80Tie
Sub-ratingsRange of investments5.003.50Interactive
Sub-ratingsActive trading5.004.00Interactive
PricingLowest margin rate5.83%5.00%Robinhood
PricingDefault cash sweep yield4.33%3.35%Interactive
PricingPFOF on equitiesDoes not acceptAcceptsInteractive

Where they differ on asset coverage

Asset classInteractiveRobinhood
OTC / penny stocksYes
Options (US + global)Yes
Mutual fundsYesNo
US TreasuriesYes
Corporate / muni bonds, CDsYes
ForexYesNo
Futures / futures optionsYes
International stocksYes
OTC / Pink Sheets / OTCQX / OTCQBNo
Options (equity, ETF, index)Yes
BondsNo
FuturesYes
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