Best Trading Platforms for Beginners - 2025

1. Platforms for Stock & Forex Trading

eToro

eToro is a globally recognized trading platform with millions of users worldwide. It stands out for combining traditional investing with a strong social community, making financial markets more accessible to beginners and casual traders.

Unique feature: eToro is well known for its Copy Trading feature, allowing beginners to automatically copy the trades of experienced investors. It offers stocks, ETFs, and forex trading, along with social investing elements.
Learn more on eToro

Robinhood

Robinhood shook up the brokerage industry in the U.S. by bringing accessible and straightforward investing to mobile-first users. It is particularly popular among younger, first-time investors.

Unique feature: Robinhood has a mobile-first platform that popularized commission-free trading for U.S. stocks and ETFs. It’s designed with a simple interface tailored for beginners. (Availability may vary outside the U.S.)
Learn more on Robinhood

Plus500

Plus500 is a global CFD broker that emphasizes simplicity and accessibility. It is especially appealing to beginners who want to explore trading on multiple markets without an overly complex interface.

Unique feature: Plus500 provides access to CFDs across global markets and is particularly friendly for beginners thanks to its free demo account.
Learn more on Plus500

Interactive Brokers (IBKR Lite)

Interactive Brokers is known for being one of the most advanced brokers worldwide, but it also meets the needs of beginners through its simplified IBKR Lite service.

Unique feature: While Interactive Brokers is considered advanced, it offers IBKR Lite, which provides commission-free trading on U.S. stocks and ETFs with a simpler interface.
Learn more on Interactive Brokers

IG Group

IG is one of the oldest and most established global brokers, trusted for its regulatory framework and broad market access. It is also known for guiding beginners with structured resources.

Unique feature: IG also provides IG Academy, an educational hub with free online courses for new traders.
Learn more on IG

2. Platforms for Cryptocurrency Trading

Binance

Binance is one of the largest and most recognized cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. It offers access to hundreds of digital assets while maintaining relatively low fees.

Unique feature: Binance Academy offering free courses and tutorials for beginners.
Learn more on Binance

CEX.IO

CEX.IO has built its reputation as a user-friendly platform allowing easy entry into crypto markets. It’s particularly appealing for those who want quick purchases with traditional payment methods.

Unique feature: CEX.IO makes it easy for beginners to purchase crypto with a credit card and offers a user-friendly interface.
Read our dedicated review on CEX.IO
Learn more on CEX.IO

Coinbase

Coinbase is considered the “gateway exchange” for many beginners who are entering crypto for the first time. Its design focuses on clarity, security, and simplicity.

Unique feature: Coinbase is highly beginner-friendly, with a simple design and a Coinbase Learn section offering guides and tutorials.
Learn more on Coinbase

Kraken

Kraken is one of the most reputable exchanges in the crypto world, known for its focus on reliability and security.

Unique feature: Kraken provides the Kraken Learn, a hub with educational resources for new users.
Learn more on Kraken

Gemini

Gemini positions itself as a secure and regulation-compliant crypto exchange especially trusted among new U.S. users.

Unique feature: Gemini emphasizes ease of use and reports on insurance coverage for crypto held in cold storage, giving beginners added confidence.
Learn more on Gemini

3. Hybrid Platforms (Stocks + Crypto)

eToro

eToro goes beyond stocks, ETFs, and forex by also providing access to popular cryptocurrencies. Its hybrid structure appeals to beginners who want to experiment in both worlds.

Unique feature: eToro also offers access to popular cryptocurrencies, making it one of the most versatile beginner platforms.
Learn more on eToro

FBS

FBS serves a global user base, specializing in forex and CFDs, but has also expanded its offering with crypto CFD products.

Unique feature: FBS offers demo accounts and a wide range of educational resources.
Read our dedicated review on FBS
Learn more on FBS

Saxo Bank

Saxo Bank is a premium global broker that caters to both beginners and advanced traders alike. It offers a wide array of assets along with professional-grade trading tools.

Unique feature: Saxo Bank offering stocks, forex, ETFs, and access to crypto ETPs and CFDs, all under a professional-grade platform with beginner options.
Learn more on Saxo Bank

Trading 212

Trading 212 is widely known in Europe for offering commission-free trading in stocks and ETFs. It combines a beginner-friendly interface with the ability to explore crypto exposure.

Unique feature: Trading 212 provides commission-free trading in stocks and ETFs while also offering exposure to crypto. Its Practice Account allows beginners to train risk-free.
Learn more on Trading 212

Final Thoughts

Each of these platforms offers unique features that may suit beginners differently. Some focus on stocks and forex, others on cryptocurrency, and some combine both. For a smooth start, consider what type of trading interests you most and explore the demo and educational resources available on each platform.