The best options trading platforms are eTrade, TradeStation, TD Ameritrade, Charles Schwab, and Interactive Brokers. eTrade has the best overall offer for options trading. TradeStation offers the best desktop options platform. Interactive Brokers has the best offer for professional options traders.
Each options trading platform has advantages and disadvantages. This article discusses the best options trading platforms.
Top Options Trading Platforms
- eTrade has the best overall options trading platform.
- TradeStation has the best desktop platform for options trading.
- TD Ameritrade has the best options trading tools.
- Charles Schwab has unique order types for trading options.
- Interactive Brokers has professional tools for options traders.
RANK | BROKER | GENERAL | PLATFORM SCORE | BEST FOR | WEBSITE |
#1 | eTrade | Excellent choice for traders at all levels | 4.5 / 5 | Best overall options trading platform | Official website |
#2 | TradeStation | For casual and active traders. | 3.7 / 5 | Best desktop platform for options trading | Official website |
#3 | TD Ameritrade | Customizable and easy desktop platform | 4.7 / 5 | Best options trading tools | Official website |
#4 | Charles Schwab | Some of the highest quality research tools in the industry | 4 / 5 | Unique order types for trading options | Official website |
#5 | Interactive Brokers | User-friendly platform | 4.9 / 5 | Professional tools for options traders | Official website |
TOP 5 Options Trading Platforms In Overview:
01. eTrade: Best Overall Options Trading Platform

eTrade has many proprietary platforms, including two mobile apps, a web, and a desktop platform. It is an excellent choice for traders at all levels. eTrade is a trustworthy online broker with versatile platforms and tools.
This broker has beginner-friendly apps and research tools. It provides access to market research and watch lists. eTrade has entry-level and advanced features for all options trading investors.
02. TradeStation: Best Desktop Platform For Options Trading

TradeStation is a technology leader for casual and active traders. It has $0 stock and ETF trades. TradeStation offers many account tiers to suit the needs of traders at all levels.
This broker has three trading platforms, TradeStation, Web Trading, and TS Crypto. It has an industry-leading desktop platform with impressive research and learning tools.
03. TD Ameritrade: Best Options Trading Tools

TD Ameritrade is a top online broker with special learning tools for beginners. It has straightforward platforms and access to market data.
This broker has two mobile apps and a desktop-based platform. All its platforms are versatile and provide easy access to many tools. We recommend it for beginners, as it has an educational magazine, videos, and tutorials.
04. Charles Schwab: Best Order Types For Options Trading

Charles Schwab offers a premium options trading experience with a fantastic investments offering. It has $0 trades, impressive stock research, and many trading tools.
Charles Schwab offers two primary platforms: StreetSmart Edge and StreetSmart Central. It is a top choice for professional investors, as it has some of the highest quality research tools in the industry. The Schwab Assistant is an AI-powered tool that helps traders identify the best educational and research tools.
05. Interactive Brokers: Best Professional Tools

Interactive Brokers is a top online broker for professional traders. It has many learning and research tools for experienced investors.
This broker offers a premium options trading experience. It has market data, charting, and many other tools. Interactive Brokers uses premium technology to provide the best trading experience.
Final Verdict
eTrade, TradeStation, TD Ameritrade, Charles Schwab, and Interactive Brokers have the best options trading platforms. Our top choice is eTrade, as it has the best options trading platform. TradeStation has the best desktop platform for options trading. Interactive Brokers provides a premium trading experience with professional tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
We review options trading platforms with real money and accounts. We use 105 criteria, including safety, platforms, and tools.
Is Options Trading Risky?
Options trading is a type of leveraged investing, and it comes with risks. Learn more about online trading and options by checking our in-depth reviews for additional information on online brokers and asset offerings.
Is There A Minimum Deposit To Trade Options?
Each online broker has a distinct fee structure. Most brokerage firms have a minimum deposit fee of less than $1000 for level 1 options trading. Read our in-depth reviews to discover insights on brokers and their fee structure.
Our Methodology
We took the time to analyze and compare the top 30 international trading platforms. So, each firm received its review based on 105 distinct variables and more than 50,000 words of research.
Keep in mind that broker involvement was optional. Each broker had the option to provide a detailed profile and offer adequate time for a yearly update meeting. This opportunity came with two possibilities: giving information over the web or live in person.
We checked all the information provided by brokers with a lot of attention to details. Our purpose was to offer you access to reliable, accurate, and well-researched data. Our validation process comes with less than a 1% error rate per year, as all the reviews we share come with a focus on quality and not quantity.
Disclosure
All trading involves risk. More than 80% of investors lose in spread bet and CFD trading. As these complex instruments allow for the use of leverage, there is a high risk of losing more money than you have deposited. Before attempting to participate in spread bets and CFDs, consider how well you understand them and if you can afford to lose your money.
Contents
- 1 Top Options Trading Platforms
- 2 TOP 5 Options Trading Platforms In Overview:
- 2.1 01. eTrade: Best Overall Options Trading Platform
- 2.2 02. TradeStation: Best Desktop Platform For Options Trading
- 2.3 03. TD Ameritrade: Best Options Trading Tools
- 2.4 04. Charles Schwab: Best Order Types For Options Trading
- 2.5 05. Interactive Brokers: Best Professional Tools
- 2.6 Final Verdict
- 2.7 Frequently Asked Questions
- 2.8 Is Options Trading Risky?
- 2.9 Is There A Minimum Deposit To Trade Options?