E*TRADE vs Firstrade (2026) — Which Is Better?
Compare E*TRADE and Firstrade — features, pricing, pros and cons.
Quick Verdict
Higher Rated
E*TRADE (4.3)
More Affordable
E*TRADE (Free)
E*TRADE
★★★★☆ 4.3/5
Morgan Stanley's online brokerage with Power E*TRADE for options trading, commission-free stocks, and comprehensive banking integration.
From: Free
Full review →
Firstrade
★★★★☆ 4.0/5
Commission-free US broker with $0 stock, ETF, and options trades and no per-contract fees — a standout for cost-conscious options traders.
From: Free
Full review →
Feature Comparison
| Feature | E*TRADE | Firstrade |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.3 | ★ 4.0 |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Markets | stocks, options, futures | stocks, options, etfs, mutual-funds, fixed-income |
| AI Analysis | ✗ | ✗ |
| Backtesting | ✗ | ✗ |
| Paper Trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Price Alerts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile App | ✓ | ✓ |
| API Access | ✗ | ✗ |
| Social Features | ✗ | ✗ |
| Broker Integration | ✓ | ✗ |
| Custom Indicators | ✗ | ✗ |
| Automated Trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Trade Journaling | ✗ | ✗ |
| Performance Analytics | ✓ | ✓ |
| Risk Management | ✓ | ✗ |
| News Feed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Education Content | ✓ | ✓ |
E*TRADE: Pros & Cons
Pros
- + Power E*TRADE is excellent for options trading
- + Morgan Stanley research integration
- + Volume discounts on options commissions
- + Strong mobile app experience
Cons
- - No cryptocurrency trading
- - Futures offerings are limited
- - Banking features less robust than Schwab
- - Platform can feel dated outside Power E*TRADE
Firstrade: Pros & Cons
Pros
- + $0 options trades with no per-contract fee — rare among US brokers
- + Truly commission-free on stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds
- + Wide range of account types including multiple IRA varieties
- + Bilingual support in English and Chinese
- + Long-established broker with 35+ years of operating history
Cons
- - No paper trading or simulated account for practice
- - Platform and charting tools are basic compared to TD Ameritrade or IBKR
- - No futures or forex trading
- - No API access for algorithmic or automated trading
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