E*TRADE vs Robinhood (2026)
E*TRADE is a full-featured broker with deep tools and the Power E*TRADE options platform; Robinhood is a simpler, mobile-first app. Choose E*TRADE if you want serious research, retirement accounts, and advanced order types, Robinhood for a pared-down phone-first experience.
By Wealthy Pot · Last updated September 2026
| Feature | E*TRADE | Robinhood |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Full-service | App-first |
| Stock/ETF commission | $0 | $0 |
| Options per contract | $0.65/contract | $0.50/contract ($0.35 with Gold) |
| Account minimum | $0 | $0 |
| Fractional shares | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, Desktop | Web, iOS, Android |
| Best for | All-round investors and options traders who want the Power E*TRADE platform | Mobile-first beginners who want the simplest possible way to buy stocks and options |
Where E*TRADE wins
- Power E*TRADE is a strong options platform
- Deep mutual-fund and bond lineup
- Solid research and screeners
- Backed by Morgan Stanley
Where Robinhood wins
- The simplest mobile-first way to start investing
- Fractional shares and 24-hour trading on many names
- Stocks, options, and crypto in one app
- Clean, approachable interface
Which should you choose?
E*TRADE is a full-featured broker with deep tools and the Power E*TRADE options platform; Robinhood is a simpler, mobile-first app. Choose E*TRADE if you want serious research, retirement accounts, and advanced order types, Robinhood for a pared-down phone-first experience.
Compare these against every option in our online brokers comparison.
We summarize hands-on assessment, not user reviews. Commissions, options fees, and account minimums change often and are re-checked against each broker's official page. Some outbound links may be affiliate links. That never affects our comparisons. Nothing here is investment advice.