Best Options Brokers 2026
Options are derivative contracts that give you the right to buy or sell an underlying asset at a certain price on or before a set date. As well as allowing investors and companies to hedge against price swings, options contracts are a popular way to speculate on market movements and can be used as tradeable assets in their own right.
Our experts have evaluated and compared dozens of options brokers. To find the best brokers for options trading, we considered:
- The commission on options contracts
- The markets you can trade
- The quality of the options trading platform
- The leverage and margin rates available
- The broker’s regulatory status and reputation
List of Best Options Brokers 2026
These are the 6 best options brokers based on our tests:
-
1
Interactive Brokers -
2
NinjaTrader -
3
eToro USAeToro USA LLC and eToro USA Securities Inc.; Investing involves risk, including loss of principal; Not a recommendation -
4
FOREX.com -
5
Moomoo -
6
TradeZero
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- Interactive Brokers - When we tested IBKR’s options platform, it excelled with low commissions, from $0.25 per contract for high-volume traders, no added spreads or platform fees. The platform offers access to a vast range of global options markets and advanced tools. The Trader Workstation (TWS) interface can be complex and may require a learning curve for new options traders. Accessing real-time data requires additional subscriptions.
- NinjaTrader - During our hands-on tests, NinjaTrader impressed with advanced charting, automated options trading, and low commissions starting at $0.09 per micro contract. The platform offers a free version with core features and paid plans for advanced tools. While it offers powerful tools for experienced options traders, beginners may find the learning curve steep.
- eToro USA - eToro USA's options platform impressed us with a user-friendly interface and zero commission or contract fees on U.S. equity options. Regulatory fees apply, including a $0.02645 per contract Options Regulatory Fee (ORF) and a $0.00279 per contract FINRA Trading Activity Fee. Access to a range of U.S.-listed stocks and options, with a minimum deposit of $50 to get started.
- FOREX.com - During our tests, FOREX.com delivered fast, reliable options execution with intuitive tools on both desktop and mobile. The platform supports a wide range of currency and index options, with competitive pricing - typically $0.50–$0.80 per contract. Regulated across multiple jurisdictions, it also supports small trade sizes and low deposits for flexible access.
- Moomoo - When we tested Moomoo’s US options, the platform impressed with $0 commission on equity options and just $0.50 per index contract. It supports 13 strategies, real‑time Level 2 data (with $100 avg. balance), and fast execution. FCA/SEC regulation, low deposits, but note: options positions cannot be transferred out once opened, which users reported as restrictive during our live trades.
- TradeZero - TradeZero is a stock and ETF broker established in the Bahamas in 2015. Though the global entity is regulated offshore, the US subsidiary is overseen by FINRA with SIPC registration. The powerful proprietary trading software makes it a popular choice for active day traders.
Best Options Brokers 2026 Comparison
| Broker | Options Trading | Margin Trading | Trading Platform | Minimum Deposit | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | ✔ | ✔ | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower | $0 | SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, CIRO, FCA, CBI, ASIC, SFC, SEBI, JFSA, MAS |
| NinjaTrader | ✔ | ✔ | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal | $0 (live trades must meet intraday margin minimums, e.g., $50 to trade micro contracts) | NFA, CFTC, CySEC |
| eToro USA | ✔ | ✔ | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader | $100 | SEC, FINRA |
| FOREX.com | ✔ | ✔ | WebTrader, Mobile, MT4, MT5, TradingView | $100 | NFA, CFTC |
| Moomoo | ✔ | ✔ | Desktop Platform, Mobile App | $0 | SEC, FINRA, SIPC, MAS, SFC, ASIC, FMA, CIRO, CIPF, JFSA, SC |
| TradeZero | ✔ | ✔ | TZ1, ZeroPro, ZeroFree, ZeroMobile, TradingView | $2,500 (US), $500 (International), $250 (Europe) | SEC, FINRA, CIRO, AFM, SCB |
Interactive Brokers
"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Interactive Brokers Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Cryptocurrencies |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, CIRO, FCA, CBI, ASIC, SFC, SEBI, JFSA, MAS |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $100 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Pros
- IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries, most recently the Saudi Stock Exchange.
- Interactive Brokers was named 'Best US Broker' for 2025 by DayTrading.com, recognizing its long-standing commitment to US traders, ultra-low margin rates, and global market access at minimal cost.
- Interactive Brokers has launched ForecastTrader, a unique, zero-commission product where users can trade yes/no Forecast Contracts on political, economic, and climate events, with fixed $1 payouts per contract, 24/6 market access, and up to 3.14% APY on held positions.
Cons
- TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.
- IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
- IBKR was fined $11.8m by the US OFAC in 2025 for providing services in sanctioned jurisdictions. It was also fined $125k by FINRA in 2025 for municipal bond disclosure failures.
NinjaTrader
"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."
NinjaTrader Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Futures, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto (non-futures depend on provider) |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC, CySEC |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 (live trades must meet intraday margin minimums, e.g., $50 to trade micro contracts) |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD |
Pros
- The market replay function is a standout feature — you can download tick-by-tick historical data, rewind to any specific date, and interact with it as if trading live, making it genuinely useful for both strategy testing and real-world practice
- Nano contracts — one-hundredth the size of standard contracts — allow traders to size positions with precision and manage risk at a much smaller scale, a meaningful advantage for those building positions gradually
- NinjaTrader's ecosystem gives traders access to thousands of add-ons and applications from developers across more than 150 countries, covering indicators, strategies, and custom tools that go well beyond what the platform ships with natively
Cons
- Intraday margin requirements can spike by as much as four times in the 15 minutes leading up to major economic news releases, and may stay elevated for several minutes after volatility subsides — a detail that can catch underprepared traders off guard at exactly the wrong moment.
- NinjaTrader was acquired by Kraken in May 2025, and while it continues to operate independently for now, traders who value long-term stability may have reservations about how the platform's direction and pricing could shift under new ownership.
- NinjaTrader was fined $250k in 2025 for failing to implement an adequate anti-money laundering (AML) program and for supervisory failures.
eToro USA
"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
eToro USA Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA |
| Platforms | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | $10 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC
- A free demo account means new users and prospective day traders can try the broker risk-free
- The low minimum deposit and straightforward account opening process means beginners can get started quickly
Cons
- There's no MetaTrader 4 platform integration for traders who are accustomed to using third-party charting tools
- The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
- Average fees may cut into the profit margins of day traders
FOREX.com
"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."
FOREX.com Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Forex, Futures and Options on Metals, Energies, Commodities, Indices, Bonds, Crypto |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
| Platforms | WebTrader, Mobile, MT4, MT5, TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- The in-house Web Trader continues to stand out as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
- FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
- With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.
Cons
- There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
Moomoo
"Moomoo remains an excellent choice for new and intermediate stock traders who want to build a diverse investment portfolio. What really stands out is the broker's user-friendly app and the low trading fees."
Moomoo Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA, SIPC, MAS, SFC, ASIC, FMA, CIRO, CIPF, JFSA, SC |
| Platforms | Desktop Platform, Mobile App |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $0 |
| Account Currencies | USD, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Moomoo is a Member of FINRA and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), adding another level of security for prospective clients
- The Moomoo AI assistant, found in the desktop software and app, provides genuinely useful market insights to inform active traders
- Moomoo's analytics and insights are impressive and detailed compared to other brands
Cons
- There is no phone or live chat support - common options at most other brokers
- There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers
- It's a shame that there is no 2 factor authentication (2FA), despite the other security features on offer
TradeZero
"TradeZero is best for experienced stock day traders, especially those trading momentum in small-caps or those chasing opportunities in pre- and after-hours sessions. It also suits short sellers needing hard-to-borrow locates and active options traders thanks to its direct routing tools and Level 2 data, though these typically require a paid platform subscription (ZeroPro or ZeroWeb)."
TradeZero Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Pink Sheets, Warrants |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA, CIRO, AFM, SCB |
| Platforms | TZ1, ZeroPro, ZeroFree, ZeroMobile, TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $2,500 (US), $500 (International), $250 (Europe) |
| Minimum Trade | $1 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- In our latest support tests, comprising 7 queries on different topics, 70% of responses arrived in under 5 minutes and 90% resolved the issue without follow-up.
- Across 50+ hours of tests on TZ1, ZeroPro, ZeroFree and ZeroMobile, including making 50+ chart setting changes, we found more than enough technical analysis tools for serious intraday traders.
- TradeZero’s short-selling setup is one of the strongest we’ve tested, with pre-borrows, single-use locates, regular locates, and credit back on eligible unused locates - providing access to an inventory many legacy brokers simply don't.
Cons
- It doesn't use a true 'no commission' model - free trading really applies to non-marketable limit orders of 200+ shares above $1, while marketable orders, OTC names, options, locates, borrow and data still add up fast. It charges a $0.99 flat fee on trades under 200 shares.
- The TradingView integration disappointed during our tests and is supported by wider user feedback, with access issues, freezes and occasional order-processing problems that make it harder to trust for frequent live execution.
- TradeZero was charged by the US SEC in 2020 over misleading statements concerning its meme-stock purchase halts, plus it had a $250k fine from FINRA in 2024 over compliance failures, and a $175k fine from CIRO in 2025 for inadequate supervision of client trading.
Best Options Brokers For Beginners
These 3 options brokers are best for new traders with a low minimum deposit, a beginner-friendly platform and free education:
Best Options Brokers For Active Traders
These 3 options brokers are best for active traders with competitive fees, advanced tools and perks for high-volume traders:
- AvaTrade
- FOREX.com
- NinjaTrader
Cheapest Options Brokers
These 3 options brokers offer commission-free trading with no hidden charges:
Best Options Trading Platforms
These 3 options brokers offer the best platforms with a user-friendly interface, reliable order execution and sophisticated analysis tools:
- AvaTrade
- eToro USA
- Plus500
What To Look For In An Options Broker
To compile a list of the best brokers for options, we considered several key factors:
Low Commissions On Options Contracts
Most brokers charge a per-contract fee for options trading. To find the cheapest options brokers, we compared the commission per contract, which typically comes in at around $0.65 per contract. We also look for firms that offer discounts for high-volume traders.
Alongside direct trading fees, we consider non-investing charges. These can take the form of market data fees, regulatory charges, deposit and withdrawal fees, and inactivity penalties. Together, this gives us an objective view of the overall pricing.
A Range Of Tradable Markets
Options contracts can be traded on a range of underlying markets, from stocks and bonds to commodities and currencies. Importantly, the best brokers offer an array of options instruments, allowing traders to build a diverse portfolio.
We compare the underlying markets available to find the options brokers with the greatest breadth and depth in their product portfolio.
Regulated With A Good Reputation
Our team places the highest priority on safety so we always recommend picking an options broker that is regulated by a top-tier financial body. Using a regulated broker to trade options will help protect you from scams and provide security for your funds.
We verify the regulatory status of all the options brokers we review. To do this, we check the broker’s license number (often found at the bottom of the brokerage’s website) on the regulator’s register to confirm they are authorized and which countries they are allowed to accept options traders from.
Only regulated and trustworthy firms make our list of the best options brokers.
High-Quality Platform
The platform is your window to the financial markets and the tool where you can analyze instruments and execute trades. As a result, choosing a reliable, efficient and powerful platform is important.
Our team test the options platform available where possible, either by downloading the desktop software, opening the web trader, or using the mobile app. The key things we look for are a well-designed and easy-to-use interface, rich charting and analysis tools, and straightforward order management.
Margin
While some investors trade options with a cash account, many use a margin account so they can increase their buying power and prospective profits in return for a modest outlay.
Our team compare the margin requirements set by brokers, that is the funds or securities that must be deposited in your account as collateral. We also consider the cost of trading on margin, which is typically a percentage charge based on the amount you borrow.
Our Methodology
To find the best options brokers, our team spend thousands of hours each year, testing, comparing and rating firms.
The categories with the largest weighting in our options broker rankings are the fee per contract, the range of underlying assets, the quality of platforms, margin rates, and the firm’s regulatory credentials and safety record.
Our team also factor in the overall trading experience during the evaluation process to inform the final rating we assign to each options broker.
FAQ
Which Is The Best Options Broker?
We have compiled a list of the best options brokers in 2026. These are the 5 top options trading platforms based on our experts’ findings.
What Is An Options Broker?
Options brokers give traders the ability to trade options contracts on the markets they support, such as US stocks. These derivative contracts give you the right to buy or sell the underlying asset for a set price on or by a certain date.
Recommended Reading
Article Sources
- An Investor's Guide to Trading Options, Virginia B. Morris, Bess Newman
- Trading Stock Options: Basic Option Trading Strategies and How to Use Them to Profit in Any Market, Brian Burns
- Option Trader's Playbook, Joseph Kellogg, John Elliot
- eToro - Options App
- AvaTrade - Options Platform
- Webull - Options Trading Conditions
- Forex.com - Options Trading Conditions
- IG - Options Trading Conditions
The writing and editorial team at DayTrading.com use credible sources to support their work. These include government agencies, white papers, research institutes, and engagement with industry professionals. Content is written free from bias and is fact-checked where appropriate. Learn more about why you can trust DayTrading.com