Head-to-head comparison across ratings, fees, asset coverage, and platform breadth.
4.3 / 5
Best mobile-first broker for beginners, casual options traders, IRA contributors who want a 3% match, and 24-hour stock access. Significant gaps in OTC, mutual funds, and bonds.
3.7 / 5
Direct-access broker built for active day traders who need DAS Trader Pro, ECN order routing, integrated short locates, and OTC/penny stock access. Strong on short-locate workflow; weak on transparency, mobile, and reputation given multiple FINRA enforcement actions.
Each broker scored 0–5 across the same 8 dimensions.
Green cells mark the winner on each metric. Tie rows are uncoloured.
| Metric | Robinhood | SpeedTrader | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| OverallEditorial score | 4.30 / 5 | 3.70 / 5 | Robinhood |
| Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees | 5.00 | 3.50 | Robinhood |
| Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools | 4.00 | 4.30 | SpeedTrader |
| Sub-ratingsMobile app | 5.00 | 2.50 | Robinhood |
| Sub-ratingsResearch | 3.50 | 2.50 | Robinhood |
| Sub-ratingsEducation | 3.50 | 2.50 | Robinhood |
| Sub-ratingsCustomer service | 3.80 | 4.00 | SpeedTrader |
| Sub-ratingsRange of investments | 3.50 | 2.80 | Robinhood |
| Sub-ratingsActive trading | 4.00 | 4.70 | SpeedTrader |
| PricingLowest margin rate | 5.00% | 8.00% | Robinhood |
| PricingDefault cash sweep yield | 3.35% | — | Robinhood |
| PricingPFOF on equities | Accepts | Does not accept | SpeedTrader |
| Asset class | Robinhood | SpeedTrader |
|---|---|---|
| OTC / Pink Sheets / OTCQX / OTCQB | No | Yes |
| Fractional shares | Yes | No |
| Options (equity, ETF, index) | Yes | |
| Mutual funds | No | Limited |
| Bonds | No | |
| Futures | Yes | No |
| Crypto (direct) | Yes | No |
| International stocks (from US) | No | |
| IPOs | Yes | |
| 24-hour overnight equity trading | Yes | No |
| Prediction markets | Yes | |
| Options (equity, ETF, SPX, other indices) | Yes | |
| US Treasuries / bonds | Limited | |
| Foreign stocks ("F" tickers) | Limited | |
| IRAs | No | |
| Cash accounts | No | |
| Hard-to-borrow short locates | Yes |