The broker shortlist
Best Options Broker
tastytrade is our best options broker for 2026 because its platform, pricing and research tools are built specifically around options trading. Interactive Brokers is the strongest alternative for low-cost, high-volume and global options trading, while Schwab, E*TRADE and TradeStation offer powerful options platforms of their own.
- 1. tastytradeBest overallOptions-focused platform, capped commissions and tools designed around multi-leg strategy trading.
- 2. Interactive BrokersBest for low-cost and global optionsTiered options pricing, extensive exchange access and professional trading tools.
- 3. Charles SchwabBest for thinkorswimAdvanced options analytics, probability tools and strategy testing through thinkorswim.
- 4. E*TRADEBest for active retail options tradersPower E*TRADE combines options analytics with competitive volume pricing.
- 5. TradeStationBest for advanced trading toolsStrong charting, automation and active-trader functionality for options and multi-asset traders.
OptionsCompare
| # | Broker | Best for | Platform | Paper trading | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Options-first traders | $1.00 | See Review | |||
| 2 | Global options trading | $0.65 | See Review | |||
| 3 | thinkorswim options tools | $0.65 | See Review | |||
| 4 | Power E*TRADE options | $0.65 | See Review | |||
| 5 | Options automation | $0.80 | See Review | |||
| 6 | Options analytics | $0 | See Review | |||
| 7 | Simple options trading | $0 | See Review | |||
| 8 | Low-cost options trading | $0 | See Review | |||
| 9 | Short sellers using options | $0.50 | See Review | |||
| 10 | Low-cost options contracts | $0.40 | See Review | |||
| 11 | DAS options trading | $0.50 | See Review | |||
| 12 | Long-term investors using options | $0.65 | See Review | |||
| 13 | High-volume options trading | $0.15 | See Review | |||
| 14 | Professional options execution | $0.20 | See Review | |||
| 15 | International active traders | $0.60 | See Review | |||
| 16 | Options fee rebates | $0 | See Review | |||
| 17 | Low-cost DAS options | $0.30 | See Review | |||
| 18 | Active equity options | $0.35 | See Review | |||
| 19 | High-volume options trading | $0 | See Review | |||
| 20 | Options and short selling | $0.59 | See Review | |||
| 21 | API options trading | $0.35 | See Review |