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Firstrade vs Webull 2025

StockBrokers.com

Written by StockBrokers.com

March 11, 2025

In this head to head comparison of Firstrade vs Webull, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

Firstrade
4/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.00
Webull
4/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.00

Range of investments

For investors looking to choose between Firstrade and Webull, Firstrade offers a slightly more comprehensive range of investment options, boasting a 4.5-star rating for its range of investments compared to Webull’s 4-star rating. Firstrade stands out particularly with its inclusion of mutual funds, an option that Webull does not provide. Consequently, StockBrokers.com ranks Firstrade higher at #6 out of 15 brokers while placing Webull at #11 in terms of investment range.

Both Firstrade and Webull provide stock, margin, and options trading alongside fractional shares and the ability to trade over-the-counter (OTC) stocks. While neither broker offers forex or crypto trading, Firstrade does not support futures trading, whereas Webull has expanded its offerings to include futures. Additionally, both platforms cater to retirement planning by providing Traditional and Roth IRA accounts, but neither offers any advisor services to their users.

Investors seeking a platform with mutual funds will find Firstrade the superior choice, whereas those interested in futures trading might lean towards Webull. Given these nuances, Firstrade may appeal more to those looking for a broader investment scope, while Webull could be ideal for traders focused on futures and basic stock trading options. The decision ultimately depends on the specific investment interests and requirements of the individual investor.

Feature Firstrade logoFirstrade
Webull logoWebull
Stock Trading info Yes Yes
Margin Trading info Yes Yes
Fractional Shares info Yes Yes
OTC Stocks info Yes Yes
Mutual Funds info Yes No
Options Trading info Yes Yes
Futures Trading info No Yes
Crypto Trading info No No
Crypto Trading - Total Coins info 0 0
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2025

Trading platforms and tools

When choosing between Firstrade and Webull for a trading platform, Webull generally offers more advanced tools and features, leading it to receive a higher user rating and industry ranking. While Firstrade ranks #11 out of 15 brokers and receives a 3-star rating for its offerings, Webull stands out with a #7 ranking and a 4-star rating, showcasing its emphasis on delivering a more comprehensive trading experience.

Webull provides both Windows and Mac desktop downloadable platforms, unlike Firstrade, which does not offer downloadable platforms for either operating system. Both brokers supply browser-based trading options, but Webull enriches the experience further with paper trading capabilities, an essential tool for practice and strategy refinement. Despite Firstrade offering a more extensive watchlist with up to 50 columns compared to Webull's 35, Webull allows traders to adjust open orders directly on a stock chart, add notes, show historical trades, and illustrate corporate events—a set of features Firstrade lacks.

In terms of charting features, Firstrade offers a higher number of technical indicators at 102 compared to Webull's 52, yet falls behind in the provision of drawing tools and customization features. Webull not only boasts 19 drawing tools, nearly doubling Firstrade's offerings, but also provides the ability to save multiple chart profiles, conduct automated technical analysis, and create custom studies for charts. These enhanced features support traders in crafting more tailored and insightful trading strategies, solidifying Webull's status as the superior choice for those seeking a versatile and feature-rich trading platform.

Feature Firstrade logoFirstrade
Webull logoWebull
Web Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Trading Platform info No Yes
Desktop Platform (Mac) info No Yes
Paper Trading info No Yes
Watch Lists - Total Fields info 50 35
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 102 52
Charting - Drawing Tools info 8 19
Platforms & Tools 3/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Online Brokerage Accounts for 2025, Best Paper Trading Platforms for 2025

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5/5 Stars

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Beginners and education

When comparing the beginner and investor education offerings of Firstrade and Webull, both platforms provide solid foundational resources, but Webull holds a slight edge. Firstrade offers education across several investment types, including stocks and options, and supports learning through educational videos and webinars. However, it does not provide education for ETFs or mutual funds and lacks tools such as paper trading or learning progress tracking that are valuable for novice investors. Earning a rating of 3.5 stars, Firstrade is ranked 13th out of 15 brokers by StockBrokers.com for education, indicating room for improvement.

Webull, on the other hand, enhances the beginners’ learning experience with education on stocks, ETFs, and options, supplemented by videos, webinars, and educational quizzes—something not available on Firstrade. Additionally, Webull’s inclusion of paper trading and learning progress tracking makes it an appealing choice for new investors who prefer a comprehensive learning platform. With a higher rating of 4 stars, Webull ranks 11th out of 15 brokers for education according to StockBrokers.com, demonstrating a broader and more engaging educational offering for users.

Feature Firstrade logoFirstrade
Webull logoWebull
Education (Stocks) info Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) info No Yes
Education (Options) info Yes Yes
Education (Mutual Funds) info No No
Education (Bonds) info No No
Paper Trading info No Yes
Videos info Yes Yes
Webinars info Yes Yes
Education 3.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2025

Stock trading apps

When comparing Firstrade and Webull's stock trading apps, both offer robust features with certain distinctions, ultimately catering to slightly different user preferences. Notably, both apps are highly rated at 4.5 stars, yet Webull holds a distinctive edge by being ranked fifth out of fifteen brokers by StockBrokers.com, while Firstrade comes in at ninth place. This suggests Webull might be slightly more favorable in terms of user experience and features overall; however, your specific needs might find a better match with Firstrade depending on desired features.

Both platforms offer intuitive iPhone and Android apps, with options for mobile trading, after-hours trading, and streaming quotes. However, Webull extends its versatility by providing an Apple Watch app and exclusive after-hours charting, whereas Firstrade lacks these features but compensates by providing more technical studies (81 compared to Webull's 56) and allows customization of watch list columns. These factors might appeal to traders focused on in-depth analysis and customizable trading environments.

While both apps allow for options trading and the ability to view multiple time frames in landscape mode, Webull enhances user experience with the option to display stock comparisons on charts—something Firstrade doesn't offer. Traders looking for more simplified yet technically rich charting tools might lean towards Firstrade, while those seeking advanced charting comparisons and wearable technology compatibility might find Webull more suitable.

Feature Firstrade logoFirstrade
Webull logoWebull
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple Watch App info No Yes
Stock Alerts info Yes Yes
Charting - After-Hours info No Yes
Charting - Technical Studies info 81 56
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025

Fees

When choosing between Firstrade and Webull for online trading, potential investors will find both platforms offer cost-effective solutions without any minimum deposit requirement. Trades on stocks and options are commission-free, and both platforms eliminate IRA annual and closure fees, making them attractive for those looking for straightforward, budget-friendly trading options. However, it's important to note differences in extra charges; Webull offers lower rates for margin borrowing across all tiers as compared to Firstrade, making it slightly more favorable for those looking to trade on margin.

For those interested in specific fee structures, Firstrade and Webull match each other when it comes to regular stock and options trading, both offering $0 fees, which is an appealing aspect for cost-conscious traders. They also align with no fees for options contracts, options exercises, and assignments. However, a considerable distinction lies in their margin rate charges: Firstrade's rates start higher at 13.75% for balances below $25,000, compared to Webull's more competitive 9.24%. As balances increase, Firstrade's rates decrease slightly but remain above Webull's, with Firstrade charging 13.00% compared to Webull's 8.24% for balances between $50,000 and $99,999.

When considering account transfer fees, traders should be aware that both Firstrade and Webull charge for full account transfers at $75. However, Firstrade offers a slight advantage on partial account transfers with a lower fee of $55, compared to Webull's $75. This might be an influential factor for investors planning to move only a portion of their portfolios. Overall, while both platforms offer competitive, no-cost trading solutions, Webull might provide a marginally better experience for margin trading and account flexibility.

Feature Firstrade logoFirstrade
Webull logoWebull
Minimum Deposit info $0.00 $0.00
Stock Trades info $0.00 $0.00
Options (Per Contract) info $0.00 $0.00
Options Exercise Fee info $0.00 $0.00
Options Assignment Fee info $0.00 $0.00
IRA Annual Fee info $0.00 $0.00
IRA Closure Fee info $0.00 $0.00

Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2025

Day Trading

When exploring online brokers for day trading, Firstrade and Webull each present unique advantages. A significant distinction lies in Webull’s offering of streaming time and sales for stocks, a feature absent from Firstrade. This allows Webull traders to benefit from real-time market insights, helping them make more informed decisions. Additionally, Webull provides tools like ladder trading and trading hotkeys, which are not available on Firstrade, granting traders faster trade execution and more nuanced control over their strategies.

Both platforms lack features like streaming live TV, direct market routing for stocks, as well as basic and advanced strategy backtesting. However, Webull offers level 2 quotes, which can be crucial for day traders looking to access deeper market data. In contrast, Firstrade does not offer this feature. Neither broker provides a short locator tool or order liquidity rebates, leaving room for traders to weigh other factors when choosing between these platforms. Overall, for day traders leaning towards data-driven and quick decision-making tools, Webull seems to offer more comprehensive capabilities.

Feature Firstrade logoFirstrade
Webull logoWebull
Streaming Time & Sales info No Yes
Streaming TV info No No
Direct Market Routing - Stocks info No No
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks info No Yes
Trade Ideas - Backtesting info No No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv info No No
Short Locator info No No

Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms for 2025

Market Research

Firstrade emerges as a more comprehensive option compared to Webull when it comes to market research capabilities. With the ability to offer a wide range of research options, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, Pink Sheets/OTCBB, bonds, and ESG data, Firstrade caters to a broad spectrum of investors. Firstrade also excels by offering insights into portfolio allocation by asset class and downloadable PDF research reports for both stocks and ETFs. Its overall rating of 4.5 stars and a ranking of #6 by StockBrokers.com further solidify its reputation as a versatile and insightful broker for market research.

In contrast, Webull provides basic research capabilities mainly focused on stocks and Pink Sheets/OTCBB. While it also allows for social media sentiment integration, Webull lacks some critical features such as mutual fund and bond research, as well as ESG data considerations. The absence of downloadable PDF reports for stocks and ETFs is another limiting factor, which might restrict an investor's ability to conduct in-depth analysis. These limitations contribute to Webull's lower rating of 2.5 stars and a ranking of #9 by StockBrokers.com.

Those who prioritize a thorough and diverse array of research tools will likely find Firstrade to be a more suitable option. With numerous screeners and research capabilities spanning various asset classes, Firstrade stands out for those seeking detailed insights and organized data. On the other hand, Webull's streamlined offerings may better suit investors who prefer to focus on basic stock and foreign securities research without the need for extensive reports or specialized data. Overall, the choice will depend on your specific research needs and investment strategy.

Feature Firstrade logoFirstrade
Webull logoWebull
Research - Stocks info Yes Yes
Screener - Stocks info Yes Yes
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Screener - ETFs info Yes No
Research - Mutual Funds info Yes No
Screener - Mutual Funds info Yes No
Research - Bonds info Yes No
Screener - Bonds info Yes No
Research 4.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars

Banking

When comparing the banking features of online brokers Firstrade and Webull, a few differences stand out. Firstrade offers some banking conveniences, including checking accounts and debit cards, which Webull does not provide. This can be an advantage for users who prefer having access to basic banking features alongside their investment account. Additionally, Firstrade offers Certificates of Deposit (CDs), while Webull lacks this option. Both brokers do not provide savings accounts, credit cards, or mortgage loans, which suggests a focus on investment services over traditional banking offerings. Overall, Firstrade may be a better option for those wanting to combine brokerage services with limited banking functionalities.

Feature Firstrade logoFirstrade
Webull logoWebull
Checking Accounts info Yes No
Savings Accounts info No No
Debit Cards info Yes No
Credit Cards info No No
Mortgage Loans info No No
CDs info Yes No

Dive deeper: Best Bank Accounts for Trading Stocks for 2025

Winner

After opening live accounts and testing 15 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that Firstrade is better than Webull. Firstrade finished with an overall score of 81.8%, while Webull finished with a score of 81.0%.

Firstrade scored well for penny stock trading in our 2024 Annual Awards, and is a great choice for Chinese-speaking investors. However, it lags behind the competition in certain areas, especially platforms, tools and education.

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with Firstrade or Webull?

When comparing online brokers, Firstrade and Webull both do not offer crypto trading, with each providing zero cryptocurrencies for trading.

Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2025

Does Firstrade or Webull offer IRAs?

Both Firstrade and Webull offer traditional and Roth IRA accounts with no annual fees or closure costs, providing cost-effective solutions for investors looking to manage their retirement savings.

Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2025

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Compare

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Overall Rating Firstrade Webull
Overall 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 3/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Research 4.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Customer Service 3.5/5 Stars 3/5 Stars
Education 3.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Ease Of Use 4/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review Firstrade Review Webull Review
Broker Screenshots Firstrade Webull
Trading Platform & Tools Gallery (click to expand)
Research Gallery (click to expand)
Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand)
Education Gallery (click to expand)
Trading Fees Firstrade Webull
Minimum Deposit info $0.00 $0.00
Stock Trades info $0.00 $0.00
Penny Stock Fees (OTC) info $0.00 N/A
Mutual Fund Trade Fee info $0 N/A
Options (Per Contract) info $0.00 $0.00
Futures (Per Contract) info (Not offered) $1.25 info
Broker Assisted Trade Fee info $19.95 N/A
Margin Rates Firstrade Webull
Margin Rate Under $25,000 info 13.75% 9.24%
Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 info 13.50% 8.74%
Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 info 13.00% 8.24%
Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 info 12.50% 7.74%
Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 info 12.50% 7.74%
Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 info 12.50% 6.74%
Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 info 12.50% 6.24% info
Account Fees Firstrade Webull
IRA Annual Fee info $0.00 $0.00
IRA Closure Fee info $0.00 $0.00
Account Transfer Out (Partial) info $55.00 $75.00
Account Transfer Out (Full) info $75.00 $75.00
Options Exercise Fee info $0.00 $0.00
Options Assignment Fee info $0.00 $0.00
Investment Options Firstrade Webull
Stock Trading info Yes Yes
Margin Trading info Yes Yes
Fractional Shares info Yes Yes
OTC Stocks info Yes Yes
Options Trading info Yes Yes
Complex Options Max Legs info 4 4
Futures Trading info No Yes
Forex Trading info No No
Crypto Trading info No No
Crypto Trading - Total Coins info 0 0
Mutual Funds (No Load) info 15460 0
Mutual Funds (Total) info 19666 0
Bonds (US Treasury) info Yes No
Bonds (Corporate) info Yes No
Bonds (Municipal) info Yes No
Traditional IRAs info Yes Yes
Roth IRAs info Yes Yes
Advisor Services info No No
International Countries (Stocks) info 0 0
Order Types Firstrade Webull
Order Type - Market info Yes Yes
Order Type - Limit info Yes Yes
Order Type - After Hours info Yes Yes
Order Type - Stop info Yes Yes
Order Type - Trailing Stop info Yes Yes
Order Type - OCO info Yes Yes
Order Type - OTO info Yes Yes
Order Type - Broker Assisted info Yes No
Beginners Firstrade Webull
Education (Stocks) info Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) info No Yes
Education (Options) info Yes Yes
Education (Mutual Funds) info No No
Education (Bonds) info No No
Education (Retirement) info Yes No
Retirement Calculator info Yes No
Investor Dictionary info Yes Yes
Paper Trading info No Yes
Videos info Yes Yes
Webinars info Yes Yes
Webinars (Archived) info Yes Yes
Progress Tracking info No Yes
Interactive Learning - Quizzes info No Yes
Stock Trading Apps Firstrade Webull
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple Watch App info No Yes
Trading - Stocks info Yes Yes
Trading - After-Hours info Yes Yes
Trading - Simple Options info Yes Yes
Trading - Complex Options info Yes Yes
Order Ticket RT Quotes info Yes Yes
Order Ticket SRT Quotes info Yes Yes
Stock App Features Firstrade Webull
Market Movers (Top Gainers) info Yes Yes
Stream Live TV info No No
Videos on Demand info No No
Stock Alerts info Yes Yes
Option Chains Viewable info Yes Yes
Watch List (Real-time) info Yes Yes
Watch List (Streaming) info Yes Yes
Watch Lists - Create & Manage info Yes Yes
Watch Lists - Column Customization info Yes No
Stock App Charting Firstrade Webull
Charting - After-Hours info No Yes
Charting - Can Turn Horizontally info Yes Yes
Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes Yes
Charting - Technical Studies info 81 56
Charting - Study Customizations info Yes Yes
Charting - Stock Comparisons info No Yes
Trading Platforms Firstrade Webull
Active Trading Platform info N/A N/A
Desktop Trading Platform info No Yes
Desktop Platform (Mac) info No Yes
Web Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Paper Trading info No Yes
Trade Journal info No No
Watch Lists - Total Fields info 50 35
Stock Chart Features Firstrade Webull
Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart info No Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 102 52
Charting - Drawing Tools info 8 19
Charting - Notes info No Yes
Charting - Index Overlays info Yes Yes
Charting - Historical Trades info No Yes
Charting - Corporate Events info No Yes
Charting - Custom Date Range info No No
Charting - Custom Time Bars info No No
Charting - Automated Analysis info No Yes
Charting - Save Profiles info No Yes
Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis info Yes No
Charting - Study Customizations info 6 2
Charting - Custom Studies info No Yes
Day Trading Firstrade Webull
Streaming Time & Sales info No Yes
Streaming TV info No No
Direct Market Routing - Stocks info No No
Ladder Trading info No Yes
Trade Hotkeys info No Yes
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks info No Yes
Trade Ideas - Backtesting info No No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv info No No
Short Locator info No No
Order Liquidity Rebates info No No
Research Overview Firstrade Webull
Research - Stocks info Yes Yes
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Research - Mutual Funds info Yes No
Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB info Yes Yes
Research - Bonds info Yes No
Screener - Stocks info Yes Yes
Screener - ETFs info Yes No
Screener - Mutual Funds info Yes No
Screener - Bonds info Yes No
Misc - Portfolio Allocation info Yes No
Stock Research Firstrade Webull
Stock Research - PDF Reports info 1 0
Stock Research - Earnings info Yes Yes
Stock Research - Insiders info Yes Yes
Stock Research - Social info Yes Yes
Stock Research - News info Yes Yes
Stock Research - ESG info Yes No
Stock Research - SEC Filings info Yes Yes
ETF Research Firstrade Webull
ETFs - Strategy Overview info Yes Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date info Yes Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio info Yes Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Net Assets info Yes Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings info Yes Yes
ETFs - Top 10 Holdings info Yes Yes
ETFs - Sector Exposure info Yes Yes
ETFs - Risk Analysis info Yes No
ETFs - Ratings info Yes Yes
ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap info Yes No
ETFs - PDF Reports info Yes No
Mutual Fund Research Firstrade Webull
Mutual Funds - Strategy Overview info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Performance Chart info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Prospectus info Yes No
Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings info Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Country Allocation info Yes No
Mutual Funds - StyleMap info Yes No
Options Trading Firstrade Webull
Option Chains - Basic View info Yes Yes
Option Chains - Strategy View info Yes Yes
Option Chains - Streaming info No No
Option Chains - Total Columns info 8 23
Option Chains - Greeks info 5 5
Option Chains - Quick Analysis info No Yes
Option Analysis - P&L Charts info Yes Yes
Option Probability Analysis info No Yes
Option Probability Analysis Adv info Yes Yes
Option Positions - Greeks info No Yes
Option Positions - Greeks Streaming info No No
Option Positions - Adv Analysis info No No
Option Positions - Rolling info Yes Yes
Option Positions - Grouping info No No
Banking Firstrade Webull
Bank (Member FDIC) info No No
Checking Accounts info Yes No
Savings Accounts info No No
Credit Cards info No No
Debit Cards info Yes No
Mortgage Loans info No No
Customer Service Firstrade Webull
Phone Support (Prospect Customers) info Yes Yes
Phone Support (Current Customers) info Yes Yes
Email Support info Yes Yes
Live Chat (Prospect Customers) info Yes No
Live Chat (Current Customers) info Yes No
24/7 Support info No No
Overall Firstrade Webull
Overall 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 3/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Research 4.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Education 3.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Ease Of Use 4/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review Firstrade Review Webull Review
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