Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025
Let’s be honest, getting started with investing or trading can feel like learning a new language. One filled with jargon, confusing symbols, and acronyms no one ever taught you in school. Your investing journey begins with a key decision: which trading app or brokerage firm should you use?
There are dozens of investing platforms out there, all claiming to offer the best features, smartest tools, and “best-in-class” experiences. But here’s the truth that most people don’t say out loud: the best trading app for beginners is the one you’ll actually use.
You don’t need to have it all figured out on day one. Investing the right way is a lifelong journey, and the best brokerage for beginners is one that aligns with your goals, evolves with your life, and makes you feel confident enough to take the first step — and the next.
This guide will help you compare the best trading apps for beginners by breaking down what matters most: user experience, educational tools, fees, investment options, and long-term support. If you're learning how to start investing, you're in the right place.
What beginners should look for in a brokerage firm
Before we get into the apps, here’s your first lesson: most brokerage firms now offer $0 account minimums and commission-free trades. That’s the baseline, not the differentiator.
Where platforms really stand out is in their tools, features, and overall experience. To find the right fit, ask yourself:
- Do I want to learn as I go?
- Is the platform easy to use—or just easy to look at?
- Do I prefer trading from my phone?
- What kinds of investments do I want access to?
These are the questions we asked ourselves when reviewing each firm, but this is your journey.
The best stock apps
Here's a table of contents for this guide.
- 1. Charles Schwab
- 2. Interactive Brokers
- 3. Fidelity
- 4. E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley
- 5. Webull
- 6. Merrill Edge
- 7. Robinhood
- 8. TradeStation
- 9. Firstrade
- 10. tastytrade
- 11. eToro
- 12. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing
- 13. Ally Invest
- 14. Public.com
- Final Considerations Before You Start Investing
- Methodology
- Read next
1. Charles Schwab
Company | Minimum Deposit | Stock Trades | Options (Per Contract) | Crypto Trading |
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $0.65 | No |
Charles Schwab is one of the most well-rounded brokerage firms available. Whether you're opening your first account or managing a larger portfolio, Schwab delivers the right mix of tools, products, and education to support your goals at every stage.
What you’ll love
Schwab strikes the right balance between simplicity and depth. Its educational courses feel like real learning paths, ideal if you want to understand why you're making certain decisions. The mobile app is smooth and thoughtfully designed, giving you quick access to curated research, live market updates, and fractional investing in S&P 500 stocks. Schwab also offers automated investing, flexible account types, and integrated support that meets you where you are. The best part is how naturally education shows up within the platform, helping you build knowledge while you take action.
What you might not love
Crypto isn’t available for direct trading. While you can gain exposure through ETFs, you won’t be able to buy coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum. Fractional shares are limited to S&P 500 companies, which may feel restrictive if you're hoping to invest in smaller names or ETFs.
Why it’s great for beginners overall
Schwab helps you learn by doing. Everything from the app’s layout to the in-platform explanations is designed to support first-time investors. Whether you're placing your first ETF order or trying to understand how the market works, Schwab offers clear, timely guidance. And as your financial goals evolve, you won’t need to switch platforms. Schwab has the tools to keep up with you.
2. Interactive Brokers
Company | Minimum Deposit | Stock Trades | Options (Per Contract) | Crypto Trading |
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $0.65 | Yes |
Interactive Brokers is a powerhouse for investors who want to grow their skills and eventually trade like the pros. With access to over 150 global markets, low fees, and tools used by institutions, it’s a platform that gives you room to grow.
What you’ll love
Interactive Brokers offers unmatched flexibility. The IBKR Mobile app delivers advanced tools without sacrificing ease of use. Want fractional shares, recurring investments, or ESG-focused portfolios? You’ve got it. GlobalTrader simplifies access to international stocks, and the Impact app helps align your portfolio with your personal values. Even better, IBKR’s fees are among the lowest in the industry, including rock-bottom margin rates. Educational resources are excellent, with everything from stock market basics to CFA-level content through its Trader’s Academy.
What you might not love
The platform has a learning curve. While there’s no shortage of educational support, you’ll need time to get comfortable navigating the tools. Fractional investing isn’t available for all stocks, and if you’re looking for a more guided, hand-holding experience, other platforms may feel more beginner-friendly out of the gate.
Why it’s great for beginner global traders
Interactive Brokers is built for investors who want to grow into more advanced strategies over time. The apps are surprisingly beginner-friendly, especially GlobalTrader, which makes it easy to buy foreign and U.S. stocks in a clean, simple layout. You’ll find quizzes, tutorials, and smart explanations across the platform to help you learn as you go. If your long-term plan includes expanding into global markets, trading options, or optimizing for taxes and performance, Interactive Brokers gives you the tools to get there.
3. Fidelity
Company | Minimum Deposit | Stock Trades | Options (Per Contract) | Crypto Trading |
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$0.00 | $0.00 | $0.65 | Yes |
Fidelity is one of the most trusted names in investing. It offers a beginner-friendly platform backed by deep research, low fees, and helpful educational tools that make investing easier to understand and more accessible.
What you’ll love
Fidelity’s mobile app strikes the right balance of power and simplicity. You’ll get free stock and ETF trades, smart planning tools, and curated collections of stocks to explore. The app also features short educational videos, live Bloomberg TV, and credit score tracking, making it more than just a trading tool. Fidelity doesn’t take payment for order flow, which means you can trust the quality of your trades. And for long-term investors, features like automatic reinvestment and zero-expense mutual funds help build a portfolio over time with minimal costs.
What you might not love
Fidelity doesn’t currently offer a paper trading account, which makes it harder to test strategies without committing real money. While Active Trader Pro adds more functionality for serious traders, it feels dated next to newer platforms. And while the research is deep, some features are buried and harder to find than they should be.
Why it’s great for beginners with long-term planning goals
Fidelity helps you grow your knowledge while growing your portfolio. The platform includes live webinars, clear educational content, and in-app tools that explain what’s happening in the market. You can invest with as little as $1 using fractional shares, and the app offers helpful planning features like retirement calculators and goal setting. With strong support, low costs, and plenty of guidance, Fidelity is a smart place to start investing with confidence.
4. E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley
Company | Minimum Deposit | Stock Trades | Options (Per Contract) | Crypto Trading |
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$0.00 | $0.00 | $0.65 | No |
E*TRADE is a flexible, easy-to-use brokerage app built for long-term investors and active traders alike. With strong research tools, modern trading features, and a clean interface, it’s a smart choice for beginners looking to grow into more advanced strategies.
What you’ll love
E*TRADE’s mobile apps are intuitive and thoughtfully designed. The standard app delivers curated market news, alerts, watchlists, and smart research tools like stock screeners and earnings calendars. For active traders, the Power E*TRADE app adds more muscle, including advanced charting, options trading tools, and customizable layouts. Educational content is also strong, with articles and webinars that cover everything from ETFs to income strategies. And with commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and most mutual funds, it’s cost-effective too.
What you might not love
E*TRADE doesn’t currently support direct crypto trading or fractional shares of individual stocks. Some research tools and market data require a $1,000 account balance, which might be a hurdle for newer investors starting small.
Why it’s great for beginners who want powerful trading tools
E*TRADE makes getting started easy. The platform’s default app walks you through investing basics, and the built-in education helps you understand what you’re buying and why. With features like automated investing, customizable watchlists, and access to professional-grade research, E*TRADE gives you the tools to build confidence and grow your skills over time. If you’re ready to learn and want a platform that can grow with you, E*TRADE is a great place to start.
5. Webull
Company | Minimum Deposit | Stock Trades | Options (Per Contract) | Crypto Trading |
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | No |
Webull is a sleek, trading-first app designed for beginners and intermediate investors who want just enough data to make smart decisions without feeling overwhelmed.
What you’ll love
Webull offers commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and even options, with no per-contract fees. The app is fast, customizable, and comes packed with features like paper trading and fractional shares to help you practice and build confidence. You can also set up recurring investments starting at $5, making it easy to grow your portfolio over time. Webull’s mobile platform is sharp and modern, and the community tab adds a social layer for market insights and peer discussion.
What you might not love
Webull doesn’t support mutual funds or forex, and its research tools aren’t as in-depth as those offered by larger firms. Educational content is broad but disorganized, and features like tax tracking or long-term planning tools are fairly limited.
Why it’s great for beginners who want to practice trading
Webull is ideal for getting started. With paper trading, intuitive stock and options trade tickets, and real-time market data, it’s easy to place trades and follow along with the market. Recurring investments, smart alerts, and goal tracking give newer investors useful tools without the clutter. If you want a clean, mobile-first experience that makes learning to trade feel natural, Webull is a strong option to consider.
6. Merrill Edge
Company | Minimum Deposit | Stock Trades | Options (Per Contract) | Crypto Trading |
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$0.00 | $0.00 | $0.65 | No |
Merrill Edge, backed by Bank of America, is a smart pick for long-term investors who want simplicity, powerful planning tools, and seamless banking integration. It’s designed for building wealth over time, not chasing fast trades.
What you’ll love
Merrill’s app blends banking and investing in one place, making it easy to manage your full financial life. Tools like Stock Story and Portfolio Story turn complex data into easy-to-understand visuals, helping you make informed decisions without needing a finance degree. You’ll also get access to research from Bank of America Securities and features like goal tracking, customizable dashboards, and strong retirement planning tools. For Bank of America customers, the Preferred Rewards program adds serious perks, like investment discounts and boosted credit card rewards.
What you might not love
Merrill doesn’t support crypto or fractional shares, and options trading is best suited for simpler strategies. Some educational content is helpful, but deeper topics like macro trends or advanced fund research aren’t well covered. Active traders looking for fast execution and margin flexibility might find the platform limiting.
Why it’s great for beginners who love research
Merrill makes long-term investing approachable. You’ll find clear explanations, built-in education, and intuitive tools that help you understand the “why” behind your investments. The mobile app is clean and consistent with the desktop platform, and features like the Retirement Calculator break big goals into simple, actionable steps. If you already bank with Bank of America or want a one-stop shop for your money, Merrill is a great choice to get started with investing.
7. Robinhood
Company | Minimum Deposit | Stock Trades | Options (Per Contract) | Crypto Trading |
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Yes |
Robinhood is built for first-time investors who want a simple way to start trading. Its app-based design, zero commissions, and standout educational content make it one of the most approachable platforms for beginners.
What you’ll love
Robinhood’s app is clean, easy to navigate, and thoughtfully designed for mobile users. Buying stocks, ETFs, crypto, and options takes just a few taps. Fractional shares and recurring investments make it simple to start small and stay consistent. The 24-hour trading feature is a unique plus, giving you more flexibility to act when it fits your schedule. Educational content is woven throughout the platform and actually teaches you something useful — no jargon, just real-world explanations.
What you might not love
Robinhood lacks deeper research tools and portfolio monitoring features. You won’t find economic calendars, benchmark comparisons, or in-depth stock analysis. For investors who want to analyze trends, track asset allocation, or compare investments to broader markets, the tools fall short.
Why it’s great for beginners who value education
Robinhood makes investing feel accessible. From fractional shares and auto-investing to interactive options education and a straightforward app experience, it’s built to help you learn as you go. The platform is simple enough not to overwhelm, but packed with just enough features to get you started. If you’re dipping your toes into the market and want a place that feels unintimidating and educational, Robinhood is a solid first step.
8. TradeStation
Company | Minimum Deposit | Stock Trades | Options (Per Contract) | Crypto Trading |
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $0.60 | No |
TradeStation is a high-powered trading platform built for experienced investors who want deep customization and advanced tools. While its features may overwhelm beginners, it delivers a serious edge for those ready to commit to active trading.
What you’ll love
TradeStation offers one of the most advanced platforms in the industry. Active traders can tap into powerful tools like real-time data feeds, customizable charting, and professional-grade options analysis. You’ll also find a sleek mobile app, solid order execution, and a wide range of assets including stocks, ETFs, options, and futures. Educational content and tools for options trading are particularly strong, with well-designed tutorials and strategy support.
What you might not love
TradeStation isn’t built for beginners. The desktop platform comes with a learning curve, and the research tools lean heavily toward technical analysis. There’s limited guidance on basic fundamentals or portfolio building. Inactivity fees apply unless you maintain a $5,000 balance or meet trading activity minimums, which could deter casual investors.
Why it’s great for beginners who don’t want training wheels
If you're a hands-on learner looking to grow into a more advanced trader, TradeStation offers a pathway with serious potential. Paper trading is available, and the mobile app is more beginner-friendly than the desktop version. But this is best suited for those who want to move beyond the basics. If you’re just starting out and want a platform to grow into, TradeStation could be a great fit — as long as you're willing to invest the time to learn.
9. Firstrade
Company | Minimum Deposit | Stock Trades | Options (Per Contract) | Crypto Trading |
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | No |
Firstrade is an under-the-radar brokerage that’s been stepping up its game. With a clean app, $0 trading, and strong options tools, it’s a solid choice for beginners who want low costs and long-term flexibility.
What you’ll love
Firstrade offers commission-free trades on stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and options — with no per-contract options fees, which is rare. The mobile app is intuitive and especially strong for options trading, showing real-time pricing and strategy support even on multi-leg trades. Fractional shares are available, and you can invest with as little as $1. There’s also a standout economic calendar and growing AI tools like FirstradeGPT, a research assistant that shows early signs of being a helpful companion for self-directed investors.
What you might not love
Firstrade doesn’t support crypto, futures, forex, or international trading. Research on funds and fixed income is limited, and the platform lacks more advanced portfolio tracking or planning tools. While the education is great for options and stocks, content on broader investing strategies feels thin.
Why it’s great for beginners exploring options trading alongside long-term investing
Firstrade is easy to get started with — no account minimums, simple navigation, and strong options and stock education. The app is beginner-friendly but doesn’t feel watered down. For those new to trading who want to keep fees low and learn as they go, especially in options, Firstrade is a great place to build your foundation.
10. tastytrade
Company | Minimum Deposit | Stock Trades | Options (Per Contract) | Crypto Trading |
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $0.50 | Yes |
tastytrade is built for options traders. Its platform is packed with strategy-focused tools, competitive pricing, and live insights designed to support active traders who want more than a basic app.
What you’ll love
The platform is tailor-made for options. You can build multi-leg trades, backtest strategies, and track net Greeks in real time. tastytrade’s $1 per contract pricing (with no fee to close) keeps costs low, and crypto trades are now commission-free. The mobile app syncs seamlessly with desktop and delivers a full-featured trading experience — including earnings calendars, market movers, and watchlists with implied volatility and correlation metrics. For education and insights, tastylive, their separate broadcast affiliate, provides constant, real-time commentary from real traders.
What you might not love
The layout feels different and has a learning curve. tastytrade doesn’t offer mutual funds, fixed-income research, or paper trading, and the macro research is light. If you prefer deep-dive PDF reports or more traditional investment planning tools, you might find the platform limited.
Why it’s great for beginner options traders
If you’re new to trading and want to learn options the right way, tastytrade is an excellent choice. The platform teaches you through real examples, live shows, and integrated strategy tools. You’ll grow your skills while actually placing trades, not just reading about them. It’s not built for passive investors, but for those who want to learn and do, it’s a smart first step.
11. eToro
Company | Minimum Deposit | Stock Trades | Options (Per Contract) | Crypto Trading |
|
$50.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Yes |
eToro is a community-driven platform built for investors who want more than just trades — they want conversation. If you’re energized by short-form content, real-time market chatter, and learning from others, eToro delivers an experience that feels more like social media than a traditional brokerage.
What you’ll love
eToro blends education, insights, and community into one cohesive app. You’ll find sentiment scores, analyst price targets, and even hedge fund trading activity — all layered into each stock’s profile. Crypto traders will appreciate access to 80+ coins, plus features like stop-loss, limit orders, and Smart Portfolios for thematic investing. CopyTrader, eToro’s signature feature, lets you automatically follow and replicate the portfolios of more experienced investors. It’s a collaborative experience that makes investing feel less intimidating, especially when you're just getting started.
What you might not love
The tools are built for accessibility, not complexity. Stock screening is limited, advanced charting is missing, and you can’t trade fixed income, mutual funds, or futures. U.S. investors also can’t designate a beneficiary, which could create complications down the line. And while options trading is available, the chain layout and analytics fall short for anyone running multi-leg strategies or assessing the Greeks in real time.
Why it’s great for beginners who value community-driven investing
eToro simplifies investing by turning it into a shared experience. The app is easy to navigate, and the real-time commentary makes it easier to understand what’s driving the market. Educational videos are polished and engaging, and CopyTrader takes the pressure off decision-making while you build confidence. If you’re just starting out and want to learn by watching — and doing — eToro gives you a place to do both.
12. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing
Company | Minimum Deposit | Stock Trades | Options (Per Contract) | Crypto Trading |
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $0.65 | No |
J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing is a smart choice for long-term investors, especially if you already bank with Chase. The platform makes it easy to manage your investments and finances in one place, with planning tools and research that help keep your goals in focus.
What you’ll love
The real standout here is integration. If you’re a Chase customer, you’ll appreciate how seamless it feels to move between your banking and investing accounts. J.P. Morgan’s Wealth Plan tool walks you through goal-setting, retirement planning, and even cost comparisons by city. Research is cleanly presented, with insights from J.P. Morgan analysts, earnings updates, and news that explains market moves in plain terms. The platform also supports a solid range of bonds and CDs, with clear ratings and filters for income-focused investors.
What you might not love
J.P. Morgan isn’t built for active traders. You won’t find advanced charting, complex options tools, or fast-moving analytics here. The educational content is strong but scattered, and navigating through the app or web platform can feel more like online banking than investing. Options tools are especially limited, and those wanting a deep trading experience may feel boxed in.
Why it’s great for beginners who want banking and investing in one place
For goal-based investors who want a dependable, low-stress way to invest, J.P. Morgan delivers. The platform stays focused on the big picture with intuitive planning features, $0 stock and ETF trades, and high-quality research. If you’re already banking with Chase, the convenience alone makes it worth a look.
13. Ally Invest
Company | Minimum Deposit | Stock Trades | Options (Per Contract) | Crypto Trading |
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$0.00 | $0.00 | $0.50 | No |
Ally Invest is an easy transition for Ally Bank customers who want to start investing without switching platforms. With commission-free trades, solid bond offerings, and a competitive robo-advisor, it works best for long-term investors focused on convenience.
What you’ll love
Banking and investing in one place makes life simpler. Ally’s mobile app mirrors its web experience and keeps everything user-friendly, especially for buy-and-hold investors. Fixed income is a bright spot, with a strong bond screener and plenty of product variety. The robo-advisor requires just $100 to get started and offers goal-based portfolios at a low cost, giving you an accessible way to invest hands-off.
What you might not love
Active traders and power users will find Ally Invest lacking. There’s no advanced desktop platform, limited charting, and minimal research tools. No fractional shares means it’s harder to invest small amounts across many stocks. Portfolio tracking is also bare-bones, and maintenance tasks like updating beneficiaries still require printing and mailing forms.
Why it’s great for beginners who are Ally Bank customers
Ally Invest is best for new investors who already bank with Ally and want to get started with a basic, easy-to-use platform. It’s not overwhelming, offers enough education to begin building a portfolio, and makes the saving-to-investing journey seamless, especially when paired with Ally’s high-yield savings.
14. Public.com
Company | Minimum Deposit | Stock Trades | Options (Per Contract) | Crypto Trading |
|
$20.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Yes |
Public.com is one of the most approachable stock apps for new investors thanks to its social-first design and intuitive interface. With simple navigation, daily market recaps, and sleek visuals, it creates a welcoming space for those just getting started.
What you’ll love
The app feels more like a modern social network than a traditional brokerage. Built-in community threads let you follow traders, read commentary, and react to market news in real time. Public also offers a unique range of products like Treasurys, corporate bonds, and alternatives — including fractional shares of collectibles. The Rundown, its five-minute weekday market podcast, is a quick way to stay informed.
What you might not love
Research tools and options data are locked behind a $10/month subscription, unless you maintain an account balance of $50,000 or more, in which case Public Premium is free. Fixed-income accounts sometimes include below-investment-grade bonds without clear disclosures. While the app looks great, it lacks the depth needed for more advanced investing strategies, like detailed screeners or robust charting tools.
Why it’s great for beginners who value a sleek design
Public’s clean layout and accessible education center make it a strong choice for beginners. It introduces asset classes like bonds and crypto in a digestible way and builds confidence through community-driven insights. Just keep in mind that full access to advanced tools may require a monthly fee, unless you bring a larger portfolio.
Final Considerations Before You Start Investing
Choosing an investing app is about more than just features, it’s about selecting the right entry point into the financial world. For new investors, the best brokerage platform is the one that provides clarity, builds confidence, and grows with your needs.
A good platform doesn’t just display charts and data. It helps you understand them. Over time, what once felt like unfamiliar terminology becomes part of your everyday vocabulary. Terms like "index funds," "diversification," and "rebalancing" shift from abstract concepts to practical tools.
Whether you're looking for simplicity, automated portfolio management, or a platform that supports deeper learning, the goal is the same: to help you get started and stay invested with confidence.
Still have questions? We’ve answered some of the most common ones below.
What’s the difference between a stock and an ETF?
Stocks are shares of a single company. ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) are bundles of investments, like stocks, bonds, or other assets, that trade like a stock. They offer instant diversification, making them a popular choice for beginners looking to spread risk.
How do I transfer my account from one brokerage to another?
You’ll usually start the transfer with your new brokerage, not the one you’re leaving. Log in, look for “Transfer an Account” or “Move Investments,” and follow the prompts. Be sure your account types match (e.g., individual to individual, Roth IRA to Roth IRA).
Fun fact: If you do an in-kind transfer, it doesn't trigger a taxable event or generate tax forms. As long as your new brokerage supports the same investments, you can move them over as-is.
Can I open more than one brokerage account?
Yes! You can have multiple brokerage accounts across different firms, depending on your financial goals. Just be sure to stay organized, especially around tax season. You can also have multiple IRAs (like one Traditional and one Roth), but your total annual contributions can’t exceed the IRS limit.
What’s the difference between a brokerage account and a retirement account?
A brokerage account is flexible: you can buy and sell investments at any time and withdraw funds whenever you like. However, you’ll pay taxes when you sell investments or earn dividends.
Retirement accounts like a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA offer tax advantages, but they come with rules—like contribution limits and penalties for early withdrawals in some cases.
What does “fractional share investing” mean?
Fractional share investing lets you buy a portion of a stock, rather than a whole share. So, if a stock costs $500 and you only have $50, you can still invest. This is a great way to get started with less money and still build a diversified portfolio.
Methodology
Since 2009, our team has helped over 20 million visitors research, compare, and choose the right online brokerage firm. Our writers and analysts have collectively placed thousands of trades across countless platforms, so we don’t just review based on a survey of offerings; we’ve used these tools ourselves.
How we tested
- We used our own brokerage accounts for testing.
- We collected thousands of data points.
- We tested each online broker's website, desktop platforms, and mobile app, where applicable.
- We maintained strict editorial independence; brokers cannot pay for inclusion or a higher rating.
Our research team meticulously collected data on every feature of importance to a wide range of customer profiles, including beginners, casual investors, passive investors, and active traders. We carefully track variables like margin rates, trading costs, fees, and platform features and use them to help rate brokers across a range of categories measuring ease of use, range of investments, research, education, and more.
At StockBrokers.com, our reviewers use a variety of computing devices to evaluate platforms and tools. Our reviews and data collection were conducted using the following devices: iPhone SE running iOS 17.5.1, MacBook Pro M1 with 8 GB RAM running the current MacOS, and a Dell Vostro 5402 laptop i5 with 8 GB RAM running Windows 11 Pro.
Each broker was evaluated and scored on over 200 different variables across seven key categories: Range of Investments, Platforms & Tools, Research, Mobile Trading, Education, Ease of Use, and Overall. Learn more about how we test.