Recommended Options Brokers
Carefully selected brokers based on their options trading features, reliability, and suitability for different trading styles.
TastyTrade
A platform built by traders for traders, with a unique focus on options trading mechanics and probability-based strategies.
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ThinkOrSwim (Schwab)
Charles Schwab's professional-grade trading platform with comprehensive charting and research capabilities for serious options traders.
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Robinhood
A mobile-first platform that makes options trading accessible with low per-contract fees and an intuitive interface for newer traders.
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Interactive Brokers
The go-to platform for advanced and professional options traders, offering the lowest per-contract costs at volume with global market access.
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TradeStation
A technology-forward platform built for active traders who want advanced charting, backtesting, and custom strategy automation.
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TastyTrade
- Curve Analysis - Visual setup for options trades with profit/loss zones
- Quick Roll - Roll options to next expiration cycle with a right-click
- Percent of Profit Limit Orders - Choose probabilities over price targets
- Customizable options watchlists and alerts
ThinkOrSwim (Schwab)
- 300+ technical indicators and customizable charts
- Powerful options scanners with technical criteria
- Live options price ladder (Active Trader)
- OnDemand tool - Paper trade with historical market data
- thinkScript - Create custom indicators and automated strategies
- Probability analysis tool for implied price moves
Robinhood
- Low per-contract fees ($0.50 standard, $0.35 with Gold)
- Options Strategy Builder for constructing spreads
- Advanced options charts with technical indicators
- Options trading in cash accounts without PDT restrictions
- 24-hour market trading on 1,000+ stocks and ETFs
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
Interactive Brokers
- Option Strategy Lab - Find strategies matching your market forecast
- Probability Lab - Visualize implied probability distributions
- Trader Workstation (TWS) - Professional-grade desktop platform
- API access for custom and algorithmic trading strategies
- Global options markets across 35+ countries
- Volume-tiered pricing as low as $0.15 per contract
TradeStation
- OptionStation Pro - Advanced options analysis with 2D/3D risk graphs
- EasyLanguage - Built-in programming for custom indicators and strategies
- Strategy backtesting with historical market data
- Direct order routing for execution control
- RadarScreen - Real-time scanning across thousands of symbols
- Simulated trading for risk-free strategy testing
Trading Fees
TastyTrade
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Options Contract | $1.00 per contract to open, $0 to close (Max $10 per leg) |
| Assignment | $5.00 per assignment |
| Exercise | $5.00 per exercise |
| Stocks | Commission-free |
ThinkOrSwim (Schwab)
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Options Contract | $0.65 per contract |
| Assignment | $0.00 |
| Exercise | $0.00 |
| Stocks | Commission-free |
Robinhood
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Options Contract | $0.50 per contract ($0.35 with Gold) |
| Assignment | $0.00 |
| Exercise | $0.00 |
| Stocks | Commission-free |
| Gold Subscription | $5.00/month or $50/year (includes reduced contract fees, margin, and more) |
Interactive Brokers
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Options Contract | $0.25–$0.70 per contract (volume-tiered, min $1.00) |
| Assignment | $0.00 |
| Exercise | $0.00 |
| Stocks | Commission-free (IBKR Lite) or $0.0035/share (IBKR Pro) |
TradeStation
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Options Contract | $0.60 per contract (per-trade plan available) |
| Assignment | $14.95 |
| Exercise | $14.95 |
| Stocks | Commission-free |
| Maintenance | $10/month inactivity fee (waived with activity) |
Advantages
TastyTrade
- Ranked 'Best Overall Options Trading Platform' by Investopedia in 2026
- Unique commission cap of $10 per leg regardless of contract quantity
- Platform designed specifically for active options traders with efficient workflow
- Exceptional tax resources including distribution calendar and extensive tax guide
- Liquidity rating indicator to help find efficient markets with fair prices
ThinkOrSwim (Schwab)
- Access to over a dozen professional research providers including Morningstar
- 24/7 customer support via phone, email and chat
- OnDemand historical paper trading tool with past market conditions
- 98% of orders receive price improvement with 0.05s average execution speed
- Extensive no-transaction-fee mutual fund library via Mutual Fund OneSource
Robinhood
- Robinhood Legend desktop platform with advanced customization and charting
- 24/5 extended hours trading from Sunday 8PM to Friday 8PM ET on select securities
- Competitive margin rates starting at 5% with Gold (first $1,000 margin free)
- User-friendly Strategy Builder that visualizes multi-leg strategies
- $0 assignment and exercise fees unlike most competitors
Interactive Brokers
- Lowest options commissions at scale ($0.15–$0.70 depending on volume and premium)
- Ranked 'Best for Advanced Options Traders' by Investopedia in 2026
- $0 assignment and exercise fees for US stock and index options
- Comprehensive API suite for automated trading strategies
- Access to options markets in 35+ countries from a single account
TradeStation
- Industry-leading backtesting and strategy automation via EasyLanguage
- OptionStation Pro compares multiple strategies with what-if scenario analysis
- Choice of pricing plans to match your trading volume and style
- Direct routing available for better execution control
- Comprehensive simulated trading environment for practicing strategies
Before choosing an options broker, consider your trading experience, investment goals, and the specific features you need. We recommend opening a paper trading account first to practice strategies and familiarize yourself with the platform before trading with real money. All brokers charge standard regulatory fees that may vary based on your trading activity.