Broker comparison

E*TRADE vs.
Lightspeed

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Updated: October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides.

E*TRADE has a higher rating of 4.3/5 compared to Lightspeed (4.1/5). E*TRADE offers 6 instrument types, while Lightspeed offers 4. The minimum deposit is lower at E*TRADE with 0 $. E*TRADE has been in the market since 1982, making it the more experienced provider.

Established US broker by Morgan Stanley with strong options platform

US broker for professional day traders with ultra-fast execution

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsE*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, E*TRADE AppLightspeed Trader, Sterling Trader Pro, Eze EMS
Product typesStocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, FuturesStocks, ETFs, Options, Futures
Options tradingYes, comprehensive options trading with Power E*TRADEYes, professional options trading
Fee model$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)Stocks from $0.0045 per share (250+ trades/month), options from $0.60 per contract
Minimum deposit0 $10.000 $
RegulationSEC/FINRASEC/FINRA
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

E*TRADE

E*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, E*TRADE App

Lightspeed

Lightspeed Trader, Sterling Trader Pro, Eze EMS

Product types

E*TRADE

Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Futures

Lightspeed

Stocks, ETFs, Options, Futures

Options trading

E*TRADE

Yes, comprehensive options trading with Power E*TRADE

Lightspeed

Yes, professional options trading

Fee model

E*TRADE

$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)

Lightspeed

Stocks from $0.0045 per share (250+ trades/month), options from $0.60 per contract

Minimum deposit

E*TRADE

0 $

Lightspeed

10.000 $

Regulation

E*TRADE

SEC/FINRA

Lightspeed

SEC/FINRA

More information

E*TRADE

Details

Lightspeed

Details

Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.

Detailed comparison

Comparing fees

Compare total costs, not just the order fee.

$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)

Published fee
$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)
Minimum deposit
0 $
See terms at provider

Stocks from $0.0045 per share (250+ trades/month), options from $0.60 per contract

Published fee
Stocks from $0.0045 per share (250+ trades/month), options from $0.60 per contract
Minimum deposit
10.000 $
See terms at provider

The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.

Execution quality

Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Product range

StocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual FundsFutures
StocksETFsOptionsFutures

Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.

Trading platforms

E*TRADE Web · Power E*TRADE · E*TRADE App

E*TRADE offers three trading platforms: E*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, and the E*TRADE App. The web platform provides standard trading functions with research and educational resources. Power E*TRADE is the flagship, offering one of the best options platforms on the market with visual options chains, strategy builders, and real-time risk analysis. The mobile app combines elements of both platforms and enables trading of stocks, options, and futures on the go.

Explore platform

Lightspeed Trader · Sterling Trader Pro · Eze EMS

Lightspeed offers three professional trading platforms: Lightspeed Trader, Sterling Trader Pro, and Eze EMS. Lightspeed Trader provides ultra-fast order execution, Level 2 data, customizable hot keys, and multi-monitor support. Sterling Trader Pro complements the offering with advanced routing options and algorithmic trading. Eze EMS targets institutional traders. All platforms offer direct market access (DMA) and are optimized for minimal latency.

Explore platform

Regulation & security

SEC/FINRA

Regulatory information

SEC/FINRA

Regulatory information

Regulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

Established US broker by Morgan Stanley with strong options platform

  • Power E*TRADE – excellent options platform
  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
  • Part of Morgan Stanley – high security
  • Only available for US customers
  • International markets not available

US broker for professional day traders with ultra-fast execution

  • Ultra-fast order execution for day traders
  • Very low fees for frequent traders
  • Professional trading platforms
  • Very high minimum deposit ($10,000)
  • Not suitable for beginners

Find the broker that fits

E*TRADE oder Lightspeed?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.

E*TRADE4.3
  • Power E*TRADE – excellent options platform
  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
  • Part of Morgan Stanley – high security
Lightspeed4.1
  • Ultra-fast order execution for day traders
  • Very low fees for frequent traders
  • Professional trading platforms
VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
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Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between E*TRADE and Lightspeed?
E*TRADE: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades). Lightspeed: Stocks from $0.0045 per share (250+ trades/month), options from $0.60 per contract. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: E*TRADE or Lightspeed?
E*TRADE offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Futures. Lightspeed offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Futures.
How are E*TRADE and Lightspeed regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for E*TRADE and SEC/FINRA for Lightspeed. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is E*TRADE or Lightspeed better for beginners?
E*TRADE lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers E*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, E*TRADE App. Lightspeed lists 10.000 $ and offers Lightspeed Trader, Sterling Trader Pro, Eze EMS. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
E*TRADE vs Lightspeed: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between E*TRADE (4.3/5, 1900 reviews) and Lightspeed (4.1/5, 420 reviews) depends on your needs. E*TRADE: Established US broker by Morgan Stanley with strong options platform. Lightspeed: US broker for professional day traders with ultra-fast execution.

Your next step

Your next step

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Before you pick a broker

The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.

Options taxes in GermanyFlat-rate tax, loss offsetting and allowances.Options trading basicsStrike, expiry, underlying: the building blocks of every option.Regulation: BaFin, ESMA & investor protectionWho supervises your broker and what that protects.
Terms in the glossary:PremiumCall optionMarginExercisePut option