Broker comparison

E*TRADE vs.
Vanguard

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Updated: October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides.

E*TRADE is the better choice for options traders: $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades) against $1 at Vanguard, plus Power E*TRADE and futures. Vanguard (4.5/5) is the house for long-term index-fund investors, with its own funds at no transaction fee, but by its own profile it is not built for active trading. Neither asks for a minimum deposit, and both are open only to US customers.

Established US broker by Morgan Stanley with strong options platform

World-leading index fund provider with commission-free trading

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsE*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, E*TRADE AppVanguard Web, Vanguard App
Product typesStocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, FuturesStocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Options, CDs
Options tradingYes, comprehensive options trading with Power E*TRADEYes, US options available ($1 per contract)
Fee model$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, Vanguard funds with no transaction fee
Minimum deposit0 $0 $
RegulationSEC/FINRASEC/FINRA
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

E*TRADE

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

Vanguard

Vanguard Web, Vanguard App

Product types

E*TRADE

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

Vanguard

Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Options, CDs

Options trading

E*TRADE

Yes, comprehensive options trading with Power E*TRADE

Vanguard

Yes, US options available ($1 per contract)

Fee model

E*TRADE

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

Vanguard

$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, Vanguard funds with no transaction fee

Minimum deposit

E*TRADE

0 $

Vanguard

0 $

Regulation

E*TRADE

SEC/FINRA

Vanguard

SEC/FINRA

More information

E*TRADE

Details

Vanguard

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

$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, Vanguard funds with no transaction fee

Published fee
$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, Vanguard funds with no transaction fee
Minimum deposit
0 $
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
StocksETFsMutual FundsBondsOptionsCDs

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

Vanguard Web · Vanguard App

Vanguard offers trading through Vanguard Web and the Vanguard App. The web platform is functionally designed and provides access to order placement, portfolio overview, fund analysis, and retirement planning tools. The mobile app enables account access and basic trading functions on the go. Both platforms are oriented more toward long-term investors than active traders and offer fewer charting and analysis tools than competitors, but provide comprehensive retirement planning features.

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

World-leading index fund provider with commission-free trading

  • World leader in low-cost index funds
  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
  • Client-owned structure – no external shareholders
  • Trading platform more functional than modern
  • Only available for US customers

Find the broker that fits

E*TRADE oder Vanguard?

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
Vanguard4.5
  • World leader in low-cost index funds
  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
  • Client-owned structure – no external shareholders
VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
Open The Dealing Room

In-depth analysis

Entry and fees: Neither asks for a minimum deposit, and both trade stocks and ETFs commission-free. The difference is options. E*TRADE charges $0.65 per contract and drops to $0.50 for 30+ trades. Vanguard charges $1 per contract with no tiering. For anyone trading options regularly, E*TRADE is clearly the cheaper of the two. Vanguard scores elsewhere: its own Vanguard funds trade with no transaction fee, and by its own profile it has the lowest expense ratios in the industry.

Products and platforms: E*TRADE trades stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, mutual funds and futures, and provides Power E*TRADE, a platform built around options, alongside web and app. Vanguard trades stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, options and CDs, but no futures, through web and app. Its own profile describes the Vanguard platform as more functional than modern. On execution E*TRADE quotes around 40 ms, Vanguard around 50 ms, with its own ETFs and funds prioritized.

Profile and verdict: E*TRADE (4.3/5 from 1,900 reviews) was founded in 1982, is based in New York and is part of Morgan Stanley. Vanguard (4.5/5 from 2,300 reviews) was founded in 1975, is based in Valley Forge and is client-owned, with no external shareholders. Both are SEC/FINRA-regulated and open only to US customers. Active options traders pick E*TRADE; investors who mainly build index-fund positions and trade rarely belong at Vanguard.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between E*TRADE and Vanguard?
E*TRADE: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades). Vanguard: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, Vanguard funds with no transaction fee. 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 Vanguard?
E*TRADE offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Futures. Vanguard offers Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Options, CDs.
How are E*TRADE and Vanguard regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for E*TRADE and SEC/FINRA for Vanguard. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is E*TRADE or Vanguard better for beginners?
E*TRADE lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers E*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, E*TRADE App. Vanguard lists 0 $ and offers Vanguard Web, Vanguard App. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
E*TRADE vs Vanguard: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between E*TRADE (4.3/5, 1900 reviews) and Vanguard (4.5/5, 2300 reviews) depends on your needs. E*TRADE: Established US broker by Morgan Stanley with strong options platform. Vanguard: World-leading index fund provider with commission-free trading.

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