Fidelity$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract
- Published fee
- $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract
- Minimum deposit
- 0 $
Broker comparison
Fidelity vs.
Vanguard
Which broker fits your needs?
Platforms, products and fees side by side.
Updated: October 2026
See comparisonFidelity
VanguardVS
Summary
Your goal decides.
Fidelity has a higher rating of 4.6/5 compared to Vanguard (4.5/5). Fidelity has been in the market since 1946, making it the more experienced provider. Execution speed: Fidelity ~25 ms (Smart Order Router, high price improvement rate), Vanguard ~50 ms (institutional routing, own ETFs/funds prioritized).
FidelityOne of the largest and most trusted US brokers with comprehensive services
VanguardWorld-leading index fund provider with commission-free trading
At a glance
The key differences
| Criterion | Fidelity | Vanguard |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App | Vanguard Web, Vanguard App |
| Product types | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDs | Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Options, CDs |
| Options trading | Yes, US options from $0.65 per contract | Yes, US options available ($1 per contract) |
| Fee model | $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract | $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, Vanguard funds with no transaction fee |
| Minimum deposit | 0 $ | 0 $ |
| Regulation | SEC/FINRA | SEC/FINRA |
| More information | Details | Details |
Platforms
Fidelity
Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App
Vanguard
Vanguard Web, Vanguard App
Product types
Fidelity
Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDs
Vanguard
Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Options, CDs
Options trading
Fidelity
Yes, US options from $0.65 per contract
Vanguard
Yes, US options available ($1 per contract)
Fee model
Fidelity
$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract
Vanguard
$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, Vanguard funds with no transaction fee
Minimum deposit
Fidelity
0 $
Vanguard
0 $
Regulation
Fidelity
SEC/FINRA
Vanguard
SEC/FINRA
Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.
Detailed comparison
Comparing fees
Compare total costs, not just the order fee.
FidelityVanguard$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 $
The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.
Execution quality
Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.
FidelityCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationVanguardCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationProduct range
FidelityStocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual FundsCDs
VanguardStocksETFsMutual FundsBondsOptionsCDs
Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.
Trading platforms
FidelityFidelity Web · Active Trader Pro · Fidelity App
Fidelity offers three trading platforms: Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, and the Fidelity App. The web platform provides comprehensive research tools, screening functions, and educational resources. Active Trader Pro is a desktop platform for active traders with real-time data, advanced charts, options analysis, and customizable layouts. The mobile app offers quick access to all account features and trading options with an intuitive user interface.
Explore platformVanguardVanguard 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 platformRegulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.
Your investor profile
Who might it suit?
FidelityOne of the largest and most trusted US brokers with comprehensive services
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
- Excellent research and educational resources
- Huge fund selection including proprietary index funds
- Only available for US customers
- International stocks limited availability
VanguardWorld-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
Fidelity oder Vanguard?
Side by side. Decided with knowledge.
See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.
VS
- Fees
- Platform
- Regulation
- Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
How do fees differ between Fidelity and Vanguard?
Fidelity: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract. 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: Fidelity or Vanguard?
Fidelity offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDs. Vanguard offers Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Options, CDs.
How are Fidelity and Vanguard regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for Fidelity and SEC/FINRA for Vanguard. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Fidelity or Vanguard better for beginners?
Fidelity lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App. Vanguard lists 0 $ and offers Vanguard Web, Vanguard App. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Fidelity vs Vanguard: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Fidelity (4.6/5, 2400 reviews) and Vanguard (4.5/5, 2300 reviews) depends on your needs. Fidelity: One of the largest and most trusted US brokers with comprehensive services. Vanguard: World-leading index fund provider with commission-free trading.
Your next step
Your next step
FidelityOne of the largest and most trusted US brokers with comprehensive services
Open accountRead reviewVanguardWorld-leading index fund provider with commission-free trading
Open accountRead reviewKeep learning
Before you pick a broker
The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.