Trying to decide between Vanguard, Fidelity, or Charles Schwab in 2025? We compare fees, ETFs, trading platforms, and features to help you choose the best brokerage for your investing goals.
Why This Comparison Matters in 2025
With more than 150 million brokerage accounts combined, Vanguard, Fidelity, and Charles Schwab are the giants of U.S. investing.
Each offers low-cost trading, robust retirement planning tools, and access to ETFs, mutual funds, and advisory services. But which one is truly best for your investing style in 2025?
In this guide, we’ll compare fees, platforms, investment options, customer service, and retirement planning to give you a clear answer.
Quick Comparison Table: Vanguard vs Fidelity vs Schwab (2025)
| Feature | Vanguard | Fidelity | Charles Schwab |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Fees | $0 stock/ETF trades | $0 stock/ETF trades | $0 stock/ETF trades |
| Options Trading | $1 per contract | $0.65 per contract | $0.65 per contract |
| Account Minimums | $0 (mutual funds often $1,000+) | $0 | $0 |
| Mutual Funds | 3,000+ (low-cost index focus) | 10,000+ | 7,000+ |
| ETFs | 80+ Vanguard ETFs | Fidelity ZERO ETFs (0% expense ratio) | Schwab ETFs (low fees) |
| Robo-Advisor | Vanguard Digital Advisor (0.15% AUM) | Fidelity Go (0.35% AUM, free under $25k) | Schwab Intelligent Portfolios (free, cash allocation required) |
| Research Tools | Limited | Advanced (Morningstar, S&P, Zacks) | Strong (Schwab Equity Ratings) |
| Mobile App | Simple, functional | Highly rated, beginner-friendly | Full-featured, strong UX |
| Best For | Long-term investors | Beginners & active traders | All-around balance |
Vanguard in 2025: Best for Long-Term, Low-Cost Investing
Strengths:
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Famous for low-cost index funds & ETFs.
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Ideal for retirement savers (IRAs, 401(k) rollovers).
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Vanguard Digital Advisor for passive investors.
Weaknesses:
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Trading platform (Vanguard.com + app) is basic.
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Fewer research tools for active traders.
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Mutual fund minimums can be high compared to competitors.
Best For: Investors focused on long-term wealth building through index funds and retirement accounts.
Fidelity in 2025: Best for Beginners & Active Traders
Strengths:
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$0 commissions on stocks/ETFs + $0.65 options contracts.
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Exclusive Fidelity ZERO funds (0% expense ratio).
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Advanced research tools and an excellent trading app.
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Top-rated customer service.
Weaknesses:
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Robo-advisor (Fidelity Go) has higher fees than Schwab’s free option.
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Can be overwhelming for complete beginners due to tool complexity.
Best For: Investors who want low-cost funds + active trading features + beginner-friendly app.
Charles Schwab in 2025: Best All-Around Brokerage
Strengths:
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$0 stock/ETF trades + $0.65 options contracts.
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Excellent all-around platform: Schwab.com + Schwab Mobile.
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Intelligent Portfolios Robo-Advisor is free (but allocates a % to cash).
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Huge selection of ETFs and mutual funds.
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Strong reputation in customer service and reliability.
Weaknesses:
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Cash-heavy allocation in robo-advisor may reduce returns.
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Research tools not as advanced as Fidelity.
Best For: Investors who want a balance of retirement investing + active trading tools.
Which Brokerage Should You Choose in 2025?
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Choose Vanguard if: You’re a long-term investor focused on retirement, index funds, and keeping costs ultra-low.
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Choose Fidelity if: You’re a beginner or active trader who values advanced research tools, fractional shares, and ZERO-cost funds.
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Choose Schwab if: You want an all-in-one brokerage with strong robo-advisor options and balanced tools.
Our Verdict: Fidelity Takes the Lead in 2025 🚀
While Vanguard is unbeatable for long-term retirement investors and Schwab offers the most balanced platform, Fidelity wins in 2025 thanks to its ZERO funds, research tools, trading platform, and customer experience.
For new investors, Fidelity is the easiest starting point. For retirees, Vanguard still holds the crown. And for investors wanting both robo-advice and active tools, Schwab is a strong middle ground.
Conclusion
The battle of Vanguard vs Fidelity vs Charles Schwab (2025) comes down to your investment style:
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Passive retirement saver? → Vanguard
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Beginner or active trader? → Fidelity
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Balanced approach? → Schwab
👉 Action Step: Compare account features directly before opening. Most brokers now offer sign-up bonuses ($100–$500+), so check promotions before committing.
