Firms that ranked outside of the top 10 with 0 points scored:
Firms that did not make the review cut, but have evaluations by Surviscor:
Note: The takeover of Laurentian Bank Discount Brokerage (LBDB) by CI Direct Trading was finalized in late November 2024, bringing a long-overdue end to what has been one of the most consistently poor online brokerage experiences in Canada. For nearly two decades, LBDB ranked at or near the bottom of every meaningful measure.
Sadly, for the few remaining clients who may have hoped for a fresh start, the outcome is more of the same—they’ve gone from 2024’s worst platform to 2025’s worst. If you’re still holding out, it might be time to move on.
Online investing in Canada
We’re living in a new era of uncertainty. Tariff tensions, economic instability and shifting global markets are all making it harder for investors in Canada to feel confident about their next move. But with uncertainty comes opportunity. For many Canadian self-directed investors, this environment has led to increased trading activity, as people look to take control of their portfolios and react in real time. Online brokerages are seeing higher trading volumes, and that makes the quality of your platform—and the support behind it—more important than ever.
Now in its 13th year, our annual ranking of Canada’s best online brokerages continues to do what we’ve always done: cut through the noise to help Canadian investors—especially self-directed beginners—make smarter, more confident decisions. The goal isn’t just to show who’s winning the popularity contest, but to spotlight the platforms that truly deliver on the experience, education and support investors need to succeed.
This year’s findings reveal a mix of stability at the top and subtle shifts across the broader landscape—important changes for investors who care about more than just slick apps and catchy headlines. Another firm entered the zero-commission arena with a splash, solidifying its already solid claim at number one, while all providers still claim to be the best for the highly coveted new investor.
If you look past the surface, you’ll see that not all platforms are moving forward. Some firms are doubling down on marketing instead of platform development. Others are quietly scaling back tools or service access. While the race to win over new investors is on, seasoned investors—many of whom helped build these firms—risk being left behind.
That’s why this ranking exists. Whether you’re opening your first account or wondering if your current firm still meets your needs, you deserve the full story. Choosing an online brokerage is about more than picking the one with the lowest fees or flashiest ad. It’s about finding a partner that aligns with your investing style, supports your learning, and earns your trust over time. The reality is that self-directed investing isn’t always simple (as the ads often promise), and any platform that suggests otherwise is selling you on ease, not readiness.So, whether you’re a rookie exploring opening your first brokerage account or a seasoned investor wondering if there’s a better fit out there, this guide is designed with you in mind. Below you’ll find the top-ranked firms in Canada for 2025, broken down not just by overall score, but by what matters most to you: platform preference, investor type and firm ownership model. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned year after year, it’s this: the best investing experience starts with the right partner. Let’s find yours.
Top 3 online brokers in Canada
Here’s a closer look at the top three overall winners.
