Best ETF trading platforms in Australia 2026

If you're looking to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), you'll need to be signed up to the right trading platform.

That means finding a platform or online broker that offers a great range of ETFs, low ETF trading fees and the right tools to match your trading strategy.

Best ETF trading platforms in Australia

Finding the best ETF trading platform in Australia

Our investment experts have analysed more than 40 trading platforms available in Australia to make it easier for you to select the right one as an ETF investor. The 5 brokers featured here achieved the highest scores for Finder's Best ETF Broker award in the Finder Awards. Keep in mind that these picks are suggestions and that the best platform for you will depend on your individual needs. There may be other products on the market not included in our picks. You can read more on our Best ETF platform methodology here.

Why you can trust our research

How ETF platforms work in Australia

To invest in ETFs, you need to be signed up to a share trading platform or online broker. Because ETFs are listed on a stock exchange, you invest in them the same way you buy and sell stocks. Instead of buying and selling stocks, you'll be buying ETF units.

However not all share trading platforms are catered to ETF investors. For instance, some trading platforms offer only a small range of ETFs or feature tools better suited to active stock traders. Trading platform eToro, for example, only offers US-listed ETFs and Australian shares, it does not support ASX-listed ETFs.

In Australia, ETF investors typically choose ASX-listed ETFs. This means the funds are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Australia's main stock exchange. To date, there are over 200 ASX-listed funds.

Just because an ETF is listed in the Australian market, doesn't mean that you're only investing in Australian assets. ASX-listed funds allow you to invest in stocks and other assets from right around the world, including the US market, emerging markets like India, UK stocks and even global commodities.

For more information on the types of ETFs available in Australia, check out our guides:

• Australia's best ETFs
• Australian ethical ETFs
• Australia's best S&P 500 ETFs

How to pick the best ETF trading platform

The best ETF platform for you will depend on your investment strategy, the types of ETFs you plan to invest in and whether you also want to buy other types of securities such as stocks.

If you plan to make small regular deposits into your ETF of choice, look for a platform that charges a low brokerage fee per trade and allows you to invest small, recurring amounts. It's worth noting that many platforms require a minimum deposit of $500 per trade, so make sure you check this before signing up.

If you only plan to deposit funds into your ETF once or twice a year, the brokerage fee is less important and you may instead prefer to find a platform that offers quality filtering or research tools that will help you select the best ETF for you.

Here are a few factors to consider:

• ETF trading fees: When you buy ETF units, you typically need to pay an ETF brokerage fee to the trading platform you use. This is usually the same as the stock brokerage fee, but some platforms will charge a different fee for ETFs. Opt for platforms with low brokerage fees in line with your strategy.
• Range of ETFs: Make sure to check the range of ETFs your platform has access to. For instance, some platforms will only offer US-listed ETFs while others might only offer a small range of ASX-listed ETFs.
• User experience: If you're new to investing, look for a platform with a user-friendly interface. Most platforms will allow you to sign up for free so you can trial the interface before depositing any funds.
• ETF filters: Some platforms, such as CMC Invest and CommSec offer ETF screeners that let you filter ETFs based on the underlying market or asset class, management fees, size of the ETF and types of ETFs. For instance, if you're looking for a low-cost index fund that tracks the US market, you can filter for this too.
• Auto-investment options: If you're planning to make recurring investments into your ETF of choice, you might want to look for a platform that offers an auto-investment option. Auto-investing features let you invest a set amount at regular intervals of your choosing so you can set and forget.
• Customer support: If something goes wrong, you'll want to make sure you can easily access the support you need. Check whether support can be contacted via phone, email or live chat.
• Regulation: Make sure you sign up to a platform that is ASIC regulated and holds an AFS licence. This will ensure you and your funds are protected under Australian law.
• Mobile access: Some platforms specialise in desktop trading while others are mobile first. Desktop platforms and their affiliate mobile apps can be quite different. For instance, you won't always get all the features you need via mobile. A good way to gauge is check out user ratings in the App or Play stores

Choosing the perfect ETF trading platform boils down to personal preference and trading style. Consider your unique needs and goals, then select a platform that aligns. Here's to successful trading!

Our expert says: Why pay ETF trading fees when you don't have to?

"Did you know some ETF platforms actually charge no brokerage fees when you invest in ETFs? While trading fees might not seem like a lot, they can quickly add up over time, especially if you are making regular investments."

Thomas Stelzer

Journalist

5:12

What return can you expect on an ETF?

Many ETFs have averaged an annualised return of more than 15% over the last 5 years, however this has been during a period of relatively high growth for the stock market. Like with any investment, the value of an ETF can go up or down.

ETFs that track popular stock indices like the S&P 500 and ASX 200 have also enjoyed strong returns over recent years, and averaged around a 10% return over the last few decades.

Frequently asked questions

• How do I buy an ETF without a broker?

  If you don't want to invest in an ETF through a broker or trading platform, you can invest in an unlisted managed fund. Many fund managers these days will offer both ETFs and unlisted managed fund options to customers. When you invest in an unlisted managed fund, you'll need to apply directly through the fund manager itself. It's worth noting that the minimal initial investment for unlisted funds is usually much higher than their ETF equivalents and can be upwards of several thousand dollars.

  For more information on ETF investing and how ETFs work, check out our guide to ETFs.

• What is the best platform to buy ETFs in Australia?

  The best platform for ETF investing is CMC Invest, according to Finder's latest analysis. CMC achieved the highest overall score thank to its $0 brokerage deal for ASX (CHESS-sponsored) stocks and ETFs and its high-quality research tools such as its ETF screeners.

• How do I choose an ETF provider?

  When it comes to choosing an ETF platform, you'll want to consider things like brokerage fees, potential CHESS-sponsorship, available markets and trading and research tools. Certain platforms may be more cost-effective for those looking to make lots of small investments, while others will suit those who make larger, sporadic investments.

• How many ETFs should I own?

  The main benefit of ETFs are that they offer exposure to a whole range of equities in a single investment. For example, an ETF that tracks the S&P 500 index includes 500 of the largest companies on the US stock market. This means you can get a diversified portfolio while only investing in a handful of ETFs.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Jason Loewenthal as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Kylie Purcell

Investments Analyst

Kylie Purcell is an experienced investments analyst and finance journalist with over a decade of expertise in a wide range of financial products, including online trading platforms, robo-advisors, stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. She is a sought-after commentator and regularly shares her insights on the AFR, Yahoo Finance, The Motley Fool, SBS and News.com.au. Kylie hosts the Investment Finder video series and actively contributes to the investment community as a judge and panellist. She holds a Master of Arts in International Journalism, a Graduate Diploma in Economics, and ASIC-recognised certifications in securities and managed investments. See full bio

Kylie's expertise

Kylie has written 188 Finder guides across topics including:

• Investment strategies
• Financial platforms
• Stockbrokers
• Robo advisors
• Exchange traded funds (ETFs)
• Ethical investing
• ASX stocks
• Stock and forex markets