Webull vs M1: I Like These Popular Apps
LAST UPDATED: August 28, 2023 | By Conrad Golly
Webull vs M1 Finance are two popular investment platforms that offer a range of investing and trading options.
Both platforms have their own unique features and benefits, making it difficult for investors to choose between them.
In this article, we will compare Webull and M1 Finance to help investors make an informed decision about which platform to use.
Key Takeaways
- Webull and M1 Finance offer unique features and benefits for investors.
- Webull is a commission-free trading platform that offers stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrency trading, while M1 Finance is a robo-advisor and brokerage platform that offers free investing for stocks and ETFs.
- Investors should compare the investing options, trading features, account types, fees and costs, additional services and tools, customer service and user experience, promotions and offers, data security, and mobile and desktop apps of Webull and M1 Finance to determine which platform is best for their investing needs.
Overview of Webull and M1 Finance

Webull and M1 Finance are two of the most popular trading platforms in the market. Both offer a range of features and tools that cater to different types of investors.
While Webull is best suited for intermediate to advanced investors, M1 Finance is ideal for passive long-term investors.
Webull is a brokerage that offers commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, and options. It also provides real-time market data, advanced charting tools, and in-depth analysis.

The platform has a sleek and user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate for experienced investors. It also has a mobile app and desktop app for easy access.
M1 Finance, on the other hand, is a finance super app that allows users to invest in stocks, ETFs, and other securities.
It offers a unique feature called “Pies,” which are pre-made portfolios of stocks and ETFs that can be customized by the user.
M1 Finance also offers fractional shares, allowing investors to buy a portion of a share rather than a whole share.
The platform has a user-friendly interface and is ideal for passive long-term investors.
Both Webull and M1 Finance offer commission-free trading, making them affordable options for investors. However, Webull charges a higher margin rate compared to M1 Finance, making it less attractive for margin traders.
M1 Finance also offers a premium membership called “M1 Plus,” which provides access to lower margin rates and a second trading window.
Investing Options on Webull vs M1
When it comes to investing options, Webull and M1 Finance differ in their approaches.
M1 Finance is geared towards long-term investors who want to build a portfolio of stocks and ETFs. On the other hand, Webull is better suited for active traders who want to engage in options trading and individual stock picking.
M1 Finance
M1 Finance allows users to invest in a variety of assets, including stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. The platform offers fractional shares, which means that investors can buy a portion of a share, making it easier to diversify their portfolios.
M1 Finance also offers pre-built portfolios called “Pies,” which are made up of a mix of stocks and ETFs. Users can choose from a selection of expertly crafted Pies or create their own.
In addition, M1 Finance offers a feature called “Dynamic Rebalancing,” which automatically adjusts the user’s portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation.
This makes it easier for investors to stay on track with their long-term investment goals.
Webull
Webull offers a wider range of investment options, including stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrency. The platform is designed for active traders who want to engage in options trading and individual stock picking.
Webull also offers fractional shares, making it easier for investors to diversify their portfolios.
Webull’s trading platform is equipped with a variety of tools and features, including real-time market data, technical indicators, and charting tools. This makes it easier for traders to make informed decisions about their investments.
M1 Finance is ideal for long-term investors who want to build a diversified portfolio of stocks and ETFs, while Webull is better suited for active traders who want to engage in options trading and individual stock picking.
Trading Features Comparison
When comparing Webull and M1 Finance, it is important to consider their trading features. Both platforms offer unique features that cater to different types of investors.
Active Traders
Webull is geared towards active traders with its focus on in-depth analysis and a wide variety of tools. It offers free trading for stocks, ETFs, and options, making it a popular choice for frequent traders.
On the other hand, M1 Finance is better suited for passive investors who prefer a hands-off approach to investing.
Trading Window
Webull offers extended trading hours, allowing users to trade from 4:00 am to 8:00 pm EST. M1 Finance, on the other hand, has a single trading window at 9:30 am EST.
Free Trading
Both Webull and M1 Finance offer free trading for stocks and ETFs. However, Webull charges a commission for options trading, while M1 Finance does not offer options trading.
Margin Trading
Margin trading is available on both Webull and M1 Finance. However, M1 Finance offers lower margin rates for its M1 Plus members, making it a more affordable option for margin trading.
Cryptocurrency Trading
Webull offers cryptocurrency trading, while M1 Finance does not. This feature may be appealing to investors who want to diversify their portfolio with cryptocurrency investments.
Stock Trading
Both Webull and M1 Finance offer stock trading, but Webull offers a wider selection of stocks. Webull also offers more in-depth analysis tools for stock trading.
Extended Trading Hours
Webull offers extended trading hours, allowing users to trade from 4:00 am to 8:00 pm EST. This feature may be appealing to investors who want to take advantage of after-hours trading.
Active traders may prefer Webull’s focus on in-depth analysis and free options trading, while passive investors may prefer M1 Finance’s hands-off approach to investing and lower margin rates for M1 Plus members.
Account Types and Offerings
When it comes to account types and offerings, both Webull and M1 Finance offer a variety of options to cater to different investment needs.
M1 Finance
M1 Finance offers a range of account types, including taxable accounts, joint accounts, traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, rollover IRAs, SEP IRAs, trust accounts, and custodial accounts. Additionally, M1 Finance offers a checking account called M1 Spend, which allows users to earn cash back on purchases and invest their spare change.
One of the unique features of M1 Finance is its “pie” system, which allows users to create a custom portfolio of stocks and ETFs and allocate their investments according to their desired percentages.
This makes it an ideal platform for passive, long-term investors who prefer a hands-off approach to investing.
Webull
Webull, on the other hand, offers a more limited selection of account types, including taxable accounts, joint accounts, traditional IRAs, and Roth IRAs.
While it doesn’t offer the same range of account types as M1 Finance, it does provide a wider range of investment tools and features.
Webull’s platform is geared towards intermediate to advanced investors who are looking for more in-depth analysis and a wider variety of tools.
It offers a range of technical indicators, charting tools, and research resources that can be useful for active traders and frequent investors.
Fees and Costs
When comparing Webull and M1 Finance, it is important to consider the fees and costs associated with each platform. Both platforms offer commission-free trading, but there are other costs to consider.
Webull
Webull offers a free trading platform with no account minimums or inactivity fees. However, there are some fees to be aware of:
- Margin fees: Webull charges a margin rate of 6.49%, which is higher than many other online brokers.
- Annual fee: There is no annual fee for a regular Webull account, but the platform does offer a premium membership called Webull Gold. This membership costs $5 per month and includes additional features such as extended trading hours and a reduced margin rate of 4.49%.
M1 Finance
M1 Finance also offers a free trading platform with no account minimums or inactivity fees. Here are some fees to consider:
- Margin fees: M1 Finance charges a margin rate of 3.50%, which is lower than Webull’s rate.
- Annual fee: M1 Finance offers a premium membership called M1 Plus. This membership costs $125 per year and includes features such as a second trading window and a lower margin rate of 2.00%.
Additional Services and Tools
Both Webull and M1 Finance offer additional services and tools to enhance the investing experience for their users.
Webull provides a checking account and debit card through their partner bank, which allows users to easily transfer funds between their trading account and their checking account. They also offer a free stock to new users who sign up and deposit at least $100 into their account.
Webull’s research tools are more advanced than M1 Finance’s, making it a better option for intermediate to advanced investors. They offer a variety of technical indicators and charting tools, as well as analyst ratings and financial calendars. Additionally, Webull offers a paper trading feature, which allows users to practice trading without risking real money.
M1 Finance offers a premium service called M1 Plus, which includes a variety of benefits such as cash back on debit card purchases, lower interest rates on M1 Borrow (their borrowing service), and a second trading window for early access to trades. M1 Borrow allows users to borrow against their portfolio at a low interest rate, while M1 Spend is a checking account and debit card combo that integrates with the M1 Finance app.
M1 Finance’s research tools are not as extensive as Webull’s, but they do offer a variety of pre-built portfolios and expert pies, which are professionally managed portfolios designed to achieve specific goals. They also offer a trading simulator, which allows users to practice trading without risking real money.
Webull vs M1: Customer Service and User Experience
When it comes to customer service, both Webull and M1 Finance offer several ways for users to get in touch with their support teams. Webull provides phone support, email support, and a live chat feature within the app. M1 Finance, on the other hand, offers email support and a phone hotline for users to reach out to their support team.
In terms of user experience, both platforms have their own unique strengths. Webull’s platform is designed for active traders, offering advanced charting tools, real-time market data, and customizable watchlists. The platform may be overwhelming for beginners, but it offers a comprehensive trading experience for more experienced traders.
M1 Finance, on the other hand, is designed for long-term investors who want to build a portfolio of stocks and ETFs. The platform offers pre-built portfolios, called “Pies,” that users can customize to their liking. Users can also set up automatic investments and rebalancing, making it easy to stick to their investment plan.
When it comes to balance requirements, neither platform has a minimum balance requirement to open an account. However, M1 Finance requires a minimum investment of $100 to start investing in a Pie.
Promotions and Offers
When it comes to promotions and offers, both Webull and M1 Finance have a few enticing deals to offer new users.
Webull offers a free stock worth up to $1,000 for signing up and making an initial deposit of at least $100. In addition, they offer another free stock worth up to $1,850 for making an initial deposit of $5,000 or more. However, it is important to note that the odds of receiving a more valuable stock are relatively low.
M1 Finance, on the other hand, does not offer any free stock promotions. However, they do offer a referral program where users can earn $30 for every person they refer who signs up and funds their account with at least $1,000. There is no limit to the number of people a user can refer.
In terms of free trades, both platforms offer commission-free trading. However, M1 Finance offers free trades on all transactions, while Webull only offers free trades for certain securities.
It is important to note that promotions and offers should not be the only factor considered when choosing a brokerage platform. Users should also consider the platform’s fees, investment options, and user interface when making their decision.
Webull vs M1: Data Security and Trustworthiness
When it comes to investing, data security and trustworthiness are crucial factors to consider. Investors want to ensure that their personal and financial information is safe and secure with the platform they are using. In this section, we will compare Webull and M1 Finance in terms of their data security and trustworthiness.
Webull
Webull takes data security very seriously. The platform uses advanced encryption technology to protect users’ personal and financial information. Webull is also a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which means that users’ securities and cash are insured up to $500,000 in case of a brokerage failure.
In addition, Webull is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). These organizations ensure that Webull follows strict rules and regulations to protect investors.
M1 Finance
M1 Finance also takes data security seriously. The platform uses bank-level security to protect users’ personal and financial information. M1 Finance is also a member of the SIPC, which means that users’ securities and cash are insured up to $500,000 in case of a brokerage failure.
M1 Finance is regulated by the SEC and FINRA, just like Webull. The platform also uses two-factor authentication to ensure that only authorized users can access their accounts.
Comparison
Both Webull and M1 Finance take data security and trustworthiness seriously. They are both members of the SIPC and are regulated by the SEC and FINRA. However, Webull may have a slight edge over M1 Finance when it comes to data security. Webull uses advanced encryption technology to protect users’ personal and financial information, while M1 Finance uses bank-level security.
Overall, investors can feel confident using either Webull or M1 Finance for their investing needs. Both platforms have strong data security measures in place and are regulated by reputable organizations.
Webull vs M1: Mobile and Desktop Apps
Both Webull and M1 Finance offer mobile and desktop apps for their users.
Mobile App
Webull and M1 Finance both have sleek, modern, intuitive, and robust mobile apps for both Apple iOS and Android. The mobile apps are designed to provide easy access to trading, account management, and research.
Webull’s mobile app provides users with real-time market data, news, and analysis. The app also allows users to trade stocks, ETFs, and options commission-free. Additionally, Webull’s mobile app provides advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and stock screeners.
M1 Finance’s mobile app is designed to help users manage their investment portfolios. The app allows users to create a custom portfolio of stocks and ETFs and then invest in that portfolio. The app also provides users with a range of investment options, including socially responsible investing, smart beta, and expert pies.
Desktop App
Webull and M1 Finance both offer desktop apps for Windows and Mac users.
Webull’s desktop app provides users with access to advanced trading tools, including real-time market data, news, and analysis. The app also provides users with advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and stock screeners. Additionally, Webull’s desktop app allows users to trade stocks, ETFs, and options commission-free.
M1 Finance does not offer a desktop app. However, users can access their M1 Finance account through their web browser. The web interface is easy to navigate and provides users with access to all of the same features as the mobile app.
Android
Both Webull and M1 Finance offer mobile apps for Android users. The Android apps are designed to provide easy access to trading, account management, and research.
Webull’s Android app provides users with real-time market data, news, and analysis. The app also allows users to trade stocks, ETFs, and options commission-free. Additionally, Webull’s Android app provides advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and stock screeners.
M1 Finance’s Android app is designed to help users manage their investment portfolios. The app allows users to create a custom portfolio of stocks and ETFs and then invest in that portfolio. The app also provides users with a range of investment options, including socially responsible investing, smart beta, and expert pies.
Webull vs M1: Cryptocurrency Trading
Webull and M1 Finance both offer cryptocurrency trading, allowing investors to trade popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Litecoin.
Webull offers commission-free trading of cryptocurrencies, with no account minimums. The platform also offers real-time market data and charts to help investors make informed trading decisions. However, it’s important to note that Webull does not currently support the transfer of cryptocurrencies to or from external wallets.
M1 Finance also offers commission-free trading of cryptocurrencies, but with a $100 account minimum. The platform allows investors to buy and sell cryptocurrencies during trading windows, which occur twice a day. M1 Finance also offers fractional shares of cryptocurrencies, allowing investors to buy small amounts of popular cryptocurrencies.
It’s important to note that cryptocurrency trading can be volatile and risky, and investors should always do their own research and understand the risks involved before investing in cryptocurrencies.
Before you leave:
- M1 Finance Review
- M1 Finance vs Robinhood
- Does M1 Finance Have A DRIP
- Can You Buy Crypto on M1 Finance