★ BEST INVESTING TOOLS COMPARISON ★
VOL. XCIV, NO. 247
Tool details checked July 17, 2026
Tool Comparison
CommSec vs Stake
Pick CommSec if
CommSec
Transaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction · Web · Mobile
- You care about options, something Stake doesn't offer
Pick Stake if
Stake
Transaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction · Web · Mobile
Skip both if: Neither one clicks with how you research; there are strong third options.
See alternativesOutbound links may include affiliate or sponsor codes.
Our take
The bottom line
CommSec and Stake cover a lot of the same ground (4 shared categories, including brokerage, portfolio, and watchlist), so for the basics you won't go far wrong with either. On paper they're closely matched, so let pricing, platform fit, and the details below break the tie.
What readers say
CommSec
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Stake
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See for yourself
How they stack up
The side-by-side table: pricing, platforms, data, and coverage at a glance.ShowHide
How they stack up
The side-by-side table: pricing, platforms, data, and coverage at a glance.| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pricing & plans | ||
Starting price | Transaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction | Transaction-priced · Fees vary by offer and jurisdiction |
Free tier | No | No |
Free trial | — | — |
| Platforms & access | ||
Web app | Yes | Yes |
Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
API access | No | No |
| Audience & fit | ||
Experience level | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for | — | — |
Categories covered | 5 | 4 |
Regions | APAC, North America, Europe | APAC, North America |
| Try it | Visit CommSec | Visit Stake |
Where each one shines
What CommSec and Stake each do best.ShowHide
Where each one shines
What CommSec and Stake each do best.What CommSec does best
- CHESS-sponsored Australian shares, ETFs and listed investments.
- International stocks across U.S., Canada, Europe and Asian markets.
- Domestic online brokerage from A$5 with eligible CDIA settlement.
- Custodian-supported international fractional and recurring orders.
- Exchange-traded options and advanced market tooling.
What Stake does best
- Stake AUS CHESS-sponsored stocks and ETFs with a customer HIN.
- Stake Wall St U.S. stocks and ETFs through DriveWealth custody.
- A$3 or US$3 brokerage up to 30,000, then 0.01%.
- Eligible U.S. fractional orders from US$10; ASX stays whole-share only.
- Individual, company, trust and existing SMSF trading accounts.
Every detail we compared
Every tracked attribute for CommSec and Stake, side by side.ShowHide
Every detail we compared
Every tracked attribute for CommSec and Stake, side by side.| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Coverage & fit | ||
Asset types | StocksETFsOptions | StocksETFs |
Experience | BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced | BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced |
Regions | APACNorth AmericaEurope | APACNorth America |
Coverage details | Countries: AUIdentifiers: Ticker | Countries: AUIdentifiers: Ticker |
| Access & integrations | ||
Export formats | CSVPDF | CSVPDFExcel |
| Plans & trust | ||
Vendor & support | Commonwealth Securities LimitedCountry: AustraliaSupport: Phone and Email | Stakeshop Pty LtdCountry: AustraliaSupport: Chat and Email |
Green tags are exclusive to that tool in this comparison.
Questions we keep getting
What's the difference between CommSec and Stake?
CommSec leans toward brokerage, portfolio, and watchlist, while Stake puts more weight on brokerage, portfolio, and watchlist. They overlap in 4 categories, so for most people it comes down to workflow preference and price.
How much do CommSec and Stake cost?
Neither has a free plan; you'll need a paid subscription for the full feature set of either. Check each tool's current plan details before buying.
Should I choose CommSec or Stake?
It depends on what you're after. Pick CommSec if options matter to you; go with Stake if you prefer its overall approach. And if you only need the basics both share, let price decide.
What asset classes do CommSec and Stake cover?
Both cover stocks and ETFs. CommSec also handles options.
Can I export data from CommSec and Stake?
Yes, both export to spreadsheets (CSV), which is handy if you like running your own numbers.
Can I track my portfolio with CommSec or Stake?
Yes, both do portfolio tracking: holdings, performance, and allocation in one place.
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Curation & Accuracy
This directory blends AI‑assisted discovery with human curation. Entries are reviewed, edited, and organized with the goal of expanding coverage and sharpening quality over time. Your feedback helps steer improvements (because no single human can capture everything all at once).
Details change. Pricing, features, and availability may be incomplete or out of date. Treat listings as a starting point and verify on the provider’s site before making decisions. If you spot an error or a gap, send a quick note and I’ll adjust.