What is the Difference Between Fidelity and Vanguard?

Fidelity and Vanguard are both major brokerage firms with a wide range of financial offerings, including DIY brokerage accounts, financial advisors, robo-advisors, and financial planning services. They have some similarities and differences, which can help you decide which one is better for your investment needs.

Similarities between Fidelity and Vanguard:

Both firms offer a broad range of low-cost mutual funds and ETFs.
They both provide robo-advisor services, educational tools, and mobile apps.

Differences between Fidelity and Vanguard:

Active Trading: Fidelity might be a better option for those who want to actively trade within their accounts, as it offers Active Trader Pro. Vanguard, on the other hand, is more focused on buy-and-hold investing and does not offer a trading platform.
Retirement Investing: Vanguard is considered an excellent choice for long-term and retirement investors, especially those who prefer low-cost investments and index fund/ETF investing. Fidelity, however, offers a more well-rounded platform that caters to active traders and beginner investors.
Tools and Resources: Fidelity's website offers more tools and resources to support a broader range of investor types, while Vanguard's platform is geared more towards retirement savers and buy-and-hold investors.
Customer Support: Fidelity provides in-person service at more than 200 branches, whereas Vanguard operates no branches.

In summary, if you are looking for active trading and a broader range of tools and resources, Fidelity might be the better option. However, if you are focused on long-term, low-cost index investing or retirement planning, Vanguard could be more suitable for your needs.