In my opinion, the TD TOS platform is better for a beginners. Much easier to use, especially for options and option spreads.
Don't know the TOS platform. However it's true TWS feels ... Unfriendly. But it's a good one anyway. It's up to him to choose.
Interactive Brokers minimum amount to open account $10,000 USD TD Ameritrade minimum amount to open account $0 ($3,000 for 60 days commission free trade promo).
what about the simulator on investopedia or other line stock simulator? also do i have to open an account to use the simulator?
Set up a portfolio with : Google Finance and/or Google Sheets (stocks). Yahoo Finance (stocks and options). Pen & Paper (stocks and options).
Investopedia is delayed, but if you don't cheat, that does matter. I think you can actually use the TOS platform without opening a TD account, but if not, opening an account is easy. The TOS sim is also supposed to be delayed, but if you change the order type to Market, it executes in real time.