Zecco

1. SmartMoney.comDetails/Subscribe

The 2010 SmartMoney survey lists the best online brokers in each of six categories, and ranks the 17 brokers included. Zecco is ranked 12th, though the review notes that it has a "spiffed up web site."

Review: SmartMoney 2010 Broker Survey, Neil Parmar and J. Alex Tarquinio, May 20, 2010

2. Barron's

Barron's ranks Zecco 17th overall out of 22 online brokers, giving it low marks in nearly every category except costs. This review also mentions the firm's updated web site and its "focus on improving support."

Review: Newest Trading Play: Screen Savings, Theresa W. Carey, March 10, 2010

3. Kiplinger.comDetails/Subscribe

Kiplinger.com evaluates 14 online brokers. Of Zecco's it says only that it "offers low costs but few investment choices."

Review: The Best of the Online Brokers for 2011, Elizabeth Ody, Feb. 2011

4. TopTenReviews.com

Zecco is ranked 13th of the 18 brokers reviewed on this site. The review says that although Zecco offers low-cost trades, it has "no mobile phone apps" and "limited education and stock information resources."

Review: Zecco Review, Editors of TopTenReviews.com

5. FiveCentNickel.com

The editor of this site reports on readers' responses when he asked them to list their favorite brokers. He writes, "It was a close race, but Zecco came out on top," mainly for its low costs. It's not clear how many readers responded or when the informal poll was conducted, however.

Review: The Best Online Discount Brokers (Updated!), "Nickel"