Do I need a brokerage account to buy stocks like Coinbase?

Excuse me, I'm a bit confused about the process of buying stocks like Coinbase. I've heard that some people use brokerage accounts for this purpose, but I'm not entirely sure if it's necessary. Could you please clarify whether or not I need a brokerage account to purchase stocks like Coinbase? Additionally, if a brokerage account is required, could you provide some guidance on how to choose the right one for my needs? Thank you in advance for your help.