Looking to start investing but feeling overwhelmed by the options? This comprehensive guide compares the top investment apps of 2025, helping you choose the perfect platform for your financial goals.
12 Best Investment Apps for Beginners & Pros (2025 Comparison)
Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced investor, these apps make investing accessible and manageable.
1. Robinhood
Perfect for beginners, Robinhood offers commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. The app features an intuitive interface and instant deposits up to $1,000. Premium features start at $5/month with Robinhood Gold, which includes professional research, bigger instant deposits, and margin trading. The platform recently added retirement accounts with a 1% match on IRA contributions.
2. Wealthfront
An excellent automated investing solution with a 0.25% management fee. Minimum investment required is $500, but you'll get features like tax-loss harvesting and automatic rebalancing. Perfect for hands-off investors seeking professional management. Their Path planning tool provides sophisticated financial planning features at no extra cost.
3. Betterment
Betterment offers a robust robo-advisor service with no minimum investment requirement. The annual fee is 0.25% for the basic plan and 0.40% for premium. Includes automatic rebalancing, tax strategies, and access to certified financial planners with the premium plan ($100,000 minimum balance).
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4. Fidelity
A comprehensive investment platform offering commission-free stock trades and over 3,400 mutual funds with zero transaction fees. The app provides robust research tools and educational resources. Fidelity's youth account feature allows teens to learn about investing with parental supervision. No minimum investment required for most accounts.
5. Charles Schwab
Known for excellent customer service and research tools, Schwab offers commission-free stock and ETF trades. The minimum investment is $0, making it accessible for new investors. Their Schwab Intelligent Portfolios robo-advisor service requires $5,000 minimum but charges no management fees.
6. Acorns
Perfect for passive investing, Acorns rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference. Plans start at $3/month for personal investment accounts and $5/month for family accounts with kids' investment features. Includes cashback rewards at partner retailers that automatically invest in your portfolio.
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7. M1 Finance
M1 Finance combines automated investing with customization through "pies" - visual representations of your portfolio allocation. No management fees for basic accounts, and M1 Plus ($125/year) offers additional features like afternoon trading and 1% cash back on qualifying debit card purchases. Minimum investment is $100 for taxable accounts.
8. SoFi Invest
SoFi offers both active and automated investing options with no management fees. The platform includes free access to financial advisors and exclusive member benefits like career coaching. Minimum investment starts at $1 for stocks and ETFs through fractional shares. Cryptocurrency trading also available with a 1.25% markup.
9. Webull
Advanced trading platform offering commission-free trades and sophisticated analytical tools. Features include extended trading hours, real-time market data, and technical indicators. No minimum deposit required, and margin accounts start at $2,000 per federal regulations. Perfect for active traders who want professional-grade tools.
10. Public
A social investing platform that combines commission-free trading with community features. Offers fractional shares starting at $1 and includes educational content through "Town Halls" with company executives. No account minimums or management fees. Unique features include company deep dives and investment themes.
11. E*TRADE
E*TRADE provides a full suite of investment options with powerful research tools. Commission-free stock and ETF trades, with options contracts at $0.65 each. Core Portfolios robo-advisor service requires $500 minimum and charges 0.30% management fee. Excellent mobile app includes Bloomberg TV streaming and technical studies.
12. TD Ameritrade
Comprehensive platform offering commission-free trading and extensive educational resources. The thinkorswim platform provides professional-grade trading tools. No minimum investment required for standard accounts, and their Essential Portfolios robo-advisor has a $5,000 minimum with 0.30% management fee.
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Final Words
Choosing the right investment app depends on your financial goals, experience level, and preferred investment style. Consider factors like fees, minimum investments, and available features when making your decision. Start with small investments and gradually increase as you become more comfortable with the platform. Remember to diversify your investments and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Investment Apps
What is the minimum amount needed to start investing with these apps?
Many modern investment apps like Robinhood, Public, and SoFi have no minimum investment requirement and offer fractional shares starting at $1. Others like Wealthfront require $500 to start, while some robo-advisor services like Schwab Intelligent Portfolios require $5,000 minimum investment.
Are investment apps safe to use?
Yes, reputable investment apps are generally safe. They're regulated by the SEC and FINRA, and most offer SIPC protection up to $500,000 ($250,000 for cash). Look for apps with strong security features like two-factor authentication, encryption, and biometric login options.
Which investment app is best for beginners?
For beginners, Robinhood and Acorns are excellent choices due to their user-friendly interfaces and educational resources. Robo-advisors like Betterment and Wealthfront are great for those who prefer a hands-off approach. Public offers a unique social aspect that can help newcomers learn from experienced investors.
How much do investment apps typically charge in fees?
Fees vary widely by platform. Many apps offer commission-free stock and ETF trading. Robo-advisors typically charge management fees ranging from 0.25% to 0.40% annually. Subscription-based apps like Acorns charge monthly fees ($3-5), while premium features on platforms like M1 Finance may have annual fees ($125 for M1 Plus).
