In today’s fast-paced digital era, managing your finances is no longer confined to desktops or in-person visits to financial institutions. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can monitor your portfolio, execute trades, and even automate your long-term wealth-building strategy. Whether you're taking your first steps into the stock market or refining a seasoned investment approach, the right investing app can make all the difference.
This guide dives deep into the 11 best investing apps available in 2025 and beyond. We’ll explore their standout features, user experience, fee structures, and ideal use cases—so you can confidently choose the platform that aligns with your financial goals.
Why Invest Through an App?
Mobile investing has revolutionized how individuals interact with financial markets. Here’s why more people than ever are turning to apps for their investment needs.
Convenience at Your Fingertips
Gone are the days of calling a broker or logging into a desktop platform. Investing apps put full portfolio control in your pocket. Check balances during your commute, place trades over lunch, or rebalance your holdings before bed—all from a single, intuitive interface.
Lower Fees and Commissions
Most top-tier investing apps now offer commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, and options. This shift has dramatically lowered the barrier to entry, especially for beginners. Combined with fractional shares, which let you invest in high-priced stocks like Amazon or Tesla with just a few dollars, these tools make diversified investing accessible to everyone.
Accessibility and Financial Education
Many apps include built-in educational content—articles, videos, market news, and even simulated trading environments. These resources empower new investors to learn by doing, reducing the intimidation factor often associated with finance.
Automated Investment Options
If you prefer a hands-off strategy, robo-advisors like those in M1 Finance or SoFi Invest use algorithms to build and rebalance diversified portfolios based on your risk tolerance and timeline. This automation supports long-term growth without requiring daily attention.
👉 Discover how automated investing can simplify your financial journey.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Investing App
With so many platforms available, it’s essential to evaluate them based on your unique needs. Consider the following:
- Costs and Fees: Look beyond "commission-free" claims. Watch for management fees, withdrawal charges, or high expense ratios on funds.
- Investment Options: Do you want access to stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, or cryptocurrencies? Ensure the app supports your preferred assets.
- Usability and Interface: A clean, intuitive design enhances user experience—especially under market volatility.
- Research and Tools: Active traders need advanced charting, real-time data, and technical indicators.
- Customer Support: Reliable assistance via chat, phone, or email can be crucial during technical issues or account disputes.
- Security: Confirm the app uses encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and is regulated by bodies like the SEC and FINRA.
The 11 Best Investing Apps for 2025
Each of these platforms excels in specific areas—from beginner-friendliness to advanced trading capabilities.
Robinhood: Simplicity Meets Accessibility
Robinhood disrupted the industry with its commission-free model and sleek mobile-first design. Ideal for Gen Z and millennial investors, it offers:
- Zero-commission trades for stocks, ETFs, options, and select cryptocurrencies.
- Fractional shares starting at $1.
- Cash management with competitive interest on uninvested balances.
Pros: User-friendly interface, instant deposits up to $1,000.
Cons: Limited research tools; customer support is primarily in-app.
👉 See how easy it is to start investing with minimal capital.
M1 Finance: Automated Investing with Customization
M1 Finance blends DIY investing with automation using “Pies”—custom portfolios of stocks and ETFs.
- Automated rebalancing based on your chosen allocation.
- No trading fees or account minimums.
- M1 Borrow allows low-interest loans against your portfolio.
Pros: Great for passive investors who still want control.
Cons: Trading limited to once or twice daily; not ideal for day traders.
Acorns: Micro-Investing Made Effortless
Acorns rounds up your everyday purchases and invests the spare change.
- Round-Up feature turns small daily transactions into investments.
- Found Money program offers bonus investments from partner brands.
- Supports IRAs for retirement planning.
Pros: Excellent for building saving habits automatically.
Cons: Monthly fees ($3–$5) can be steep for small balances.
Webull: Power Tools for Active Traders
Webull appeals to intermediate and advanced traders with robust analytics.
- Advanced charting tools with technical indicators.
- Paper trading feature for risk-free practice.
- Extended-hours trading (pre-market and after-hours).
Pros: Commission-free trades; strong research suite.
Cons: No fractional shares; limited customer service responsiveness.
Fidelity Mobile: Trusted Full-Service Brokerage
Fidelity combines reliability with comprehensive offerings.
- Access to stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, and retirement accounts.
- Stock-by-the-Slice allows fractional investing.
- Strong educational resources and 24/7 support.
Pros: Industry-leading reputation; no-fee mutual funds.
Cons: Interface may overwhelm beginners.
E*TRADE: Dual Platforms for Every Investor
E*TRADE offers two apps: one for casual users and Power E*TRADE for experts.
- Commission-free trades (with per-contract fees for options).
- Offers futures, bonds, and managed portfolios.
- Rich educational library with webinars and market insights.
Pros: Versatile platform catering to all skill levels.
Cons: Contract fees higher than some competitors.
TD Ameritrade Mobile: Advanced Tools via thinkorswim
Now part of Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade remains a powerhouse through its thinkorswim platform.
- Industry-leading technical analysis tools, backtesting, and real-time data.
- Extensive educational content including interactive courses.
- 24/7 customer support.
Pros: Best-in-class tools for serious traders.
Cons: Steep learning curve; overkill for passive investors.
Charles Schwab Mobile: Reliability Meets Innovation
Schwab delivers a balanced experience with strong fundamentals.
- Commission-free trading across stocks, ETFs, and many mutual funds.
- Schwab Intelligent Portfolios: free robo-advisor service.
- Fractional shares available via Stock Slices.
Pros: Excellent customer service; trusted brand.
Cons: Mobile app less streamlined than newer competitors.
SoFi Invest: All-in-One Financial Ecosystem
SoFi integrates banking, loans, and investing in one app.
- Commission-free trades for stocks, ETFs, and crypto.
- Automated investing with goal-based portfolios.
- Easy access if you already use SoFi Money or loans.
Pros: Clean interface; beginner-friendly.
Cons: Limited crypto selection; basic research tools.
Public: Social Investing for Community Learners
Public emphasizes transparency and community engagement.
- Follow other investors and share portfolio allocations.
- Themed portfolios like “Green Energy” or “Women in Charge.”
- Fractional investing and commission-free trades.
Pros: Encourages financial literacy through social learning.
Cons: Risk of emotional/FOMO-driven decisions.
Vanguard: Low-Cost Index Investing Champion
Vanguard remains the gold standard for passive investors.
- Ultra-low expense ratios on index funds and ETFs.
- Target-date funds simplify retirement planning.
- Personal Advisor Services available (with minimums).
Pros: Ideal for long-term buy-and-hold strategies.
Cons: Outdated app interface; high minimums for some funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app is best for beginners?
Acorns and Robinhood are top picks due to their simplicity and automation. SoFi Invest also offers an intuitive entry point with access to multiple asset types.
Are these investing apps safe?
Yes. All listed platforms are regulated by the SEC and FINRA and offer SIPC insurance up to $500,000 per account. However, market risk still applies—your investments can lose value.
Can I trade cryptocurrency on these apps?
Only select platforms support crypto trading: Robinhood, Webull, SoFi Invest, and Public allow limited crypto purchases. For broader options, dedicated exchanges may be needed.
How do fractional shares work?
Fractional shares let you buy a portion of a stock—ideal for expensive companies like Google or Berkshire Hathaway. You specify the dollar amount you want to invest, and the app calculates your ownership stake.
What about taxes?
You’re responsible for capital gains taxes on profits. Most apps provide IRS Form 1099-B for tax reporting. Complex trades (e.g., options or crypto) may require professional tax advice.
How much money do I need to start investing?
Many apps—like Robinhood, Webull, and M1 Finance—allow accounts with as little as $1 thanks to fractional shares. However, some mutual funds or advisory services may require minimum deposits of $500 or more.
Final Thoughts
The best investing app isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on your experience level, goals, and preferred investment style. Whether you value automation (Acorns, M1 Finance), advanced tools (Webull, thinkorswim), low costs (Vanguard), or social learning (Public), there’s a platform tailored to your needs.
Start small, take advantage of educational resources, and prioritize consistency over quick wins. With the right app as your partner, building wealth becomes not only possible—but sustainable.