Do you remember when investing seemed like an exclusive club for Wall Street experts with fancy suits and complicated jargon?
Those days are long gone. Thanks to the rise of investment apps, the power to grow your wealth is literally at your fingertips – no suit required.
Whether you’ve got spare change or a hefty savings account, today’s investment apps are designed to meet you where you are.
They’ve transformed the intimidating world of stocks, bonds, and ETFs into an accessible landscape that even complete beginners can navigate with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll cut through the noise and explore the five best investment apps that have proven themselves worthy of your trust (and your money).
From automated investing to hands-on trading, we’ll break down exactly what each app offers, what it costs, and most importantly, whether it’s the right fit for your financial journey.
Let’s dive in.
1. Robinhood: Best for Active Learning
Robinhood revolutionized the investment landscape by introducing commission-free trading to a new generation of investors.
The app combines sleek design with user-friendly features, making it particularly appealing to first-time investors.
What sets Robinhood apart is its streamlined approach to trading stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, along with its instant deposit feature and fractional share investing.
While the platform has faced criticism for potentially oversimplifying complex investment decisions, its educational resources and intuitive interface make it an excellent starting point for those who want to learn by doing.
Key Features
- Commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies
- Fractional shares starting at $1
- Cash management account with competitive APY
- Instant deposit access up to $1,000
- Real-time market data and news
Educational Resources
- In-app learn section with bite-sized lessons
- Market news and analysis
- Detailed company profiles
- Options trading tutorials
Costs
- No account minimum
- No commission fees
- Premium features available with Robinhood Gold ($5/month)
Best For
- Tech-savvy beginners
- Active traders
- Those interested in cryptocurrency
- Users who prefer self-directed learning
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2. Acorns: Best for Passive Investing
Acorns takes a unique approach to investing by transforming everyday purchases into investment opportunities.
The app connects to your credit or debit card and automatically rounds up purchases to the nearest dollar, investing the difference into a diversified portfolio.
This “set it and forget it” approach, combined with its educational content and family-friendly features, makes it ideal for those who want to build wealth gradually without actively managing their investments.
The platform’s strength lies in making investing feel less like a conscious decision and more like a natural part of daily life.
Key Features
- Round-up investing from linked cards
- Sustainable investing options
- Family accounts available
- Automated portfolio rebalancing
- Found Money® program with cashback rewards
Investment Options
- Expert-built portfolios of ETFs
- ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) portfolios
- Customizable portfolio allocations
- Retirement account options
Costs
- Personal: $3/month
- Family: $5/month
- No additional trading fees
Best For
- Hands-off investors
- Beginning savers
- Those who want to invest automatically
- Parents teaching kids about money
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3. Fidelity: Best All-Around Platform
Fidelity brings decades of investment expertise to the digital age with an app that bridges the gap between traditional brokerage services and modern investment needs.
As one of the most established names in investing, Fidelity’s app offers a comprehensive suite of tools, research resources, and investment options while maintaining accessibility for beginners.
The platform stands out for its combination of zero-fee trading, educational resources, and the backing of a major financial institution, making it an excellent choice for investors who want room to grow without changing platforms.
Key Features
- Comprehensive investment options
- Advanced research tools
- Active trader pro platform
- Mobile check deposit
- Bill pay features
Educational Content
- Extensive learning center
- Webinars and online events
- Investment calculators
- Retirement planning tools
- Research reports from multiple providers
Costs
- No account minimum
- No commission on stocks and ETFs
- Some mutual funds have transaction fees
Best For
- Long-term investors
- Retirement planners
- Those who want room to grow
- Users who value comprehensive research
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4. Betterment: Best for Automated Investing
Betterment pioneered robo-advisory services, offering a sophisticated yet hands-off approach to investing.
The platform uses advanced algorithms to create and manage personalized investment portfolios based on your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
What distinguishes Betterment is its focus on long-term wealth building through automated features like tax-loss harvesting, portfolio rebalancing, and goal-based investing strategies.
While it charges a management fee, the comprehensive service and professional management make it worth considering for those who prefer a more hands-off approach to investing.
Key Features
- Goal-based investing
- Tax-loss harvesting
- Smart rebalancing
- Socially responsible investing options
- High-yield cash reserve
Portfolio Options
- Standard portfolio
- Premium portfolio
- Flexible portfolio
- Income portfolio
- ESG portfolio options
Costs
- Digital: 0.25% annual fee
- Premium: 0.40% annual fee (requires $100,000 minimum)
- No trade fees
Best For
- Hands-off investors
- Goal-oriented savers
- Tax-conscious investors
- Those who prefer professional management
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5. E*TRADE: Best for Educational Resources
ETRADE combines sophisticated trading tools with extensive educational resources, making it an excellent choice for beginners who want to grow into more advanced investors.
The platform has evolved from a pioneer in online trading to a comprehensive investment service that caters to both novice and experienced traders.
What sets ETRADE apart is its robust educational platform, which includes courses, webinars, and real-time market commentary, along with its intuitive mobile app that makes trading on the go straightforward and accessible.
Key Features
- Power E*TRADE platform for advanced trading
- Real-time quotes and market data
- Options trading with visualization tools
- Screening tools for stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds
- Paper trading for practice
- Mobile check deposit
- Voice-activated trading
- Portfolio analysis tools
Educational Resources
- Online courses and tutorials
- Live webinars
- Thematic investing ideas
- Market commentary and analysis
- Investment screeners with guidance
- Options education center
Portfolio Options
- Prebuilt portfolios
- Core Portfolios (robo-advisory service)
- Blend Portfolios (managed accounts)
- Fixed Income portfolios
- Socially responsible investing options
- Self-directed trading
Costs
- No commission on stocks and ETF trades
- Options trades: $0.65 per contract (reduced to $0.50 with 30+ trades per quarter)
- Core Portfolios: 0.30% annual fee
- No account minimum for brokerage accounts
- $500 minimum for Core Portfolios
Best For
- Beginners wanting comprehensive education
- Options traders
- Long-term investors
- Those interested in both self-directed and managed accounts
- Investors who value research tools
- Mobile-first traders
Security Considerations
When choosing an investment app, security should be a top priority. Look for:
- Two-factor authentication
- Biometric login options
- SIPC insurance coverage
- Bank-level encryption
- Regular security audits
- Clear privacy policies
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Final Thoughts
The best investment app for you depends on your personal goals, preferred level of involvement, and investment style.
Whether you choose a more hands-on approach with Robinhood or Fidelity, or prefer the automated guidance of Betterment or Acorns, the most important step is getting started.
Start small, learn continuously, and adjust your strategy as you gain experience.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
App prices and costs are subject to change. Check out the app pages for the latest.
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