Investing is more accessible than ever, thanks to beginner-friendly investment apps that simplify the process of building a portfolio and managing your finances. Whether you’re new to the stock market or looking for an easy way to start investing, there are a variety of apps designed to help you learn and grow as an investor. These platforms offer features such as low fees, educational tools, and intuitive user interfaces, making them perfect for beginners.
Here’s a look at the best investment apps for beginners in 2025 that will help you take control of your financial future with ease.
1. Robinhood
Robinhood is one of the most popular investment apps for beginners due to its simple design and commission-free trading. It allows users to buy and sell stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and options without paying any fees, making it an attractive option for new investors.
Key Features:
- Commission-Free Trading: No fees for stock, ETF, or options trades.
- Fractional Shares: Invest in stocks with as little as $1, making it easy to start small.
- Cryptocurrency Trading: Access to popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
- User-Friendly Interface: A clean, simple design that’s ideal for beginners.
- Educational Resources: Robinhood Learn provides bite-sized lessons on investing basics.
Best For:
New investors looking for a no-fee, easy-to-use platform with a wide range of assets, including cryptocurrencies.
2. Acorns
Acorns is designed for beginners who want to invest but don’t know where to start. The app rounds up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change into a diversified portfolio of ETFs, making it a low-effort way to begin investing.
Key Features:
- Round-Up Feature: Automatically invests spare change from your purchases.
- Automated Investing: Acorns automatically invests in diversified ETF portfolios based on your financial goals.
- Retirement Accounts: Offers IRA accounts to help you save for retirement.
- Found Money: Get cash back from over 350 brands when you shop using Acorns.
- Educational Content: Acorns Grow provides investment and personal finance articles.
Best For:
People who want to start investing without needing to make large initial investments, thanks to its round-up feature and automated portfolios.
3. Stash
Stash is a beginner-friendly investment app that offers a mix of self-directed trading and automatic investing. It also provides extensive educational tools to help users learn more about personal finance and investing as they build their portfolio.
Key Features:
- Low Minimum Investment: Start with as little as $5.
- Auto-Stash: Automatically invest a set amount on a recurring basis.
- Diversified Portfolios: Offers pre-built portfolios to match your risk tolerance.
- Fractional Shares: Invest in big companies with small amounts.
- Banking and Budgeting: Stash includes banking tools, a debit card, and cashback rewards for purchases.
Best For:
Beginners who want to learn more about investing while building a diversified portfolio with low upfront costs.
4. Betterment
Betterment is one of the leading robo-advisors, ideal for those who want to take a hands-off approach to investing. The app creates and manages a personalized investment portfolio based on your financial goals and risk tolerance, automating much of the investment process.
Key Features:
- Robo-Advisor: Automatically builds and manages a diversified portfolio of ETFs for you.
- Goal-Based Investing: Customize portfolios for different goals, like retirement or buying a house.
- Low Fees: 0.25% annual management fee, with no trading or account fees.
- Tax-Loss Harvesting: Helps minimize your tax liability on investments.
- Socially Responsible Investing: Option to invest in portfolios focused on sustainability and social good.
Best For:
Those who prefer automated, goal-based investing with low fees and minimal effort required.
5. Fidelity
Fidelity is a well-established investment platform known for offering a wide range of financial products and services. Their app provides commission-free trading and access to various tools, making it perfect for beginners looking for a full-service investment platform.
Key Features:
- Commission-Free Trading: No fees on U.S. stock, ETF, and options trades.
- Research and Tools: Access to robust research, analysis tools, and market insights.
- Fractional Shares: Fidelity’s “Stocks by the Slice” allows you to invest in fractional shares.
- Retirement Accounts: Open IRAs and manage 401(k) rollovers directly from the app.
- Robo-Advisor: Fidelity Go provides automated portfolio management for those who want a hands-off approach.
Best For:
Beginners who want access to a comprehensive range of investment products and educational resources from a trusted brokerage.
6. Webull
Webull is a trading app that offers commission-free stock, ETF, and options trading, similar to Robinhood. However, Webull also provides advanced tools and charts, making it a great option for beginners who want to learn more about technical analysis and active trading.
Key Features:
- Commission-Free Trading: No fees for stock, ETF, or options trades.
- Advanced Charting: Access to real-time data, charts, and technical analysis tools.
- Paper Trading: Practice trading without risking real money.
- Crypto Trading: Buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly through the app.
- Extended Hours Trading: Trade stocks before and after market hours.
Best For:
Beginners who want to dive deeper into stock analysis and trading with more advanced tools, while still enjoying commission-free trades.
7. M1 Finance
M1 Finance combines the features of a robo-advisor and a brokerage, allowing users to build a custom portfolio while automating their investments. With no trading fees, it’s an excellent option for beginners who want control over their investments but with automation to make managing a portfolio easier.
Key Features:
- Customizable Portfolios: Create your own “pies” (portfolios) or use pre-built expert portfolios.
- Automated Investing: Set your investment preferences and let M1 automate the buying and rebalancing of your portfolio.
- No Fees: No commissions or fees on stock or ETF trades.
- Fractional Shares: Invest with as little as $1.
- Borrowing and Banking: M1 offers loans against your portfolio and integrates banking services.
Best For:
Beginners who want a blend of DIY investing with automated portfolio management, offering more control with less effort.
8. SoFi Invest
SoFi Invest is a beginner-friendly app offering commission-free trading, automated investing, and access to cryptocurrency. It also provides additional financial services such as loans, insurance, and banking, making it a one-stop-shop for managing personal finances.
Key Features:
- Commission-Free Trades: No fees for buying and selling stocks and ETFs.
- Automated Investing: Offers robo-advisor portfolios with automatic rebalancing.
- Fractional Shares: Allows you to invest with small amounts of money.
- Cryptocurrency: Buy and sell popular cryptocurrencies.
- Financial Planning: Access to financial advisors for personalized advice.
Best For:
Beginners who want a comprehensive app that combines investing with financial planning tools and other financial services.
Conclusion
With so many beginner-friendly investment apps available, it’s never been easier to start investing. Whether you prefer a hands-on approach with apps like Robinhood and Webull or an automated experience with Betterment or Acorns, there’s an option for every type of new investor. As you explore these platforms, remember to consider factors like fees, ease of use, available tools, and whether you want to actively manage your portfolio or prefer automation.
FAQs
What is the best investment app for beginners?
The best app depends on your investment style. For hands-on investors, Robinhood and Webull are popular choices. For those who prefer automated investing, Betterment and Acorns are ideal.
Can I start investing with just $5?
Yes, many apps like Acorns, Stash, and Robinhood allow you to start investing with just a few dollars. They offer fractional shares, so you can invest in expensive stocks with small amounts.
Are these apps safe to use?
Yes, the investment apps listed are secure and regulated by financial authorities such as FINRA and the SEC. They use encryption and security measures to protect your data and investments.
Do these apps charge fees?
Some apps, like Robinhood and Webull, offer commission-free trading, while others like Betterment charge a small management fee for robo-advisor services. Always review each app’s fee structure before investing.
How do I choose the right investment app?
Consider factors such as your investment goals, preferred level of involvement, available educational resources, and whether you want automated features or self-directed trading. The best app for you is one that matches your financial needs and investment style.
