Top 5 Investment Apps for Beginners in 2025

Getting started with investments can feel a bit much, right? There are so many apps out there now, and figuring out which one is best for you can be a whole project in itself. We’ve checked out a bunch of them to find the top 5 investment apps for beginners in 2025. These apps are generally easy to use, don’t cost a ton, and have tools to help you learn as you go. Whether you’re looking to invest a little or a lot, these platforms aim to make the process simpler.

Key Takeaways

• Beginner-friendly investment apps often have low fees and simple interfaces, making it easier to start investing.
• Look for apps that offer educational resources like articles, tutorials, or webinars to help you understand investing.
• Many apps allow you to start with small amounts, like rounding up spare change or investing with just a few dollars.
• Consider apps with features like automated investing or easy portfolio building if you prefer a more hands-off approach.
• Ensure the app you choose is secure and offers the types of investments you’re interested in, like stocks or ETFs.

1. Robinhood

Robinhood has been a big name for beginners getting into investing for a while now. It’s known for making things super simple, which is great when you’re just starting out and the whole stock market thing feels a bit much. You can trade stocks, ETFs, and even some cryptocurrencies right from your phone without paying any commission fees. That’s a pretty sweet deal, especially when you’re just putting your toes in the water and don’t want to lose money on fees before you even make any gains.

It’s really easy to get the hang of. The app’s design is pretty clean, so you’re not going to get lost trying to figure out where to click. They also have a section with articles and tutorials that can help you learn the basics. It’s not the most in-depth education out there, but for someone who’s never invested before, it’s a good starting point.

Robinhood’s main draw is its no-commission trading and straightforward interface, making it accessible for those new to investing. It simplifies the process of buying and selling assets, which can be a relief for beginners.

Here’s a quick look at what Robinhood offers:

• Commission-Free Trading: Buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and options without paying a fee per trade.
• Cryptocurrency Trading: Invest in popular digital currencies.
• User-Friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive app design.
• Fractional Shares: Buy portions of expensive stocks, making them more affordable.

While it’s great for getting started, remember to do your own research too. It’s easy to get caught up in the simplicity, but understanding what you’re investing in is key.

2. E*TRADE

ETRADE, now part of Morgan Stanley, is a solid choice for beginners dipping their toes into investing. It’s got a pretty clean interface that doesn’t feel overwhelming, which is a big plus when you’re just starting out. You can easily track your investments, check stock prices, and even find some market research right within the app. They actually have two mobile apps: ETRADE Mobile for the basics and Power E*TRADE, which offers a bit more if you want to try things like options or futures trading down the line.

One of the things that really stands out is the research you get access to, thanks to Morgan Stanley. It’s pretty detailed and can help you make more informed decisions. While some features, like real-time data, need a minimum balance, the charting tools are quite good and customizable. For those who like to practice before putting real money in, the paper trading feature on the Power E*TRADE app is a lifesaver. It lets you try out different strategies without any risk.

However, it’s worth noting that E*TRADE doesn’t offer fractional shares or crypto trading. So, if those are important to you, you might need to look elsewhere.

Here’s a quick look at some of their fees:

E*TRADE provides a good balance of ease of use for beginners while also offering more advanced tools for those looking to grow their investing knowledge. The research access is a significant advantage.

3. Acorns

Acorns is a pretty neat app if you’re someone who knows you should be investing but finds the whole process a bit overwhelming, or maybe you just don’t have a lot of extra cash lying around to start with. It’s basically a micro-investing platform that makes it super easy to get your feet wet.

The main idea behind Acorns is its “round-up” feature. Every time you make a purchase with a linked card, Acorns rounds up the amount to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change. So, if you buy a coffee for $3.50, Acorns will invest $0.50. It’s a really hands-off way to build up investments over time without really feeling the pinch.

Beyond the round-ups, you can also set up recurring automatic transfers, which is great for consistency. They offer different investment tiers, with the basic one costing $3 a month. This fee covers your automated investing, retirement accounts, and even a checking account. For more features, like investment accounts for kids, the price goes up to $5 or $10 a month.

Acorns invests your money in diversified portfolios made up of low-cost Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). You can pick between their standard portfolios or ones focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors if you want your money to align with certain values. It’s a solid choice for beginners who want to invest passively and consistently.

While the monthly fee might seem a bit much when you’re just starting out with small amounts, it’s important to remember that it’s a flat fee. This means it doesn’t go up as your investment balance grows, which can be a relief compared to apps that charge a percentage of your assets.

4. Stash

Stash is a pretty neat app if you’re just dipping your toes into the whole investing thing. It lets you start investing with just a few bucks, which is awesome because, let’s be honest, not everyone has a ton of cash lying around to throw at stocks right away. They’ve got this whole setup where you can pick from different investment themes, kind of like choosing a playlist for your money. It makes it feel less like a chore and more like you’re building something cool.

One of the best parts is how they explain things. Stash really tries to teach you as you go, which is super helpful when you’re new and everything feels like a foreign language. They have articles and videos that break down investing concepts without making your head spin. It’s like having a patient friend explain stocks to you.

Here’s a quick look at how you might get started:

• Sign Up: Download the app and create your account. It’s pretty straightforward.
• Fund Your Account: Decide how much you want to invest. Remember, you can start small.
• Choose Your Investments: Stash guides you toward options that might fit your interests and goals.
• Start Investing: Watch your money work for you!

Now, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Stash does have fees, and they can add up a bit more than some other apps out there. So, while it’s great for getting started and learning, it’s worth keeping an eye on those costs as your investments grow. It’s a good place to learn the ropes before maybe moving to a platform with lower fees for larger amounts. You can find more about their investment options on the Stash website.

Stash makes investing feel accessible by letting you start with small amounts and offering a lot of educational content. It’s designed to help beginners build confidence and knowledge in the market.

5. Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple is a really popular choice, especially if you’re just starting out with investing. It’s known for being super beginner-friendly, which is a big deal when you’re trying to figure things out. The app itself is pretty clean and easy to look at, making it less intimidating for folks who are new to watching their money grow.

One of the best parts is that there’s no minimum to open an account. You can also get your transfer fees covered up to $150 if you move over $5,000 from another place, which is a nice little perk. They also have different kinds of portfolios, so you can pick something that feels right for you. They really try to make investing feel accessible to everyone.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

• Managed Investing (Robo-Advisor): Let Wealthsimple handle the investing for you with automated portfolios. This is great for a hands-off approach.
• Self-Directed Investing: If you prefer to pick your own stocks and ETFs, this option lets you trade with no commissions. It’s a good way to learn by doing.
• Socially Responsible Investing (SRI): For those who want their investments to align with their values, Wealthsimple offers SRI options.

They’re also really open about what’s going on with your money. You can easily see where your money is invested, where dividends come from, and any trades that are made. It’s all laid out in the “Account Activity” section, which is pretty straightforward.

Wealthsimple’s focus on a simple, transparent, and accessible platform makes it a standout option for beginners. They aim to educate users while providing a solid place to start building wealth.

Fees for their managed portfolios start at 0.5%, and they even have options for private credit and equity for those with larger balances. If you’re looking for a straightforward way to begin investing, Wealthsimple is definitely worth checking out for your investment journey.

6. Betterment

Betterment is a solid choice if you want a hands-off approach to investing. It’s a robo-advisor, meaning it uses algorithms to build and manage your investment portfolio for you. This is great for beginners who might feel overwhelmed by picking individual stocks or ETFs.

The app focuses on goal-based investing, helping you set up accounts for retirement, a down payment, or whatever financial target you have in mind. They ask you a few questions about your goals and risk tolerance, then create a diversified portfolio of low-cost ETFs to match. It’s pretty straightforward.

Here’s a quick look at what Betterment offers:

• Automated Portfolio Management: Your investments are managed automatically based on your goals.
• Goal Setting Tools: Helps you plan for specific financial milestones.
• Tax-Loss Harvesting: A feature that can help reduce your tax bill by selling investments that have lost value.
• Educational Resources: Articles and tools to help you learn about investing.

They also have options for socially responsible investing and even cryptocurrency portfolios if that’s something you’re interested in. There’s no minimum deposit required to get started, which is a big plus for new investors. If you want to talk to a human financial advisor, they do have Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) available, though that usually comes with a higher fee or a minimum account balance. For most beginners, though, the automated service is the main draw. It’s a good way to get your money working for you without needing to become an expert overnight. You can check out their investment services to see if it fits your needs.

7. TD Ameritrade

TD Ameritrade, now part of the Charles Schwab family, has long been a solid choice for investors who want a bit more from their brokerage. While it might not be the absolute simplest app out there for someone who’s never bought a stock before, it offers a good balance of features that can grow with you.

One of the big draws is their trading platforms. They have thinkorswim, which is pretty powerful and great for active traders, but they also have TD Easy Trade, which is designed to be more straightforward for beginners. This means you can start simple and then explore more advanced tools as you get comfortable.

Here’s a quick look at some of the fees you might encounter:

TD Ameritrade also puts a decent amount of effort into education. They have articles, videos, and webinars that can help you understand different investment concepts. It’s not just about making trades; it’s about learning how to make smarter trades.

While TD Ameritrade offers a lot, it’s important to know that some of its more advanced platforms might have a steeper learning curve. Also, they don’t offer cryptocurrency trading, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

Overall, TD Ameritrade is a good option if you’re looking for a brokerage that provides robust tools and educational resources, and you anticipate your investing needs growing over time. It’s a platform that can support you from your first few trades to more complex strategies.

8. M1 Finance

M1 Finance is a bit of a hybrid, mixing robo-advisor features with the ability to build your own portfolio. This can be a really neat way for beginners to get their feet wet without feeling completely overwhelmed. The platform’s standout feature is its “Pie” system. Think of it like a visual pie chart where each slice represents a different investment, like stocks or ETFs. You can create your own pies or use pre-made ones. It makes managing your asset allocation pretty straightforward.

What’s cool is that M1 Finance lets you set target percentages for each slice. When you add new money, the app automatically distributes it according to your pie chart. If you want to rebalance, it also handles that for you. This automation is a big plus for beginners who might not want to constantly monitor their investments.

Here’s a quick look at how it works:

• Build Your Pie: Decide what percentage of your portfolio you want in different assets.
• Fund Your Pie: Deposit money, and M1 Finance invests it based on your pie.
• Automated Rebalancing: The platform keeps your portfolio aligned with your targets.

They also have a feature called “Smart Transfers” which can automatically move money between your M1 Invest, M1 Borrow, and M1 Savings accounts based on rules you set. It’s a way to keep your finances organized all in one place. For those looking for a blend of automation and control, M1 Finance is definitely worth checking out, especially with its unique visual approach to portfolio management. You can explore their platform to see how it fits your investment style on their website.

M1 Finance aims to simplify investing by combining automated tools with customizable portfolio options. The visual “Pie” system is designed to make understanding and managing your investments more intuitive, which is a big help when you’re just starting out.

9. Public Investing

Public is a bit different from the other apps on this list because it really leans into the social aspect of investing. Think of it like a social media platform, but for stocks and crypto. You can follow other investors, see what they’re buying and selling, and even join in on discussions. This community-driven approach can be super helpful for beginners who are trying to figure things out.

It’s a great way to learn by watching and interacting with others. You can get ideas, see different strategies in action, and ask questions. Plus, they’ve got AI-powered summaries that break down what’s happening with your investments, which is pretty neat.

Here’s a quick look at what Public offers:

• Social Investing: Connect with a community of investors, share insights, and learn from others.
• Fractional Shares: You don’t need a lot of money to start. Buy pieces of expensive stocks.
• Crypto and Alternative Assets: Beyond stocks, you can also invest in cryptocurrencies and even things like art and collectibles.
• AI Summaries: Get quick, easy-to-understand breakdowns of market news and your portfolio’s performance.

While it doesn’t offer mutual funds or custodial accounts, Public’s focus on community and accessibility makes it a solid choice for beginners who want a more interactive learning experience. It feels less like a sterile trading platform and more like a place to hang out and learn about money with other people.

10. SoFi Active Invest

SoFi Active Invest is a pretty solid choice if you’re just starting out with investing. They make it easy to get going, and you can actually start with just a dollar, which is cool. You won’t pay any commissions on trades, which is a big plus when you’re trying to keep costs down. They offer trading for stocks, ETFs, and even fractional shares, so you can buy pieces of more expensive stocks if you want. It’s all about making investing accessible for folks who are new to the whole thing.

One of the neat things about SoFi is that they also have a managed portfolio option, called SoFi Automated Investing. This is where they pick and manage your ETFs for you, and get this – it’s free to use. So, if you want a more hands-off approach, that’s there too.

Here’s a quick look at what you can do:

• Trade stocks and ETFs
• Buy fractional shares
• Use their automated investing service
• Access financial planning resources

They also have a SoFi Plus membership that gives you extra perks, like unlimited one-on-one sessions with a financial planner if you qualify. For regular members, you still get one appointment. It’s nice to have that kind of support available, especially when you’re figuring things out. They really try to help you develop an investment strategy.

SoFi Active Invest is designed for beginner traders, offering commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, and fractional shares. This makes it an accessible platform for those new to the investment world.

Overall, SoFi Active Invest seems like a good starting point. They’ve got a user-friendly setup and low costs, which is pretty much what you want when you’re learning the ropes of investing.

Ready to Start Investing?

So, there you have it – a look at some of the best apps out there for anyone just starting their investment journey in 2025. Remember, the most important thing is to pick a platform that feels right for you. Whether you’re drawn to super-low fees, easy-to-use features, or lots of learning materials, there’s definitely an app on this list that can help you get going. Don’t overthink it too much; the best time to start is now. Pick one, sign up, and take that first step. You’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which investment app is best for someone just starting out?

For beginners, SoFi Invest often gets the nod. It’s super easy to use, doesn’t charge you to trade, and even offers a free chat with a financial planner to help you get started on the right foot. Plus, you can begin investing with as little as $1.

How do I begin investing if I’m new to it?

Starting is simple! You can download an app made for new investors or use a beginner-friendly online brokerage. Many of these apps are low-cost, and some even help you invest automatically by putting your spare change into investments.

What kind of investments are good for beginners?

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and low-cost index funds are usually great starting points. They spread your money across many companies, which helps reduce risk. What’s best for you might change depending on your age and how much risk you’re comfortable with.

Are investing apps safe to use?

Yes, most legitimate investing apps are as safe as your bank. They use strong security measures like two-factor authentication to protect your account. Just be sure to keep your login details private and be careful about which devices you use to log in.

How do I actually use a stock trading app?

It’s pretty straightforward. First, download the app to your phone – most are available for both Android and iPhones. Then, create your account and follow the app’s instructions to start investing. If you get stuck, many apps have helpful videos or support teams you can reach out to.

Can I use more than one investing app?

Absolutely! Using a few different apps can be really smart, especially if you have different money goals or timelines. It allows you to explore different features or investment types that might not be available on just one platform.