Best Investing Apps (2026)
The top 3 investing apps are Robinhood for commission-free trading, Acorns for automated investing, and M1 Finance for customizable portfolios. The single best overall app is M1 Finance due to its powerful combination of automation and customization features.
The best investing apps stand out through a combination of low fees, user-friendly interfaces, and robust feature sets that cater to both novice and experienced investors. Key differentiators include the range of investment options, account types supported, and the quality of educational resources provided. Additionally, the ability to automate investments and manage multiple accounts within a single app can significantly enhance user experience.
| App | Best for | Platforms | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | Commission-free trading | iOS, Android | freemium |
| Acorns | Automated investing | iOS, Android | freemium |
| M1 Finance | Customizable portfolios | iOS, Android, Web | free |
| Betterment | Goal-based investing | iOS, Android, Web | paid |
| Wealthfront | Advanced portfolio management | iOS, Android, Web | paid |
| Stash | Beginner investors | iOS, Android | freemium |
| Public | Social investing | iOS, Android | freemium |
| E*TRADE | Active traders | iOS, Android, Web | paid |
Our top investing apps
Robinhood
Best for Commission-free tradingRobinhood offers commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies with a sleek, easy-to-use mobile interface. It also provides access to fractional shares, allowing users to invest in high-priced stocks with minimal capital. However, its limited research tools and recent controversies regarding customer service may be a drawback for some users.
- Commission-free trades
- User-friendly mobile app
- Access to cryptocurrencies
- Limited research tools
- Customer service issues
Acorns
Best for Automated investingAcorns excels in automating the investment process through features like round-ups, which automatically invest spare change from everyday purchases. It also offers a diversified portfolio of ETFs and provides a checking account with a debit card. However, its fees can be relatively high for small account balances, and investment options are limited compared to other platforms.
- Automated investing
- Round-up feature
- Diversified portfolio options
- Higher fees for small accounts
- Limited investment choices
M1 Finance
Best for Customizable portfoliosM1 Finance combines automated investing with the ability to create and manage custom portfolios. Users can choose from pre-built portfolios or design their own, and the platform offers fractional share investing and automatic rebalancing. The lack of commission-free options for mutual funds and some advanced trading features may be a limitation for active traders.
- Customizable portfolios
- Fractional share investing
- Automatic rebalancing
- No commission-free mutual funds
- Limited advanced trading features
Betterment
Best for Goal-based investingBetterment is ideal for users who want to invest with specific goals in mind, such as retirement or a major purchase. It offers automated portfolio management, tax-loss harvesting, and personalized advice. However, its fee structure can be relatively high compared to other robo-advisors, and some users may miss the ability to trade individual stocks.
- Goal-based investing
- Tax-loss harvesting
- Personalized advice
- Higher fees
- No individual stock trading
Wealthfront
Best for Advanced portfolio managementWealthfront offers a comprehensive suite of portfolio management tools, including tax-loss harvesting, direct indexing, and a variety of account types. Its fee structure is competitive, but it lacks the option for human advisor access, which may be a drawback for some users.
- Advanced portfolio management
- Tax-loss harvesting
- Direct indexing
- No human advisor access
- Higher minimum investment
Stash
Best for Beginner investorsStash is designed for beginners, offering a simple interface, fractional share investing, and educational resources. It also provides a banking account and a debit card. However, its fees can be high for small account balances, and the investment selection is limited compared to other platforms.
- Beginner-friendly
- Fractional share investing
- Banking features
- Higher fees for small accounts
- Limited investment options
Public
Best for Social investingPublic stands out for its social features, allowing users to follow other investors, share insights, and invest in themed portfolios. It also offers fractional share investing and a user-friendly interface. However, its research tools are not as robust as some competitors, and the social aspect may not appeal to all users.
- Social features
- Fractional share investing
- Themed portfolios
- Limited research tools
- Social aspect may not appeal to all
E*TRADE
Best for Active tradersE*TRADE offers a wide range of investment options, including stocks, options, futures, and mutual funds, with competitive pricing and advanced trading tools. Its educational resources and customer service are also strong. However, its interface can be overwhelming for beginners, and the fees for some services are higher than those of other platforms.
- Wide range of investment options
- Advanced trading tools
- Strong educational resources
- Overwhelming for beginners
- Higher fees for some services
How to choose
When choosing an investing app, consider your investment goals, the types of assets you want to trade, and your level of experience. Beginners may prefer apps with educational resources and simple interfaces, while experienced traders may prioritize advanced tools and a wide range of investment options. Also, consider the fee structure and any account minimums.
Our verdict
The best overall app is M1 Finance due to its powerful combination of automation and customization features. The best free app is Robinhood, which offers commission-free trading and a user-friendly interface.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free investing app?
The best free investing app is Robinhood, which offers commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.
Which app is best for beginners?
Stash is designed for beginners, offering a simple interface, fractional share investing, and educational resources.
Is it worth paying for an investing app?
It depends on your investment goals and the features you need. Paid apps like Betterment and Wealthfront offer advanced portfolio management and personalized advice, which may be worth the cost for some users.
Is there a difference between iPhone and Android investing apps?
While most investing apps are available on both iPhone and Android, some features and user experiences may vary. It's best to check the app's official listing for the most accurate information.
Which investing app is best for beginners?
For beginners, a full-service brokerage such as Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or Vanguard is usually easier to start with than an app built mainly for options or crypto. Look for fractional shares, recurring investments, clear account types, educational material, and simple transfers. Start with a small automated contribution in a diversified, low-cost index fund rather than trying every feature.
Is it worth paying for a premium investing app?
Paying is rarely necessary just to place ordinary stock or ETF trades, since several major brokerages offer those without commissions. A paid plan can be worth considering if you need higher limits, advanced charting, bundled research, or more advanced order types. Compare the feature you actually use with the plan’s current terms, and confirm pricing in the official App Store or Google Play listing.
Are investing apps different on iPhone and Android?
The core investing experience on iPhone and Android is similar: both can support biometric login, price alerts, watchlists, deposits, and trades. Differences tend to come from the brokerage, account features, operating-system permissions, and how consistently each app releases updates. Test the brokerage’s current app on your specific phone, and confirm that two-factor authentication and required tax forms are available.
How can I tell if an investing app is safe?
Choose a brokerage regulated in the United States and confirm whether your investments are held in custody at the brokerage or an independent custodian. Brokerage protection generally covers certain brokerage failures, not market losses, and the limits may not cover your entire portfolio if you hold substantial cash or securities elsewhere. Enable multifactor authentication, use official app links, and never share verification codes.