Investing can seem intimidating, especially if you’re new to the world of stocks, bonds, and ETFs. But thanks to modern technology, getting started has never been easier. Investment apps have revolutionized the way people invest, making it accessible, affordable, and user-friendly for beginners.
Whether you’re looking to grow your wealth, save for retirement, or simply dip your toes into the investment world, there’s an app for you. In this guide, we’ll explore the best investment apps for beginners in 2025, highlighting their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Why Use Investment Apps?
Investment apps are a game-changer for beginners. Here’s why:
- Accessibility: You can start investing with just a few dollars and your smartphone.
- Affordability: Many apps offer low fees or no fees at all.
- Ease of use: User-friendly interfaces make investing simple, even for beginners.
- Educational resources: Many apps provide tools and resources to help you learn as you go.
With so many options available, it’s important to choose an app that aligns with your financial goals and experience level.
What to Look for in an Investment App
Before diving into the best apps, here are some key factors to consider:
1. Fees and Commissions:
- Look for apps with low or no fees for trades, account maintenance, and withdrawals.
2. Ease of Use:
- The app should have a simple, intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate.
3. Investment Options:
- Consider whether the app offers stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, or other investment types.
4. Educational Resources:
- Beginners should look for apps that provide tutorials, articles, and tools to help them learn.
5. Customer Support:
- Reliable customer support is essential for resolving issues and answering questions.
6. Security:
- Ensure the app uses strong encryption and security measures to protect your data and funds.
The Best Investment Apps for Beginners in 2025
Here are the top investment apps for beginners in 2025, based on the criteria above:
1. Robinhood
Robinhood is one of the most popular investment apps for beginners, known for its commission-free trading and user-friendly interface.
Key Features:
- Commission-free trading: Buy and sell stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies without paying fees.
- Fractional shares: Invest in expensive stocks with as little as $1.
- Simple interface: Easy to navigate, even for beginners.
- Educational resources: Access to articles and tutorials to help you learn.
Pros:
- No account minimums.
- Intuitive design.
- Great for beginners.
Cons:
- Limited research tools.
- No retirement accounts (e.g., IRAs).
Best For:
Beginners who want a simple, no-frills platform for trading stocks and ETFs.
2. Acorns
Acorns is perfect for beginners who want to invest passively. It rounds up your everyday purchases and invests the spare change.
Key Features:
- Round-ups: Automatically invest spare change from your purchases.
- Recurring investments: Set up automatic deposits to grow your portfolio.
- Portfolio options: Choose from pre-built portfolios based on your risk tolerance.
- Educational content: Access to articles and videos on personal finance and investing.
Pros:
- Hands-off investing.
- Low minimum investment ($5).
- Great for saving and investing simultaneously.
Cons:
- Monthly fees (3−3−5) can be high for small accounts.
- Limited control over individual investments.
Best For:
Beginners who want a simple, automated way to start investing.
3. Stash
Stash is an excellent app for beginners who want to learn while they invest. It offers personalized investment recommendations and educational content.
Key Features:
- Fractional shares: Invest in stocks and ETFs with as little as $5.
- Personalized portfolios: Get recommendations based on your goals and risk tolerance.
- Educational resources: Access to articles, videos, and quizzes.
- Banking features: Includes a debit card and cashback rewards.
Pros:
- Low minimum investment ($5).
- Educational content tailored to beginners.
- Flexible investment options.
Cons:
- Monthly fees (1−1−9) can add up over time.
- Limited advanced trading features.
Best For:
Beginners who want to learn about investing while building a diversified portfolio.
4. Betterment
Betterment is a robo-advisor that makes investing simple and hands-off. It’s ideal for beginners who want a professionally managed portfolio.
Key Features:
- Automated investing: Build a diversified portfolio based on your goals and risk tolerance.
- Low fees: Annual management fee of 0.25% (or 0.40% for premium).
- Tax-efficient strategies: Automatically optimize your portfolio to minimize taxes.
- Retirement planning: Tools to help you save for retirement.
Pros:
- Hands-off investing.
- Low fees compared to traditional financial advisors.
- Great for long-term goals like retirement.
Cons:
- No option to trade individual stocks.
- Higher fees than some DIY platforms.
Best For:
Beginners who want a hands-off, professionally managed investment experience.
5. Webull
Webull is a great option for beginners who want more advanced tools without paying commissions.
Key Features:
- Commission-free trading: Trade stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies.
- Advanced tools: Access to real-time market data, charts, and technical analysis.
- Paper trading: Practice investing with virtual money before risking real cash.
- Fractional shares: Invest in expensive stocks with as little as $5.
Pros:
- No account minimums.
- Advanced tools for free.
- Great for learning and practicing.
Cons:
- Interface can be overwhelming for complete beginners.
- No retirement accounts.
Best For:
Beginners who want to learn and grow into more advanced investing.
6. Ellevest
Ellevest is a robo-advisor designed specifically for women, though it’s open to everyone. It focuses on helping users achieve their financial goals.
Key Features:
- Goal-based investing: Create portfolios tailored to your specific goals (e.g., buying a home, retirement).
- Low fees: Annual management fee of 0.25%.
- Financial planning: Access to personalized financial plans and coaching.
- Educational content: Resources on investing, career growth, and more.
Pros:
- Focused on women’s financial needs.
- Goal-oriented approach.
- Low fees for robo-advisory services.
Cons:
- Higher fees than some DIY platforms.
- Limited investment options.
Best For:
Women (and men) who want a goal-oriented, personalized investment experience.
7. SoFi Invest
SoFi Invest is a versatile app that offers both active and automated investing options.
Key Features:
- Commission-free trading: Trade stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.
- Automated investing: Build a diversified portfolio with a robo-advisor.
- Fractional shares: Invest in stocks and ETFs with as little as $1.
- Educational resources: Access to articles, webinars, and financial advisors.
Pros:
- No account minimums or fees.
- Flexible investment options.
- Access to financial advisors.
Cons:
- Limited research tools compared to some platforms.
- No tax-loss harvesting.
Best For:
Beginners who want flexibility and access to financial advice.
How to Choose the Right App for You
With so many great options, how do you choose the best investment app for your needs? Here are some tips:
- Define your goals: Are you saving for retirement, building wealth, or just learning?
- Consider your budget: Look for apps with low fees and no account minimums if you’re starting small.
- Evaluate your experience level: Choose an app with educational resources if you’re a beginner.
- Test the platform: Many apps offer demo accounts or free trials—take advantage of them.
Final Thoughts
Investing doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. With the right investment app, you can start building wealth, even as a beginner. Whether you prefer a hands-off robo-advisor like Betterment, a simple platform like Robinhood, or an educational app like Stash, there’s an option for everyone.
The key is to start small, stay consistent, and keep learning. By choosing the best investment app for your needs and goals, you’ll be well on your way to achieving financial success in 2025 and beyond.