Investing

Best Investing Apps in 2025: Top 16 Platforms for Every Investor

Introduction

The best investing apps in 2025 are powerful tools that make it easier than ever to grow wealth, trade stocks, buy crypto, or build a long-term portfolio—all from your smartphone. Whether you’re a beginner opening your first account or an experienced trader seeking advanced tools, investing apps now provide secure, low-cost, and AI-powered features to help you stay ahead.

In this guide by Financial Editorial, you’ll discover the 16 best investing apps available today. We’ll cover how they work, their unique benefits, which investors they’re best suited for, and answer the most common questions people ask before choosing one. By the end, you’ll know exactly which app fits your financial goals—whether that’s saving for retirement, day trading, or diversifying into crypto and ETFs.

What Are the Best Investing Apps?

The best investing apps are mobile-first platforms that allow you to buy, sell, and manage investments directly on your phone. They combine brokerage services, financial education, and AI-driven insights into user-friendly apps, often with low or zero commission fees.

Instead of waiting for traditional brokers, investing apps let you:

  • Trade stocks, ETFs, and options in real-time.
  • Automate savings and investing strategies.
  • Explore alternative assets like crypto or real estate.
  • Access research tools, portfolio analysis, and robo-advisors.

This blend of accessibility, speed, and affordability is why apps like Robinhood, Fidelity, and eToro have attracted millions of users worldwide.

Top 16 Best Investing Apps in 2025

1. Robinhood – Best for Zero-Commission Trading

Robinhood changed the investing landscape by eliminating trading commissions, making it possible for anyone to start investing with little capital. Its app is intuitive, offering fractional shares, instant deposits, and a streamlined design. It’s perfect for beginners who want quick access to stocks, ETFs, options, and even crypto. However, more advanced investors may find its research tools limited compared to full-service brokers.

2. Fidelity Investments – Best for Long-Term Investors

Fidelity is one of the most trusted names in investing, known for low-cost index funds, retirement planning tools, and award-winning customer service. The Fidelity app gives you access to commission-free trades, a wide range of mutual funds, and strong retirement account options. Long-term investors and retirement savers often choose Fidelity because of its reliability, financial planning resources, and deep market research.

3. Charles Schwab – Best All-in-One Platform

Charles Schwab offers a balanced app that suits both beginners and seasoned investors. With commission-free stock and ETF trading, no account minimums, and access to thousands of mutual funds, it’s an all-in-one solution. Schwab’s app also integrates with robo-advisor services and provides premium research tools. It’s widely praised for strong customer support, making it a safe choice for investors who want both convenience and credibility.

4. E*TRADE – Best for Active Traders

E*TRADE’s app is designed for active traders who want advanced features without sacrificing usability. It offers comprehensive charting tools, options trading, and access to professional-grade research. With two mobile apps—one for casual investors and another (Power E*TRADE) for advanced users—it caters to every skill level. Active traders love E*TRADE for its fast executions, educational content, and real-time market data.

5. TD Ameritrade (Thinkorswim) – Best for Advanced Charting

Thinkorswim, the TD Ameritrade platform, is famous for its powerful charting and technical analysis capabilities. The mobile app mirrors the desktop version, offering customizable charts, paper trading, and advanced order types. It’s a favorite among day traders and options traders who rely heavily on technical indicators. While its learning curve is steep, the depth of tools makes it one of the best investing apps for serious investors.

6. Webull – Best for Intermediate Traders

Webull stands out as a commission-free trading app with advanced charting features and extended-hours trading. It strikes a balance between simplicity and professional tools, making it perfect for investors who have graduated beyond Robinhood but aren’t quite ready for platforms like Thinkorswim. Webull also offers paper trading, technical indicators, and fractional shares, appealing to investors who want more control and strategy.

7. SoFi Invest – Best for Beginners + Crypto

SoFi Invest blends simplicity with variety, allowing you to invest in stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies all in one app. It also offers automated investing, no account minimums, and free access to certified financial planners. As part of the larger SoFi ecosystem, users can also manage loans, credit, and personal finance in the same app. Beginners who want an all-around money app will find it especially appealing.

8. Acorns – Best for Automated Micro-Investing

Acorns makes investing effortless by rounding up your everyday purchases and automatically investing the spare change into diversified portfolios. The app is designed for people who struggle to save or invest consistently, offering a set-it-and-forget-it approach. Over time, these small contributions add up, making Acorns a perfect app for passive investors, students, or anyone new to the world of investing.

9. Stash – Best for Personalized Learning

Stash helps beginners learn by doing, allowing them to invest as little as $5 in fractional shares of popular stocks and ETFs. Beyond investing, it includes educational content, budgeting tools, and personalized guidance. Stash also has themed investment options, making it easier for users to align portfolios with their values. For first-time investors who want both simplicity and financial education, it’s an excellent choice.

10. Betterment – Best Robo-Advisor

Betterment is a leader in robo-advisory services, using algorithms to build and manage diversified portfolios tailored to your goals. The app automatically rebalances your portfolio and offers tax-loss harvesting for efficiency. It’s ideal for investors who prefer automation and don’t want to pick individual stocks. With strong retirement planning tools and transparent pricing, Betterment is one of the best investing apps for hands-off investors.

11. Wealthfront – Best for Goal-Based Planning

Wealthfront is another top robo-advisor, known for its robust financial planning features. It provides automated portfolio management, retirement calculators, and tax-efficient strategies like tax-loss harvesting. One standout feature is its ability to connect with external accounts to give you a holistic financial picture. Investors who want hands-off portfolio growth with advanced planning tools often prefer Wealthfront over traditional brokerages.

12. Public – Best for Social Investing

Public transforms investing into a community-driven experience. Users can follow other investors, share ideas, and even see what their peers are buying and selling. Beyond stocks and ETFs, Public also allows fractional investments in crypto and alternative assets. It’s especially popular with younger investors who want transparency, education, and a sense of community while building their portfolios.

13. M1 Finance – Best for Custom Portfolios

M1 Finance combines the benefits of robo-advisors with DIY customization. Its signature “pie” system lets you design portfolios with a mix of assets and automate recurring investments. The app handles rebalancing automatically, saving time and effort. M1 Finance is perfect for long-term investors who want flexibility, automation, and control, making it one of the most innovative investing apps on the market.

14. Vanguard – Best for Index Funds & ETFs

Vanguard is synonymous with long-term investing and index funds. Its app gives users access to low-cost mutual funds and ETFs, making it the go-to choice for retirement savers. While the app isn’t as flashy or advanced as others, its focus on low fees and reliable performance is unmatched. For serious, long-term wealth builders, Vanguard remains one of the best investing apps available.

15. eToro – Best for Copy Trading & Crypto

eToro is unique in offering copy trading, where beginners can automatically mirror the trades of experienced investors. This makes it an excellent learning tool while still giving exposure to real markets. The app also supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies alongside traditional assets. With its global reach and innovative features, eToro is one of the best investing apps for both beginners and social traders.

16. Ally Invest – Best for Low Fees

Ally Invest is part of Ally Bank, which means seamless integration with banking, savings, and loans. The app offers low-cost trading, managed portfolios, and commission-free options for stocks and ETFs. It’s ideal for investors who want a straightforward platform with transparent pricing. Those already using Ally for banking will especially benefit from having all their finances in one ecosystem.

Common Questions Answered

Which investing app is best for beginners?
Robinhood, SoFi, and Acorns are beginner-friendly thanks to low fees, intuitive design, and easy account setup.

Can I invest in crypto with these apps?
Yes—apps like eToro, Robinhood, SoFi, and Public allow crypto trading alongside stocks and ETFs.

Are investing apps safe?
Most top investing apps are regulated by the SEC and insured by SIPC (up to $500,000). Always enable two-factor authentication for added security.

Which investing app is free?
Robinhood, Webull, and Public offer commission-free stock trading. However, some charge fees for premium features.

Do investing apps work internationally?
Apps like eToro and Interactive Brokers (not listed above) serve global users. Others, like Vanguard or Fidelity, may be restricted to U.S. residents.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Best Investing App

Start with your investment goals—are you saving for retirement, day trading, or dabbling in crypto? Beginners often benefit from simple apps with education built-in, while advanced traders may need robust charting.

Second, consider fees and minimums. Many apps now have no minimums and zero commissions, but robo-advisors charge small annual fees.

Third, test usability. A user-friendly interface can make the difference between investing consistently and abandoning the app.

Finally, think about extras. Do you want social features, automated rebalancing, or banking integration? Aligning these with your financial habits ensures you pick the best fit.

Comparing the Best Investing Apps

When comparing the best investing apps, think in terms of categories:

  • Best for beginners: Robinhood, SoFi, Acorns, Stash.
  • Best for retirement: Fidelity, Vanguard, Charles Schwab.
  • Best for advanced traders: TD Ameritrade, E*TRADE, Webull.
  • Best robo-advisors: Betterment, Wealthfront, M1 Finance.
  • Best for crypto/social trading: eToro, Public, SoFi.

Each has unique strengths, so the right choice depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and investing style.

Conclusion

The best investing apps make growing your wealth more accessible than ever. From zero-commission trading on Robinhood to automated robo-advisors like Betterment, today’s platforms cater to every type of investor. Beginners can start small with Acorns or Stash, while advanced traders thrive on Thinkorswim or Webull. Long-term investors trust Fidelity, Vanguard, and Schwab for retirement planning, while innovators flock to eToro and Public for social and crypto investing.

By understanding your personal goals, comparing features, and starting with small amounts, you’ll find the app that helps you invest confidently in 2025 and beyond.

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