Starting your investment journey can feel like walking into a massive gym for the first time—lots of options, a little intimidating, and you’re not sure where to begin. The good news is that in 2025, you don’t need to be a financial expert to start.
The best smart investing apps and platforms make things simple and accessible. Whether you’re investing $10 or building a retirement plan, these apps automate the hard stuff—like diversifying, rebalancing, and analyzing—so you can focus on your goals.
With fractional shares and commission-free trading, even top companies like Tesla or Apple are within reach. Investing is no longer reserved for Wall Street pros—it’s open to everyone.
Let’s explore why these apps are game changers and which ones are worth your attention in 2025.
Why Choose a Smart Investing App?
Before we dive into the list, let’s answer the big question: why are investing apps so popular?
Here are the main reasons:
- Ease of Use – Forget intimidating trading dashboards. Modern investing apps are designed with clean, simple interfaces so anyone can use them.
- Low Barriers to Entry – No minimum deposits and fractional shares mean you can start with as little as $5.
- Cost Savings – Commission-free trading ensures that profits stay in your pocket instead of going to fees.
- Automation – Want to invest regularly without thinking about it? Many apps let you schedule recurring investments.
- Learning Support – The best platforms include built-in tutorials, educational blogs, and even video lessons to guide beginners step by step.
- Accessibility – Everything is available from your phone. You can monitor, invest, or even rebalance your portfolio while waiting for your morning coffee.
These benefits are why investing apps are no longer just an alternative to traditional brokers—they’re often the smarter choice.
Best Smart Investing Apps and Platforms in 2025
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top investment apps and platforms that are making waves in 2025. Each one shines in different ways, so you can pick the one that matches your goals.
1. Robinhood – Best for Commission-Free Trading
Robinhood is the app that started the commission-free investing revolution. It’s perfect for beginners who want a straightforward, sleek platform with no trading fees.
Highlights:
- Zero-commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and options.
- Fractional shares allow you to buy expensive stocks in smaller amounts.
- Real-time market data and customizable watchlists.
- Cryptocurrency trading available directly on the app.
Best For: Casual investors who want an easy-to-use app with no hidden fees.
2. Fidelity – Best for Long-Term Investors
Fidelity is a giant in the investment world, but don’t let that intimidate you. The app is very beginner-friendly, offering no account minimums, commission-free trades, and a wide range of investment options.
Highlights:
- Retirement accounts (IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k) rollovers).
- Thousands of mutual funds and ETFs to choose from.
- Powerful research tools for those ready to dig deeper.
- Fractional investing with zero fees.
Best For: Investors planning for retirement or long-term wealth building.
3. Acorns – Best for Hands-Off Investors
If you don’t want to think about investing every day, Acorns is the app for you. It automatically invests your spare change by rounding up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and putting it into diversified portfolios.
Highlights:
- Fully automated investing system.
- Portfolios designed by experts with varying levels of risk.
- Subscription plans start as low as $3 per month.
- Includes retirement (Acorns Later) and checking account options.
Best For: Beginners who want a “set it and forget it” approach to investing.
4. E*TRADE – Best for Research and Tools
E*TRADE is one of the oldest online brokers, and its app has evolved to cater to both beginners and advanced investors.
Highlights:
- 500+ stock screeners and advanced charting tools.
- Commission-free trades on stocks and ETFs.
- Large library of educational videos and market insights.
- Customizable portfolio management features.
Best For: Investors who want to grow their skills and explore more advanced strategies over time.
5. Betterment – Best Robo-Advisor
Betterment makes investing as simple as possible by acting as a digital financial advisor. You just answer a few questions about your goals and risk tolerance, and Betterment builds and manages a diversified portfolio for you.
Highlights:
- Automated portfolio rebalancing.
- Tax-loss harvesting to help reduce taxes.
- Goal-based investing (retirement, major purchases, etc.).
- Transparent fees starting at 0.25% annually.
Best For: Beginners and busy professionals who want professional-level investing without the price tag of a human advisor.
6. Wealthfront – Best for Automated Retirement Planning
Similar to Betterment, Wealthfront is a robo-advisor but with extra focus on long-term retirement planning. It also integrates savings and financial planning tools into one app.
Highlights:
- Automated, AI-driven portfolio management.
- Retirement and college savings accounts.
- Free financial planning tools built into the app.
- Tax-efficient investing strategies.
Best For: Long-term investors who want to maximize returns while preparing for retirement.
7. SoFi Invest – Best All-in-One App
SoFi isn’t just an investing app—it’s a financial ecosystem. Along with investing, it offers personal loans, credit cards, and even career coaching.
Highlights:
- Free trading on stocks, ETFs, and crypto.
- Access to certified financial planners at no cost.
- Fractional share investing.
- Exclusive member perks like career advice and networking events.
Best For: Investors who want an all-in-one financial solution with extras like free advice and community support.
You may also like to read this:
Personal Finance Vs Corporate Finance: Key Differences
What Is Smart Investing Strategy? Beginner’s Guide
8 Types of Smart Investment Options: Beginner-Friendly Guide
How To Invest In Stocks For Beginners And Grow Your Money
Why Diversification Is Important In Investing Explained
Things to Look for in an Investing App
When choosing the best smart investing apps and platforms, consider these factors carefully:
- Fees and Commissions – Even small fees compound over time. Favor apps with zero or low-cost trades.
- User Interface – A simple, clean design helps you avoid mistakes.
- Types of Investments – Does the app support stocks, ETFs, crypto, mutual funds, or retirement accounts?
- Education Resources – Especially as a beginner, look for apps that offer tutorials and learning centers.
- Security Features – Make sure the app uses encryption, two-factor authentication, and has a trusted reputation.
- Support – Some apps provide access to real advisors, while others focus entirely on automation. Choose what works for you.
Comparison of the Best Smart Investing Apps and Platforms in 2025
Here’s a quick look at how these apps and platforms stack up side by side:
| App/Platform | Best For | Key Features | Fees |
| Robinhood | Commission-free trading | Stocks, ETFs, crypto, options, fractional shares | $0 commissions |
| Fidelity | Retirement & long-term investing | IRAs, mutual funds, ETFs, powerful research tools | $0 commissions |
| Acorns | Hands-off investing | Round-up investing, automated portfolios, retirement plans | $3+ monthly |
| E*TRADE | Research & advanced tools | 500+ screeners, educational library, portfolio customization | $0 commissions |
| Betterment | Robo-advising | Automated rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, goal-based planning | 0.25% annual fee |
| Wealthfront | Retirement planning | AI-driven strategies, college/retirement accounts, tax optimization | 0.25% annual fee |
| SoFi Invest | All-in-one finance | Free trades, crypto, financial advisors, career coaching perks | $0 commissions |
This comparison makes it clear that the best choice depends on your personal goals:
- Want simplicity and free trading? → Robinhood.
- Saving for retirement? → Fidelity or Wealthfront.
- Prefer a “set it and forget it” approach? → Acorns or Betterment.
- Looking for an ecosystem with perks? → SoFi Invest.
- Craving powerful research tools? → E*TRADE.
Final Thoughts
Starting your investment journey doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the best smart investing apps and platforms, even beginners can confidently step into the market.
If you want quick and easy trading, Robinhood is a strong choice. If you’re saving for retirement, Fidelity and Wealthfront are excellent. For a hands-off approach, Acorns or Betterment will handle everything for you. And if you want a complete financial toolkit in one place, SoFi Invest is hard to beat.
The most important thing is to start now. Investing early—no matter how small—gives your money more time to grow. Choose the app that fits your goals, and take the first step today toward building your financial future.
FAQs
1. Are these investing apps safe?
Yes. All the apps listed here are regulated, use bank-level encryption, and often include FDIC or SIPC insurance to protect your funds.
2. How much money do I need to start?
Many platforms like Robinhood and Fidelity have no account minimums. Apps like Acorns let you invest with just spare change.
3. Do these apps work for complete beginners?
Absolutely. Apps like Acorns, Betterment, and SoFi are designed with beginners in mind, offering automated portfolios and easy-to-follow features.
4. Can I buy crypto on these apps?
Yes, but not all of them. Robinhood and SoFi support crypto trading, while platforms like Fidelity and Betterment focus more on stocks, ETFs, and retirement planning.
5. Which app is best for retirement savings?
Fidelity and Wealthfront are excellent choices since they specialize in long-term investing, IRAs, and retirement-focused financial planning.
