Investing Investing Basics

6 Best Investment Apps of [March 2026]

Whether you are a seasoned investor or investing for the first time, these investing apps can meet your needs and minimize fees.

Updated March 18, 2026
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Robinhood

4.2
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  • Buy and sell stocks 24 hours a day, 5 days a week with Robinhood's "24 Hour Market"
  • Commission-free trading (other fees may apply)
  • No account minimum
  • Trade stocks, options, ETFs, and more
  • Earn 3.75% (as of 11/03/25) APY1 on your uninvested cash with Robinhood Gold, subscription fee applies

Wealthfront

4.9
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  • Fund your first taxable Investment Account and get a $50 bonus
  • Globally diversified portfolio
  • Automated tax-loss harvesting makes the service basically fee-free
  • Algorithmic, rules-based investment strategies

Acorns

4.6
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  • Easily invest with your spare change
  • Bonus $20 after your first investment
  • No surprise fees
  • Protected by bank level security

Investing is easier than ever these days, thanks to apps that let you quickly set up an account and start investing right from your phone. While they were once more limited, investment apps today offer the power and features of traditional brokerage accounts, with commission-free trading and user-friendly platforms.

However, it's important to find an investment app that meets your specific needs, rather than assuming what's advertised to you is right for you. For example, you might be a beginner looking to invest your spare change or an experienced investor seeking access to complex investments and advanced analytics tools. Often, these two types of investors need different investment platforms.

To help narrow your search, we researched several investment apps that offer useful features, including automated portfolios, diverse asset options (stocks, ETFs, and crypto), and 24/7 customer support. Here are the six best investment apps we recommend, along with dos and don'ts for each.

How we rate products

In compiling this list of the best investment apps, we first determined areas that may be essential to new and experienced investors. These areas include minimum investment requirements, available asset classes, ease of use, account types, fees, and security features.

Once we had identified some of the key benefits investors may want from an investment app, we got to work identifying those apps that fit the bill. We wanted to include well-rounded apps for investors while also focusing on finding an app that may be best for investors in specific situations, whether that be someone who is new to investing, is an active trader, wants an impact portfolio, and more.

Keep in mind that we did not rank these investment apps in a certain order and did not review all available investment apps. This list is not comprehensive and is designed to be a starting point for a person who is researching the subject. Make sure to have an investment strategy or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. Note that some investment apps on our list may be current or past FinanceBuzz partners.

Compare the best investment apps of March 2026

Best for Account minimum Account fees
Robinhood Robinhood2 Active trading $0
  • $0 for Robinhood
  • $5 per month for Robinhood Gold
Wealthfront Wealthfront3 Beginners $500 0.25% annual management fee
Acorns Acorns45
Micro-investing $0
  • $3 per month for Acorns Bronze
  • $6 per month for Acorns Silver
  • $12 per month for Acorns Gold
M1 Finance M1 Finance6  Automated investing $100 or $500 $3 per month for users with less than $10,000 across their various M1 accounts
Fidelity Fidelity Well-rounded offerings $0 $0
Charles Schwab Charles Schwab Experienced, hands-on investors $0 $0

Robinhood

Best for active trading

App Details

  • Account minimum: $0
  • Account fees: $0 for Robinhood, $5 per month for Robinhood Gold
  • Commissions: $0

Robinhood is one of our favorite investment apps for active traders, including beginners. It's one of the pioneers of commission-free trading, allowing you to invest in stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies without racking up added costs you probably can't afford if you're new here.72

With Robinhood, you can invest on your own schedule. It offers 24/7 trades on stocks and ETFs (though orders won't settle until the market opens) and 24/7 customer support. That's a feature you can't get with even the big guys like Fidelity and Schwab.

Not to mention, it offers added benefits like IPO access, fractional shares, and a 3% match on qualifying contributions to its IRAs.89

While the Robinhood mobile app's interface is easy to use, Robinhood has been criticized for not providing enough support for beginners who might not fully understand the trades they're executing. However, it does provide educational resources that can help you get the hang of things.

Who this app is right for: We recommend Robinhood if you're an active trader who wants to avoid commission costs and doesn't need a ton of support to understand trading.

Our writer's take
"I like maxing out IRA contributions each year and would find the opportunity to get free money with Robinhood matching motivating." — Ashley Donohoe, Contributing Writer

Pros
  • Commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto
  • $0 account minimum
  • Up to 3% match on IRA contributions10
  • 24/7 trading and customer support
Cons
  • Limited support for beginners
  • No mutual funds or bonds
  • Requires Robinhood Gold for some features

Visit Robinhood | Read our Robinhood review.

4.2
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Get a Free Stock Valued Between $5 to $200
Commission-free trading with no account minimums or maintenace fees. Sign up to get one free share of stock.
Sign up for Robinhood

Wealthfront

Best for beginners and hands-off investors

App Details

  • Account minimum: $500
  • Account fees: 0.25% annual management fee
  • Commissions: $0

If you'd rather take a more hands-off approach to your investments, Wealthfront is a great option. For a relatively low fee, you can have Wealthfront automatically customize and adjust your portfolio based on your financial goals. You'll just answer a few questions, and Wealthfront will build you a portfolio that meets your needs. It's similar to Betterment but without access to human financial advisors.

We like that Wealthfront is accessible to brand-new investors, even if you don't want to learn the ropes. And unlike some similar platforms, it allows you to buy and sell from a list of individual stock collections. Think of these as falling somewhere between individual stocks and diversified funds. They include only a small handful of stocks, putting you more in the driver's seat.

It's worth noting that if you have a larger account balance, you may prefer the robo-advisor services through a larger brokerage like Fidelity, where fees are waived altogether for high balances. Also, if you don't have $500 to start, you might prefer an alternative to Wealthfront with low or no minimums (like Betterment).

Who this app is right for: Wealthfront might be the right fit if you're a beginner who wants to lean on automation to diversify your investments, and you don't mind having limited options or paying an annual management fee.

Pros
  • Low annual management fees
  • Offers taxable, retirement, and 529 accounts
  • Automatic tax-loss harvesting
  • Access to 45+ stock collections
Cons
  • $500 account minimum
  • Only offers automated advising
  • Restrictions for active investors

Visit Wealthfront | Read our Wealthfront review.

4.9
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Wealthfront Benefits
  • Fund your first taxable Investment Account and get a $50 bonus
  • Globally diversified portfolio
  • Automated tax-loss harvesting makes the service basically fee-free
  • Algorithmic, rules-based investment strategies
Visit Wealthfront

Acorns

Best for micro-investing

App Details

  • Account minimum: $0
  • Account fees: $3 per month for Acorns Bronze, $6 per month for Acorns Silver, $12 per month for Acorns Gold
  • Commissions: $0

Acorns is a micro-investing platform that allows you to invest your spare change in ETFs by rounding up your purchases to the nearest dollar.45 Small-dollar investing is a great way to get started even when you're not flush with cash. Plus, you can schedule recurring daily to monthly transfers from a bank account to automate investing.

We like these features for new investors. It's also important to note that Acorns' portfolios are fully automated, including rebalancing and dividend reinvestment. The investment app also offers other account options, including retirement and custodial accounts, an interest-earning spending and saving account, and the ability to earn rewards.

One major drawback to this platform is that you'll need to pay a monthly fee of $3 to $12, depending on the Acorns plan (Bronze, Silver, or Gold) you choose. While you can get started with any of these options, the costlier plans include IRA contribution matches, alongside other benefits. If you choose Acorns, we recommend comparing the plans carefully to find the most valuable option.

Who this app is right for: We find Acorns great for beginner investors who want to get started with small amounts and leave stock-picking and rebalancing to an algorithm.

Pros
  • Ability to invest spare change
  • Fully automated ETF portfolios
  • Access to banking solutions
  • Environmentally and socially responsible investing options
Cons
  • Monthly plan fee
  • No tax-loss harvesting
  • No self-directed investing

Visit Acorns | Read our Acorns review.

4.6
info
Invest Your Spare Change on Autopilot
Suite of automated tools that could help turn your pennies into real wealth.
Get started today

M1 Finance

Best for automated investing

App Details

  • Account minimum: $100 (individual) or $500 (IRA)
  • Account fees: $3 per month for users with less than $10,000 or who don't have an M1 Personal Loan
  • Commissions: $0

In a way, M1 Finance combines the benefits of a full-service brokerage firm and a robo-advisor, all in one portfolio. It has a "set it and forget it" system that lets you set up automatic investments, choose from automated portfolios, and invest in individual stocks (and even crypto). Then, M1 Finance does the rest. It's worth noting that few other investment apps offer the level of customization M1 does.

We also think people may find M1 Finance attractive because of its banking products. In addition to its investing services, you can earn up to 3.60% (as of 09/01/25) APY on your cash balance and up to 10% cash back with the Owner's Rewards Card by M1.1112 While plenty of people are content to keep their banking and investment separate, this could be a good option for someone who likes the idea of having all of their money in one place.

However, unlike alternatives like Acorns and Robinhood, you'll need to pay a $3 monthly fee unless you qualify for one of the waiver options, including having an M1 Personal Loan or $10,000 in assets with M1. Plus, the minimum deposit requirement is $100 or $500, depending on the account type you're opening.

Who this app is right for: M1 Finance might be the right investing app if you prefer both customization options and hassle-free automation, especially if you have a lot to invest.

Pros
  • Ability to handle all financial needs in one place
  • Offers automated investing, including rebalancing
  • Access to individual stock shares
  • Highly rated mobile apps
Cons
  • $3 monthly fee (though it's waivable)
  • $100 or $500 minimum deposit
  • No automatic-tax loss harvesting

Read our M1 Finance review.

Fidelity

Best for well-rounded offerings

App Details

  • Account minimum: $0
  • Account fees: $0
  • Commissions: $0 for many online U.S. trades

Of all the investment apps on our list, Fidelity has the widest range of offerings, and it's only expanded in recent years. It offers everything from active trading to robo-assisted portfolios across many account types. Plus, you'll have access to a financial advisor when you need one, which is a level of support many other investment apps don't offer.

Offering plenty of variety and educational resources, Fidelity can truly serve anyone, from first-time to seasoned investors, from childhood through retirement. We can't say that about many other apps on our list. And, with its cash management accounts, Fidelity could serve as a one-stop shop for all your personal finances.

Fidelity also keeps the barrier to entry (surprisingly) low with no annual fee or account minimum, and you won't pay commissions on most U.S. online investment trades. However, high fees can apply if you trade through a broker or opt for certain investment types, such as foreign stocks or non-Fidelity mutual funds.

Who this app is right for: Fidelity is a worthy pick for investors at any stage who want access to a wide variety of investments and account options, and plan to stick with commission-free online trades.

Pros
  • Wide variety of asset classes and accounts
  • Commission-free trading of many online U.S. trades
  • Self-directed trading, robo-advisor, and advisory services
  • Robust educational tools and materials
Cons
  • High transaction fees for certain investments
  • Potentially high broker-assisted trade fees
  • No direct access to crypto

Read our Fidelity review.

Charles Schwab (formerly TD Ameritrade)

Best for experienced, hands-on investors

App Details

  • Account minimum: $0
  • Account fees: $0
  • Commissions: $0 for common online trades, including stocks and ETFs

If you're an experienced and active trader, Charles Schwab will likely stand out as a great option for you. Like some other apps on our list, it offers commission-free trading in stocks, options, and ETFs, along with access to a range of other assets. Plus, it offers a wide variety of account types and trading methods for more hands-on, intermediate investors.

Where we really think Charles Schwab stands out for experienced investors is in the platform it acquired by purchasing TD Ameritrade. TD Ameritrade's (now Charles Schwab's) thinkorswim platform is one of the best analytics tools on the market. It lets you develop new trading strategies and set up complex, multi-step trades. It offers robust analysis tools and charting, investing insights, education, and even paper trading to help you practice your trades in advance. Other platforms on our list have analysis tools, but none as robust as this.

Charles Schwab also keeps investing accessible, with no account minimum or annual fee. However, like with Fidelity, having a broker help with trades or trading certain investments, such as non-proprietary mutual funds, can incur costly fees. Plus, the APY on uninvested cash is very poor.

Who this app is right for: While new investors might find Charles Schwab overwhelming, more experienced active traders will likely welcome the platform's extensive analytics tools and investment offerings.

Pros
  • Strong investment analysis tools
  • Wide variety of accounts and asset classes
  • Commission-free trading of common securities
  • Automated and hands-on investing options
Cons
  • No direct access to crypto
  • High trading fees for certain investments
  • Fees for broker-assisted trades

Read our Charles Schwab review.

How to choose the best investment app for you

With so many investment apps to choose from, it can be challenging to find the right fit. As you consider your options, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Your investment budget

When you start investing, it's important to set a clear budget, which should account for the cost of investing and any required account minimums.

Realize, too, that passive investing is a long-term financial commitment. Avoid investing any amount of money that you think you'll need in the near future.

The good news is that you can invest no matter how little you have. For example, plenty of apps have no account minimums, meaning you can literally get started with $1. Other platforms, however, require a larger initial investment. If you have some money to get started, it can make sense to use a platform with a higher minimum so you can access the passive income tools you prefer.

Our writer's take
"I keep funds I might need to spend in an easily accessible high-yield savings account instead of my investment account." — Ashley Donohoe, Contributing Writer

2. Available asset classes

Next, when evaluating the best investment apps, consider what types of assets you want to invest in. Different apps offer different investment options. For example, some make it easy to build a portfolio out of stocks, ETFs, and bonds. Others may offer options trading and cryptocurrencies.

Remember, though, that a diversified portfolio might help you manage some of your investment risks. Consider one or more platforms that let you invest across different asset classes so you aren't overly exposed in any one area. Platforms with automated portfolios, such as Wealthfront, may offer fewer asset classes but provide assurance of a diversified portfolio.

3. Account types

Figure out what types of accounts you want access to. For example, some investment platforms offer a wide variety of accounts, including individual retirement accounts (IRAs), trust accounts, and personal taxable investment accounts.

If you're trying to increase the tax efficiency of some of your passive income, it can make sense to look for a platform that offers you the ability to open an IRA account. For example, if you're interested in real estate opportunities, certain platforms offer you the option to hold some of your portfolio in traditional, Roth, or simplified employee pension (SEP) IRAs. You can also open a taxable investment account as well. And if you're investing for your children, you may want access to custodial accounts or 529 accounts.

Look at your portfolio holistically to determine which assets should be kept in tax-advantaged accounts and which should be kept in taxable accounts. This approach can save you money over time.

4. Investment management fees and pricing

Many investment platforms charge fees, so it's important to be aware of this when you're deciding where to invest. Some platforms charge a monthly account fee based on the features you want to access, while others charge an annual fee based on the assets in the account.

Your deposit might also determine what extra services you have access to. For instance, some platforms may charge a monthly or annual fee for access to a personalized portfolio and investment advice. On the other hand, other platforms may have fewer services but no fees.

Consider your needs and expectations, as well as the types of services you expect, as you compare investment platforms to determine which will work best for you.

5. Security features

Don't forget to look into security. You want to make sure your transactions are encrypted. Check whether the platform is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and which clearinghouse it uses. For example, some platforms use Apex Clearing for their transactions, which means they have Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) insurance and are a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Check which memberships a platform has to determine whether it's properly regulated. And if you plan to download and use a mobile app, ensure it offers key security features, such as two-factor authentication and Touch ID or Face ID.

The rise of AI in personal finance

The chart below, based on data from J.D. Power, shows just how quickly artificial intelligence is becoming part of consumers' financial decision-making. Over half of consumers have used artificial intelligence in some capacity for financial advice in the past three months, with 20.4% turning to AI multiple times.

AI and financial Advice


As AI-powered tools become more common in investing apps, more users are growing comfortable relying on technology to help guide financial decisions.

FAQs

What assets can you trade on investing apps?

The assets you can trade on investing apps depend on what each app offers. Most investment apps offer stocks and ETFs, while others offer crypto, bonds, mutual funds, options, forex, and more. Ensure the app you choose lets you trade the assets you're most interested in to maximize your benefit.

Are investing apps safe?

If you're looking for the safest investment apps, you can consider most apps from reputable investment brokers to be relatively safe. Reputable brokers have SIPC insurance to protect investment accounts in the event of broker failure. However, SIPC insurance doesn't cover crypto, so check whether each broker has a theft or security policy to protect your crypto assets. There is always the risk of loss when you invest; however, with an app, you also risk being hacked.

What are the safest types of investments?

Any investment comes with the risk of loss. Cash is generally considered one of the safest investments, but even with that, you have the chance of losing value through inflation. Bonds, especially U.S. Treasuries, are also considered among the safer investments because you're supposed to get your principal at the end of the term, though there's a chance of default.

The safest investments don't generally offer the highest returns, though. In most cases, the lower the risk of loss, the lower your potential return. The right options will depend on your risk tolerance, personal finance preferences, and other factors. A well-diversified portfolio can help reduce risk while increasing potential returns.

Can I invest in crypto with an app?

Yes, several brokers and crypto exchanges offer the ability to invest in crypto, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, via their apps. Robinhood is just one example of an investment app that offers cryptocurrency. You could also set up an account directly with a cryptocurrency exchange.

What is the best investing platform for beginners?

The best beginner investing apps include Robinhood, which has features that are good for new investors, including a $0 minimum balance and commission-free trades. The app is generally intuitive and easy to use. Many beginners use Robinhood to invest in individual stocks, but you also have access to ETFs, mutual funds, cryptocurrencies, and other types of investments.

Wealthfront is another excellent investing app for beginners. Wealthfront features an automatic approach to investing. You'll set your preferences, and it will customize your portfolio based on your investing goals.3

Products that didn't make our list

There are countless investment apps on the market, and it was difficult to narrow down our picks. If the seven apps on our list don't quite meet your needs, you may consider these other apps that didn't make the cut:

  • Public: Public offers a range of resources for beginner investors, and we like its focus on making investing more accessible. Public emphasizes community building, enabling you to get insights and learn about investing opportunities from an active community of investors. People will also appreciate that the Public app is easy for beginners to use and offers stocks, ETFs, bonds, and popular cryptocurrencies.1314 Read our Public review.
  • Stash: Stash offers a simple approach to investing with its automated recurring investments and dividend reinvestment. As a Stash user, you can let Stash determine your investments based on goals you define, or you can choose your own investments.1516 Stash offers access to stocks, ETFs, and bonds and has socially responsible investing options. Read our Stash review.
  • Betterment: Betterment is another robo-advisor, just like Wealthfront. It has a similar functionality and the same 0.25% management fee. Betterment offers personalized investment recommendations based on your needs and priorities, plus automatic rebalancing and tax loss harvesting. As an added bonus, Betterment makes it especially easy to roll over an existing 401(k). Read our Betterment review.
  • E*Trade:E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley is a versatile platform for both novice and experienced investors. The user-friendly interface makes it easy for us to navigate and execute trades. It offers extensive educational resources, including a library of articles, videos, and webinars. The platform's robust research tools can also be quite handy for comparing different investment products.17 Read our E*Trade review.
  • SoFi Active Invest®: SoFi Active Invest offers active investing, as well as access to unique investment opportunities (like initial public offerings, or IPOs).18 It's also possible to execute stocks, options, and ETF trades. The ability to invest at IPO prices is one way SoFi Active Invest tries to set itself apart, as few apps provide this ability.19

While we like all of these alternatives, none of them made our list for the same reason: They simply don't offer anything you can't get elsewhere. They offer some of the same perks as one or more competitors, but they don't really have anything you can't find on another app. And the other apps we chose to include had more features and perks than these apps.

4.6
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Invest in Google, Tesla, or Amazon For Just $5
Beginner-friendly app to invest in fractional shares and more. Bonus $25 to get started.
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4.3
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Limited time offer! Get up to $3,000 in stock when you open & fund a new Active Invest account. Valid until March 31, 2026.1820
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Bottom line

An investment app truly shines when it offers minimal to no fees, boasts an intuitive user interface, provides access to a diverse range of assets, and enriches our knowledge with valuable educational resources.

As you can see from our list, there's no one investment app that's right for everyone. While Fidelity stands out as the most well-rounded option, the other apps on our list offer more niche benefits for specific types of investors. 

Investment apps are one of several ways to join the market. If you're a beginner, apps like Wealthfront and Robinhood may be of particular interest. You can also explore more options in our list of the best online brokerage accounts.

Learn More
4.2
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Charges zero commissions on stock, ETF, options, and crypto trades
Requires no account minimum to start investing
Simplifies investing with a user-friendly mobile app
Offers up to 3% match on Robinhood Gold IRA contributions