Investing has never been more accessible, thanks to a new generation of powerful, user-friendly apps that simplify everything from stock trading to crypto, real estate, and automated portfolios. After extensive research and evaluation across key factors—account minimums, trading fees, investment selection, ease of use, sign-up bonuses, educational resources, and customer support—we’ve curated the definitive list of the 13 best investing apps of 2025.
Whether you're a beginner looking for free stock to get started or an experienced investor seeking advanced tools, this guide covers the top platforms that deliver real value.
Core Investment App Categories & Top Picks
Before diving into individual apps, let’s break down what each platform excels at:
- Best Overall: Charles Schwab
- Best for Beginners: Robinhood
- Best for Robo-Investing: Wealthfront
- Best for Micro-Investing: Acorns
- Best for Crypto: Coinbase
- Best for Real Estate (REITs): Crowdstreet
- Best for Automatic Investing: M1 Finance
- Best for Mutual Funds: Fidelity
- Best for ETFs: Vanguard
- Best for Stock Trading: E*Trade
- Best for Diversified Assets: eToro
- Best for Portfolio Tracking: Empower
- Best for No Minimums & Global Access: Interactive Brokers
👉 Discover which investment app aligns best with your financial goals in 2025.
In-Depth Reviews: Top 13 Investing Apps
Interactive Brokers
Ideal for: Global investors, dividend seekers, and advanced traders
Interactive Brokers stands out with its vast selection of investment options, including stocks, ETFs, options, futures, and commodities. It’s especially strong in mutual funds—offering over 4,000 U.S. and 14,000 offshore no-fee funds.
Pros:
- No account minimums
- Zero trading or account fees
- Extensive global market access
Cons:
- Less intuitive app interface
- Limited beginner support
Why it ranks: If you're serious about dividend investing and want maximum flexibility, Interactive Brokers is unmatched in selection and cost efficiency.
eToro
Ideal for: Social traders and crypto enthusiasts
eToro is a multi-asset platform that blends stocks, crypto, and social investing. With over 3,000 assets—including 25 cryptocurrencies—it’s perfect for those who want to diversify across traditional and digital markets.
Pros:
- $10 account minimum
- Fee-free stock trades
- CopyTrader feature lets you mirror expert investors
Cons:
- $5 withdrawal fee
- $10/month inactivity fee after 12 months
Why it ranks: eToro democratizes investing by making it social and accessible. It’s a top choice for beginners and intermediate users alike.
👉 See how eToro compares to other platforms offering free trades and crypto access.
Wealthfront
Ideal for: Hands-off investors seeking automated portfolios
Wealthfront pioneered the robo-advisor model, offering algorithm-driven portfolio management with minimal effort. It’s ideal for those who want professional-grade investing without the high fees.
Pros:
- $1 minimum to start
- Intro bonus: $50 for funding your account
- Tax-loss harvesting included
Cons:
- 0.25% annual management fee
- Limited crypto options
Why it ranks: Wealthfront simplifies long-term wealth building with smart automation and strong security.
Acorns
Ideal for: Micro-investors and budget-conscious beginners
Acorns rounds up your daily purchases and invests the spare change into ETF portfolios. It’s a painless way to start building wealth—even if you only invest a few dollars a week.
Pros:
- No account minimum
- $10 sign-up bonus
- Cashback at 250+ retailers
Cons:
- Monthly fee ($3–$5) can be high relative to small balances
Why it ranks: Acorns makes investing automatic and subconscious—perfect for building habits.
Crowdstreet
Ideal for: Accredited investors interested in commercial real estate
Crowdstreet offers direct access to high-return private real estate deals across the U.S., with an average annual return of 19.2%.
Pros:
- Rigorous due diligence on all deals
- Diverse property types and locations
- Option for personalized advisory support
Cons:
- $25,000 minimum investment
- Illiquid—hold periods of 3–5 years
- Only for accredited investors
Why it ranks: It’s one of the few platforms offering retail investors access to institutional-grade real estate.
M1 Finance
Ideal for: Investors who want automation with customization
M1 blends robo-investing with DIY control. You can design your own “Pie” (portfolio) or choose from hundreds of expert templates.
Pros:
- No trading fees
- High-yield savings (4.5%) and checking (3%) options
- Credit card with 10% cashback at select stores
Cons:
- $100 account minimum
- $100 fee to close and transfer out
Why it ranks: M1 creates a full financial ecosystem—investing, saving, and spending—all in one app.
Coinbase
Ideal for: Crypto-first investors
Coinbase remains the most trusted platform for buying, selling, and learning about cryptocurrency.
Pros:
- No account fees or minimums
- Over 170 cryptocurrencies available
- Free $5 Bitcoin for new users
Cons:
- Trading fees start at 1%
Why it ranks: Security and ease of use make Coinbase the gold standard in crypto investing.
Robinhood
Ideal for: First-time investors
Robinhood popularized commission-free trading and remains a favorite among beginners.
Pros:
- No fees or minimums
- Free stock upon sign-up
- Fractional shares available
Cons:
- $100 transfer-out fee
- Limited customer support
Why it ranks: Its simplicity lowers the barrier to entry for new investors.
Empower (formerly Personal Capital)
Ideal for: Portfolio tracking and financial planning
Empower helps you visualize your entire financial life—investments, retirement, cash flow—in one place.
Pros:
- Free portfolio analysis tool
- Strong retirement planning resources
Cons:
- $100,000 minimum for personal advisor access
Why it ranks: It’s the best tool for seeing the big picture of your wealth.
Charles Schwab
Ideal for: All-around excellence
Charles Schwab earns the top spot with its balance of features: no fees, low minimums, robust research tools, and excellent support.
Bonus: Get $101 in free stock when you open and fund your account.
Vanguard
Ideal for: Low-cost ETF and mutual fund investors
Vanguard’s mission has always been low-cost index investing. With over 3,000 no-transaction-fee funds, it’s perfect for passive investors.
E*Trade
Ideal for: Active stock traders
E*Trade offers powerful tools, real-time data, and a clean interface. New users can earn $100 cash with a $5,000 deposit.
Fidelity
Ideal for: Mutual fund investors
Fidelity combines low costs with exceptional service. Get $150 when you deposit just $50 into a new account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best investing app for beginners?
Robinhood and Acorns are top choices due to their simplicity and zero minimums. Both offer free stock or sign-up bonuses to get you started.
Can I invest in real estate through an app?
Yes. Crowdstreet allows accredited investors to invest in commercial real estate with potential returns over 19%. For non-accredited investors, Fundrise is an alternative (though not listed here).
Are investment apps safe?
Reputable apps like Charles Schwab, Fidelity, and Coinbase are SEC-regulated and offer SIPC or FDIC insurance where applicable. Always verify regulatory status before investing.
Do any apps offer free stock?
Yes. Charles Schwab ($101), Robinhood ($5–$200), Fidelity ($150), and Coinbase ($5 in Bitcoin) all offer sign-up incentives.
How do robo-advisors work?
Robo-advisors like Wealthfront use algorithms to build and manage diversified portfolios based on your risk tolerance and goals—no human advisor needed.
Is micro-investing worth it?
Absolutely. Apps like Acorns help build investment habits over time. Small contributions grow significantly with compound interest.
👉 Start your investment journey today with a platform that rewards early action.
Final Thoughts: Are Investing Apps Worth It?
Yes—especially in an era of rising inflation. Keeping money in savings alone means losing purchasing power over time. Investing—even small amounts—helps your wealth grow and outpace inflation.
The best apps lower barriers to entry, offer educational tools, and automate smart decisions. Whether you're into stocks, crypto, real estate, or passive ETFs, there's an app designed for your strategy.
Now is the time to start. With sign-up bonuses, zero fees, and intuitive interfaces, 2025 is shaping up to be the best year yet for retail investors.
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