Best Investment Apps for Beginners in 2025
Investing is no longer reserved for Wall Street professionals. Thanks to technology, anyone with a smartphone can start building wealth with just a few taps. In 2025, investment apps have become more user-friendly, educational, and affordable than ever—making them perfect for beginners who want to dip their toes into the financial markets.
This article highlights the best investment apps for beginners in 2025, what makes them stand out, and how to choose the right one for your goals.
Why Beginners Should Use Investment Apps
For new investors, traditional brokerages can feel intimidating. Investment apps, on the other hand, provide:
- Low or No Minimums – Start investing with as little as $1.
- Fractional Shares – Buy a portion of expensive stocks like Tesla or Amazon.
- Automated Features – Robo-advisors manage portfolios for you.
- Educational Tools – Tutorials, articles, and in-app lessons.
- Accessibility – Trade anytime, anywhere from your phone.
Key Features to Look for in 2025
When choosing an app, beginners should consider:
- Ease of Use – Simple design and clear instructions.
- Low Fees – Zero-commission trades are standard, but check hidden costs.
- Diversification Options – Access to stocks, ETFs, crypto, and bonds.
- Robo-Advisory – Automated investing for hands-off beginners.
- Learning Resources – Built-in courses, market analysis, and guidance.
- Safety – Regulation by FINRA/SEC and strong security features.
Best Investment Apps for Beginners in 2025
1. Robinhood
- Best For: Zero-commission stock and crypto trading.
- Highlights: User-friendly design, instant deposits, fractional shares.
- Why Choose: Great entry point for new investors, though less educational content.
2. Acorns
- Best For: Passive, hands-off investing.
- Highlights: Rounds up purchases and invests spare change.
- Why Choose: Perfect for beginners who want automatic investing without thinking about it.
3. Fidelity Spire®
- Best For: Long-term beginner investors.
- Highlights: No fees, wide range of ETFs and mutual funds, retirement planning.
- Why Choose: Trusted brokerage with beginner-friendly app and education.
4. Stash
- Best For: Learning while investing.
- Highlights: $5 minimum, curated stock/ETF categories, in-app lessons.
- Why Choose: Combines investing with education to guide beginners step-by-step.
5. SoFi Invest
- Best For: All-in-one financial platform.
- Highlights: Commission-free trades, automated portfolios, crypto investing.
- Why Choose: Ideal for beginners who also want loans, banking, and investing in one app.
6. M1 Finance
- Best For: Beginners who want automation with flexibility.
- Highlights: Customizable “pie” portfolios, fractional shares, automated rebalancing.
- Why Choose: Blends robo-advisory with hands-on investing control.
7. Wealthfront
- Best For: Automated wealth building.
- Highlights: Robo-advisor, tax-loss harvesting, diversified portfolios.
- Why Choose: Set-it-and-forget-it platform for long-term beginners.
Average Costs in 2025
- Trading Commissions: $0 (standard for most apps).
- Robo-Advisor Fees: 0.25% – 0.40% annually.
- Minimum Investments: $0 – $500 depending on the app.
💡 Most beginners prefer apps with no minimums and fractional shares to start small.
Tips for Beginners Using Investment Apps
- Start Small – Invest a little at first to learn without big risks.
- Diversify – Spread money across stocks, ETFs, and bonds.
- Think Long-Term – Avoid chasing short-term gains.
- Use Auto-Investing – Set up recurring deposits for consistent growth.
- Learn Continuously – Take advantage of in-app educational tools.
Final Thoughts
The best investment apps for beginners in 2025 make investing simple, affordable, and educational.
- Robinhood and SoFi Invest are great for zero-commission trading.
- Acorns and Wealthfront are perfect for passive investors.
- Stash and Fidelity Spire are excellent for those who want to learn as they invest.
- M1 Finance offers a balance of automation and customization.
For new investors, the key is to start early, invest consistently, and focus on long-term growth. The right app can help turn small investments today into big rewards tomorrow.