Last updated on November 12, 2025

1. Robinhood – Simple and Beginner-Friendly
Robinhood really changed the game when it first came out. It made investing in stocks, ETFs, and even crypto feel as easy as scrolling through Instagram.
I still remember opening my first Robinhood account — no fees, no complicated sign-ups, just clean design and instant trading. It’s great if you’re just starting out and want to dip your toes in the market without paying commissions.
- Best for: Beginners who want to trade stocks or crypto easily.
- Perks: No commission fees, clean interface, fractional shares.
- Downside: Limited advanced tools for serious traders.
Official site: robinhood.com
2. Acorns – Invest Your Spare Change
Acorns is perfect for anyone who feels like they don’t have “extra money” to invest. It literally invests your spare change. You link your debit or credit card, and every time you make a purchase, Acorns rounds it up and invests the difference.
It’s like your money is quietly working in the background while you go about your day. It’s small, consistent investing — the kind that actually adds up over time.
- Best for: People who want an easy, automatic way to invest.
- Perks: Round-ups, automatic investing, educational resources.
- Downside: Monthly fee can feel high if you invest very little.
Official site: acorns.com
3. Fidelity Investments – Trusted and Full-Featured
Fidelity isn’t new to the scene — it’s been around for decades and still holds up as one of the most trustworthy investment platforms. Their app is smooth, detailed, and gives you access to everything: stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and retirement accounts.
What I love most about Fidelity is how balanced it feels — it’s beginner-friendly, but still has advanced options when you’re ready to grow.
- Best for: Long-term investors who want reliability and full control.
- Perks: No account minimums, great research tools, strong reputation.
- Downside: The interface can feel slightly overwhelming at first.
Official site: fidelity.com
4. Webull – For the Data Lovers
If you like charts, stats, and all the numbers behind a stock, Webull might be your new favorite. It’s like the grown-up version of Robinhood, packed with more tools, research data, and indicators — but still free to use.
It’s also one of the few platforms where you can trade extended hours without paying extra, which is a huge plus if you like to keep an eye on after-hours moves.
- Best for: Active investors who love technical analysis.
- Perks: Zero commissions, advanced charts, paper trading.
- Downside: Can feel a bit complicated for beginners.
Official site: webull.com
5. Stash – Learn While You Invest
Stash feels like your personal investing coach. It lets you buy fractional shares and automatically recommends investments based on your goals and interests.
I like how it helps you understand *why* you’re investing — not just what you’re buying. It’s great for beginners who want to learn the basics without feeling lost.
- Best for: Beginners who want guidance and education.
- Perks: Personalized recommendations, automatic investing.
- Downside: Small monthly fee, limited advanced options.
Official site: stash.com
6. SoFi Invest – All-in-One Finance App
SoFi isn’t just for investing — it’s a full financial platform. You can invest, save, borrow, and even track your credit all in one app.
It’s ideal if you want simplicity and convenience without juggling multiple accounts. Plus, they often give bonuses for new investors.
- Best for: People who want an all-in-one financial experience.
- Perks: No commissions, free financial advice, bonuses.
- Downside: Fewer advanced features for experienced traders.
Official site: sofi.com/invest
7. Vanguard – Long-Term, Serious Investing
Vanguard is the go-to app for people thinking long-term — retirement, index funds, and serious wealth-building. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t try to lure you in with gimmicks. It’s simple, proven, and backed by decades of trust.
If you’re in it for the long haul, Vanguard is one of the safest and smartest places to be.
- Best for: Long-term investors focused on retirement or index funds.
- Perks: Low fees, great index funds, long-standing credibility.
- Downside: App design feels dated compared to newer platforms.
Official site: vanguard.com
8. Public – Invest and Learn Socially
Public adds a cool twist to investing — it’s social. You can see what others are investing in, follow creators, and even discuss market trends in real time.
Think of it as a mix of social media and investing — but without the noise. It’s transparent, fun, and helps you learn by seeing what others are doing.
- Best for: Social learners who like to see real investor insights.
- Perks: No commissions, community-driven, fractional shares.
- Downside: Might feel too “social” if you prefer privacy.
Official site: public.com
Final Thoughts
Investing doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. Whether you’re just starting with $10 or ready to grow a full portfolio, there’s an app out there built for your style and comfort level.
Personally, I think the best app is the one that makes you actually want to invest — the one you’ll open often, not ignore. So start small, explore what feels right, and let your money start working for you.
Trust me, that first time you see your investments grow — even just a little — it feels good. Like, really good.