Robo‑advisors are revolutionizing low‑cost automated investing, making it easier than ever to build and rebalance diversified portfolios. This guide to the Best 7 Robo‑Advisors for Passive Investors in 2025 compares platforms by fees, features, and ease of use. Learn which robo‑advisors 2025 offerings best match your goals and budget. (Definition courtesy of Investopedia)
[Insert fee vs. return comparison chart]1. Vanguard Digital Advisor
Key Features
- Personalized portfolios of Vanguard index ETFs
- Automated tax‑loss harvesting and asset location
- Fractional‑share investing and digital coaching
- Household account consolidation
Fees & Minimums
- 0.20% annual advisory fee (all‑in)
- $100 minimum to open
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Ultra‑low fees; proven index‑fund strategy; goal‑planning tools
- Cons: Limited to Vanguard funds; no free human advisor
Best For
Hands‑off investors seeking the lowest fees and reliable tax‑efficient strategies. Pair this with our budgeting guides to free up more savings, such as the Best Budgeting Apps for Beginners or the YNAB vs. Mint comparison.
Learn more from Vanguard’s official robo‑advisor overview.
2. Fidelity Go
Key Features
- No‑fee Fidelity Flex funds under $25K
- Clean, intuitive interface for new investors
- Integrated educational resources
Fees & Minimums
- 0% fee for balances under $25K; 0.35% above
- $0 account minimum; $10 to begin investing
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Free for small accounts; seamless with existing Fidelity setup; no fund expense ratios
- Cons: No tax‑loss harvesting; limited portfolio customization
Best For
New investors who want a truly cost‑free start with passive investing robo‑advisors. Complement your cash‑flow planning using our Zero‑Based Budgeting Apps.
Check out Morningstar’s Fidelity Go rating.
3. Betterment
Key Features
- Goal‑based ETF portfolios with dynamic glide paths
- Automated tax‑loss harvesting and asset location
- Cash Reserve account with checking features
Fees & Minimums
- Digital plan: 0.25% per year, $0 minimum
- Premium plan: 0.40% (first $100K) with CFP access
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Advanced tax strategies; optional human advisor; ESG and crypto options
- Cons: $4/month fee for small balances; ETF portfolios only
Best For
Goal‑oriented savers who value tax optimization and expert guidance. Before investing, streamline your budget with insights from our Best Savings Apps for Millennials.
Read Barron’s review of Betterment for deeper analysis.
4. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios
Key Features
- Zero advisory fee; diversified Schwab and third‑party ETFs
- Automatic rebalancing and tax‑loss harvesting on $50K+
- “Intelligent Income” withdrawal planning
Fees & Minimums
- 0% advisory fee; $5,000 minimum
- Premium tier: $300 one‑time + $30/month for CFP access
Pros & Cons
- Pros: True no‑fee management; no fund expense ratios; robust platform tools
- Cons: Cash buffer reduces market exposure; high minimum
Best For
Investors with $5K+ seeking a free, high‑quality robo option. Explore regulatory insights at the SEC’s robo‑advisor guidelines.
5. Wealthfront
Key Features
- Portfolios across 17 asset classes via modern portfolio theory
- “Path” goal‑planning and account line‑of‑credit
- Direct indexing for $100K+ balances
Fees & Minimums
- 0.25% annual advisory fee
- $500 minimum
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Daily tax‑loss harvesting; innovative planning tools; direct indexing
- Cons: No human advisors; $500 minimum
Best For
Tech‑savvy investors looking for advanced tax alpha and goal‑tracking. Compare alongside our Best Investment Apps for Beginners.
See detailed direct indexing coverage on Investopedia.
6. SoFi Automated Investing
Key Features
- Two ETF portfolios (moderate/aggressive)
- Free 30‑minute session with a financial planner
- Integration with SoFi’s loans, cash accounts, and credit products
Fees & Minimums
- 0.25% annual fee
- $50 minimum
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Low barrier to entry; complimentary planner consult; one‑stop fintech ecosystem
- Cons: No tax‑loss harvesting; limited portfolio customization
Best For
Millennial and Gen Z investors who want fast setup and planning help. If you’re starting small, check micro‑investing options in our Best Micro‑Investing Apps.
7. Acorns
Key Features
- Round‑up micro‑investing from everyday purchases
- Tiered subscription plans with IRA and checking features
- Educational content and kids’ Early accounts
Fees & Minimums
- $3/mo basic; $5/mo personal; $9/mo premium
- No minimum balance
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Effortless micro‑investing; ideal for beginners and families
- Cons: Flat fees can be high on small balances; no tax optimization
Best For
Absolute novices who prefer automated spare‑change investing. Pair this with our Best Budgeting Apps for Beginners to ensure you’re saving wisely before you spend.
| Robo-Advisor | Fee | Min Investment | Tax-Loss Harvesting | Advisor Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard Digital Advisor | ~0.20% | $100 | Yes | CFP (0.30% for $50K+) | Low-cost investing, goal planning |
| Fidelity Go | 0% (<$25K), 0.35% (>$25K) | $0 | No | 1-on-1 advisor (>$25K) | Budget investors, Fidelity users |
| Betterment (Digital) | 0.25% (or $4/mo) | $0 ($10 to invest) | Yes | CFP (0.40% at $100K+) | Goal-oriented, tax optimization |
| Schwab Intelligent Portfolios | 0% | $5,000 | Yes (>$50K) | CFP ($300+ $30/mo) | Free service, Schwab clients |
| Wealthfront | 0.25% | $500 | Yes | No (digital-only) | Tech-driven investors, tax-loss |
| SoFi Automated Investing | 0.25% | $50 | No | CFP (free 30-min consult) | Beginners wanting planning help |
| Acorns (Lite plan) | $3/mo (flat) | $0 | No | None | Micro-investors, kids/kickstart |
Conclusion
- Top Three Picks:
- Vanguard Digital Advisor: Ultra‑low all‑in fees and fractional shares
- Fidelity Go: Free service under $25K with seamless Fidelity integration
- Betterment: Robust tax‑loss harvesting and optional CFP access
Which robo‑advisor will you try? Share your favorite in the comments and subscribe for the latest on passive investing robo‑advisors and robo‑advisors 2025 trends.