Investing doesn’t require a finance degree or a Wall Street broker in 2025. With 67% of Gen Z and millennials using apps to manage their portfolios (CNBC), beginner-friendly platforms have democratized wealth-building. Whether you’re saving for retirement, a house, or side income, this guide reviews the top 8 investment apps for beginners in 2025, featuring low fees, educational resources, and stress-free automation.
Why Beginners Should Use Investment Apps
- Low Barriers: Start with $1 via fractional shares (e.g., Amazon, Tesla).
- Education: Bite-sized lessons on ETFs, dividends, and risk management.
- Automation: Schedule recurring investments aligned with your savings goals.
- Tax Efficiency: Sync with 2025 tax software to optimize capital gains.
Top 8 Investment Apps for Beginners in 2025
1. Acorns – Best for Passive Investors
Best For: “Set it and forget it” investing.
- Features:
- Round-Ups: Invest spare change from daily purchases.
- Smart Portfolios: Pre-built ETF bundles based on risk tolerance.
- IRA Options: Automate retirement savings (Roth or Traditional).
- Fees: 3–3–9/month.
- 2025 Updates: ESG portfolio customization.
- Why Beginners Love It: Effortlessly turns spending into investing.
2. Robinhood – Best for Commission-Free Trading
Best For: Hands-on learners and stock enthusiasts.
- Features:
- Fractional Shares: Buy $1 slices of stocks/ETFs.
- Learn & Earn: Free courses + earn free stock (e.g., Disney, Apple).
- 24/7 Crypto: Trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin.
- Fees: $0 trades + crypto spreads.
- 2025 Updates: AI-powered stock pick alerts.
- Why Beginners Love It: Intuitive interface with zero fees.
3. Betterment – Best Robo-Advisor
Best For: Goal-based investing (retirement, vacations).
- Features:
- Tax-Loss Harvesting: Automatically reduces tax bills.
- Socially Responsible Portfolios: 100% ESG options.
- Sync External Accounts: Track 401(k)s or student loans.
- Fees: 0.25%–0.40% annually.
- 2025 Updates: AI-generated “Confidence Score” for goals.
- Why Beginners Love It: Balances automation with personalization.
4. Stash – Best for ESG Investing
Best For: Values-driven investors.
- Features:
- Stock-Back® Card: Earn fractional shares on purchases.
- Thematic Portfolios: Invest in AI, clean energy, or LGBTQ+ companies.
- Smart-Save: Automates investments based on cash flow.
- Fees: 3–3–9/month.
- 2025 Updates: Carbon footprint tracker for portfolios.
- Why Beginners Love It: Makes ethical investing accessible.
5. M1 Finance – Best for Custom Portfolios
Best For: DIY investors who want automation.
- Features:
- Expert Pies: Pre-built portfolios by risk level (e.g., Conservative, Aggressive).
- Dynamic Rebalancing: Auto-adjusts holdings to maintain targets.
- Borrowing: Access credit at 2%–5% APR against your portfolio.
- Fees: 0 (M1Plus: 10/month).
- 2025 Updates: AI-driven “Pie Builder” for beginners.
- Why Beginners Love It: Combines flexibility with automation.
6. Ellevest – Best for Women & LGBTQ+
Best For: Gender-smart investing.
- Features:
- Gender Lens Portfolios: Prioritizes companies with female leadership.
- Career Coaching: Salary negotiation and career pivot guides.
- Impact Goals: Aligns investments with causes like climate justice.
- Fees: 1–1–9/month.
- 2025 Updates: Childcare cost forecasting tools.
- Why Beginners Love It: Addresses systemic investing gaps.
7. Public – Best for Social Learning
Best For: Community-driven investors.
- Features:
- Social Feed: Discuss strategies with 15M+ users.
- Thematic Collections: Invest in trends like “Space Exploration” or “Metaverse.”
- No Commissions: Free stock/ETF trades.
- Fees: $0 + crypto spreads.
- 2025 Updates: Virtual reality portfolio walkthroughs.
- Why Beginners Love It: Learn from others while building your portfolio.
8. SoFi Invest – Best for All-in-One Finance
Best For: Beginners who want banking + investing in one app.
- Features:
- Automated Investing: Pre-built ETF portfolios.
- Financial Planners: Free 1:1 sessions with experts.
- Crypto Trading: 30+ coins with recurring buys.
- Fees: $0 trades.
- 2025 Updates: AI-driven net worth analyzer.
- Why Beginners Love It: Simplifies money management holistically.
How to Choose the Right App
| Goal | Best App |
|---|---|
| Passive Investing | Acorns or Betterment |
| Stock Trading | Robinhood or Public |
| Values-Based | Stash or Ellevest |
| Debt Management | Pair with credit card payoff tools |
| Education | SoFi Invest |
2025 Trends in Beginner Investing
- AI-Powered Advice: Apps like Betterment use AI to predict portfolio performance.
- Fractional Crypto: Buy $1 of Bitcoin via Robinhood or SoFi.
- Mental Health Focus: Ellevest integrates with personal growth tools to reduce investing anxiety.
- Tax Automation: M1 Finance syncs with tax software to simplify filings.
Conclusion
The best investment app for beginners depends on your priorities:
- Simplicity: Acorns or Betterment
- Community Learning: Public
- Values-Driven Growth: Stash or Ellevest
Pair these with savings strategies and credit monitoring for a well-rounded financial plan.
Ready to Start? Most apps offer free stock or 10 bonuses— invest your first 10 bonuses today!