Top 7 Investment Apps to Watch in 2025: Free Stocks and Smart Investing Made Easy

M1 Finance is recognized for its easy-to-navigate interface and minimal fees. It offers a wide selection of portfolio templates and options at no cost, making it an appealing choice for newcomers and experienced investors alike.

This platform is ideal for investors who prefer to automate their investment management without paying for professional advice. M1 Finance handles the process virtually, allowing users to create a personalized “pie”—a collection of investment options that align with their financial goals. These options typically include index funds, bonds, or stocks, which are automatically allocated within the pie based on your preferences.

As your investments grow, the app adjusts each slice of your pie by increasing or decreasing their size to reflect performance. When additional funds are deposited, the platform redistributes them among your chosen slices, maintaining your intended portfolio balance.

M1 Finance is quite unique.

Firstly, it operates free of charge, with no hidden fees, making it one of the top platforms for fractional investing. It also offers the ability to secure personal and small business loans against your portfolio under specific conditions. The platform includes advanced automation features for rebalancing and investing, all within its user-friendly interface.

However, M1 Finance does not support tax-loss harvesting, nor does it offer access to mutual funds, which are important factors to consider. Overall, it’s an excellent choice if you want a robo-advisor with zero trading fees and automated portfolio management.

Begin your journey with M1 Finance.

Best Platform for Free Stock and Cryptocurrency Trading

Robinhood is a highly popular app for free trading of stocks and cryptocurrencies. It also offers free trading for ETFs and options. Launched in 2013, Robinhood has rapidly grown, now boasting over 4 million users. The platform requires no minimum balance to open an account and is highly user-friendly, making navigation simple for beginners.

This app operates with zero commissions on trades, providing an affordable way to start investing. Its straightforward interface is designed for easy mobile use, allowing quick access to trading features. While it may lack some of the advanced tools found in full-service brokers, Robinhood remains a valuable platform for new investors looking to learn and trade with minimal costs.

Robinhood doesn’t charge commissions and boasts a very user-friendly app, delivering an enjoyable mobile trading experience with fast access to buying and selling stocks and cryptocurrencies. Its selection of cryptocurrencies includes Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Ethereum Classic, and Litecoin, though it offers a more limited range compared to platforms like Binance.

The platform gives access to over 2,000 stocks and ETF trades without any fees. For those interested in borrowing to invest, Robinhood Gold offers the ability to purchase securities on margin for an extra cost. Keep in mind, however, that there are some limitations, such as challenges in syncing with expense tracking tools like Personal Capital, a $5 monthly fee if you want access to research tools, no desktop version available, and a $75 fee to transfer your account to another broker.

Overall, Robinhood has transformed how many beginners approach investing by simplifying the process and removing traditional barriers. It’s an excellent choice for first-time investors who want an easy-to-use app to handle their stocks and cryptocurrencies, and to get started with a small investment.

Get started with Robinhood.

Acorns is one of the top investment apps that automatically rounds up your spare change to the nearest dollar. It operates as a robo-advisor, investing your money for you, while also serving as a convenient savings account for your extra funds.

Acorns is an easy-to-use and straightforward app designed for anyone looking to grow their savings effortlessly. You can set up your account in just five minutes by providing basic details such as your age and risk level. The app then automatically rounds up your purchases on linked credit or debit cards to the nearest dollar, transferring the extra change into your Acorns account. This small, incremental savings can accumulate quickly over time, making investing accessible and hassle-free.

Additionally, Acorns offers a feature called “Found Money,” which functions similarly to cashback programs like Swagbucks. With this plan, you earn rewards or cashback when shopping through partner brands, and the bonus funds are automatically invested into your account. This seamless system encourages consistent saving habits while helping you invest with minimal effort.

They provide three service tiers:

There are also three main account types: retirement accounts, taxable investment accounts, and checking accounts with a debit card. One of the key advantages is simplicity—it’s designed to help you develop consistent saving habits and invest more rather than letting spare change sit idle in your bank account. If you’re under 24 or a college student, you can open a free account that lasts for 48 months. While they charge a small account maintenance fee along with some fees for Roth IRA accounts, their investment options are somewhat limited compared to more advanced platforms. For smaller account balances, they might charge a percentage-based fee on monthly trades. Overall, for those new to investing, this platform is an excellent starting point. Begin your journey with Acorns today.

The top choice for tech-savvy investors.

Webull is popular among investors because it doesn’t require a minimum deposit. Plus, every user has access to smart investing tools that help improve the chances of success in the market.

For new investors making their first steps, Webull is an excellent platform to consider.Their trading platform and analysis tools enable you to build a diversified financial portfolio starting with as little as $5, thanks to access to thousands of companies and fractional shares. You can expand your investments across a wide variety of products, including stocks, fractional shares, futures, ETFs, and ADRs, allowing for effective diversification.

For more experienced investors, Webull provides comprehensive features to manage your investments, such as advanced charting tools, real-time market news, customizable alerts, and more. You can also get expert advice from Webull’s team of financial professionals to help you make informed decisions. With different account options, like IRA and individual brokerage accounts, you can select the plan that suits your financial goals best.

Investors interested in international markets can take advantage of global opportunities by investing in foreign companies. This helps diversify your portfolio and tap into worldwide growth prospects. Additionally, Webull offers extended trading hours, enabling you to buy and sell stocks at virtually any time markets are open, potentially increasing your earning opportunities.

The next platform worth considering is Betterment, which is ideal for long-term investors. Using artificial intelligence and modern portfolio strategies, Betterment builds a personalized, globally diversified investment portfolio tailored to your risk level and goals. Its automation features make investing straightforward and accessible, making it one of the top investment apps currently available.

Betterment’s approach relies on expert guidance to optimize your investments, emphasizing long-term growth and smart asset allocation. Features include clear fee structures ranging from 0% to 0.40%, and an easy-to-use interface that simplifies investing. They also offer promotional options such as free account setup, encouraging new users to get started quickly. Overall, Betterment is a strong choice for those looking to build wealth steadily over time through smart, automated investing techniques.Betterment stands out from typical investment apps by offering comprehensive automated investing services. The platform begins by understanding your financial goals and daily habits. From there, it constructs a personalized investment portfolio aligned with your risk level and investment timeline. Betterment then enhances your portfolio using its Tax-Smart Technology to maximize after-tax returns. The platform also manages portfolio rebalancing to ensure your asset allocation stays in sync with your objectives.

Betterment conveniently allows you to track investments outside their platform too. Their software provides a unified view of all your holdings, making it easier to monitor your entire financial picture. They cater to various account types, including Smart Saver, Taxable Investment, Trust, and IRA accounts. For those new to investing, Betterment has no minimum deposit requirement and charges only a 0.25% annual fee for digital management. If you prefer personalized advice from professional financial experts via email or phone, Betterment Premium is available, with a $100,000 minimum and a slightly higher fee of 0.40% annually.

They also support integration with external investment accounts, providing a seamless experience. If you’re interested in long-term investing strategies similar to Wealthfront, Betterment offers tools like retirement calculators, tax-loss harvesting, and expert guidance, all at competitive fees.

They have four main account options—Smart Saver, Taxable Investment, Trust, and IRA—to meet a range of financial needs. Overall, Betterment is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a hands-off, strategic investment platform that combines technology with professional support when needed.

They feature four account types—Smart Saver, Taxable Investment, Trust, and IRA—catering to various investment needs. If you want an app similar to Wealthfront that combines automated investing with a focus on long-term growth, Betterment is a solid pick. When you sign up, you get access to advanced retirement planning tools, tax-efficient strategies, and low management fees, along with the option to consult with human financial advisors.

6. Stash App

The best value-based investing app for everyday investors. Launched in 2015, Stash aims to democratize investing by making it accessible to everyone, especially those interested in value investing and fractional shares. You can open an account with just $5, and automatic weekly deposits of as little as $5 are possible. Management fees are 0.25% annually if your account balance reaches at least $5,000, making it affordable for new investors.

Stash offers three account types: IRAs, custodial accounts for minors, and taxable accounts. With over 150 stock options, you have a wide array of investment choices, including thematic funds that bundle stocks from related companies rather than single stocks, helping diversify your portfolio. The platform’s simplicity makes it ideal for beginners and those who want to invest steadily without a large upfront capital. If your balance remains below $5,000, there’s a small monthly fee of $1. This makes Stash a good option for those starting out with modest funds or looking to build an investment habit carefully.

7. Stockpile

Ideal for gifting stocks and teaching kids about investing. Stockpile, established in 2010, allows you to purchase stock gift cards instead of buying stocks directly. This unique approach makes investing more accessible and fun, especially for younger audiences or those new to the stock market. To use Stockpile, you need to be at least 18 years old and based in the U.S. The platform charges a small fee of $0.99 per trade with no monthly charges.

The process involves setting up custodial accounts for minors and buying gift cards, which can then be redeemed for stocks in well-known companies like Amazon, Netflix, and Google. These gift cards are available in both physical and electronic formats, providing flexibility and convenience. A notable benefit is the ability to buy fractional shares—say, purchasing about 0.15 of an Amazon stock instead of the full over $1,500 share price—enhancing affordability for small investors.

Overall, Stockpile provides a simple and educational entry point into stock investing, especially useful for gifting or helping young learners understand how the stock market works.

Some investment platforms focus solely on taxable investment accounts. These apps typically do not offer ready-made portfolios, limiting your options to buying ETFs and individual stocks. However, they excel as tools for investors who want to buy fractional shares or send gift cards to others, providing unique functionalities not always found elsewhere.

Ideal for the Do-It-Yourself Investor.

If you’re someone who prefers to manage every aspect of your investments independently, Ally Invest might be the right choice. It’s a service provided by Ally Bank, known for its online business banking with round-the-clock support. With Ally Invest, you’ll have the freedom to select individual investment options, setting it apart from platforms that offer pre-packaged investment themes. This approach makes it more flexible and allows greater control over stocks, options, and Forex trades. Although they provide extensive educational content, using their platform involves a more hands-on process.

What makes Ally Invest particularly appealing are its zero minimum deposit requirement, no fees for ETF transactions, and an array of helpful tools and calculators. However, keep in mind that they do charge transaction fees on mutual funds, and the platform does not support automatic rebalancing or automated investing—everything must be managed manually. Overall, Ally Invest is best suited for experienced investors who are comfortable handling their own trades, such as options and Forex traders, or those looking to learn day trading. It’s less appropriate for beginners due to its manual nature and steeper learning curve.

Best Choice for Real Estate Investors.

Fundrise offers a unique approach to investing through crowdfunded real estate projects accessible via their app. While real estate investment might seem risky, Fundrise reports solid average annual returns ranging from 8.7% to 12.4%. Unlike many real estate platforms that restrict participation to accredited investors—who typically need a net worth exceeding $1 million excluding their primary residence—Fundrise welcomes both accredited and non-accredited investors. The minimum investment for their starter portfolio is just $500, making it more accessible. They charge a 0.15% advisory fee in addition to an 0.85% asset management fee. Fundrise provides two account options—Taxable accounts and IRAs—with the IRA minimum starting at $1000.

Fundrise stands out because it allows you to diversify your portfolio with real estate assets for a fraction of traditional costs. You benefit from professional guidance, a variety of investment plans tailored to different goals, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. If you’re interested in entering real estate investing but lack the capital to buy properties outright, Fundrise could be an excellent entry point.

Note: Other notable platforms like Charles Schwab, Fidelity, and Sofi also offer real estate investment options, though they weren’t covered in this review.

Micro-investing involves regularly investing small amounts of money, often as little as $5. These apps are perfect for beginners or for those wishing to grow savings gradually without a large upfront amount. If you’re new to investing or don’t have thousands to start with, micro-investing platforms can help you get started easily and steadily build your portfolio.

Trading options can be complex and might not be suitable for novice investors. Options are financial derivatives that derive their value from underlying assets. An effective options trading app should provide real-time data on popular assets, helping you make informed and strategic trading decisions. Such apps are best for those with some experience in investing and a good understanding of market movements.

Choosing an app that offers educational content can significantly enhance your investing journey. These resources help you understand market terminologies, strategies, and the fundamentals of investing. Alongside practical tools, learning materials empower you to make smarter investment choices and develop your skills over time.

Both new and experienced investors need access to educational resources to make informed decisions. In the stock market, understanding all available investment options and opportunities is crucial for growing wealth. For instance, staying updated on the latest AI investing software can give you an edge and help you stay ahead of emerging trends.

Choosing an investing platform with low fees is always advantageous. Many investment apps charge a small percentage of your total investment as a fee. Some platforms offer a flat rate for all users, which typically varies within a fixed range depending on how much money you plan to invest monthly or yearly.

No matter if you use iOS or Android, your stock trading app should be accessible on your smartphone. Most high-quality apps are compatible with both operating systems, allowing seamless download and use without any issues.

Another important feature of a good investment app is access to in-house financial planners. Expert guidance can help you make smarter investment choices, avoid major pitfalls, and seize right opportunities at the optimal moments. For beginners or those aiming to make well-informed financial decisions, financial planners are invaluable in preventing costly mistakes over time.

Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting out, this list of top investment apps is designed to help you build and diversify your portfolio. If your goal is to trade stocks for free, Robinhood is a popular choice. For more comprehensive features, M1 Finance offers a full-service experience. For a detailed comparison of two leading apps, you can read my review of Webull vs. Robinhood.

To automate your savings, Acorns is highly recommended. If you’re interested in Forex trading, check out the best Forex trading apps to find suitable platforms. Additionally, for those interested in futures trading, I suggest exploring the best futures trading platforms.

What are your thoughts? Are there any other socially responsible investing apps you use that should be included? If you’re exploring remote work or ways to make money online, check out more related articles on my blog.