Introduction
Starting your investing journey in 2025 is easier than ever. The best investing apps 2025 give beginners quick ways to buy stocks, trade ETFs, and even practice with demo accounts.
At the same time, understanding how money grows is vital. Our guide on how compound interest works shows how small steps can lead to big results.
In this article, you will discover the top investing apps for beginners in 2025, along with their benefits, drawbacks, and unique features.
Why Beginners Should Use Investing Apps in 2025
- Accessibility: You can trade anywhere with your phone.
- Low entry point: Many platforms let you start with only $1.
- Education: Tutorials, guides, and videos are often included.
- Automation: Robo-advisors build portfolios on your behalf.
- Paper trading: Practice with virtual money before investing real cash.
Because of these features, investing feels far less intimidating. In fact, the process works like compound interest — steady moves that grow into lasting wealth.
Key Features of the Best Investing Apps 2025
When comparing the best investing apps 2025, it helps to focus on a few essentials:
- Low or no fees – High costs reduce your returns.
- Fractional shares – Small investments give you access to big companies.
- Paper trading – Demo accounts let you test strategies safely.
- Security – Encryption and SIPC insurance protect your funds.
- Learning tools – Built-in guides and communities support your growth.
Therefore, choosing an app with these features will make the first steps much smoother.
Best Investing Apps 2025 for Beginners
Robinhood – Simple and Mobile-Friendly
Robinhood is one of the most popular apps for new investors. The platform offers commission-free trades and a sleek mobile design. In addition, fractional shares make expensive stocks more affordable. Extended trading hours are available before and after market close. However, the app provides limited research tools compared to full-service brokers.
👉 Investor’s Business Daily ranks Robinhood as the best mobile investing app of 2025.
Fidelity – A Reliable All-Round Option
Fidelity is among the best investing apps 2025 because it blends free trades with strong education tools. As a result, beginners gain both research resources and customer support. The app also offers retirement accounts and fractional shares. On the downside, its design feels less modern than SoFi or Robinhood.
👉 NerdWallet lists Fidelity as a top choice for beginners.
Charles Schwab – Great for Practice Accounts
Charles Schwab is a trusted choice with features that support learning. Its paper trading tool lets beginners practice without risking real money. Furthermore, the app provides a wide range of ETFs and planning tools. Some users, however, may find the platform overwhelming at first.
👉 Kiplinger recommends Schwab for its accessibility.
SoFi Invest – Simple with Extra Perks
SoFi Invest is designed for first-time investors. The app has a clean layout and even includes free financial advice. In addition, users can access crypto, set up auto-investing, and receive career coaching. Still, its research tools are limited compared to Fidelity or Schwab.
👉 Forbes lists SoFi as one of the best beginner apps.
Betterment – Best for Automated Portfolios
Betterment suits beginners who want a hands-off approach. It creates personalized portfolios and rebalances them automatically. Another advantage is tax-loss harvesting, which helps lower taxes. On the other hand, users have less control over individual stock picks.
👉 Real Simple named Betterment a top robo-advisor in 2025.
M1 Finance – Ideal for Long-Term Investors
M1 Finance is built for structure and automation. Its “pie” portfolios simplify building and rebalancing investments. Moreover, users can set up automatic deposits and buy fractional shares. However, frequent traders may find it too limiting.
👉 NerdWallet highlights M1 Finance for its automation features.
E*TRADE – From Beginner to Advanced
ETRADE works well for those starting out but planning to grow. The base app is simple, while Power ETRADE adds advanced features such as options and interactive charts. For example, users gain access to detailed research reports. Although powerful, the platform has a steeper learning curve than apps like SoFi or Robinhood.
👉 StockBrokers.com calls E*TRADE a strong choice for growth.
Webull – Best for Paper Trading
Webull appeals to beginners who want to practice first. The app provides commission-free trades and paper accounts, which makes it safe to learn. In addition, extended hours and community support are available. Still, its advanced tools may overwhelm brand-new users.
👉 StockBrokers.com recommends Webull for its paper trading features.
Vanguard – Trusted for Index Funds
Vanguard is a classic choice for long-term investors. The app offers low-cost ETFs and mutual funds. It also provides retirement accounts and automatic investing. Although the design feels basic compared to newer apps, the focus on value makes it stand out.
👉 Not sure whether to pick ETFs or mutual funds? Read our guide on ETF vs Mutual Fund: Key Differences.
👉 NerdWallet lists Vanguard as one of the best long-term platforms.
Comparison Table – Best Investing Apps 2025
| App | Best For | Fees | Fractional Shares | Paper Trading | Robo-Advisor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | Mobile simplicity | $0 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Fidelity | All-around support | $0 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Schwab | Practice accounts | $0 | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| SoFi Invest | Simplicity + perks | $0 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Betterment | Robo-advising | 0.25% AUM | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| M1 Finance | Long-term portfolios | $0 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (basic) |
| E*TRADE | Beginner → advanced | $0 | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Webull | Paper trading | $0 | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Vanguard | Index investing | $0 | Limited | ❌ | ❌ |
Comparison of the best investing apps 2025 for beginners.
Final Thoughts on the Best Investing Apps 2025
The best investing apps 2025 give beginners affordable and safe ways to grow wealth.
- For simplicity → Robinhood or SoFi.
- For education → Fidelity or Schwab.
- For automation → Betterment or M1 Finance.
- For practice → Webull or E*TRADE.
- For long-term growth → Vanguard.
In short, the right app depends on your goals. Once you choose, the next step is creating your strategy. Our guide on ETF vs Mutual Fund: Key Differences will help you decide which path fits best.
Start small, stay consistent, and let the top investing apps of 2025 support your financial journey.
