Best Investment Apps for 2025

Investing has never been more accessible than it is in 2025. Thanks to innovative investment apps, anyone with a smartphone can start building wealth with just a few dollars. These platforms have democratized investing by removing traditional barriers like high minimum investments and complex interfaces.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best investment apps of 2025, comparing their features, fees, and ideal use cases to help U.S. investors find the perfect platform for their financial goals. At MoneyProInsights, we’re committed to empowering you with the tools and knowledge to grow your wealth.

Why Use an Investment App?

Before diving into specific recommendations, let’s consider why investment apps have become so popular for U.S. investors:

• Low Minimums: Many apps allow you to start investing with as little as $1.
• Fractional Shares: Invest in expensive stocks like Amazon or Google with small amounts.
• Automation: Set recurring investments and forget about them.
• Educational Resources: Learn as you invest with built-in tutorials and guidance.
• User-Friendly Interfaces: Simplified investing for beginners.

Expert Insight: “Investment apps have leveled the playing field for U.S. investors,” says CFP Jane Doe.

Our Top Picks for 2025

1. SoFi Invest - Best All-Around Investment App

SoFi Invest has emerged as the leading all-around investment app in 2025, offering a compelling combination of features for both beginners and experienced U.S. investors.

• Key Features:
  • $0 commission trades for stocks and ETFs
  • Fractional shares with $1 minimum investment
  • Automated investing with custom portfolios
  • Cryptocurrency trading
  • Retirement accounts (Traditional, Roth, and SEP IRAs)
  • Free financial planning with certified advisors
• Pros:
  • No management fees for automated investing
  • Integrated with SoFi’s other financial products
  • Excellent educational resources
  • Active community of investors
• Cons:
  • Limited investment options compared to traditional brokerages
  • Basic research tools

Ideal for: SoFi Invest is perfect for beginners looking for a comprehensive platform that can grow with them. It’s especially valuable for existing SoFi members who can benefit from the ecosystem of financial products.

2. Robinhood - Best for Active Traders

Robinhood continues to be a popular choice for active traders in 2025, with its commission-free model and intuitive interface.

• Key Features:
  • $0 commission trades
  • Fractional shares
  • Options trading
  • Cryptocurrency trading
  • Cash management account
  • IPO access
• Pros:
  • Extremely user-friendly interface
  • Instant deposit access
  • Extended trading hours
• Cons:
  • Limited educational resources
  • Basic research tools
  • No retirement accounts

Ideal for: Robinhood works best for tech-savvy U.S. investors who want to actively trade stocks, options, and cryptocurrencies without paying commissions. Learn more about active trading in our guide on ETFs vs. Mutual Funds: Which Is Better for Your Portfolio in 2025?.

3. Acorns - Best for Passive Investors

Acorns has refined its micro-investing approach, becoming the go-to app for passive investors who want to grow their wealth gradually.

• Key Features:
  • Round-up investing (automatically invests your spare change)
  • Recurring investments
  • Expert-built portfolios
  • Retirement accounts
  • Checking account with debit card
  • Earn bonus investments when shopping with partners
• Pros:
  • “Set it and forget it” approach
  • Automatically rebalances portfolios
  • Excellent for building good financial habits
• Cons:
  • Monthly fee ($3-5) can be high for small accounts
  • Limited investment options
  • No individual stock selection

Ideal for: Acorns is perfect for beginners who want to start investing without thinking about it. It’s especially useful for those who struggle to save consistently.

4. Betterment - Best Robo-Advisor

Betterment has maintained its position as the leading robo-advisor by continuing to improve its automated investing services for U.S. investors.

• Key Features:
  • Automated investing with custom portfolios
  • Tax-loss harvesting
  • Socially responsible investing options
  • Retirement accounts
  • Cash reserve account
  • Financial planning tools
• Pros:
  • Sophisticated portfolio management
  • Advanced tax optimization strategies
  • Goal-based investing approach
  • Access to human financial advisors
• Cons:
  • 0.25% management fee (higher than some competitors)
  • No direct cryptocurrency investing
  • No individual stock selection

Ideal for: Betterment is ideal for hands-off investors who want sophisticated portfolio management without managing investments themselves. For more on passive income, see our guide on How to Build a Dividend Portfolio for Passive Income.

5. M1 Finance - Best for Customized Portfolios

M1 Finance offers a unique hybrid approach, combining automated investing with customizable portfolios for U.S. investors.

• Key Features:
  • Custom “pie” portfolios with stocks and ETFs
  • Automated investing and rebalancing
  • Fractional shares
  • Retirement accounts
  • Borrowing against your portfolio
  • Checking account with debit card
• Pros:
  • No management fees
  • Highly customizable portfolios
  • Automated rebalancing
  • Integrated financial platform
• Cons:
  • Limited trading windows (once or twice daily)
  • No tax-loss harvesting
  • Less intuitive for complete beginners

Ideal for: M1 Finance works best for investors who want more control over their investment selections while still benefiting from automation.

Investment Return Calculator

Use our calculator to see how your investments could grow over time:

Visual: [Insert investment growth chart]

How to Choose the Right Investment App

With so many excellent options available, how do you choose the right investment app for your needs? Consider these factors:

1. Investment Style: Are you a hands-on investor who wants to pick individual stocks, or do you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach? Active traders might prefer Robinhood, while passive investors will appreciate Acorns or Betterment.
2. Investment Goals: What are you investing for? Retirement? A down payment? General wealth building? Apps like Betterment excel at goal-based investing. Check out our Retirement Planning By Age: Essential Milestones From 20 to 70 for more.
3. Fees: Consider how fees will impact your returns, especially for smaller accounts. Even small percentage fees can add up over time.
4. Account Types: Make sure the app offers the account types you need (individual, joint, retirement, etc.).
5. Additional Features: Consider whether you value additional features like banking services, educational resources, or access to financial advisors.

The Future of Investment Apps

As we move through 2025, investment apps continue to evolve with innovative features for U.S. investors:

• AI-Powered Advisors: More sophisticated and personalized recommendations.
• Expanded Alternative Investments: Access to private equity, real estate, and collectibles. Learn more in our guide on Real Estate Investing Without Buying Property: REITs, Crowdfunding, and More.
• Enhanced ESG Options: More granular control over ethical investing.
• Integrated Financial Ecosystems: Seamless connection between investing, banking, credit, and financial planning.

FAQs About Investment Apps

Why should I use an investment app in 2025?

Investment apps offer low minimums, fractional shares, automation, and user-friendly interfaces, making investing accessible for U.S. beginners.

What’s the best investment app for beginners in the U.S.?

SoFi Invest is great for beginners with $0 fees, fractional shares, and free financial planning.

Can I invest with just $1 using these apps?

Yes, apps like SoFi Invest and Acorns let U.S. users start with as little as $1 through fractional shares.

Do investment apps offer retirement accounts?

Yes, apps like SoFi Invest, Acorns, and Betterment offer U.S. retirement accounts like Roth IRAs.

Are there fees for using investment apps?

Some apps like SoFi and M1 Finance have no fees, while Acorns ($3-5/month) and Betterment (0.25%) charge fees.

What’s the future of investment apps in the U.S.?

Expect AI advisors, alternative investments, and enhanced ESG options in 2025.

Final Thoughts

Investment apps have transformed how U.S. adults build wealth, making investing more accessible, affordable, and user-friendly than ever before. The best app for you depends on your financial goals, investment style, and preferences.

Whether you’re just starting with a few dollars or managing a substantial portfolio, there’s an investment app designed to meet your needs. By choosing the right platform and consistently contributing to your investments, you can build a solid financial foundation for your future.

Remember, the most important aspect of investing isn’t which app you choose—it’s starting early and staying consistent. The best investment app is ultimately the one you’ll actually use. MoneyProInsights has helped 50,000+ learners take control of their finances. Explore more at our investing guides and download free tools at moneyproinsights.com/investment-tools.

Ready to start investing? Open an account with our top pick, SoFi Invest, today and get up to $1,000 in free stock when you fund your account!