Investing used to feel intimidating—full of complicated jargon, high fees, and a steep learning curve. But now, thanks to apps like Acorns, Robinhood, and Fundrise, growing your money has never been easier. Whether you’re looking to save your spare change, trade stocks for free, or dive into private real estate, these apps put powerful investing tools right in your pocket.
But which app is right for you? In this guide, I’ll break down what makes each app unique, who they’re best for, and how they can help you achieve your financial goals. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of how to take control of your money—no matter your starting point. Let’s dive in!
Here Are The Best Investment Apps
If you’re ready to explore the top investing apps right away, check out the widget below for a quick comparison and summary of their best features.
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Micro-investing app
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Commission-free
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Diversification
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Our Rating:
4.5
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Our Rating:
4.5
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Our Rating:
5.0
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Fees: $3-$9 monthly
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Fees: Free
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Fees: 0.15% advisory fee
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Acorns is best suited for individuals looking to start investing with minimal effort and those who want to save and invest their spare change. |
Robinhood is best suited for various types of investors, especially those who are new to investing or prefer a user-friendly platform that is commission-free. |
Fundrise is a very easy-to-use app that allows individuals to access crowd-funded real estate investing without spending a fortune. This option is best for users who want to make money consistently and let their money make them money. |
Acorns is best suited for individuals looking to start investing with minimal effort and those who want to save and invest their spare change.
Robinhood is best suited for various types of investors, especially those who are new to investing or prefer a user-friendly platform that is commission-free.
Fundrise is a very easy-to-use app that allows individuals to access crowd-funded real estate investing without spending a fortune. This option is best for users who want to make money consistently and let their money make them money.
Now that you’ve seen the highlights, let’s dive deeper into what makes each of these investing apps unique and how they can help you reach your financial goals.
Acorns: Best Micro-Investing App
Acorns is a super simple micro-investing app that takes the stress out of saving and growing your money. It automatically invests your spare change from everyday purchases into diversified portfolios of ETFs. Basically, it turns your coffee money into long-term wealth without you having to think about it.
But Acorns doesn’t stop there. It also offers retirement accounts, checking accounts, and even investment accounts for kids to help you build wealth in different areas of your life.
The app does have a small monthly fee (starting at $3 per month), which might feel a bit steep if your account balance is on the smaller side. But for people who want a hands-off way to start investing, Acorns is a great option to get your money working for you.
And if you’re ready to kickstart your journey, you can start with a $20 bonus investment just by signing up through this link and setting up recurring investments (min $5).
Who is Acorns Best For?
Acorns is perfect for anyone who wants to start investing but doesn’t know where to begin. If you’re the type of person who struggles to save or just doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of picking investments, Acorns does the heavy lifting for you. Its automatic round-ups make it super easy to invest your spare change without even noticing.
It’s also great for beginners who want to build good financial habits. With features like Acorns Early for kids’ investments, retirement accounts, and a checking account that invests as you spend, Acorns has everything you need to grow your money effortlessly.
If you’re looking for a hands-off approach to saving and investing—and don’t mind a small monthly fee—Acorns is a solid choice to help you get started.
What Are Acorns Fees?
Acorns charges a flat monthly fee: $3 for the Personal plan, $6 for the Family plan, and $12 for the Premium plan. These fees cover features like investing, retirement accounts, and even kids’ accounts, but they can feel high if your balance is small. But there are no commissions or hidden fees to worry about.
What's Acorns Sign Up Bonus?
You can kickstart your investing journey with Acorns and get a $20 bonus when you sign up through this link.
Start investing effortlessly with Acorns! Turn your spare change into investments, making it simple for anyone to build wealth over time. Set up automatic contributions, sit back, and watch your money grow. Plus, get a $20 bonus when you open a new account and start recurring investments.
Robinhood: Best for Commission-Free Trades
Robinhood makes it ridiculously easy to invest in the companies you love—and when I say free, I mean it. There are no commission fees to buy or sell stocks, ETFs, or even cryptocurrencies. Plus, there’s no account minimum, so you can start investing with whatever you’ve got.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to take control of their money without paying extra fees. Whether you’re trading stocks, funds, options, or crypto, Robinhood lets you do it all for free.
One of the things I love about Robinhood is how much info they give you before making a trade. You can see real-time market data, check out analyst ratings, read news articles, and even get notifications about events that could impact your investments.
And if you’re worried about security, they’ve got you covered. Robinhood uses top-notch security measures to keep your info and investments safe, so you can invest with confidence.
Who is Robinhood Best For?
Robinhood is perfect for anyone who wants to start investing without the headaches of fees or complicated setups. If you’re new to investing and want a simple way to get your feet wet, this app makes it super easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs, options, and even crypto without paying commission fees.
And if you’re someone who doesn’t want to deal with account minimums or unnecessary restrictions, Robinhood’s open-door approach means you can start with whatever you’ve got in your pocket.
What Are Robinhood's Fees?
Robinhood is commission-free for trading stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto, and there are no account minimums to get started. They do pass along small regulatory fees on sell orders, like the SEC fee (fractions of a penny per share), and there’s a $100 fee if you transfer your account to another broker. Overall, it’s one of the cheapest ways to invest.
What’s Robinhood’s Sign Up Bonus?
Robinhood gives you a free stock (worth $5 to $200) just for signing up and linking your bank account. They also sometimes run special promos, like a 1% match on IRA contributions or bonus offers during events like HOOD Week. Check their latest deals to see what you can score after you sign up for an account.
Robinhood is a user-friendly app that lets you invest in stocks, ETFs, crypto, and more—all commission-free. It's perfect for beginners and casual investors looking to build wealth with ease. Key features include fractional shares, instant deposits, and access to a wide range of assets. Start investing smarter today!
Fundrise: Best for Next-Level Diversification
Fundrise is a platform I’ve trusted for years that lets you invest in real estate with as little as $10, giving you access to private commercial and residential deals you wouldn’t normally get into. It’s all about building a diversified portfolio designed for passive income and long-term growth. Unlike traditional real estate investments, Fundrise makes it simple to start small and grow on your own schedule. Just know that your money isn’t as liquid as with stocks or REITs, and there are some fees involved—but their low-fee model helps you keep more of what you earn.
What makes Fundrise stand out is the ability to invest in a portfolio of carefully selected real estate assets, all actively managed to maximize returns based on your investment strategy. Private real estate offers unique potential—consistent cash flow from income and long-term growth through appreciation. With over 300 assets worth $7 billion managed on behalf of investors, Fundrise makes diversification easy, helping you go beyond stocks and bonds to minimize risk and grow wealth.
Who Is Fundrise Best For?
Fundrise is perfect for anyone who wants to invest in real estate without the hassle of owning property directly. It’s a great fit if you’re looking to diversify your portfolio with private real estate but don’t have the large amounts of cash typically required to get started—$10 is all it takes.
If you’re focused on long-term growth and steady passive income, and you don’t mind having your money tied up a bit longer than with stocks, Fundrise is an awesome option. It’s also ideal for people who want to expand beyond traditional investments like stocks and bonds while keeping fees low.
What are Fundrise Fees?
Fundrise keeps fees straightforward and minimal. They charge a 0.15% annual advisory fee, which is just $1.50 per year for every $1,000 invested, and a 0.85% annual management fee for their real estate funds, amounting to $8.50 per $1,000 invested. So, for every $1,000 you invest, you're looking at a total of $10 per year in fees, which is quite reasonable for access to private real estate deals.
Make your money work for you with Fundrise! Start real estate investing with just $10—no need for big bucks to get in. Fundrise gives you access to funds built to grow your money steadily. It’s easy, affordable, and designed for your goals. Want to let your cash hustle for you? Fundrise has you covered.
FAQs About Investing Apps
Acorns is worth it if you’re new to investing or struggle to save consistently. Its automatic round-ups and diversified portfolios make it super easy to start building wealth with minimal effort, though the flat monthly fee is better suited for higher account balances.
Yes, Robinhood offers commission-free trades on stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto. Just keep in mind, there are small regulatory fees on sell orders, and transferring your account to another broker will cost $100.
Fundrise is a reputable platform with cutting-edge security and low minimums, making private real estate accessible to everyday investors. It’s safe, but keep in mind that investments aren’t as liquid as stocks or ETFs.
Investing Apps: Acorns, Robinhood, and Fundrise
Investing apps have changed the game, making it easier than ever to grow your money with just a few taps on your phone. Whether you’re new to investing or looking to expand your portfolio, Acorns, Robinhood, and Fundrise offer unique tools to help you achieve your financial goals.
Acorns is ideal for hands-off savers. It invests your spare change and offers features like retirement accounts and kids’ investments, all for a small monthly fee. With Acorns, you can automate your savings and start investing with as little as $3 a month.
Robinhood is the go-to for anyone looking to trade stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto without paying commission fees. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone who wants access to real-time data, research tools, and a simple way to manage investments—all with no account minimums.
Fundrise opens the door to private real estate investing with just $10. It’s perfect for people who want passive income and long-term growth without needing millions to get started. Fundrise charges low fees and makes diversification easy, though it’s best for investors who can commit their money for a while.
No matter where you are in your investing journey, these apps make it possible to grow your wealth on your terms. Each has its strengths, so whether you’re rounding up spare change, trading stocks commission-free, or investing in real estate, there’s an app for you. Take the time to explore them and see which fits your goals best!
|
Micro-investing app
|
Commission-free
|
Diversification
|
|
Our Rating:
4.5
|
Our Rating:
4.5
|
Our Rating:
5.0
|
|
Fees: $3-$9 monthly
|
Fees: Free
|
Fees: 0.15% advisory fee
|
|
Acorns is best suited for individuals looking to start investing with minimal effort and those who want to save and invest their spare change. |
Robinhood is best suited for various types of investors, especially those who are new to investing or prefer a user-friendly platform that is commission-free. |
Fundrise is a very easy-to-use app that allows individuals to access crowd-funded real estate investing without spending a fortune. This option is best for users who want to make money consistently and let their money make them money. |
Acorns is best suited for individuals looking to start investing with minimal effort and those who want to save and invest their spare change.
Robinhood is best suited for various types of investors, especially those who are new to investing or prefer a user-friendly platform that is commission-free.
Fundrise is a very easy-to-use app that allows individuals to access crowd-funded real estate investing without spending a fortune. This option is best for users who want to make money consistently and let their money make them money.
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