When I first started investing five years ago, I made a huge mistake. I chose an investment app based solely on flashy advertisements without doing proper research. The result? High fees that ate into my returns and a confusing interface that made me second-guess every trade. That experience taught me the importance of choosing the right investment platform from the start.
Today’s investment apps have revolutionized how we build wealth. Gone are the days when you needed thousands of dollars and a traditional broker to start investing. Now, you can begin your investment journey with just a few dollars right from your smartphone. But with so many options available, picking the right app can feel overwhelming.
After testing dozens of investment apps and managing my portfolio through various platforms, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you choose the best investment app for your needs in 2025. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced trader, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Makes a Great Investment App in 2025?
The investment app landscape has evolved dramatically over the past few years. Here’s what I look for when evaluating investment platforms:
Essential Features Every Investment App Should Have
Zero Commission Trading Almost all reputable investment apps now offer commission-free stock and ETF trading. This wasn’t always the case – just a few years ago, most brokers charged $5-10 per trade. If an app still charges commissions for basic stock trades, it’s probably not worth your time.
User-Friendly Interface Your investment app should be intuitive enough that you don’t need a manual to place a trade. Look for clean design, easy navigation, and quick access to essential features like buying stocks, checking your portfolio, and viewing market data.
Educational Resources The best investment apps don’t just let you trade – they help you learn. Quality educational content, market analysis, and investment guides can make the difference between success and failure, especially for new investors.
Security Features Your money and personal information need protection. Look for apps that offer two-factor authentication, SIPC insurance (which protects up to $500,000 in securities), and bank-level encryption.
Research Tools Whether you’re picking individual stocks or researching ETFs, you need access to quality research. This includes analyst ratings, financial data, news, and market analysis.
Top 10 Best Investment Apps for 2025
Based on my extensive testing and research, here are the top investment apps that stand out in 2025:
1. Fidelity Investments – Best Overall Investment App
Why I Recommend It: Fidelity consistently ranks as my top choice because it combines powerful features with zero fees on most investments.
Key Features:
- Commission-free stock, ETF, and options trading
- Access to over 3,300 mutual funds with no transaction fees
- Excellent research tools and market analysis
- Fractional share investing starting at $1
- Multiple account types including IRAs and 401(k)s
Fees:
- $0 for stock and ETF trades
- $0 for mutual fund transactions (most funds)
- $0.65 per options contract
Best For: Serious investors who want comprehensive features without high fees
My Experience: I’ve used Fidelity for over two years, and their research tools have helped me make better investment decisions. The app is packed with features but never feels overwhelming.
2. Charles Schwab – Best for Research and Analysis
Why It Stands Out: Charles Schwab is the most well-rounded stock broker according to industry experts and offers two excellent mobile apps.
Key Features:
- Two apps: Schwab Mobile for basic functions and thinkorswim for advanced traders
- Comprehensive research reports and market analysis
- Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs
- Excellent customer service with 24/7 phone support
- Wide range of investment options including international stocks
Fees:
- $0 for stock and ETF trades
- $0.65 per options contract
- No account minimums for most accounts
Best For: Investors who value detailed research and want access to advanced trading tools
3. Robinhood – Best for Beginners
Why Beginners Love It: Robinhood popularized commission-free trading and maintains one of the simplest interfaces in the industry.
Key Features:
- Extremely user-friendly interface
- Commission-free stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrency trading
- Fractional share investing
- Instant deposits up to $1,000
- Cash management features with debit card
Fees:
- $0 for stock and ETF trades
- $0 for cryptocurrency trades
- Robinhood Gold: $5/month for premium features
Best For: Complete beginners who want to start investing with minimal complexity
Important Note: While Robinhood is great for beginners, it lacks the research tools and educational resources found in other apps.
4. Webull – Best Free Trading App with Advanced Features
Why It’s Unique: Webull offers a sleek, trading-first stock trading app designed for beginners and intermediate investors who want just enough data to make smart decisions without feeling overwhelmed.
Key Features:
- Commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and options
- Advanced charting tools and technical analysis
- Pre-market and after-hours trading (4 AM to 8 PM ET)
- Cryptocurrency and futures trading
- Paper trading for practice
Fees:
- $0 for stock and ETF trades
- $0 for options trading (no per-contract fees)
- Cryptocurrency trading fees vary
Best For: Intermediate investors who want advanced features without paying high fees
5. Interactive Brokers (IBKR Lite) – Best for International Investing
Why It’s Special: Interactive Brokers offers access to markets in over 150 countries, making it perfect for global diversification.
Key Features:
- Commission-free US stock and ETF trading
- Access to international markets
- Advanced trading platforms
- Competitive margin rates
- Wide range of investment products
Fees:
- $0 for US stock and ETF trades (IBKR Lite)
- Low fees for international trading
- Margin rates starting at 4.83%
Best For: Experienced investors who want international market access
6. E*TRADE – Best All-Around Platform
Why It’s Reliable: E*TRADE has been in the brokerage business for decades and offers a perfect balance of features and simplicity.
Key Features:
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
- Excellent options trading platform
- Bank integration and cash management
- Educational resources and market analysis
- Mobile and web platforms
Fees:
- $0 for stock and ETF trades
- $0.65 per options contract
- No account minimums
Best For: Investors who want a traditional brokerage experience with modern features
7. TD Ameritrade (thinkorswim) – Best for Options Trading
Note: TD Ameritrade was acquired by Charles Schwab, but thinkorswim remains available as a powerful trading platform.
Key Features:
- Advanced options trading tools
- Sophisticated charting and analysis
- Paper trading for practice
- Educational resources for options strategies
- Real-time data and news
Best For: Experienced traders focused on options strategies
8. Ally Invest – Best Value Platform
Why It’s Worth Considering: Ally Invest offers a user-friendly platform with a variety of investments, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options and even forex.
Key Features:
- $0 commission stock and ETF trades
- Robo-advisor with no management fees
- Cash back rewards program
- Banking integration
- Competitive interest rates on cash
Fees:
- $0 for stock and ETF trades
- $0.50 per options contract
- No robo-advisor management fees
Best For: Investors who want banking and investing in one place
9. Public – Best Social Investment App
What Makes It Different: Public adds a social element to investing, allowing you to see what other investors are buying and discuss investments.
Key Features:
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
- Social features and community discussions
- Fractional share investing
- Alternative investments like collectibles
- Educational content and market insights
Best For: Investors who want to learn from and connect with other investors
10. Moomoo – Best for Market Data and Analysis
Why It’s Growing Popular: Moomoo offers institutional-level market data and analysis tools typically reserved for professional traders.
Key Features:
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
- Advanced market data and analytics
- Level 2 market data
- Options trading capabilities
- International market access
Best For: Data-driven investors who want professional-level market information
Investment App Comparison Table
| App | Commission-Free Stocks | Fractional Shares | Options Trading | Crypto | Account Minimum | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ ($0.65/contract) | ❌ | $0 | Overall best |
| Charles Schwab | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ ($0.65/contract) | ❌ | $0 | Research |
| Robinhood | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $0 | Beginners |
| Webull | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (Free) | ✅ | $0 | Advanced features |
| IBKR Lite | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | $0 | International |
| E*TRADE | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ ($0.65/contract) | ❌ | $0 | All-around |
| Ally Invest | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ ($0.50/contract) | ❌ | $0 | Value |
| Public | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | $0 | Social investing |
| Moomoo | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | $0 | Market data |
How to Choose the Right Investment App for You
Selecting the perfect investment app depends on your specific needs, experience level, and investment goals. Here’s how to make the right choice:
For Complete Beginners
If you’re new to investing, prioritize simplicity and education over advanced features. Look for:
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Educational content and tutorials
- Fractional share investing (lets you buy partial shares)
- No account minimums
- Strong customer support
My Recommendation: Start with Robinhood or Public for simplicity, then graduate to Fidelity or Schwab as you gain experience.
For Intermediate Investors
Once you understand the basics, you’ll want more sophisticated tools:
- Advanced research and analysis tools
- Options trading capabilities
- Multiple order types
- Real-time market data
- Portfolio analysis features
My Recommendation: Webull or Fidelity offer the best balance of features and usability for intermediate investors.
For Active Traders
If you trade frequently, focus on execution speed and advanced features:
- Low latency order execution
- Advanced charting tools
- Level 2 market data
- Pre-market and after-hours trading
- Multiple trading platforms
My Recommendation: Interactive Brokers or thinkorswim provide professional-level tools for active traders.
For Long-Term Investors
If you’re building wealth over decades, prioritize:
- Low fees on all investment types
- Wide selection of mutual funds and ETFs
- Retirement account options
- Automatic investing features
- Quality research for fundamental analysis
My Recommendation: Fidelity or Charles Schwab excel at long-term wealth building with comprehensive investment options.
Key Features to Look For
Security and Safety
Your investment app should protect your money and personal information with:
SIPC Insurance This protects your investments up to $500,000 if the brokerage fails. All reputable investment apps carry SIPC insurance.
Two-Factor Authentication This adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a second form of verification when logging in.
Bank-Level Encryption Your personal and financial data should be encrypted using the same standards as major banks.
Investment Options
Different apps offer different investment choices:
Stocks and ETFs All major investment apps offer commission-free stock and ETF trading.
Mutual Funds Some apps charge fees for mutual fund transactions. Fidelity and Schwab offer thousands of no-fee mutual funds.
Options Trading If you want to trade options, check the per-contract fees and available strategies.
International Stocks For global diversification, look for apps that offer international market access.
Cryptocurrency Some investment apps include crypto trading, though you might be better served by a dedicated crypto exchange.
Account Types
Make sure your chosen app supports the account types you need:
Taxable Brokerage Accounts Standard investment accounts with no restrictions on contributions or withdrawals.
Traditional and Roth IRAs Tax-advantaged retirement accounts with annual contribution limits.
SEP and Simple IRAs For self-employed individuals and small business owners.
Custodial Accounts For minors under 18 years old.
Investment App Fees: What to Watch Out For
While most apps advertise “commission-free” trading, fees can still impact your returns. Here’s what to look for:
Trading Commissions
Stock and ETF Trades: Should be $0 at all major platforms Options Contracts: Typically $0.50-$0.65 per contract Mutual Funds: Can range from $0-$49.95 per transaction
Account Fees
Account Maintenance: Most apps charge no monthly or annual fees Inactivity Fees: Some charge if you don’t trade for extended periods Transfer Fees: Fees for moving your account to another broker
Hidden Fees
Payment for Order Flow: How free apps make money by selling your order data Spread Markups: Slightly worse execution prices on trades Currency Conversion: Fees for international investments Margin Interest: If you borrow money to trade
Getting Started: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to start investing? Here’s exactly how to get started:
Step 1: Choose Your App
Based on this guide, select the app that best fits your needs and experience level.
Step 2: Download and Sign Up
- Download the app from your device’s app store
- Provide personal information (name, address, Social Security number)
- Answer questions about your investment experience and goals
- Verify your identity with a driver’s license or passport
Step 3: Fund Your Account
Most apps offer several funding options:
- Bank transfer (ACH) – Usually free but takes 1-3 days
- Wire transfer – Faster but often costs $15-25
- Check deposit – Some apps let you deposit checks via mobile
- Instant deposit – Limited amounts available immediately
Step 4: Start Small
Don’t invest all your money at once. Start with a small amount to get comfortable with the platform.
Step 5: Begin Investing
- Start with broad market ETFs for diversification
- Consider fractional shares if you can’t afford whole shares
- Set up automatic investing to build good habits
- Continue learning through the app’s educational resources
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Based on my experience and observations, here are the biggest mistakes new investors make with investment apps:
Mistake 1: Choosing Based on Promotions Alone
Free stock promotions and cash bonuses are nice, but they shouldn’t be your primary decision factor. Focus on fees, features, and fit for your needs.
Mistake 2: Trading Too Frequently
Just because trades are free doesn’t mean you should trade constantly. Frequent trading often leads to poor returns due to emotional decision-making.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Fees
While stock trades are free, other fees can add up. Always read the fee schedule before opening an account.
Mistake 4: Not Using Educational Resources
Most investment apps offer excellent educational content. Take advantage of these resources to improve your investing knowledge.
Mistake 5: Putting All Your Money in One App
Diversification applies to brokers too. Consider using multiple apps or keeping some money in traditional savings accounts.
The Future of Investment Apps
The investment app industry continues to evolve rapidly. Here are trends I’m watching for 2025 and beyond:
Artificial Intelligence Integration
Apps are incorporating AI to provide personalized investment recommendations and automated portfolio management.
Expanded Asset Classes
More apps are adding alternative investments like real estate, commodities, and private equity.
Social Features
Following Public’s lead, more apps are adding social elements to help investors learn from each other.
Improved Education
Investment apps are investing heavily in educational content, turning themselves into learning platforms.
Better Integration
Expect to see better integration between investment apps and other financial services like banking, budgeting, and tax preparation.
Tax Considerations for App Investors
Using investment apps doesn’t change your tax obligations, but it can make tax reporting easier:
Tax Documents
All reputable investment apps provide necessary tax documents:
- Form 1099-B for stock sales
- Form 1099-DIV for dividends
- Form 1099-INT for interest income
Tax-Loss Harvesting
Some apps automatically sell losing investments to offset gains, reducing your tax bill.
Roth IRA Contributions
Consider using tax-advantaged accounts like Roth IRAs for long-term growth without future tax obligations.
Record Keeping
Keep records of all your investments, even with commission-free trading, for accurate tax reporting.
Building Your Investment Strategy
Having the right app is just the beginning. Here’s how to build a successful investment strategy:
Start with Your Goals
- Emergency fund (3-6 months of expenses)
- Short-term goals (1-3 years): High-yield savings or CDs
- Medium-term goals (3-10 years): Conservative investments
- Long-term goals (10+ years): Growth-focused investments
Diversification is Key
Don’t put all your money in individual stocks. Consider:
- Total stock market index funds
- International index funds
- Bond index funds
- Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
Dollar-Cost Averaging
Invest a fixed amount regularly, regardless of market conditions. This reduces the impact of market volatility.
Regular Rebalancing
Periodically adjust your portfolio to maintain your target allocation as different investments grow at different rates.
Conclusion: Your Investment Journey Starts Here
Choosing the right investment app is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. The right platform can help you build wealth over time, while the wrong one can cost you money in fees and missed opportunities.
After testing dozens of investment apps and managing my own portfolio across multiple platforms, I’m confident that any of the apps in this guide can serve you well. For most people, I recommend starting with Fidelity or Charles Schwab for their combination of features, research tools, and zero fees. If you’re a complete beginner, Robinhood offers unmatched simplicity, though you’ll eventually want to graduate to a more full-featured platform.
Remember, the best investment app is the one you’ll actually use consistently. Don’t get paralyzed by the choice – pick one that meets your basic needs and start investing. You can always transfer your account later if you find a better fit.
The most important step is to start. Time in the market beats timing the market, and even small amounts invested regularly can grow into substantial wealth over time. With commission-free trading now standard and account minimums eliminated, there’s never been a better time to begin your investment journey.
Whether you choose Fidelity for comprehensive features, Robinhood for simplicity, or Webull for advanced tools, the key is to start investing consistently and keep learning. Your future self will thank you for taking action today.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investment apps and their features may change over time.