Top 10 Best Investing Apps for Beginners in the USA in 2025
Discover the 10 Best Investing Apps for Beginners in the USA in 2025. Compare fees, features, pros & cons, and find the right platform to start investing in stocks, ETFs, or crypto — even with $1.
Introduction
Investing is no longer reserved for Wall Street professionals or finance experts. In 2025, any American with a smartphone and $1 can start investing in the stock market.
Thanks to technology and innovation, dozens of investing apps make it simple to buy stocks, ETFs, crypto, and even fractional shares with ease. Whether you’re saving for retirement or just want to grow your savings, these platforms are beginner-friendly, safe, and regulated.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the Top 10 Best Investing Apps for Beginners in the USA (2025) — analyzing each app’s features, fees, pros, cons, and who it’s best for.
Let’s dive in.
🏆 1. Robinhood — Best for Commission-Free Stock & ETF Trading
Overview:
Robinhood revolutionized investing by making commission-free stock trading the norm. It’s the go-to platform for young investors and beginners who want to start quickly without paying fees.
Key Features:
- $0 commission on stocks, ETFs, and options
- Easy-to-use mobile interface
- Instant deposits up to $1,000
- Access to crypto trading
Pros:
✅ Zero trading fees
✅ Fractional shares available
✅ Quick account setup
✅ Crypto + stock in one app
Cons:
❌ Limited research tools
❌ No mutual funds or bonds
Best For:
Beginners who want an easy entry into investing without extra costs.
Example:
Alex, a 22-year-old from California, started investing with just $50 on Robinhood in 2022. By 2025, he built a diversified portfolio worth $3,000 — all commission-free.
💼 2. Fidelity Investments — Best Overall for Long-Term Investors
Overview:
Fidelity remains one of America’s most trusted investment companies, offering a complete suite of services — from retirement accounts to fractional shares — all with no account fees or minimums.
Key Features:
- $0 stock, ETF, and mutual fund trades
- Powerful research tools and educational content
- 24/7 customer service
- Robo-advisor option: Fidelity Go
Pros:
✅ Great for beginners and advanced investors
✅ Top-rated mobile app
✅ Fractional share investing (“Stocks by the Slice”)
✅ Excellent customer support
Cons:
❌ Interface can feel complex for first-timers
Best For:
Beginners planning for long-term goals like retirement or college savings.
📊 3. Webull — Best for Active Traders & Beginners Learning Charts
Overview:
Webull combines a beginner-friendly interface with advanced charting tools, making it ideal for beginners who want to learn technical analysis.
Key Features:
- $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options
- In-depth charting and indicators
- Paper trading (practice mode)
- 24-hour customer support
Pros:
✅ No minimum deposit
✅ Great for visual learners
✅ Educational tutorials and news feed
Cons:
❌ No mutual funds
❌ Limited customer service via phone
Best For:
New investors who want to practice trading and learn stock market strategies.
🤖 4. Acorns — Best for Hands-Free Automated Investing
Overview:
Acorns is the easiest way to invest spare change automatically. It rounds up your daily purchases and invests the difference into diversified ETF portfolios.
Key Features:
- Round-up investing from daily purchases
- Robo-advisor system manages your portfolio
- Offers retirement accounts (IRA)
- Educational content for beginners
Pros:
✅ Fully automated
✅ Great for people who find investing intimidating
✅ Includes cashback rewards (“Found Money”)
Cons:
❌ Monthly fee ($3–$9) can be high for small balances
Best For:
People who want to save and invest automatically without worrying about stock picking.
Example:
Every time Jake buys coffee for $3.50, Acorns rounds it up to $4.00 and invests $0.50 automatically — helping him invest $30–$50 monthly without realizing it.
💰 5. SoFi Invest — Best for Free Financial Tools and Education
Overview:
SoFi (short for “Social Finance”) is a top all-in-one financial platform offering investing, banking, loans, and credit — perfect for young professionals.
Key Features:
- Trade stocks, ETFs, and crypto
- Fractional shares starting at $5
- No trading fees
- Free financial coaching sessions
Pros:
✅ Free access to certified financial planners
✅ User-friendly interface
✅ Educational resources and news
Cons:
❌ Limited investment options compared to Fidelity
Best For:
New investors who want both investing and personal finance tools in one app.
📈 6. Charles Schwab — Best for Retirement & IRAs
Overview:
Charles Schwab is an industry veteran that’s beginner-friendly yet powerful enough for serious investors.
Key Features:
- $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
- Robo-advisor “Schwab Intelligent Portfolios”
- Excellent customer service (24/7)
- Fractional shares available
Pros:
✅ Strong reputation
✅ Great research and support
✅ No account minimums
Cons:
❌ App interface less modern than competitors
Best For:
Investors focused on retirement, IRAs, and long-term portfolios.
📱 7. Stash — Best for Learning How to Invest Gradually
Overview:
Stash is perfect for beginners who want to learn while they invest. It offers curated portfolios and simple explanations for each investment choice.
Key Features:
- Invest with as little as $1
- Auto-investing and round-ups
- Educational tools built into the app
- Banking integration
Pros:
✅ Ideal for total beginners
✅ Fractional shares
✅ Offers retirement and custodial accounts
Cons:
❌ Monthly fee ($3–$9)
❌ Limited crypto options
Best For:
First-time investors who want to build confidence slowly.
💹 8. Public.com — Best for Social Investing & Learning from Experts
Overview:
Public.com turns investing into a community experience, where you can follow other investors, view their portfolios, and discuss strategies.
Key Features:
- Commission-free trading
- Social feed of real investors
- Fractional shares
- Crypto and treasuries available
Pros:
✅ Great for learning from others
✅ Educational and transparent
✅ User-friendly
Cons:
❌ Less suitable for private traders
❌ Limited charting tools
Best For:
Social learners who prefer transparency and community-based learning.
🔒 9. Betterment — Best Robo-Advisor for Passive Investors
Overview:
Betterment is one of America’s most popular robo-advisors, managing your investments automatically using algorithms.
Key Features:
- Personalized portfolio management
- Automated rebalancing
- Tax-efficient investing
- Retirement planning tools
Pros:
✅ 100% hands-free
✅ Low fees (0.25% annual)
✅ Great for busy professionals
Cons:
❌ No individual stock picking
❌ Monthly management fees
Best For:
Beginners who want professional-grade investing without doing the hard work.
🪙 10. Coinbase — Best for Crypto Investing
Overview:
If you’re looking to explore digital assets, Coinbase is the safest and most beginner-friendly crypto platform in the USA.
Key Features:
- Buy/sell 200+ cryptocurrencies
- Educational rewards (“learn & earn”)
- Top-notch security and insurance
- Supports PayPal & bank transfers
Pros:
✅ Simple UI
✅ Educational videos for beginners
✅ Secure and regulated
Cons:
❌ Higher fees than competitors
❌ Crypto only (no stocks)
Best For:
Beginners entering the crypto market for the first time.
📊 Comparison Table: Best Investing Apps USA (2025)
| App | Fees | Minimum Investment | Best For | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | $0 | $0 | Beginners | Commission-free trading |
| Fidelity | $0 | $0 | Long-term investors | Research tools |
| Webull | $0 | $0 | Active beginners | Charting & paper trading |
| Acorns | $3/mo | $0 | Hands-free savers | Automated investing |
| SoFi | $0 | $5 | Students & professionals | All-in-one platform |
| Charles Schwab | $0 | $0 | Retirement | Strong support |
| Stash | $3/mo | $1 | Learners | Education-based investing |
| Public.com | $0 | $0 | Social learners | Community features |
| Betterment | 0.25% | $0 | Passive investors | Robo-advisor |
| Coinbase | Variable | $2 | Crypto beginners | Secure crypto access |
📈 Example: How a Beginner Can Start Investing with $100
Let’s take Emma, a 25-year-old in New York.
She downloads Fidelity and invests her first $100 across:
- $40 in S&P 500 ETF (VOO)
- $30 in Tesla fractional share
- $20 in an ESG fund (environmental stocks)
- $10 left in cash
Within a year, her portfolio grows to $115, and she keeps adding $25 weekly — a simple start to long-term wealth.
⚡ Quick Tips Before You Start Investing
- Start small, but start early. Even $10 a week can grow massively through compounding.
- Automate your contributions. Set recurring deposits to build discipline.
- Diversify. Don’t put all your money in one stock or crypto.
- Avoid emotional trading. Markets fluctuate — stay calm and long-term focused.
- Learn continuously. Use free courses from Fidelity, SoFi, or Public.com.
🧭 Final Thoughts
In 2025, investing has never been more accessible for U.S. beginners. With commission-free apps, automation, and educational tools, you can build wealth from your phone — no finance degree required.
Whether you choose Robinhood for simplicity, Fidelity for trust, or Acorns for automation, the key is to start today.
Remember: the best time to invest was yesterday. The second-best time is now.
