Top 14 Online Investment Apps For Beginners 2026

M1 Finance is a bit too unique to make the main list, but it’s a great option for long-term investors who want to automate their portfolio and stick to a dollar-cost averaging strategy. In addition to trading in U.S. markets, you can also invest in the Hong Kong and China-A-shares markets. First, some investors simply prefer Schwab’s interface and platform design (personally, I prefer Fidelity’s). You can invest in over 5,000 U.S. stocks and ETFs, along with more than 20 cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. That mobile-first approach is a big reason why it remains popular among younger investors. You can also backtest your strategies using historical market data, so you can fine-tune your approach before putting real money on the line.

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• While many brokers stick to the basics, Public goes beyond with access to stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, OTC stocks, and even cryptocurrencies.
• Robinhood is a totally free platform, but you are definitely giving up on some of the quality that comes from services that charge.
• I have made more than one investment in an unlisted company in the two years
• If you really want to put it on autopilot, you can invest in M1’s Expert Pies—professionally pre-built portfolios designed for different investment goals.
• It offers 24/7 customer service, with a phone line, live chat, and access to financial advisors at local branches.

The SoFi Active Invest Brokerage Account has no required minimum balance, charges no commissions on stock, ETF, and options trades, and its options trading is free of contract fees, too. SoFi is a multi-faceted financial company that offers everything from credit cards and insurance to student loans and mortgages … and they also allow you to trade and invest through its SoFi Invest app. And on top of all the free features mentioned above, Webull also runs frequent https://www.mouthshut.com/product-reviews/iqcent-reviews-926191491 promotions that allow investors to collect free stocks. More importantly, though, Robinhood has evolved from a bare-bones app appealing to mostly beginner investors to a fuller-featured account suitable for a wider range of experience levels. It will regularly check your portfolio for tax-loss harvesting opportunities, then take the proceeds from selling those investments and reinvest them where it makes sense for you. That makes Betterment one of the best investment apps for beginners—especially those who don’t want to be particularly active in selecting what they hold.

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Interactive Brokers is a go-to choice for professionals because of its institutional-grade desktop trading platform, high-quality trade executions and rock-bottom margin rates. Jessica focuses on investor education and brokerage industry research. Jessica Inskip is Director of Investor Research at StockBrokers.com, bringing 15 years of experience in brokerage and trading strategy.

Robo-advisor Functionality With Tax-loss Harvesting

Investment apps are almost always available on mobile devices and web browsers, though some also have desktop apps. Trading has no management fees, but it does incur a 2.5% buy-side trading fee that includes three months of storage, a 1% sell-side trading fee, and a 1.5% annual storage fee, billed monthly. We only suggest using this account if you’re an experienced wine investor. Vinovest’s Managed accounts are primarily maintained by Vinovest experts and the platform’s artificial intelligence algorithm.

• Access to professional research from Morningstar and Level II market data from the Nasdaq Stock Exchange (with Gold subscription).
• For investors who want global reach, this is the go-to platform.
• However, the fees can add up if you decide to add additional services or accounts (up to $9 a month depending on account types).
• For investors who frequently deal with their investments, though, mobility is crucial.
• Read on to find the best online trading platforms and our guide on how to choose the right one for you.
• $0 per trade and $0 per contract on equity options.

How Quickly Can I Start Trading?

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Different applications will have varying ways to make the user experience smoother and more pleasant, offering an assortment of features, tools, and design layouts to accommodate this end. Bots will make calculations, corrections, and decisions based on market trends, social cues, and other indications that are designated when you sign up for an account. Possibly the biggest deciding factor, which trade options a service provides will determine how much flexibility and availability you are given in the realm of trading. As any investor knows, the right app can help you turn a substantial profit, make intelligent trade decisions, and save you from catastrophic choices that lead to significant losses.

• While there’s a web version, Robinhood is best known for its sleek, intuitive mobile app.
• For many, trading is not an enjoyable pastime, and the less they have to deal with their options the happier they are.
• Get a high-level overview of the FX market and examine important concepts you should understand when trading FX futures in this video from CME Group.
• By investing in a mix of asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments, investors can achieve a more balanced risk-return profile.
• Robinhood won over millions of devoted followers with its commission-free trading and user-friendly mobile app.

Interactive Brokers

The fintech sector is expected to continue its rapid growth, providing innovative solutions for investors. Innovations in technology, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics, are reshaping the investment landscape. Understanding how economic indicators impact various asset classes will be crucial for effective investment planning. In 2026, investors should remain vigilant about potential disruptions and their implications for various sectors. Understanding the relationship between inflation and various asset classes will be essential for making informed investment decisions. Inflation can erode purchasing power, making it a critical factor for investors to monitor.

What Are The Best Apps To Invest In Cryptocurrency?

Almost all of the investment apps above enjoy Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) insurance, which protects up to $500,000 of your investments in the event your brokerage firm fails. That’s why many investing apps offer access to numerous investment options. They can help investors identify investments with potential for growth, compare returns of different investments over time, screen for stocks with desirable characteristics, and more. Firstrade also allows investors to buy and sell roughly 40 digital currencies—a better selection than some other beginner investing apps, though not as robust as some higher-powered platforms.

• The Robinhood ACATS Bonus Offer is not a recommendation of any investment or investment strategy, and is not a recommendation that a customer transfer assets into a Robinhood Brokerage Account.
• The interface is very much geared toward younger, less experienced investors, too—everything is focused on simplicity and ease of use, rather than an expanse of sophisticated tools.
• Fidelity has been operating since 1946, and manages investments that total around $6 trillion.
• Operating under its parent company Bank of America, Merrill provides a rich yet accessible entryway into trading that appeals to both experienced and casual traders.
• We think undervalued stocks with economic moats make excellent long-term investments.

When I’m using the app, I don’t feel like I’m being nudged toward products I don’t need or instruments and strategies that are too advanced for me. Arielle has appeared on the "Today" show, NBC News and ABC’s "World iqcent broker News Tonight," and has been quoted in national publications including The New York Times, MarketWatch and Bloomberg News. Here is a list of our partners and here’s how we make money. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence.