1. Robinhood
Why it’s great:
Robinhood remains the king of user-friendly, commission-free trading with depth that comes from being an API platform for fractional shares and simple account opening. On top of that, it continues to be rated the Best Overall Investment App by Forbes Advisor in 2025, and has even received praise for having no fees and thoughtful intuitive design.
What’s new:
The Robinhood Next upgrade adds tiny lessons before trades and better risk transparency — even more helpful for new investors.
Real user voice:
> "Robinhood—Best for Simple, No Fee Investing... super beginner interface."
2. Wealthfront 2.0
Why it’s great:
Wealthfront has staying power in robo-advisors. The new 2025 version — Wealthfront 2.0, features AI financial planning, a real-time tax loss harvesting option, and ESG portfolio options, making it a smart automation option for those who don’t have hands on budgets.
Who is it ideal for?
The set it & forget investor who prefers more sophisticated optimization.
3. Acorns
Why it’s great for new investors:
Acorns invented the micro-investing "round-up" strategy— the idea to automatically invest spare change. Now, the platform includes better education content, the ability to have recurring contributions, IRA options and ESG portfolio options.
What makes it work:
The low pressure to contribute habit helps new investors build their investing muscles and confidence without analyzing the investments too much.
4. SoFi Invest
Unique Features
SoFi Invest isn't just an investing app; it is an entire financial ecosystem of sorts. Connecting commission-free trading in stocks, ETFs, and crypto with budgeting tools, lending, and member-exclusive financial planning tools.
Types of robo & social features
SoFi Invest is built around automated portfolios, "social investing" features, and educational webinars to promote engagement and learning to grow the user experience.
What users are saying:
> “SoFi Invest – Best for Beginners & Automated Investing … great for passive investing & wealth building.”
5. Fidelity (including Fidelity Go)
What makes it trustworthy
Fidelity’s app is noted for having plenty of educational resources, low or no trading fees, and excellent long-term investing tools. Forbes highlights low ETF expense ratios and depth of research.
For robo-savvy beginners
Fidelity Go provides a simple but great offer with no advisory fee when an account balance is below $25,000, or automatic portfolio management - which is a great option for budget-friendly beginner investors.
Comparison Chart
App Best For Highlights
Robinhood All-around ease & active trading Zero fee investing, trade fractional shares, beginner lessons
Wealthfront Hands-off, goal-based automation Tax-efficient, AI-driven, ESG-ready portfolios
Acorns Micro-investing first-timer Round-up investing, IRAs and passive growth through spare change
SoFi Invest Holistic financial ecosystem Investing and budgeting, financial coaching and community support
Fidelity Educational, long-term planning Full tools, very low costs, strongCommunity Voices & Final Thoughts
The Reddit threads reiterate our findings:
Webull is noted for advanced charting and extended-hours trading, which is good for a focused trader.
Public is noted for its focus on social investing and transparent community learning.
A few last notes:
If you're new to investing and want to keep it simple, use Robinhood or Acorns.
If you want an investment option that's automated and efficient, choose Wealthfront or Fidelity.
If you want everything—investing, tools, advice—all in one place, try SoFi Invest.
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