Investment Apps – So, you’re thinking about investing, huh? Well, let me tell you—there’s never been a better time to dive into the world of stocks, crypto, and all that good stuff. But here’s the thing: there are a ton of investment apps out there. Some are great, some… not so much. But fear not! I’ve done the legwork for you, and today, I’m going to share five investment apps you should definitely know about in 2025.
5 Investment Apps You Need to Know About in 2025
1. Robinhood – The App for Beginners
Okay, let’s start with one that most people have probably heard of—Robinhood. Now, I know some folks have mixed opinions about this app, but hear me out. If you’re new to investing and don’t want to pay commissions or fees, Robinhood is a solid option. I remember being super hesitant about jumping into the stock market, but when I started using Robinhood, I was surprised by how easy it was to buy stocks, ETFs, and even cryptocurrencies.
One of the standout features? No commission fees. I can’t stress how important that is when you’re starting out. You don’t want to be hit with hidden fees that eat into your gains, especially when you’re just learning the ropes. The user interface is incredibly simple too, so if you’re like me and have a short attention span, you’ll appreciate how intuitive it is. It’s perfect for beginners.
The downside, though, is the limited research tools compared to other platforms. It’s great for buying and selling quickly, but if you’re looking for in-depth analysis or advice, Robinhood might not be your best friend. But honestly, for getting started, it’s one of the best.
2. Fidelity – For the Long-Term Investor
If you’re someone who’s looking at the long haul, Fidelity is an investment app you should consider. It’s like the reliable friend who always shows up with solid advice. While Robinhood is more geared toward quick trades, Fidelity is all about long-term growth.
The platform offers commission-free trades (just like Robinhood), but it takes things a step further with a wide range of mutual funds and index funds. I’m all about low-cost investing, and Fidelity offers some of the best options when it comes to retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s. Plus, the app offers loads of educational content, so you won’t feel totally lost if you’re just getting started with more traditional investments. They’ve got everything from bonds to stocks, and their customer service is top-notch.
Now, a minor gripe I have is that Fidelity’s app can be a little intimidating for beginners. The interface isn’t as sleek or intuitive as some other apps, and it might take a little time to figure out all the bells and whistles. But once you get comfortable, it’s a powerhouse. Plus, Fidelity has been around for years, so you know they’re trustworthy.
3. Acorns – The “Set It and Forget It” Option
If you’re looking for something a bit more hands-off, Acorns might be your new best friend. This one’s perfect for people who don’t have a ton of time or energy to actively manage investments. Acorns rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference in a diversified portfolio. So if you buy a $3.50 coffee, it’ll round up to $4 and invest that 50 cents. It’s a small amount, but those little amounts can add up over time.
I remember hearing about Acorns a few years ago and thinking, “That’s a neat idea, but does it actually work?” To my surprise, it does! It’s not going to make you rich overnight, but it’s an excellent tool for beginner investors who want to start saving for things like retirement or education without having to constantly check on their investments.
However, the fees can get a little high for smaller accounts. They charge a monthly fee, and that fee can eat into your returns if your balance isn’t high enough. So, if you’re only investing small amounts, be mindful of that. But overall, it’s a fantastic “set it and forget it” app.
4. Betterment – Robo-Advisor for Hands-Off Investing
Another app I highly recommend if you want to take a backseat approach to investing is Betterment. This app uses robo-advisor technology, which means it automatically manages your portfolio based on your risk tolerance and financial goals. You basically set your preferences, and Betterment does the heavy lifting for you.
I’ve used Betterment in the past, and I love how easy it is to use. It’s perfect for people who don’t want to spend hours picking stocks or learning about asset allocation. One thing I really appreciate about Betterment is the automatic rebalancing. If your portfolio starts to get out of whack due to market changes, Betterment automatically adjusts things so that you don’t have to. It’s like having your own personal financial advisor—but without the hefty fees.
The downside? The fees for Betterment are a little higher than Acorns, especially if you opt for their premium services. But if you want the convenience of a robo-advisor without having to actively manage your investments, it’s totally worth it.
5. Webull – For the Active Trader
Last but not least, if you’re someone who wants to get into the nitty-gritty of active trading, Webull is where you should be. Webull is a more advanced app compared to the others I’ve mentioned, but it’s perfect for those who want to trade stocks, options, and even cryptocurrencies like a pro. The app offers real-time market data, advanced charting, and even paper trading (which is basically practicing without risking real money).
I’ll admit, I got a little excited when I first used Webull because of the massive amount of data and tools they offer. If you’re into chart analysis and need something more robust than the basic apps, Webull has you covered. They also offer zero-commission trades, which is a huge win for traders who like to make multiple trades a day.
But here’s the thing—Webull is definitely not for everyone. It’s got a steeper learning curve than Robinhood or Acorns, so if you’re new to investing, you might feel a little lost. But if you’re ready to dive into active trading and want a platform that offers some serious tools, this is the one for you.
So, there you have it—the five investment apps you need to know about in 2025. Whether you’re a beginner just dipping your toes into the market or an experienced trader looking for advanced tools, there’s something here for everyone. My advice? Try a couple of these out, see what clicks, and start small. Investing can be intimidating, but with the right app and some patience, you’ll be on your way to building your wealth in no time!
