Investing can seem overwhelming for beginners, but thanks to technology, getting started has never been easier.
Over time, I’ve helped friends, coworkers, and even neighbors get into investing by using some of the best investment apps out there.
These apps make things simple, charge low fees, and offer learning tools to help beginners make smart choices. Below, I’ll share my top picks based on personal use and feedback from people who’ve successfully started investing.
1. What Makes the Best Investment Apps for Beginners?
Before we jump into the apps, let’s talk about what makes an app beginner-friendly. From what I’ve seen, here’s what the best ones usually have:
- Easy-to-use design – Simple layout and smooth navigation.
- No or low starting amount – You can start with just a few bucks.
- Learning tools – Helpful guides, videos, and tips for newbies.
- Low fees – So your money isn’t eaten up by hidden charges.
- Automation – Features like robo-advisors for easy hands-off investing.
- Strong security – Your data and money stay safe.
Apps that check all these boxes make it easier for beginners to start with confidence and less stress.
2. Top Picks for Beginners: The Best Investment Apps
I’ve tried many apps myself and seen how beginners respond to them. These are my top favorites:
A. Robinhood – Best for Commission-Free Trading
Robinhood is super popular with first-time investors. A lot of young professionals and even college students love it because it’s simple and has no trading fees.
Why it’s great:
- Zero fees on trades
- Clean and easy-to-use design
- Buy fractional shares of expensive stocks
- No minimum balance required
Best for: Beginners who want a simple way to buy stocks and ETFs.
B. Acorns – Best for Automated Investing
Acorns is awesome for people who have a hard time saving. I know someone who never invested before, but with Acorns, they started investing spare change from everyday purchases without even thinking about it.
Why it’s great:
- Automatically invests your spare change
- Uses robo-advisors for easy portfolio management
- Set-it-and-forget-it approach
- Starts at $3/month
Best for: People who want a low-effort, hands-off way to invest.
C. Fidelity – Best for Long-Term Investors
Fidelity is a solid, trusted brand. I’ve recommended it to beginners who want to start simple but eventually go deeper. One friend started with their beginner tools and now uses more advanced options.
Why it’s great:
- No account fees or minimums
- Great research and learning resources
- Amazing customer support
- Offers fractional shares
Best for: Beginners who want to grow their money over the long term.
D. SoFi Invest – Best for All-in-One Financial Growth
SoFi is perfect if you want more than just investing. A friend of mine uses it to invest, save, and even manage student loans—all in one place.
Why it’s great:
- Free access to financial advisors
- No trading fees
- Automatically balances your portfolio
- Lets you invest in IPOs and crypto too
Best for: Beginners who want to manage all their finances in one app.
E. E*TRADE – Best for Learning While Investing
E*TRADE is ideal if you want to learn while you invest. A lot of beginners love the paper trading (practice mode) feature to try things out without risking real money.
Why it’s great:
- Lots of educational content
- $0 stock and ETF trades
- Advanced tools for when you’re ready to level up
- 24/7 customer support
Best for: Beginners who want to grow their knowledge while investing.
3. Common Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Even with the best apps, beginners can mess up. Here are some common slip-ups I’ve seen—and how to dodge them:
- No clear goal – Know why you’re investing (like retirement or buying a house).
- Following trends blindly – Just because a stock is hyped doesn’t mean it’s a good choice.
- Ignoring fees – Always check the fine print. Some fees sneak up on you.
- Panic selling – Markets go up and down. Don’t sell in a panic when prices drop.
4. How to Get Started with the Best Investment Apps
If you’re ready to begin your journey, here’s how to start:
- Pick an app – Choose one that fits your needs and comfort level.
- Start small – No need to invest a lot right away.
- Keep learning – Use the app’s resources to boost your knowledge.
- Diversify – Don’t put all your money into one thing.
- Stay consistent – Keep investing regularly. It adds up over time.
Final Thoughts
The best investment apps for beginners make investing simple, affordable, and beginner-friendly. Whether you like doing it yourself with Robinhood or prefer a hands-off method like Acorns, there’s something for everyone.
In my experience, those who start early, keep at it, and stay curious are the ones who succeed the most. So don’t wait—pick an app and take your first step toward growing your money.
