Top Investing Apps For Beginner To Start Trading

Want to start investing without high fees or confusing tools? The best free investing apps make it easy to grow your money with zero commissions, low minimums, and user-friendly features. Whether you’re trading stocks, crypto, or ETFs, these apps help beginners and experts alike.

We’ll compare fees, security, and key features so you can pick the perfect app. Plus, learn how to start with just $1 using fractional shares.

Ready to invest smarter? Let’s dive in!

How We Chose the Best Free Investing Apps

We picked the best free investing apps by looking at a few important factors. Our team checked for ease of use, low fees, no high account minimums, and strong mobile reviews. We also looked at how secure the apps are, using trusted safety measures and SIPC/FDIC insurance. Our process follows strict guidelines to ensure that our advice is accurate and trustworthy. We followed expert reviews and top Google search results so that you get the best and most up‑to‑date information.

We examined how each app works on a mobile phone, checked its ratings in app stores, and read reviews from real users.

Top 10 Best Free Investing Apps for 2025

Now that you know what to look for in an investing app, let’s take a closer look at some of the best free investing apps for 2025. These apps are designed to meet the needs of both beginners and experienced traders, offering a wide range of investment options, easy-to-use features, and no commission fees.

1. Robinhood — Best for Beginner Stock Trading

Robinhood is popular among new investors. This free investing app has a simple design that makes trading stocks easy. The app lets you buy and sell stocks with no fees. Robinhood also offers commission‑free trading for options and ETFs. It’s especially popular for beginners getting into stock trading. Its interface is clear and easy to follow. With Robinhood, you get real-time data and simple tools to help you learn how to trade. It is a good choice for those who are just starting to invest.

• Pros:
  
  • Commission‑free trades
  • Easy account setup
  • Simple, friendly design
• Cons:
  
  • Limited research tools
  • Fewer advanced features for seasoned traders

2. Webull — Best for Practice Trading

Webull is known for its practice trading options. It gives you a chance to try paper trading without risking real money. The app also offers free trading with no fees. Webull comes with advanced charts and real-time data to help you learn how to trade. This makes it a good tool for those who want to practice before investing real cash.

• Pros:
  
  • Free practice trading (paper trading)
  • Advanced charting tools
  • Real-time market data
• Cons:
  
  • Some features may be too complex for beginners
  • Limited educational resources compared to other apps

3. M1 Finance — Best for Automated “Pie” Investing

M1 Finance is a popular free investing app known for its “pie-based” investing approach. With M1, you create custom portfolios—called “pies”—by choosing stocks and ETFs, and the platform automatically maintains your target allocations. This makes it a great option for investors who want a blend of hands-on portfolio design and hands-off automation. M1 Finance also offers fractional shares, allowing you to invest in high-priced stocks with minimal funds.

• Pros:
  • Free trading and fractional shares
  • Automated portfolio rebalancing
  • Customizable “pie” investing for easy diversification
• Cons:
  • Limited research tools for in-depth analysis
  • Fewer real-time trading options (trades typically execute once daily)
  • No direct crypto trading options

4. Coinbase — Best Crypto Investing App

Coinbase is the top free investing app for buying, selling, and managing cryptocurrencies. It offers access to over 100 digital assets, an intuitive interface perfect for beginners, and educational “Learn & Earn” rewards that let you earn crypto by watching short tutorials.

• Pros:
  
  • Commission‑free trades on Coinbase One membership (otherwise low fees)
  • Large selection of cryptocurrencies
  • Educational rewards program
  • Easy deposits and withdrawals
• Cons:
  • Standard trading fees can be higher than competitors
  • Customer support wait times can be long
  • Limited traditional investment options (stocks, ETFs)

5. Fidelity — Best All‑Around Free Investing App

Fidelity offers a well-rounded approach to investing. The app gives you access to stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. It is known for its strong research tools and educational content. Fidelity’s free investing app is ideal for both beginners and experienced investors. With no fees on many trades, Fidelity provides a trusted platform for building your portfolio.

• Pros:
  
  • Wide range of investment options
  • Excellent research and educational tools
  • No commission fees on many trades
• Cons:
  
  • Some users may find the interface a bit busy
  • Fewer crypto options than some competitors

6. Public — Best for Options & Fractional Shares

Public is a free investing app that focuses on community and shared learning. It lets you buy fractional shares, so you do not need a lot of money to invest. Public also offers options trading, making it a strong choice for those who want more flexibility. The app features a social feed where users can share tips and ideas. This makes Public a good choice for investors who like to learn from others.

• Pros:
  
  • Buy fractional shares
  • Commission‑free options trading
  • Community features for shared learning
• Cons:
  
  • Limited advanced trading tools
  • Fewer research options compared to big brokers

7. Wealthfront — Best Robo‑Advisor App

Wealthfront is a top robo‑advisor that helps you invest without much effort. The app builds and manages your portfolio automatically. Wealthfront is best for those who want a hands‑off approach. It also provides tools for tax-loss harvesting and automatic rebalancing. While it has a small account minimum, the benefits of automated management make it a strong option for many investors.

• Pros:
  
  • Automated investing
  • Easy portfolio management
  • Tax-loss harvesting and rebalancing
• Cons:
  
  • Requires a minimum deposit
  • Less control for those who want to trade manually

8. Interactive Brokers Lite — Best for Advanced Traders

Interactive Brokers Lite is designed for advanced traders. The app offers a wide range of research tools and advanced charting. It gives you access to global markets and many investment options. While it is free to use, the tools it offers are deep and help experienced investors make informed decisions. This app is best if you want to take your trading skills to the next level.

• Pros:
  
  • Advanced research tools and charting
  • Access to global markets
  • Commission‑free trading
• Cons:
  
  • The interface may seem complex to new users
  • Learning curve is steeper than other apps

9. Charles Schwab — Best for Bonds & Retirement

Charles Schwab is well known for its wide range of investments. The free investing app by Schwab is great for those looking to invest in bonds and plan for retirement. It offers commission‑free trading and strong research tools. Schwab provides many options for long-term investors. It is a trusted name in investing and is backed by years of experience and expert advice.

• Pros:
  
  • Excellent for bonds and retirement planning
  • Strong research and educational tools
  • Trusted and well-known brand
• Cons:
  
  • May have fewer options for crypto and alternative assets
  • The app interface can be less modern compared to newer apps

10. SoFi Active Investing — Best for IPO Access

SoFi Active Investing is a free investing app that gives you easy access to IPOs (Initial Public Offerings). It also offers commission‑free trading for stocks and ETFs. SoFi has grown popular with young investors who want a mix of traditional and new investment options. The app is easy to use and integrates well with other financial tools offered by SoFi, such as loans and banking.

• Pros:
  
  • Access to IPOs
  • Commission‑free trades on stocks and ETFs
  • Modern and easy-to-use interface
• Cons:
  
  • Limited advanced trading features
  • Fewer tools for professional research

Key Features to Compare in Investing Apps

When you compare free investing apps, there are a few key features you should look at:

Commission‑Free Trading & Fees: Most free investing apps offer commission‑free trades. This means you do not pay extra fees when you buy or sell stocks. Look for apps that keep your costs low so you can invest more of your money. For example, apps like Robinhood and Webull let you trade without extra charges.

Account Minimums & Fractional Shares: Many apps allow you to start with little or no money. Some even let you buy fractional shares. This means you can invest in a piece of a share instead of a whole one. This is a great way to start investing even if you do not have a lot of money. Look for apps with low account minimums so you can begin right away.

Educational Tools & Research: Learning about the market is important. Good free investing apps offer educational tools, research reports, and tutorials. These features help you understand the market and make smart decisions. For example, Fidelity and Public provide clear data and easy guides to help you learn.

Crypto vs. Stock vs. ETF Access: Some apps focus on stocks and ETFs, while others let you trade crypto as well. Decide what types of investments you want to make. Coinbase is a strong choice if you want to trade crypto, while Robinhood and Fidelity are great for stocks and ETFs.

Security & SIPC/FDIC Insurance: Your money should be safe. Look for apps that use strong security measures like two‑factor authentication and encryption. Many investing apps also offer SIPC insurance for securities and FDIC insurance for cash balances. This keeps your money secure even if there is a problem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Free Investing Apps

Even though free investing apps make it easy to invest, new investors might still fall into a few common traps. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

1. Not Understanding the Fees

While most of the best free investing apps offer commission-free trading, it’s essential to read the fine print. Some apps charge fees for certain services, such as wire transfers, account maintenance, or the use of premium features. Before signing up, make sure to understand any potential fees that may arise down the line.

2. Overtrading

The ease of access to mobile apps might tempt you to trade more often than necessary. However, overtrading can lead to unnecessary losses, especially if you’re reacting impulsively to market movements. Set a clear investment plan and stick to it rather than making frequent trades.

3. Ignoring Risk Management

Investing without considering risk is one of the fastest ways to lose money. While free investing apps make it easy to buy and sell stocks or cryptocurrencies, it’s essential to have a risk management strategy in place. This includes setting stop-loss orders to protect your investments and not putting all your funds into a single stock or asset class.

4. Failing to Diversify

Many new investors are drawn to a single stock or asset because they believe it will perform well. However, putting all your money into one investment is risky. Use the variety of investment options offered by free apps to spread your risk across multiple stocks, bonds, and even cryptocurrency.

How Much Money You Need to Start Investing

One of the great things about best investing apps is that you do not need a lot of money to begin. Many apps let you buy fractional shares. This means you can invest in big companies with just a few dollars. In many cases, you can start with as little as $0 to $1. This low barrier to entry makes it possible for almost anyone to start investing. Whether you want to save for the future or grow your money, free investing apps are a good way to get started.

Want to go deeper into buying and selling strategies? Learn the basics of how to buy and sell stocks to make more informed decisions.

Conclusion

Choosing one of the Best Free Investing Apps can make a big difference in how easily you start investing and manage your money. These apps remove barriers like high fees and large account minimums, making it simple for anyone to buy stocks, ETFs, crypto, or bonds from a phone.

Whether you want the hands‑off convenience of Wealthfront, the beginner‑friendly design of Robinhood, or the deep crypto selection of Coinbase, there’s a free app built to match your goals. Remember to compare fees, security measures, and available assets before deciding. By picking the right best free investing app today, you’ll gain access to powerful investing tools—and take a confident step toward growing your wealth without paying extra.