Ever stood in line at a coffee shop, scrolling through your phone, and wondered if you could make your money work harder? I have. It’s a fleeting thought, but one that’s stuck with me as I’ve explored the world of mobile investing. With smartphones practically glued to our hands, it’s no surprise that investment apps have become a game-changer for building wealth. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just dipping your toes into the stock market, these apps bring Wall Street to your pocket. Let’s dive into the top six investment apps for 2025 that can help you grow your wealth, no matter your experience level.
Why Investment Apps Are Your Wealth-Building Ally
Investment apps have revolutionized how we approach personal finance. They’re not just tools; they’re gateways to financial freedom, offering everything from stock trading to automated savings. What makes them so appealing? They’re convenient, user-friendly, and often cost less than traditional brokerage accounts. Plus, they cater to everyone—from the active trader analyzing charts to the passive investor who wants their money to grow without lifting a finger. Here’s a look at the best apps for 2025, each excelling in its own niche.
E*TRADE: The All-Around Champion
If you’re looking for an app that balances power and simplicity, E*TRADE is tough to beat. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of investment apps—versatile, reliable, and packed with features. With no account minimum and $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds, it’s accessible to beginners and pros alike. The app comes in two flavors: the standard E*TRADE Mobile for everyday investing and Power E*TRADE for those who want advanced charting and trading tools.
E*TRADE’s mobile platform feels like having a financial advisor in your pocket, guiding you through every trade.
– Personal finance enthusiast
What sets E*TRADE apart is its depth. You get top-notch research from Morgan Stanley, robust portfolio analysis, and educational resources that make learning a breeze. For instance, you can watch live Bloomberg TV while checking real-time market data. However, it’s not perfect. There’s no direct crypto trading, and fractional shares are limited to robo-advisor portfolios or dividend reinvestment plans. Still, for a well-rounded experience, E*TRADE is my top pick.
- Pros: Comprehensive research, intuitive tools, strong educational content
- Cons: No international exchange trading, limited crypto options
Wealthfront: Automation Done Right
For those who prefer a hands-off approach, Wealthfront is a dream come true. This robo-advisor builds customized portfolios based on your financial goals and risk tolerance, all for a low 0.25% annual fee. With a $500 minimum, it’s slightly less accessible than others, but the value it delivers is worth it. The app’s sleek design mirrors its desktop counterpart, making it easy to manage your investments on the go.
Wealthfront shines with features like tax-loss harvesting, which minimizes your tax bill by strategically selling losing investments. You can choose from hundreds of ETFs, including those focused on crypto, tech, or ESG funds. Unique offerings like the Automated Bond Ladder provide steady yields without state income tax. My only gripe? There’s no live chat or direct access to financial advisors, which could be a drawback for some.
- Pros: Excellent portfolio customization, daily tax-loss harvesting, user-friendly app
- Cons: No human advisors, limited customer support options
Interactive Brokers: The Trader’s Paradise
If you live for the thrill of active trading or options strategies, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is your go-to. Its IBKR Mobile app is a powerhouse, offering access to over 150 global markets and advanced tools like the Options Wizard, which simplifies complex options trades. With $0 commissions on equities and low-cost options trading (starting at $0.65 per contract), it’s a cost-effective choice for serious traders.
IBKR’s app isn’t just for pros, though. The GlobalTrader app caters to beginners, while the IMPACT app focuses on ESG investing. What I love most is the app’s efficiency—trades are executed lightning-fast, and the data is as real-time as it gets. On the downside, the commission structure can be confusing, and IPO access is limited. But for active traders, IBKR’s depth is unmatched.
Interactive Brokers makes you feel like you’re trading on Wall Street, right from your phone.
- Pros: Unmatched market access, low fees, innovative tools
- Cons: Complex fee schedules, limited IPO availability
Webull: Low-Cost Trading Star
For budget-conscious traders, Webull is a standout. It offers $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options, with no account minimum. The app’s charting tools are surprisingly robust for a low-cost platform, and features like extended-hours trading appeal to those who want flexibility. Webull’s community feed also fosters a sense of camaraderie, letting users share ideas and strategies.
That said, Webull isn’t ideal for long-term investors. It lacks mutual funds and fixed-income options, and its reliance on payment for order flow might affect trade execution quality. Still, for active traders on a budget, Webull’s mix of affordability and functionality is hard to beat. Their new Webull Premium subscription, at $3.99/month, adds perks like higher interest on cash and lower margin rates.
- Pros: No commissions, strong charting, fractional shares
- Cons: Limited investment options, potential execution drawbacks
Fidelity: Full-Service Excellence
Fidelity is the gold standard for full-service investing. Its newly redesigned app offers everything from trading to retirement planning, with $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs and $0.65 per options contract. With over 200 physical customer centers, Fidelity combines digital convenience with real-world support. The app’s research tools, screeners, and educational content are top-tier, making it ideal for investors at any level.
Fidelity’s app isn’t flawless—its virtual assistant could use some work, and crypto trading is limited to Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. But the breadth of features, from portfolio analysis to bond liquidity tools, makes it a one-stop shop. I’ve always appreciated Fidelity’s commitment to low costs and high value, which shines through in its mobile experience.
- Pros: Extensive research, no payment for order flow, diverse account types
- Cons: Limited crypto options, virtual assistant needs improvement
Acorns: Saving Made Simple
Acorns is perfect for those who struggle to save. Its Round-Ups feature automatically invests spare change from everyday purchases, turning small sums into meaningful investments. Plans start at $3/month, with no account minimum, making it accessible for beginners. The app’s clean design and banking integration make it easy to set up and manage.
Acorns’ strength lies in its simplicity, but that’s also its limitation. The investment selection is narrow, and there’s no tax-loss harvesting. For small accounts, the monthly fees can also eat into returns. Still, for those looking to build a savings habit, Acorns is a fantastic starting point.
Acorns turns pocket change into a portfolio—small steps lead to big gains.
- Pros: Automatic savings, low entry point, no hidden fees
- Cons: High fees for small accounts, limited investment choices
Choosing the Right App for You
With so many options, how do you pick the best app? It boils down to your goals and investing style. Are you an active trader craving real-time data and advanced tools? Interactive Brokers or Webull might be your match. Prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach? Wealthfront or Acorns could be ideal. If you want a full-service experience with robust support, Fidelity or E*TRADE are hard to beat.
| App | Best For | Fees | Minimum |
| E*TRADE | All-around investing | $0 stock/ETF, $0.50-$0.65/options | $0 |
| Wealthfront | Automated investing | 0.25% annual | $500 |
| Interactive Brokers | Active/options trading | $0 stock, $0.65/options | $0 |
| Webull | Low-cost trading | $0 stock/ETF/options | $0 |
| Fidelity | Full-service investing | $0 stock/ETF, $0.65/options | $0 |
| Acorns | Saving/investing | $3-$12/month | $0 |
Consider factors like fees, investment options, and user experience. For example, Wealthfront’s 0.25% fee adds up over time, while Webull’s $0 commissions are a steal for frequent traders. Your risk tolerance and time commitment also matter—active trading requires more effort than automated investing.
Getting Started: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to jump in? Here’s how to start investing with these apps, broken down into simple steps.
- Define Your Goals: Are you saving for retirement, a house, or just extra cash? Clear goals shape your app choice.
- Pick an App: Match the app to your needs—active trading, automation, or saving.
- Download and Set Up: Install the app, create an account, and verify your identity.
- Fund Your Account: Link your bank and transfer funds. Start small if you’re new.
- Explore Investments: Dive into stocks, ETFs, or automated portfolios based on your risk tolerance.
- Monitor and Adjust: Check your portfolio regularly and tweak as needed.
Many apps offer paper trading, letting you practice without risking real money. It’s a great way to build confidence before diving in.
The Pros and Cons of Investment Apps
Investment apps are powerful, but they’re not perfect. Here’s a quick rundown of their strengths and weaknesses.
Pros
- Convenience: Trade or invest anywhere, anytime.
- Low Costs: Most apps offer $0 commissions or low fees.
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple interfaces and educational tools make starting easy.
Cons
- Limited Features: Some apps lack advanced tools compared to desktop platforms.
- Customization Constraints: You’re often stuck with the app’s layout.
- Customer Service: Support can be limited, especially with robo-advisors.
In my experience, the convenience often outweighs the drawbacks, but it’s worth testing an app to ensure it fits your style.
What Can You Trade?
Investment apps offer a wide range of assets, depending on the platform. Here’s what you can expect:
- Stocks and ETFs
- Options and futures
- Mutual funds and bonds
- Cryptocurrencies (limited on some platforms)
- Fractional shares and REITs
Some apps, like Interactive Brokers, even offer forex and commodities. Always check the app’s offerings to ensure they align with your investment strategy.
Are Investment Apps Safe?
Safety is a top concern, and thankfully, these apps are built with security in mind. Major platforms use FDIC and SIPC insurance to protect your funds, and app stores enforce strict security protocols. Still, it’s wise to use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. I’ve never had an issue with these apps, but staying vigilant is key.
The Future of Mobile Investing
As technology evolves, so do investment apps. Features like AI-driven insights, event contracts, and expanded crypto trading are on the horizon. Apps are also becoming more seamless, syncing workflows across mobile and desktop platforms. Perhaps the most exciting part is how these apps democratize investing, making it accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy.
In my view, the rise of mobile investing is like giving everyone a seat at the financial table. Whether you’re saving spare change with Acorns or trading options with Interactive Brokers, these apps empower you to take control of your financial future. So, which app will you try first?
