The 10 Best Investing Apps For Building A Solid Portfolio

If you're looking to build long-term wealth, using the right investing app can make a big difference. Whether you're new to investing or looking to diversify beyond your current portfolio, the best apps today offer automation, low fees, and access to a wide range of assets. Some focus on hands-off investing, while others give you more control.

This list focuses on apps that help you build a solid, diversified portfolio—without being overwhelmed by complicated tools or hidden costs.

1.     Fidelity Investments

Best for: All-in-one investing with zero commissions

Fidelity’s mobile app is robust, easy to use, and packed with features for long-term investors. You can invest in stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and retirement accounts—all with no commission on U.S. stock and ETF trades.

Highlights

• $0 account minimum
• Fractional share investing is available
• Free tools like retirement calculators and portfolio analysis
• Strong customer support

Fidelity also offers high-yield cash management options and IRAs, making it a strong long-term partner.

Who it’s for: Beginners to advanced users seeking complete control, no trade fees, and comprehensive retirement planning tools.

2.     Vanguard

Best for: Low-cost index fund investing

Vanguard is the go-to platform for buy-and-hold investors. Its mobile app isn’t flashy, but it provides access to the company’s highly regarded, low-fee index funds and ETFs.

Highlights

• Extremely low expense ratios
• Focus on long-term, passive investing
• Commission-free trading for Vanguard ETFs
• Retirement account options, including Roth and Traditional IRAs

Who it’s for: Investors focused on wealth-building through index funds and long-term strategy.

3.     Charles Schwab

Best for: Full-service investing with flexibility

Schwab’s mobile app offers zero-commission trading, access to a wide range of investments, and a very user-friendly experience. It’s suitable whether you're managing your portfolio yourself or using their robo-advisor service, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios.

Highlights

• $0 minimum to open a brokerage account
• Fractional shares (“Stock Slices”) starting at $5
• Schwab ETFs with no commissions
• Solid retirement planning tools

Who it’s for: Those seeking DIY or automated investing options within a single platform.

4.     SoFi Invest

Best for: Beginners who want more than just investing

SoFi Invest offers a clean, simple app with active and automated investing options. It also connects with SoFi's whole ecosystem, including banking, loans, and financial planning.

Highlights

• $0 commission on trades
• $1 minimum for automated investing
• Access to IPOs (rare for non-professional investors)
• Free financial planning sessions

Who it’s for: New investors seeking a straightforward experience with added financial benefits.

5.     M1 Finance

Best for: Automated portfolio building with custom control

M1 Finance blends the convenience of robo-investing with the flexibility of choosing your own assets. You build a “pie” of investments (stocks or ETFs), and M1 automatically rebalances your portfolio.

Highlights

• No fees for standard accounts
• $100 minimum to start investing
• Fractional shares
• Automatic rebalancing
• Offers taxable and retirement accounts

Who it’s for: Investors seeking hands-off investing with the flexibility to choose their portfolio.

6.     Acorns

Best for: Passive investors who want to start small

Acorns rounds up your everyday purchases and invests the spare change into diversified portfolios. It's an excellent tool for people who struggle to save or are just starting.

Highlights

• $3/3/month for personal plan (includes IRA)
• Automated savings and investing
• Pre-built diversified portfolios
• Educational content for beginners

Who it’s for: Beginners seeking a low-key, small-scale way to start investing without overthinking it.

7.     Robinhood

Best for: No-commission trading with an easy-to-use design

Robinhood offers fast, commission-free trading with an interface designed to make investing simple—even if you’ve never done it before. While better suited for more active trading, long-term investors can still use it to build basic portfolios.

Highlights

• $0 account minimum
• Commission-free stock and ETF trades
• Fractional shares available
• Optional Robinhood Gold ($5/5/month) for margin and research tools

Who it’s for: Beginners seeking a simple, modern interface and an easy trading experience.

8.     Public

Best for: Community-focused investing with a transparent approach

Public is a commission-free investing app that includes a social feed where users can share ideas, see other investors’ portfolios (anonymously), and follow trends. It’s educational and designed for community-style investing.

Highlights

• Fractional shares starting at $1
• $0 commissions
• Focus on long-term investing
• Social features and content from financial creators

Who it’s for: Beginners seeking education and community interaction while investing.

9.     Wealthfront

Best for: Automated, long-term investing with innovative features

Wealthfront is a robo-advisor that builds and manages a diversified portfolio based on goals and risk tolerance. It automatically rebalances, reinvests dividends, and can help with tax-loss harvesting.

Highlights

• $500 account minimum
• 0.25% annual advisory fee
• Automated tax-loss harvesting
• Access to ETFs across asset classes

Who it’s for: Passive investors who want intelligent automation and tax-efficient growth.

10.     Betterment

Best for: Goal-based investing with automation

Betterment is one of the original robo-advisors, offering a strong set of tools to help you invest toward specific goals—whether retirement, a house, or general savings. It builds portfolios based on risk levels and automatically adjusts as needed.

Highlights

• No minimum for basic accounts
• 0.25% annual fee (0.40% for Premium plan)
• Goal-tracking tools
• Access to human advisors (with Premium plan)

Who it’s for: Investors seeking automated guidance tailored to their financial goals.

Conclusion: Which App Should You Choose?

Choosing the right investing app depends on your goals, experience, and how hands-on you want to be. For complete control with no commissions, apps like Fidelity and Schwab stand out.

If you prefer automation and goal-based investing, Betterment, Wealthfront, or M1 Finance are strong options. Beginners might feel more comfortable starting with Acorns or SoFi, while those interested in community and transparency may prefer Public. Each app offers different strengths—low fees, automation, social features, or retirement tools—so it's worth comparing a few before committing.

Most plans have no minimums or monthly costs, allowing you to get started quickly and easily. Pick the one that aligns with how you want to grow your money—and start building a solid, long-term portfolio right from your phone.