Best Stock Apps for Beginners

You don’t need to be a financial expert to make your first investment, but you do need the right tools. For beginners, the challenge often lies not in selecting the stocks, but in choosing the best stock apps that provide ease, education, and efficiency all in one. But here's the twist — you may not even realize that the app you choose could make or break your early investing journey. Let’s dive into the top options to help you get started right.

1. Robinhood: The Simplified Gateway for Newbies

When people think of beginner-friendly stock apps, Robinhood often takes the spotlight. Why? Because it offers a commission-free trading platform that strips away the complexities typically associated with investing. With its intuitive interface, Robinhood allows users to trade stocks, ETFs, and even cryptocurrencies without being overwhelmed by too many choices or advanced features.

Here’s the kicker: Robinhood’s fractional shares feature makes it possible for beginners to invest in high-priced stocks with just a few dollars. For example, you could own a piece of Amazon without shelling out over $3,000 for a full share.

However, it’s not without its drawbacks. Critics often mention its lack of in-depth research tools and educational resources. For some beginners, this may lead to uninformed decisions. But if you’re just dipping your toes in the market, Robinhood’s simplicity can be a huge plus.

2. E*TRADE: More Resources, More Tools

ETRADE is an excellent choice for beginners who want more than just a streamlined interface. Think of it as Robinhood’s big brother, offering a robust selection of educational tools and investment research resources. ETRADE offers commission-free trades as well, but what sets it apart is its educational content tailored for new investors.

Here’s why it stands out: E*TRADE provides a paper trading account, allowing you to practice with virtual money before investing your hard-earned cash. You can test out strategies and gain confidence, making it ideal for those wanting a safety net as they learn.

E*TRADE also offers pre-built portfolios, so if you're unsure where to start, you can choose a portfolio that aligns with your goals and risk tolerance. This added layer of support is incredibly beneficial for someone new to the world of investing.

3. Acorns: Invest with Your Spare Change

What if you could invest without even realizing it? That’s where Acorns comes in. With this app, your spare change from everyday purchases gets automatically invested in a diversified portfolio. The process is called "round-ups," and it’s as simple as buying a coffee for $3.50 and having the app round up to $4, investing the extra 50 cents for you.

Acorns is perfect for beginners who may not have a large amount of capital to start with but want to build the habit of investing. Additionally, Acorns offers educational content in the form of financial literacy tips, which are especially useful for beginners trying to understand the market.

The downside? Acorns charges a monthly fee, which can eat into your returns if you’re not investing substantial amounts. However, for many beginners, the automatic investment feature and the educational tools make it worth the cost.

4. Webull: Advanced Features for the Ambitious Beginner

Looking for something that bridges the gap between beginner-friendly and advanced trading? Webull might be the perfect middle ground. While it offers commission-free trading like Robinhood, Webull comes with more sophisticated tools such as technical analysis charts, financial calendars, and even paper trading.

What makes Webull unique for beginners is its balance of accessibility and depth. You won’t feel overwhelmed at first, but as you grow more confident, the advanced features will be there waiting for you. It’s perfect for someone who wants to start simple but has ambitions to dive deeper into stock market analysis later.

Webull also offers a comprehensive community where users can interact, share ideas, and discuss strategies. For a beginner, having access to this collective knowledge can be invaluable. However, if you're just starting and prefer the most stripped-down experience, Webull might feel like a bit much.

5. Fidelity: Long-Term Investment with a Trusted Name

For those looking to not only start investing but also plan for the long haul, Fidelity is a solid choice. Known for its excellent customer service and long-standing reputation in the financial industry, Fidelity offers a beginner-friendly app with zero-commission trades, a wide range of investment options, and top-tier research tools.

The best part? Fidelity offers the ability to open a Roth IRA or traditional IRA directly through the app, making it a great choice for retirement investors. Beginners will appreciate the user-friendly interface, but what really shines is the app’s emphasis on educational content. With Fidelity, you’re not just buying and selling stocks — you’re learning how to plan for your financial future.

One minor downside is that the app may feel overwhelming for someone who’s completely new, especially if they don’t need all the bells and whistles that Fidelity offers. But for beginners serious about building a diversified, long-term portfolio, Fidelity is an excellent choice.

6. SoFi Invest: Invest and Bank in One Place

SoFi Invest offers a simple, beginner-friendly way to start investing with as little as $1. What’s cool about SoFi is that it’s not just a stock trading app — it’s also a personal finance hub. SoFi allows users to manage their investments, student loans, and even bank accounts in one place.

For beginners, SoFi stands out because of its zero fees across the board: no account minimums, no commission fees, and no fees for fractional shares. SoFi also offers automated investing, meaning the app can manage your portfolio for you based on your risk tolerance and goals.

Here’s where SoFi really pulls ahead: Its social and educational content makes it a community-focused app. SoFi regularly holds webinars, events, and offers personalized advice, making it a more holistic experience than just a trading app. However, if you're solely focused on investing, the additional features might feel like a distraction.

7. M1 Finance: Automation with Customization

If the idea of automation appeals to you, but you still want some level of control, M1 Finance might be the ideal choice. M1 Finance blends automated investing with customizable portfolios (known as “pies”), allowing you to choose from a wide array of stocks and ETFs or let M1 do the work for you.

What makes M1 Finance stand out for beginners is the ability to set up automated, recurring deposits, which makes investing a habit without thinking too much about it. But unlike other robo-advisors, M1 allows you to customize your investments, offering more control than platforms like Acorns or SoFi.

One thing to keep in mind: M1 Finance doesn’t offer as much real-time trading or active management as other apps. But for beginners looking to build long-term wealth without constant oversight, it’s a solid option.

Conclusion

When choosing the best stock app for beginners, the key is to find one that fits your goals and comfort level. Whether you want the simplicity of Robinhood, the educational resources of E*TRADE, or the automation of Acorns and M1 Finance, each app offers unique advantages tailored to beginners.

In the end, the best app is the one that gets you started. Your first trade is the hardest, but once you’ve made it, the path to financial independence becomes clearer.