From investment and trading to financial education, there are apps for everything, so much so that users may often find it confusing to identify the best options. These may include trading platforms, stock brokers, or even information-provider applications.
In this guide, we list some of the best investment apps worth checking out for those looking to get started with trading or investment soon.
Best Investment Apps – Top List
Our experts have come up with a variety of options that not only focus on providing quality trading services but also include other elements that can help a user navigate the financial markets better. Before we review them closely, let us take a quick look at the apps:
- Benzinga Pro: Real-time financial news and advanced analytics for active investors
- eToro: Best stock broker, offering commission-free stock trading
- XTB: Intuitive trading platform with access to over 2,100 global markets
- Admiral Markets: Comprehensive trading solutions with a focus on forex and CFDs
- Pepperstone: Low-cost broker with advanced trading platforms for professionals
- Ellevest: Investment platform designed specifically to address women’s financial goals
- Acorns: Micro-investing app turning spare change into diversified investments
- Fundrise: Accessible real estate investing through private market portfolios
What Do We Mean When We Say Investment Apps
When we refer to investment apps, we’re talking about any mobile or web-based application designed to assist investors or traders in participating in financial markets and managing their investments. These apps provide access to a wide range of assets, such as stocks, cryptocurrencies, real estate, forex, or commodities. Their core purpose is to simplify the investment process, making it more accessible to users of varying expertise.
Investment apps can take many forms, catering to different needs and goals. For instance, brokerage apps allow users to trade assets directly, offering tools for buying, selling, and monitoring investments. Analytical apps, on the other hand, focus on providing market insights, charts, and data to help users make informed decisions.
News apps keep investors up to date with real-time developments that may influence their portfolios. Some apps, like robo-advisors, even automate the investment process by creating personalized portfolios based on the user’s financial goals and risk tolerance.
With investment apps in abundance, users are often spoilt for choice. However, not every platform suits everyone. Some apps are geared toward beginners, offering simplified interfaces and educational tools to help users get started quickly. Others are tailored for professionals, providing advanced trading capabilities and detailed analytics.
In this guide, we’ve curated a selection of investment apps that users can explore right away. Whether you’re seeking to trade assets, analyze the market, or stay informed, these apps serve as accessible gateways to the financial world, enabling anyone to start their investment journey with ease.
Best Investment Apps 2024 – Full Review
Let us now have a more detailed look at each of the mentioned investment apps, and try to understand why they are leaders in their categories.
Benzinga Pro – Real-time financial news and advanced analytics for active investors
While it was launched more than a decade ago, Benzinga has solidified its position as a go-to platform for investors and traders looking for timely market insights and in-depth financial analysis. Even today, it is regarded as one of the best in the space.
Based in Detroit, Michigan, the platform serves a diverse audience by providing a range of tools and resources designed to support informed decision-making in the fast-moving world of finance. The app itself is super simple to navigate, which makes it a top pick for beginners as well.
The platform’s flagship service and the best part of the app is Benzinga Pro, which offers real-time news updates, detailed analytics, and trade alerts tailored to active traders and professionals. This premium service ensures users stay ahead with critical market developments and actionable insights, helping them navigate opportunities with precision.
For those looking to expand their financial knowledge, Benzinga Pro also provides a robust library of educational content, including webinars, tutorials, and explanatory articles covering a wide array of investment topics.
Benzinga Pro is also known for hosting high-profile events like the Global Fintech Awards, which recognize innovation in financial technology, and the Cannabis Capital Conference, aimed at connecting investors with emerging opportunities in the cannabis sector. These events foster engagement and networking within the financial community while highlighting growth sectors.
The platform operates on a freemium model, offering complimentary resources alongside its subscription-based services. The subscription model for Benzinga Pro accommodates diverse user needs. The Basic Plan, priced at $37 per month, offers Nasdaq Basic real-time quotes, a newsfeed, watchlist alerts, and premium content. For those seeking advanced features, the Streamlined Plan at $147 per month adds newsfeed filters, detailed technical indicators, and audio squawk access.
The Essential Plan, at $197 per month, includes all features from the lower tiers while unlocking the real-time scanner, trading signals, and detailed market calendars, providing a comprehensive suite for professional use.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time news coverage
- Advanced tools for professional and active traders
- Educational resources suitable for various skill levels
Cons
- Premium subscription required for advanced features
eToro – Best Stock Broker For Commission-Free Stock Trading & Social Trading
eToro is an innovative investment app that combines the ease of trading with the interactivity of social networking. Designed to cater to a wide range of investors, from novices to professionals, the app enables users to engage, learn, and trade within a collaborative community. Its approach simplifies the complexities of investing by offering tools that make trading accessible and intuitive.
The app’s top feature is CopyTrader, a tool that allows users to mimic the trading strategies of successful investors in real time. This unique functionality bridges the gap between expertise and accessibility, giving newcomers the chance to benefit from professional insights without needing advanced knowledge of the market.
For users seeking broader diversification, eToro provides Smart Portfolios, which are professionally managed thematic portfolios offering exposure to various sectors and trends with minimal effort.
eToro’s pricing is competitive, particularly for stock and ETF trades, which are commission-free and charge only the market spread. Cryptocurrency trades come with a flat 1% fee, and the app imposes a $5 withdrawal fee along with a $10 monthly inactivity fee after a year of no login activity. Despite these additional charges, the app’s offerings often outweigh the costs for active investors.
Adding to its appeal, the app features the eToro Academy, a comprehensive educational resource for investors at all levels. From webinars to tutorials and in-depth market analyses, it provides users with the tools to expand their understanding of trading and market dynamics while actively participating in the platform.
Pros
- Social trading with CopyTrader for real-time learning
- Diverse investment options, including crypto, stocks, and ETFs
- Robust educational resources through the eToro Academy
Cons
- Cryptocurrency trades come with fees
- Charges for withdrawals and prolonged inactivity
Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.
XTB: Intuitive trading platform with access to over 2,100 global markets
XTB offers a robust mobile trading app, providing access to over 2,100 financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Designed for both novice and experienced traders, the app delivers a seamless trading experience through its intuitive interface and advanced tools.
The xStation 5 platform is known for its intuitive interface and advanced trading tools. It features real-time market data, customizable charts, and a range of technical indicators to assist traders in making informed decisions. Additionally, the platform offers a comprehensive educational section with tutorials and webinars, supporting traders in enhancing their market knowledge.
XTB operates on a commission-free model for stock and ETF trading up to a monthly volume of €100,000. Beyond this threshold, a 0.2% commission applies, with a minimum charge of €10. The platform also provides free deposits and withdrawals for amounts above £50, with a £5 fee for smaller withdrawals. An inactivity fee of €10 per month is charged after one year of no trading activity.
A notable feature of XTB is its commitment to client education. The platform offers a variety of resources, including market analysis, trading courses, and a demo account with virtual funds, allowing users to practice trading strategies without financial risk.
- Access to a wide range of financial instruments
- User-friendly interface with advanced trading tools
- Extensive educational resources available within the app
- Commission applies for high-volume stock and ETF trading
Admiral Markets: Comprehensive trading solutions with a focus on forex and CFDs
Admiral Markets is a trading app offering access to a broad spectrum of financial instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. With a focus on delivering a seamless experience for traders of all levels, the app combines user-friendly navigation with professional-grade trading tools.
It is worth noting that the Admiral Markets app has seamless integration with the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms. These platforms allow users to perform in-depth analysis using advanced charting tools, a wide range of technical indicators, and support for automated trading strategies.
The mobile app ensures that traders can monitor and execute trades from anywhere, maintaining flexibility and control. Admiral Markets also provides competitive pricing, with forex trading available commission-free and spreads starting from 0.5 pips. Stock CFD trading comes with a commission as low as $0.02 per share, with a minimum fee of $1 per transaction. All trading costs, including margin and swap rates, are transparently displayed, giving users clarity over their expenses.
Admiral Markets also prioritizes trader education, offering resources like webinars, tutorials, and daily market analysis. The app includes a demo account feature, allowing users to test strategies and familiarize themselves with the platform before committing real funds.
- Wide range of tradable assets, including forex, stocks, and cryptocurrencies
- Integration with MetaTrader platforms for professional-grade trading tools
- Comprehensive educational materials and a demo account
- Inactivity fee applies after 24 months of no trading activity
- Availability of certain instruments may vary by region
Pepperstone: Low-cost broker with advanced trading platforms for professionals
Pepperstone is a trading app that prioritizes equipping users with knowledge alongside providing access to a variety of financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
Its commitment to trader education is evident through resources like webinars, tutorials, and in-depth market analysis, all accessible directly through the app. Beginners and experienced traders alike can utilize these tools to refine their strategies and make informed decisions.
The app integrates seamlessly with MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, allowing users to choose a platform that aligns with their trading preferences. These platforms offer advanced charting tools, customizable technical indicators, and support for automated strategies, making them suitable for different trading approaches. The demo account feature lets users practice and test strategies risk-free before committing to live trades.
Pepperstone’s pricing structure is designed to be competitive. Forex traders can benefit from spreads starting as low as 0.0 pips, paired with a commission of $3.50 per trade on Razor accounts. For standard accounts, the costs are included within slightly higher spreads.
Other assets also follow a transparent pricing model, ensuring no hidden fees. Traders can choose between account types based on their trading volume and goals.
With its mobile-first approach, the app ensures convenience and flexibility for users to trade and monitor the markets wherever they are.
- Extensive educational resources integrated into the app
- Choice of multiple trading platforms with advanced tools
- Low and transparent costs for trading
- Inactivity fee after six months of no trading activity
- Some instruments may be unavailable in certain regions
Ellevest: Investment platform designed specifically to address women’s financial goals
Ellevest is an investment app tailored to address the unique financial needs of women, offering a platform that combines personalized investment strategies with educational resources. Recognizing that women often face distinct financial challenges, such as longer lifespans and career breaks, Ellevest provides tools designed to help users navigate these complexities effectively.
The app offers goal-based investing, allowing users to set specific financial objectives and receive customized portfolio recommendations aligned with their timelines and risk preferences. Ellevest’s portfolios are diversified across various asset classes, including impact investments that focus on companies promoting gender equality and sustainability.
Ellevest operates on a subscription-based model with three tiers: Essential, Plus, and Executive. The Essential plan, at $1 per month, provides access to investing and banking services. The Plus plan, at $5 per month, includes retirement planning features. The Executive plan, at $9 per month, offers multi-goal investing and personalized financial planning. This transparent pricing structure ensures users can select a plan that aligns with their financial goals and needs.
What seems to have gained much appreciation when it comes to the Ellevest app is its commitment to financial education. Users have direct access via the app to a wealth of resources, including articles, workshops, and coaching sessions, all aimed at enhancing financial literacy and confidence. The app’s intuitive interface further makes it easy to track progress, adjust goals, and stay informed about investment performance.
- Tailored investment strategies addressing women’s financial needs
- Transparent subscription-based pricing
- Comprehensive educational resources within the app
- Limited to U.S. residents
- No tax-loss harvesting features
Acorns: Micro-investing app turning spare change into diversified investments
Acorns is an app designed to make investing simple and automatic, targeting those who might feel intimidated by traditional methods of building wealth. By linking your credit or debit cards, the app rounds up everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change into diversified portfolios.
This micro-investing feature ensures that users can grow their wealth effortlessly, without requiring significant upfront commitments or advanced financial knowledge.
The app offers a range of subscription options tailored to different financial needs. The Personal Plan, priced at $3 per month, includes access to investment accounts, a retirement account, and a checking account with no overdraft fees.
For $5 per month, the Family Plan expands the service to include investment accounts for children and educational resources for building generational wealth. The Premium Plan, costing $9 per month, provides exclusive features like live expert consultations and priority customer support.
Acorns doesn’t stop at investing—it also emphasizes financial education, like many other platforms mentioned here. Through its Acorns Learn platform, users can access articles, videos, and tutorials that break down financial concepts into digestible pieces, helping users improve their financial literacy while they invest. The app’s intuitive interface allows users to set financial goals, track their progress, and manage investments seamlessly.
While Acorns is accessible and user-friendly, its subscription fees might feel high for users with smaller account balances. Additionally, its investment options are limited compared to more traditional platforms. However, its core purpose of simplifying the investment process is delivered effectively, making it an excellent choice for those just starting their financial journey.
- Automatic investing via round-ups
- Comprehensive educational resources
- User-friendly app with flexible subscription plans
- Monthly fees may outweigh benefits for smaller balances
Fundrise: Accessible real estate investing through private market portfolios
Unlike most of the other platforms we mentioned, which primarily focus on stocks, cryptos, and similar volatile assets, Fundrise is an investment app that opens the doors to private real estate markets, allowing individuals to invest in diversified portfolios of real estate assets.
By leveraging technology, Fundrise provides access to opportunities traditionally reserved for institutional investors, enabling users to participate in the potential growth of real estate without the complexities of direct property ownership.
The app offers a range of investment plans tailored to different financial goals and risk appetites. With a minimum investment starting at $10, users can choose from various portfolios focusing on income, balanced growth, or long-term appreciation. Each portfolio comprises a mix of real estate projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties, providing diversification to mitigate risk.
Fundrise operates on a transparent fee structure. The platform charges a 0.15% annual advisory fee, equating to $1.50 per year for every $1,000 invested. Additionally, real estate funds have an annual management fee of 0.85%, covering the operational costs associated with managing the properties. For investors opting for the Innovation Fund, which focuses on venture capital investments, the management fee is 1.85% annually.
A notable feature of the Fundrise app is its commitment to investor education and transparency. Users have access to detailed information about each asset within their portfolio, including project updates, performance metrics, and market analyses. The app also provides educational resources to help investors understand the nuances of real estate investing and make informed decisions.
- Low minimum investment threshold
- Access to diversified real estate portfolios
- Transparent fee structure
- Limited liquidity compared to public markets
- Potential for fees to impact returns over time
Types of Investment Apps Available Today
As mentioned before, one can choose from a vast variety of investment apps, be it for trading or other purposes. If you are a bit confused about the differentiation, here are the most common types of investment apps you will come across frequently.
Trading and Brokerage Apps
Trading and brokerage apps enable users to participate directly in financial markets, providing access to assets like stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and commodities. Apps such as eToro and XTB cater to diverse investors, offering user-friendly interfaces for beginners and advanced tools for experienced traders.
These apps typically include features like real-time market data, customizable charts, price alerts, and risk management tools. Users can monitor trends, execute trades, and manage portfolios from their devices, ensuring convenience and control. Many platforms also offer commission-free trading options, making them cost-effective for those looking to minimize fees.
Whether you’re starting out or managing a complex portfolio, trading apps combine functionality and accessibility to meet the needs of modern investors. With integrated tools and seamless interfaces, these platforms make trading a straightforward and efficient process for users of all experience levels.
Robo-Advisors and Automated Investment Apps
Robo-advisors simplify investing by automating the process, using algorithms to build and manage portfolios tailored to user goals. Apps like Ellevest and Betterment handle diversification, rebalancing, and risk management, making them ideal for hands-off investors.
These apps focus on long-term goals, such as retirement planning or milestone saving, aligning investments with timelines and risk preferences. They’re accessible to beginners with low minimum investment requirements and provide transparent fees, ensuring users know exactly what they’re paying for.
Robo-advisors also incorporate educational resources to guide users in understanding investment basics, making them more than just passive platforms. By removing the complexities of investing while offering personalized strategies, these apps serve as an approachable and efficient way to grow wealth steadily.
Micro-Investing and Real Estate Apps
Micro-investing and real estate apps democratize investment opportunities, allowing users to start with minimal funds. Acorns, for instance, invests spare change from everyday transactions, while Fundrise enables fractional ownership in real estate projects.
These apps are designed to be accessible, offering simplified interfaces and automated features that appeal to beginners. Micro-investing apps focus on growing wealth incrementally, integrating investing into daily habits. Real estate apps, on the other hand, provide diversification by letting users participate in property markets without requiring significant capital.
With low barriers to entry and transparent fees, these platforms encourage users to take their first steps in investing. Whether it’s small contributions or exploring tangible assets, these apps make the process intuitive and approachable for a broad audience.
Research and Market Analysis Apps
Research and market analysis apps provide the insights needed to make informed investment decisions. Apps like Benzinga Pro and Seeking Alpha deliver detailed market data, stock performance reports, signals, and expert commentary to help users stay ahead.
These platforms are ideal for investors who prefer data-driven strategies, offering tools such as screeners, alerts, and real-time updates. Users can customize their experience to focus on specific industries or assets, ensuring relevant information is always at hand.
By combining timely insights with easy-to-navigate features, these apps empower investors to analyze trends, anticipate market movements, and make well-informed decisions. They are particularly useful for those looking to bridge the gap between casual investing and professional-level research.
Educational and Social Investment Apps
Educational and social investment apps combine learning with collaboration, helping users grow their knowledge while connecting with other investors. Platforms like eToro integrate social features, enabling users to follow or copy successful traders.
These apps also focus on investor education, offering tutorials, courses, and simulations to teach trading concepts and strategies. The ability to interact with peers and discuss market trends adds value, creating a community-driven investment experience.
Perfect for beginners and curious learners, these apps make investing accessible while fostering a supportive environment for building confidence and skills. By combining education and community, they offer a unique way to approach financial markets.
How We Curated the Best Investment Apps for You
Accessibility for Beginners and Experts
One of the primary factors in selecting these apps was their ability to cater to a broad range of users. We looked for platforms that provide simplified tools and resources for beginners while also offering advanced features that meet the needs of seasoned investors.
Accessibility goes beyond just user-friendly interfaces—it includes features like low barriers to entry, minimal fees, and educational support to guide new users.
For experienced traders, we considered apps with customizable charts, technical indicators, and risk management tools. Balancing simplicity and sophistication ensures that these apps can grow with their users, making them valuable over the long term.
Comprehensive Asset Coverage
A key consideration was the variety of investment options available within each app. We focused on platforms that provide access to multiple asset classes, including stocks, ETFs, forex, cryptocurrencies, and even alternative investments like real estate.
By offering diverse asset coverage, these apps empower users to build well-rounded portfolios. Diversification is essential for reducing risk and maximizing returns, and apps that include a wide array of options allow users to explore new markets or industries without needing multiple accounts.
Innovative Features and Technology
We prioritized apps that stand out for their innovative approaches to investing. Features like automated investing, social trading, and AI-driven analytics were key factors in our selection. These technologies enhance the investment experience, offering users smarter ways to manage portfolios and access insights.
For instance, apps with AI-powered alerts and market predictions provide a proactive edge, while social trading features encourage learning from others. Platforms that adopt these technologies demonstrate a commitment to evolving with the market.
Transparent Pricing and Costs
Cost is a critical factor for investors, so we selected apps with clear, upfront fee structures. Transparent pricing builds trust and ensures users are fully aware of the costs involved. Apps with minimal hidden fees, commission-free trading, or flexible subscription models were preferred.
For premium services, we assessed whether the features justified the price, such as access to advanced tools or priority support. This focus ensures that users can evaluate the value of the app relative to its costs and choose one that aligns with their budget.
Commitment to Education and Growth
Educational support was another important factor in our curation. Apps that provide tutorials, webinars, and financial insights were prioritized for their ability to empower users. An app with strong educational resources goes beyond managing investments—it helps users understand their strategies and improve their skills over time.
Platforms that also incorporate goal-setting features or personalized guidance stood out, as they encourage users to grow their wealth with confidence and clarity.
Security and Reliability
The safety of user funds and data is non-negotiable. We only selected apps that demonstrate strong security measures, such as two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and compliance with financial regulations. Beyond security, reliability in performance was equally critical.
Apps that deliver real-time updates, minimize downtime, and maintain a consistent user experience ranked higher. Secure and dependable platforms provide peace of mind, ensuring users can focus on investing without worrying about risks beyond the market.
Conclusion
Finding the right fit for you is vital when it comes to apps that directly affect your returns. Whether it’s a stock broker, an investment-based platform with unique assets, or even an analytical tool app, one must always be very careful about choosing the option that will suit them perfectly.
The options mentioned in this guide can be suitable for beginners as well as advanced traders, as they focus on usability while providing access to some of the best features within their categories.
FAQs
What makes an investment app suitable for beginners?
An ideal investment app for beginners offers user-friendly interfaces, low entry barriers, educational resources, and minimal fees to help new investors get started with confidence.
Are there investment apps with AI-powered tools?
Yes, many apps incorporate AI-driven features, such as market predictions and alerts, to provide users with smarter ways to manage portfolios and stay ahead of trends.
How do social trading platforms work?
Social trading platforms, like eToro, let users follow or copy the trading strategies of successful investors, fostering a collaborative and educational investment experience.