The best investing app for beginners is low-cost, easy to use, and offers the account type you actually need — usually a Roth IRA or a simple taxable account. The app is just the doorway; what builds wealth is starting early, investing regularly, and keeping fees low. Below we compare three of the most popular beginner-friendly apps and how to choose between them.
Quick comparison
| App | Monthly fee | Account minimum | Our rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Top pick | $0 core | $0 | 4.2 / 5 | Commission-free real brokerage |
| Acorns | From ~$3 | $0 | 4.0 / 5 | Hands-off automation |
| Stash | $3–$9 | $0 | 3.9 / 5 | Control + spending rewards |
All three are SIPC members — SIPC protects against a brokerage failing, not against market losses. Confirm current fees and account types on each provider’s site; pricing changes.
Our top picks
1. Public
Top pickBest for: Commission-free investing in a real brokerage
- Monthly fee
- $0 core (Premium ~$10/mo)
- Minimum
- $0
- Accounts
- Taxable + retirement
- No monthly fee for core investing
- A real, full brokerage you can grow into
- Fractional shares; clean, modern design
- Some extras sit behind Premium
- Less automation than Acorns
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2. Acorns
Best for: Total beginners who want full automation
- Monthly fee
- From ~$3 (tiered)
- Minimum
- $0
- Style
- Automated round-ups
- Genuinely set-and-forget — round-ups invest spare change
- Bundles a managed portfolio, IRA, and banking
- Flat fee is a high % cost on small balances
- No free tier; limited control
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3. Stash
Best for: Beginners who want some control plus rewards
- Monthly fee
- $3–$9
- Minimum
- $0
- Perk
- Stock-Back rewards
- Pick your own stocks/ETFs (fractional shares)
- Earns stock on everyday spending
- Monthly fee bites on small balances
- No free tier
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Want the detail? Read our full reviews of Public, Acorns, and Stash.
How to choose your first app
- Cost: look for $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs and a low expense ratio on any funds.
- Account type: if you’re investing for retirement, pick an app that offers a Roth or Traditional IRA.
- Simplicity: a clean app you’ll actually use beats a feature-packed one you won’t.
- Protection: confirm the broker is a SIPC member.
Then see how consistent investing can grow with our Compound Interest Calculator, and learn what to actually buy in What Is an Index Fund?.
The bottom line
The best beginner investing app is low-cost, easy to use, and offers the account you need. Pick one that’s SIPC-protected with $0 commissions, open the right account, and start investing regularly — time in the market is your biggest advantage.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to start investing?
Are investing apps safe?
Which account should a beginner open first?
What should I actually invest in as a beginner?
Sources
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