Review of investment apps and platforms for beginners

For beginners looking to get started with investing, there are numerous investment apps and platforms that offer user-friendly interfaces, educational resources, and accessible entry points. Here’s a review of some popular investment apps and platforms suitable for beginners:

1. Robinhood

Pros:

  • Commission-Free Trades: Offers free trading for stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design that's easy for beginners to navigate.
  • Fractional Shares: Allows investing in fractions of shares, making it easier to diversify with smaller amounts.

Cons:

  • Limited Research Tools: Basic in-app research features compared to other platforms.
  • Customer Service: Some users report limited customer support options.

Best For: Beginners who want a simple, no-frills trading experience with zero commissions.

2. Acorns

Pros:

  • Automatic Investing: Rounds up daily purchases and invests the spare change into a diversified portfolio.
  • Educational Resources: Provides beginner-friendly educational content.
  • Automatic Rebalancing: Regularly rebalances the portfolio to maintain target allocations.

Cons:

  • Fees: Monthly fees can be higher compared to some other platforms, especially for lower account balances.
  • Limited Investment Control: Less control over individual investments as portfolios are managed automatically.

Best For: Beginners who want to start investing passively with minimal effort and benefit from automatic round-ups.

3. Stash

Pros:

  • Educational Content: Offers extensive educational resources to help beginners learn about investing.
  • Flexible Investments: Allows users to invest in individual stocks or ETFs based on personal interests and values.
  • Automatic Rebalancing: Provides portfolio rebalancing and investment management features.

Cons:

  • Fees: Monthly fees and management fees for portfolios may be higher than some competitors.
  • Limited Free Trades: Some features require a premium subscription.

Best For: Beginners looking for a combination of educational resources and the ability to invest in specific stocks or ETFs based on interests.

4. E*TRADE

Pros:

  • Comprehensive Tools: Offers a wide range of research tools, educational content, and advanced trading features.
  • Commission-Free Trades: No commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options trades.
  • User-Friendly Mobile App: Easy-to-use mobile app for trading on the go.

Cons:

  • Complexity: May be more complex for absolute beginners due to advanced features.
  • Fees for Certain Trades: Some fees apply for non-standard trades, such as futures or broker-assisted trades.

Best For: Beginners who want access to robust research tools and plan to engage in more active trading.

5. Charles Schwab

Pros:

  • No Minimum Balance: No account minimums and offers free trades on stocks and ETFs.
  • Educational Resources: Extensive educational resources and research tools for beginners.
  • Comprehensive Services: Access to a wide range of investment products and services.

Cons:

  • Platform Complexity: The platform can be a bit overwhelming for new investors due to its breadth of features.
  • Higher Fees for Some Accounts: Fees for certain types of accounts or services may apply.

Best For: Beginners who want a full-service brokerage with a wealth of educational resources and no account minimums.

6. Betterment

Pros:

  • Robo-Advisor: Automated portfolio management with low fees and personalized investment strategies based on risk tolerance.
  • Goal Setting: Allows users to set and track financial goals.
  • Automatic Rebalancing: Regular rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting are included.

Cons:

  • Limited Control: Less control over individual investment choices.
  • Fees: Management fees apply, although they are generally lower than traditional advisory fees.

Best For: Beginners who prefer a hands-off investment approach with automated portfolio management and goal setting.

7. M1 Finance

Pros:

  • Customizable Portfolios: Allows users to create and customize their own portfolios or choose from pre-built options.
  • Fractional Shares: Invest in fractional shares, making it easier to diversify with smaller amounts.
  • Commission-Free Trades: No commissions on trades.

Cons:

  • Limited Research Tools: Basic research features compared to more advanced platforms.
  • Cash Management: Limited options for managing cash and liquidity.

Best For: Beginners who want a combination of customization and automation in their investment portfolios.

8. Vanguard

Pros:

  • Low-Cost Index Funds: Offers access to low-cost index funds and ETFs with low expense ratios.
  • Educational Resources: Provides educational content and resources to help beginners understand investing.
  • Strong Reputation: Well-regarded for its investor-friendly approach and long-term investment strategies.

Cons:

  • Platform Complexity: May have a steeper learning curve due to its range of investment options and features.
  • Fewer Non-Index Options: Limited selection of actively managed funds compared to other platforms.

Best For: Beginners interested in low-cost index funds and ETFs with a focus on long-term investing.

Conclusion

When choosing an investment app or platform, beginners should consider factors such as ease of use, fees, educational resources, and the types of investments offered. Each platform has its strengths and may cater to different preferences and needs, so it's important to choose one that aligns with your investment goals and comfort level.