Investment platforms have exploded in popularity. More people are ditching traditional brokers for digital-first options that cost less and do more. The competition has never been fiercer—which means better deals for you.

We've tested fees, features, and user experiences across 15 top platforms. From zero-commission trades to robo-advisors that manage everything for you, 2025 offers something for every investor type and budget.

Here's what separates the winners from the wannabes this year.

Traditional Full-Service Brokers Leading 2025

Charles Schwab dominates the full-service space with zero commissions and $0 minimums for most accounts. You'll get extensive research tools, integrated banking services, and some of the best customer support in the business. Plus, their mobile app actually works well—no small feat for a traditional broker.

Fidelity keeps pace with no account minimums and fractional share investing that lets you buy pieces of expensive stocks. Their retirement planning tools are top-notch, and they've earned industry-leading customer service ratings year after year. Fun fact: they manage over $4 trillion in assets, so they're not going anywhere.

Vanguard remains the king of low-cost index fund investing with their famous buy-and-hold philosophy. You'll pay $0 minimums on ETFs and get access to some of the cheapest expense ratios around. They're perfect if you want to set it and forget it—no fancy bells and whistles, just solid long-term growth.

E*TRADE brings advanced trading platforms that won't make your head spin, plus extensive educational resources for skill building. Their options trading capabilities are solid, and their mobile app consistently ranks among the best. They've mastered the art of making complex trading feel simple.

Key Features Comparison

  • Commission structures: All four offer zero-commission stock and ETF trades
  • Research tools: Schwab and E*TRADE lead with advanced charting and analysis
  • Account minimums: Fidelity and Schwab require $0 to start most accounts
  • Customer support: Fidelity and Vanguard consistently top satisfaction surveys

These traditional brokers have stepped up their game big time. They're no longer the slow, expensive dinosaurs they once were—they're fighting hard to keep your business.

Best Robo-Advisors for Automated Investing

Betterment: This platform charges just 0.25% annually and handles all the heavy lifting with automatic rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting. You'll get goal-based investing that actually makes sense—whether you're saving for a house or retirement. Plus, their tax optimization can save you more money than their fee costs.

Wealthfront: You'll need $500 to start, but you get advanced tax optimization that's usually reserved for wealthy investors. They offer direct indexing for larger accounts and comprehensive financial planning tools. Their Path feature shows you exactly how your money will grow over time.

SoFi Automated Investing: Here's the kicker—no management fees at all. You get automated portfolio management plus career coaching and student loan refinancing all in one place. Their member benefits program includes everything from financial planning to exclusive events.

Robo-Advisor Features That Make the Difference

Fee Structures That Won't Break the Bank

Most robo-advisors charge between 0.25% and 0.50% annually. Betterment keeps it simple at 0.25% across the board. Wealthfront matches that rate but bumps up their game with direct indexing for accounts over $100K.

Here's where it gets interesting: SoFi throws a curveball with zero management fees. Yep, you read that right—free automated investing.

Tax Optimization: Your Secret Weapon

Tax-loss harvesting isn't just fancy jargon anymore. It's standard on most platforms. Wealthfront leads the pack here, offering daily tax-loss harvesting that can save you serious cash come April.

Betterment keeps it automatic too, but they're more conservative with their approach. SoFi? They're still building out their tax features, so don't expect bells and whistles yet.

Beyond Basic Investing

  • Goal-based planning: Betterment excels at retirement and major purchase planning
  • Financial advice access: Wealthfront offers financial planning for larger accounts
  • Member perks: SoFi throws in career coaching and loan rate discounts
  • Account minimums: Most start at $0, but Wealthfront wants $500 to get started

The Bottom Line on Automation

Robo-advisors work best for hands-off investors who want professional portfolio management without the hefty fees. They're not day-trading platforms—think marathon, not sprint.

Pick Betterment for goal-focused investing. Choose Wealthfront for advanced tax strategies. Go with SoFi if you want the whole financial ecosystem under one roof.

Top Investment Apps for Beginners

Robinhood: This app changed the game by making stock trading free for everyone. You can buy fractional shares of expensive stocks like Tesla or Apple with just a few bucks, plus trade crypto right from the same app.

Acorns: Think of this as investing your spare change without thinking about it. Every time you buy coffee, Acorns rounds up to the nearest dollar and invests the difference—it's like finding money in your couch cushions, but better.

Webull: Perfect for night owls who want to trade before and after regular market hours. You get fancy charts that make you feel like a Wall Street pro, plus you can practice with fake money before risking the real stuff.

Beginner-Friendly Features That Actually Help

Most new investors feel overwhelmed by complex trading interfaces and financial jargon. The best beginner platforms solve this with clean, simple designs that won't scare you away.

Account Setup Made Simple

Top apps like Robinhood and Acorns get you investing in under 10 minutes. They skip the paperwork maze that traditional brokers love. You'll answer basic questions about your goals and risk tolerance—no finance degree required.

Learning Without the Lecture

Smart platforms don't just throw you into the deep end. SoFi offers bite-sized lessons that actually make sense. Webull includes paper trading so you can practice without risking real money. Think of it as training wheels for your portfolio.

Safety Nets for New Money

The best beginner platforms include built-in guardrails. They'll warn you before you make risky moves or invest more than you can afford. Some even limit certain trades until you've gained experience. It's like having a financial buddy watching your back—minus the judgment about your coffee spending habits.

Specialized Investment Platforms

Interactive Brokers: Professional-grade tools meet serious traders here. You'll get access to 150+ global markets, ultra-low margin rates, and advanced order types that make other platforms look basic. Perfect for experienced investors who want institutional-level features without the institutional fees.

Fundrise: Real estate investing just got accessible. Start with just $10 and own pieces of commercial properties across America. You'll earn quarterly dividends while professional teams handle all the heavy lifting—no midnight tenant calls required.

Gemini: Crypto meets Wall Street compliance standards. Founded by the Winklevoss twins, this platform offers institutional-grade security and regulatory compliance that makes other crypto exchanges nervous. Plus, their Earn program lets your digital assets work while you sleep.

Alternative Investment Options

Real estate crowdfunding has exploded in 2025. Fundrise lets you start with just $10 and earn quarterly dividends from commercial properties. CrowdStreet targets accredited investors with $25,000 minimums but offers direct property investments. DiversyFund focuses on growth-oriented real estate with a $500 minimum—perfect for young entrepreneurs wanting property exposure without the landlord headaches.

Crypto platforms have matured beyond basic trading. Gemini leads with bank-level security and earn programs that pay up to 8% on holdings. The platform's regulatory compliance makes it ideal for serious crypto investors. You can also link your traditional portfolio with crypto exposure through their institutional-grade custody services.

Key Alternative Investment Minimums:

  • Real estate crowdfunding: $10-$25,000 depending on platform
  • Cryptocurrency exchanges: $1-$100 typical minimums
  • Peer-to-peer lending: $25-$1,000 starting investments
  • Art and collectibles: $20-$10,000 fractional ownership options

Yieldstreet rounds out alternative investments with art, legal settlements, and marine finance. Their $10,000 minimum targets growth hackers ready to diversify beyond stocks and bonds. Returns aren't guaranteed, but the platform has delivered 9.6% average annual returns since 2015—not bad for portfolio spice.

Platform Selection Guide

Picking the right investment platform isn't rocket science—but it's not exactly child's play either. Your choice depends on three key factors: how much you're starting with, what you want to invest in, and how hands-on you prefer to be.

New investors should start with beginner-friendly apps like Robinhood or Acorns. These platforms won't overwhelm you with complex features you don't need yet. If you want someone else to handle the heavy lifting, robo-advisors like Betterment or Wealthfront are your best bet.

Got more experience under your belt? Traditional brokers like Charles Schwab and Fidelity offer the full package—research tools, retirement planning, and zero commissions. For the trading enthusiasts who live for market analysis, Interactive Brokers delivers professional-grade tools that'll make your spreadsheet-loving heart sing.

Quick Platform Matching Guide

  • Complete beginners: Start with Acorns for spare change investing or SoFi for fee-free management
  • DIY investors: Choose Charles Schwab or E*TRADE for comprehensive tools
  • Set-it-and-forget-it types: Go with Betterment or Wealthfront for automated investing
  • Alternative asset fans: Try Fundrise for real estate or Gemini for crypto

Ready to stop reading about investing and actually start doing it? Pick one platform from this list, open an account this week, and start with whatever amount feels comfortable—even $25 counts as a win in our book. To track your investment progress alongside your daily spending habits, consider pairing your chosen platform with a budgeting app like Monefy to ensure you're consistently setting aside money for your investing goals.

Questions? Answers.

Common questions about investment platforms and getting started

What's the minimum amount I need to start investing?

Most modern investment platforms have eliminated minimum requirements. Apps like Acorns let you start with spare change, while Robinhood and SoFi allow you to begin with as little as $1. Traditional brokers like Fidelity and Charles Schwab also offer $0 minimums for most accounts. The key is to start with an amount you're comfortable with—even $25 can get you going.

Are commission-free trades really free?

Yes, major brokers like Charles Schwab, Fidelity, E*TRADE, and Robinhood offer genuine $0 commissions on stock and ETF trades. However, they make money through other means like payment for order flow, interest on cash balances, and premium services. Always read the fine print for options trading, international stocks, or specialty investments which may still carry fees.

Should I use a robo-advisor or manage investments myself?

Robo-advisors like Betterment and Wealthfront are perfect for hands-off investors who want professional portfolio management at low costs (typically 0.25-0.50% annually). Choose self-directed investing if you enjoy research, want complete control, or prefer to avoid management fees. Many investors start with robo-advisors to learn, then gradually take more control as they gain experience.

How safe is my money on investment platforms?

Reputable investment platforms are SIPC insured, protecting your securities up to $500,000 if the broker fails. Your cash is also FDIC insured at most major brokers. However, SIPC doesn't protect against investment losses—only broker bankruptcy. Always verify SIPC membership and check the platform's regulatory compliance before investing.

What's the difference between ETFs and mutual funds for beginners?

ETFs trade like stocks throughout the day and typically have lower expense ratios, making them ideal for commission-free platforms. Mutual funds are priced once daily after market close and may have higher fees but offer automatic investing options. For beginners, ETFs are usually the better choice due to lower costs and greater flexibility, especially when buying fractional shares.