Discover the most beginner-friendly investment apps of 2025 designed for simple, affordable, and educational investing. Learn how these platforms can help you achieve your financial goals with low fees, user-friendly interfaces, and personalised strategies.

For those new to investing, choosing the right app is an essential first step. In 2025, some platforms stand out as particularly beginner-friendly due to their simplicity, affordability, and educational features. Among the best options are apps tailored for goals like retirement savings, socially responsible investing, or micro-investing. They also provide resources to help novices understand market concepts while building diversified portfolios.

SoFi Active Invest® tops the list as an intuitive platform with no account minimums, commission-free trades, and access to Certified Financial Planners. It’s ideal for users seeking low-cost investing without compromise on guidance and tools. SoFi’s $1 minimum to start investing adds further appeal for first-time users. Vanguard caters to those with a focus on retirement planning, offering SEP IRAs, 401(k) rollovers, and holistic financial tools for lasting wealth growth. Beginners eager to align investments with tax-efficiency will find Ally Invest helpful, as it provides options for tax-optimised robo-portfolios, alongside self-directed accounts for more active investors.

For a fully automated and minimal-effort approach, Betterment offers personalised portfolio management with tax-loss harvesting and flexible account features. Another highly practical tool for micro-investors is Acorns, which simplifies investing by rounding up spare change and allocating it to diversified ETFs based on user-defined risk and goals. Public Investing, a social-centric app, combines investing with interactive learning by enabling users to exchange insights, follow others’ strategies, and attend live events. It allows trading in cryptocurrency and alternative assets like NFTs, making it versatile for diverse interests.

A standout for younger users, Stockpile provides an excellent platform for kids and families. Gifting stocks through this app becomes accessible and engaging, paired with educational tools to teach children investment fundamentals.

When starting out, it’s vital to select apps that provide not only smooth usability but also strong financial education and access to diverse investment options. Features such as low or no fees, educational content, goal-setting tools, portfolio diversification, and accessibility factor heavily into this decision. Creating long-term success in investing requires thoughtful strategies, avoiding emotional reactions to market volatility, and embracing techniques like diversification and holding assets for longer durations.

With a range of options suited to different investment preferences, these apps serve as valuable gateways for first-time investors to build confidence, learn skills, and create substantial financial growth over time. Consider the essentials—such as ease of use, access to educational resources, and low costs—while keeping your goals in mind. Start your journey with a beginner-friendly investment app that aligns with your needs today, setting you on the path toward informed, strategic investment practices.