Introduction
Investing is one of the best ways to grow wealth over time, but high fees can eat into your profits. Fortunately, many investment apps now offer low-cost or even commission-free investing, making it easier for beginners and seasoned investors alike to maximize their returns.
In this article, we will compare some of the best investment apps with low fees in 2025, helping you find the right platform that suits your investment style, financial goals, and budget.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Low-Fee Investment App
When selecting an investment app, here are some important factors to keep in mind:
- Trading Fees: Look for apps that offer commission-free stock and ETF trading.
- Account Fees: Some apps charge maintenance or inactivity fees.
- Investment Options: Ensure the app supports your preferred assets (stocks, ETFs, crypto, mutual funds, etc.).
- Robo-Advisors vs. DIY Investing: Choose between automated investing (robo-advisors) and self-directed trading.
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface can make investing more accessible, especially for beginners.
- Security and Regulation: Ensure the platform is regulated and uses strong security measures.
Now, let’s compare some of the best low-fee investment apps in 2025.
1. Robinhood
Best for: Commission-Free Trading
Robinhood is a popular choice for beginners looking for a simple, commission-free investing platform. It allows users to trade stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies with no trading fees.
Fees:
- $0 commission on stocks, ETFs, and options
- No account maintenance fees
- Robinhood Gold (premium) costs $5/month
Pros: ✔ No trading fees for stocks and ETFs
✔ User-friendly mobile app
✔ Fractional shares available
Cons: ✖ Limited research tools
✖ No access to mutual funds or bonds
2. Webull
Best for: Active Traders
Webull is a zero-commission investment app designed for traders who need advanced charting and research tools.
Fees:
- $0 commission on stocks, ETFs, and options
- No account maintenance fees
- Small regulatory fees on sales transactions
Pros: ✔ Advanced charting tools
✔ No account minimum
✔ Paper trading feature for practice
Cons: ✖ No mutual funds
✖ Learning curve for beginners
3. Fidelity Investments
Best for: Long-Term Investors
Fidelity is one of the most trusted brokerage firms, offering low-cost investment options with excellent customer service.
Fees:
- $0 commission on stocks and ETFs
- No account maintenance fees
- Fidelity Zero mutual funds with 0% expense ratio
Pros: ✔ No-fee index funds
✔ Strong customer support
✔ Extensive research tools
Cons: ✖ No cryptocurrency trading
✖ Some tools may be complex for beginners
4. M1 Finance
Best for: Automated Investing
M1 Finance blends robo-advisory services with self-directed investing, making it great for investors who want automation without high fees.
Fees:
- $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
- No management fees
- M1 Plus (premium) costs $10/month
Pros: ✔ Automated portfolio rebalancing
✔ Fractional shares
✔ No trading commissions
Cons: ✖ No real-time trading
✖ No mutual funds or bonds
5. Acorns
Best for: Micro-Investing
Acorns is perfect for beginners who want to invest spare change from everyday purchases.
Fees:
- $3/month for basic investing
- $5/month for premium plan
Pros: ✔ Automated investing
✔ No minimum balance required
✔ Simple and beginner-friendly
Cons: ✖ Monthly fees can add up for small investors
✖ Limited investment control
6. SoFi Invest
Best for: All-in-One Financial Management
SoFi Invest provides commission-free investing, robo-advisory services, and even financial planning tools.
Fees:
- $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
- No account fees
- Crypto trading fees vary
Pros: ✔ No commissions on stocks & ETFs
✔ Offers both self-directed and robo-advisor investing
✔ No minimum deposit
Cons: ✖ Limited investment choices compared to traditional brokerages
✖ Crypto trading fees apply
7. Charles Schwab
Best for: Research and Customer Support
Schwab offers zero-commission stock and ETF trades along with excellent customer service and research tools.
Fees:
- $0 commission on stocks and ETFs
- No account minimums
- Robo-advisor (Schwab Intelligent Portfolios) has no advisory fees
Pros: ✔ Free research tools
✔ Strong customer support
✔ Wide range of investment options
Cons: ✖ No direct crypto trading
✖ Advanced tools may be overwhelming for beginners
Conclusion
Selecting the right investment app depends on your financial goals, investing style, and preference for manual vs. automated investing. If you’re looking for:
- Commission-free trading: Robinhood, Webull, SoFi Invest
- Robo-advisory services: Betterment, M1 Finance, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios
- Long-term investing options: Fidelity, Charles Schwab
- Micro-investing: Acorns
By minimizing fees and maximizing investment potential, these apps help investors grow their wealth more efficiently. Before making any financial decision, always review the app’s fee structure, security measures, and available investment options.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always conduct your own research and consult a professional before making investment decisions.