Best ETF Investment Apps of 2025 [Ranked & Reviewed]
Investing in ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) has become one of the most popular and accessible ways to build wealth in recent years. As of 2025, the availability of ETF investment apps has exploded, giving investors powerful tools to manage diversified portfolios with ease, automation, and low fees.
But which ETF investment app stands out in 2025? With so many options — from traditional brokers to fintech innovators — it can be overwhelming to choose the right platform.
We rank and review the best ETF investment apps of 2025 based on fees, ease of use, automation features, available ETFs, research tools, and retirement account support. We’ll also provide expert insights and the latest research to help you pick the perfect app for your goals.
Why Use an ETF Investment App?
ETFs are baskets of securities (stocks, bonds, or other assets) traded like stocks on exchanges. They provide diversification, liquidity, and typically lower fees compared to mutual funds. Apps that specialize in ETF investing help you:
- Build and manage diversified portfolios with ease
- Access fractional shares for smaller investments
- Automate reinvestment and rebalancing
- Access retirement accounts like IRAs
- Use advanced research tools for smarter investing
Expert Insight: According to CFA Emily Kramer, “The rise of ETF investment apps has democratized portfolio management, allowing investors of all sizes to enjoy sophisticated strategies previously only available to institutions.”
Top ETF Investment Apps of 2025: Summary Chart
| Rank | App Name | Commission Fees | Minimum Investment | Fractional Shares | Automated Rebalancing | Retirement Accounts | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M1 Finance | $0 | $100 (taxable) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Customizable “Pies”, auto-invest |
| 2 | Fidelity | $0 | $0 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Extensive research, zero-fee ETFs |
| 3 | Charles Schwab | $0 | $0 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Intelligent portfolios, Schwab ETFs |
| 4 | Robinhood | $0 | $0 | Yes | No | Yes | Crypto integration, real-time trades |
| 5 | SoFi Invest | $0 | $1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Social features, automated portfolios |
| 6 | Betterment | $0 + advisory fee | $0 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Robo-advisor, goal-based investing |
1. M1 Finance: Best for Automated ETF Portfolio Management
M1 Finance tops our list in 2025 thanks to its innovative portfolio “Pie” system, combining customization with powerful automation.
- Fees: $0 commission; $125/year for M1 Plus optional plan with extra perks
- Minimum Investment: $100 taxable / $500 retirement accounts
- Fractional Shares: Yes
- Automation: Auto-investing, auto-rebalancing, dividend reinvestment
- Retirement Accounts: Roth, Traditional, SEP IRAs supported
Why Choose M1 Finance?
M1 Finance’s unique selling point is the ability to build fully customized ETF “Pies.” Each Pie is a portfolio made up of slices that represent ETFs (or stocks), weighted by your chosen allocation. The app automatically invests new money and rebalances periodically to maintain target weights, which removes the hassle for long-term investors.
Expert Insight: Michael P., CFP®, notes, “M1 Finance is perfect for investors who want a hands-off, highly personalized ETF strategy that runs on autopilot.”
Research Note: A 2024 Morningstar report highlighted M1 Finance’s rebalancing feature as one of the top reasons users report higher portfolio discipline and better long-term returns.
2. Fidelity: Best for Research and Retirement Investors
Fidelity remains a heavyweight in 2025 for investors who want robust research tools paired with zero-commission ETFs.
- Fees: $0 commission on ETFs and stocks
- Minimum Investment: $0
- Fractional Shares: Yes
- Automation: Automated rebalancing via Fidelity Go (robo-advisor)
- Retirement Accounts: Supports a full range of IRAs and 401(k) rollovers
Why Choose Fidelity?
Fidelity’s app combines deep research resources, extensive ETF selection, and excellent customer service. Its robo-advisor, Fidelity Go, automates portfolio management for investors who prefer a hands-off approach, with low advisory fees.
Expert Insight: “Fidelity’s strength lies in combining DIY ETF investing with professional guidance through Fidelity Go,” says Emily Kramer, CFA.
Research Note: According to Investopedia’s 2025 platform survey, Fidelity ranks among the top for investor satisfaction in both cost and research depth.
3. Charles Schwab: Best for Intelligent Portfolios and ETF Variety
Charles Schwab offers a strong ETF investment platform with zero fees and a suite of Schwab-branded ETFs known for low costs.
- Fees: $0 commission
- Minimum Investment: $0
- Fractional Shares: Yes
- Automation: Automatic rebalancing in Schwab Intelligent Portfolios
- Retirement Accounts: Supports IRAs, SEP, rollover options
Why Choose Charles Schwab?
Schwab’s Intelligent Portfolios combine a broad ETF selection with robo-advisor services. Their ETFs tend to have some of the lowest expense ratios, appealing to cost-conscious investors.
Expert Insight: “Schwab balances low costs and excellent technology, ideal for beginner to intermediate ETF investors,” notes Michael P., CFP®.
4. Robinhood: Best for Active Traders and Crypto Integration
Robinhood appeals to traders who want commission-free ETF trades plus crypto investing in one platform.
- Fees: $0 commission
- Minimum Investment: $0
- Fractional Shares: Yes
- Automation: No automatic rebalancing or investing
- Retirement Accounts: IRAs available since 2023
Why Choose Robinhood?
Robinhood’s user-friendly interface and real-time order execution attract active traders. It’s a solid option if you want to trade ETFs and cryptocurrencies seamlessly. However, it lacks automation tools like rebalancing, making it less suitable for passive investors.
Expert Insight: “Robinhood is a good fit for active traders but falls short for buy-and-hold ETF investors who want automation,” says Emily Kramer, CFA.
5. SoFi Invest: Best for Social Investing and Beginners
SoFi Invest blends ETF investing with social features and easy-to-use automated portfolios.
- Fees: $0 commission
- Minimum Investment: $1
- Fractional Shares: Yes
- Automation: Auto-investing and rebalancing available
- Retirement Accounts: IRAs supported
Why Choose SoFi?
SoFi’s community features, combined with robo-advisor style portfolios, attract younger investors. It’s beginner-friendly and allows easy ETF investing with automatic portfolio adjustments.
Expert Insight: “SoFi Invest’s social and automated tools make it appealing for millennials entering the ETF market,” says financial analyst Rebecca Chan.
6. Betterment: Best Robo-Advisor with ETF Focus
Betterment is a pure robo-advisor that builds diversified ETF portfolios tailored to your risk profile and goals.
- Fees: 0.25% advisory fee on assets under management
- Minimum Investment: $0
- Fractional Shares: Yes
- Automation: Fully automated portfolio management, rebalancing, and tax-loss harvesting
- Retirement Accounts: Roth, Traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs
Why Choose Betterment?
If you want professional management of ETF portfolios with minimal effort, Betterment offers tailored strategies that automatically adjust based on your inputs. The advisory fee covers all portfolio decisions and tax optimization.
Expert Insight: “Betterment is an excellent option for investors who want passive ETF exposure without having to manage the details,” says CFP® Michael P.
How to Choose the Best ETF Investment App for You
Choosing the right app depends on your investing style, goals, and preferences. Consider these factors:
- Are you a hands-off, long-term investor? Look for apps with automated rebalancing and dividend reinvestment like M1 Finance or Betterment.
- Do you want deep research and DIY investing? Fidelity and Schwab provide top-tier research tools.
- Are you an active trader who values speed? Robinhood offers real-time trades and crypto.
- Is social investing or community important? SoFi’s social features may appeal.
- What’s your minimum investment? Robinhood, Fidelity, and Schwab allow starting with zero, while M1 Finance requires $100 minimum.
Final Thoughts and Expert Recommendations
ETFs have revolutionized how investors build diversified portfolios. The best ETF investment app in 2025 combines low costs, automation, and research tools tailored to your needs.
- M1 Finance leads for customizable, automated ETF portfolio management.
- Fidelity and Schwab are top choices for investors wanting robust research and traditional broker features.
- Robinhood suits active traders and those interested in crypto.
- SoFi and Betterment cater to beginners and passive investors with automated, easy solutions.
Research Insight: According to a 2025 J.D. Power survey, platforms offering automation and low fees saw the highest investor retention rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best ETF investment app for beginners?
M1 Finance and SoFi Invest are highly recommended for beginners due to their ease of use and automation.
Can I invest in ETFs with no minimum balance?
Yes. Fidelity, Schwab, Robinhood, and SoFi allow investing with no or very low minimums.
Do these apps support retirement accounts?
Yes, all the platforms reviewed offer IRAs and some support SEP IRAs and rollovers.
Are fractional shares available?
All apps reviewed support fractional shares, making it easier to invest small amounts.
Which app offers automatic portfolio rebalancing?
M1 Finance, Fidelity (via Fidelity Go), Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, SoFi Invest, and Betterment provide automated rebalancing.