M1 Finance vs Wealthfront: Which Is Better for ETF Investing in 2026?
Last updated: March 2026 • M1 Finance Review • Wealthfront Review
Quick Verdict
Wealthfront edges out M1 Finance with a rating of 8.4/10 vs 8.3/10. Wealthfront is best for tax-efficient automated investing, offering commission-free ETF trading and fractional share support. That said, M1 Finance (customizable automated portfolios) may be the better fit depending on your specific needs and preferences.
M1 Finance vs Wealthfront: Side-by-Side Comparison
This comparison table highlights the key differences between M1 Finance and Wealthfront across the features that matter most to ETF investors. Both brokers offer strong platforms, but the details reveal meaningful differences that could impact your investing experience and long-term returns.
| Feature | M1 Finance | Wealthfront |
|---|---|---|
| Commission-Free ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Fractional Shares | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $500 |
| ETFs Available | 1,500+ | 90+ |
| Research Tools | Good | Good |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Our Rating | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
M1 Finance Overview
A unique hybrid platform blending robo-advisor automation with self-directed investing. Lets you build custom ETF portfolios called Pies with automatic rebalancing, fractional shares, and no management fees. With access to over 1,500 ETFs and good research tools, M1 Finance is a strong contender for ETF investors who value customizable automated portfolios. The platform supports fractional shares, allowing you to invest in any ETF starting from just $1 regardless of the share price. A minimum deposit of $100 is required to open an account.
M1 Finance Pros
- ✓No management or trading fees
- ✓Unique Pie-based portfolio building
- ✓Automatic rebalancing
- ✓Fractional shares for all ETFs
Wealthfront Overview
A technology-driven robo-advisor known for sophisticated tax optimization and financial planning tools. Builds diversified ETF portfolios automatically with features like direct indexing for larger accounts. Offering 90+ ETFs with good research capabilities, Wealthfront appeals to investors seeking tax-efficient automated investing. Fractional share support means you can diversify across multiple ETFs even with a small initial investment. You will need at least $500 to open an account.
Wealthfront Pros
- ✓Advanced tax-loss harvesting
- ✓Direct indexing for accounts over $100K
- ✓Excellent financial planning tools
- ✓Automated rebalancing
Key Differences Between M1 Finance and Wealthfront
ETF Selection and Research Tools
M1 Finance provides access to 1,500+ ETFs with good research tools, while Wealthfront offers 90+ ETFs with good research capabilities. This gives M1 Finance a meaningful advantage in fund selection, particularly if you want access to niche or sector-specific ETFs beyond the standard broad market funds. Both brokers provide good research tools, so you won't sacrifice analytical capabilities with either choice.
Fractional Shares and Minimum Investment
Both M1 Finance and Wealthfront support fractional share investing, which is excellent news for beginners who want to start small. You can invest as little as $1 in any ETF on either platform, making it easy to build a diversified portfolio regardless of how much capital you have. This eliminates the need to save up hundreds of dollars just to buy a single share of a popular ETF like VOO.
Trading Costs and Fees
Both M1 Finance and Wealthfront offer commission-free ETF trading, which has become the industry standard among major brokerages. You will not pay any fees to buy or sell ETFs on either platform. The real cost difference comes down to the ETFs themselves — their expense ratios. Both platforms provide access to the lowest-cost ETFs from Vanguard, Schwab, and iShares, so your costs will depend on which funds you choose rather than which broker you use. Neither platform charges account maintenance fees or inactivity fees, and both have $0 minimum deposit requirements.
Mobile Experience and Usability
Both M1 Finance and Wealthfront offer mobile apps for managing your ETF portfolio on the go. The quality of mobile experience varies considerably between platforms. M1 Finance (customizable automated portfolios) and Wealthfront (tax-efficient automated investing) approach design differently. If you plan to primarily manage your investments from your phone, testing both apps before committing is wise. For long-term ETF investors who only check their portfolio occasionally, the mobile experience matters less than research tools and fund selection.
Which Should You Choose: M1 Finance or Wealthfront?
The right broker depends on your specific needs, investing style, and what features matter most to you. Here is our recommendation based on different investor profiles.
Choose M1 Finance if you want:
- ✓Reliable research tools that cover the essentials
- ✓Access to 1,500+ ETFs for maximum fund selection
- ✓Fractional share investing to start with any dollar amount
- ✓A broker that excels at customizable automated portfolios
Choose Wealthfront if you want:
- ✓Solid research fundamentals without overwhelming complexity
- ✓90+ ETFs to choose from
- ✓Fractional share support for flexible investment amounts
- ✓A platform designed for tax-efficient automated investing
Our Bottom Line
Overall, we give a slight edge to Wealthfront (8.4/10 vs 8.3/10) for most ETF investors, primarily because of its strengths in overall user experience and tax-efficient automated investing. However, M1 Finance is the better pick if customizable automated portfolios is your top priority. M1 Finance also offers a wider ETF selection with 1,500+ funds. Remember that the most important decision is not which broker you choose — it is that you start investing consistently and stick with it over the long term.
Recommended: This beginner-friendly ETF course on Udemy covers everything from ETF fundamentals to building a recession-proof portfolio in 7 days.
More Broker Comparisons
Not sure M1 Finance or Wealthfront is the right fit? Explore our other head-to-head broker comparisons to find the perfect platform for your ETF investing needs.