Best Investing Apps for Beginner ETF Investors
Last updated: March 2026
Mobile investing apps have removed virtually every barrier to getting started with ETF investing. Where previous generations needed to call a broker, mail paper forms, and pay significant commissions, today you can open an account, fund it, and buy your first ETF in under fifteen minutes from your phone. This accessibility is one of the most positive developments in personal finance in decades.
However, not all investing apps are equally suitable for ETF investors. Some apps are optimized for day trading and options, which can tempt beginners away from sound long-term ETF strategies. The best apps for ETF investors provide a clean, simple experience for buying and holding index funds, include educational resources, and avoid features that encourage frequent trading.
The apps on this list were selected for their ease of use, suitability for ETF investing specifically, quality of educational content, and value for beginners. All of them offer commission-free ETF trading and have no or low account minimums, so you can start investing with whatever amount you have available.
Our Top Picks
#1Fidelity Mobile App
FreeFidelity's mobile app provides access to the full range of their ETF offerings with zero commissions, no account minimums, and fractional share trading. The app includes integrated educational content, research tools, and a clean interface for buying ETFs. Fidelity's customer service is consistently rated among the best in the industry.
#2Schwab Mobile App
FreeCharles Schwab offers a polished mobile experience with commission-free ETF trading, stock slices for fractional investing, and comprehensive research tools. The app integrates with Schwab's educational content and provides portfolio analytics. Schwab's merger with TD Ameritrade has expanded their platform capabilities significantly.
#3Vanguard Mobile App
FreeVanguard's app provides a straightforward experience focused on long-term investing. While the interface is more utilitarian than flashy competitors, this simplicity is actually a feature for buy-and-hold ETF investors. Vanguard's unique ownership structure means the company is literally owned by its fund shareholders, aligning incentives perfectly.
#4M1 Finance
FreeM1 Finance stands out with its pie-based portfolio construction that lets you set target allocations and automatically rebalances as you deposit money. This makes maintaining a diversified ETF portfolio effortless. You set your allocation once and every deposit is invested according to your targets. Perfect for automated ETF investing.
#5Betterment
PaidAs a robo-advisor, Betterment automatically builds and manages a diversified ETF portfolio based on your goals and risk tolerance. You do not need to select individual ETFs. Betterment handles rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, and asset location across account types. Ideal for investors who want ETF diversification without making individual fund decisions.
#6SoFi Invest
FreeSoFi offers commission-free ETF trading with no account minimums and a beginner-friendly interface. The app includes educational articles and videos to help new investors learn as they go. SoFi members also get access to financial planners at no additional cost, which is unique among free investing platforms.
How to Choose the Right Option
For most beginners, Fidelity or Schwab provide the best combination of zero-cost trading, educational resources, research tools, and customer support. Both are established, well-regulated brokerages that will serve you well as your portfolio grows from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you want completely automated ETF investing without making individual fund decisions, Betterment or M1 Finance remove the complexity entirely. Betterment charges a small management fee but handles everything including tax optimization, while M1 Finance is free but requires you to choose your own ETF allocations. Vanguard is an excellent choice if you plan to primarily invest in Vanguard ETFs, which are among the lowest-cost in the industry. Avoid apps that emphasize day trading features, options, or meme stocks, as these encourage behavior that is counterproductive to long-term ETF investing success.
Recommended: This beginner-friendly ETF course on Udemy covers everything from ETF fundamentals to building a recession-proof portfolio in 7 days.
Explore More Resources
Building your ETF investing knowledge requires multiple types of resources. Explore our other curated resource guides to find the tools, communities, and learning materials that fit your investing style.