Top 6 Investment Apps for Smart Investors
For professionals navigating the fast-paced world of investments, stock trading apps have become essential tools for staying connected and making informed decisions anytime, anywhere.
These apps combine advanced trading capabilities, comprehensive research tools, and seamless account management into user-friendly mobile platforms that rival their desktop counterparts.
Through extensive research and hands-on testing, we’ve identified ETRADE as the top choice for both investors and active traders. Its intuitive design, advanced portfolio and risk management features, and sophisticated trading tools make it a standout among 47 online brokers and robo-advisors analyzed. Dive into our findings to discover why ETRADE leads the pack and explore how our other top picks can meet your unique trading needs.
Best Investment Apps That Make Trading Easy
E*TRADE
E*TRADE’s been killing it since 1982, always pushing boundaries to keep customers happy. After Morgan Stanley swooped in back in 2020, they leveled up even more, throwing in some top-tier research, expert insights, and access to Morgan Stanley’s army of financial advisors.
Today, ETRADE stands tall as one of the biggest online brokers in the game. Sure, their web and desktop platforms are great, but their mobile apps? A whole different beast. Whether you’re team Apple or Android, both the ETRADE Mobile and Power E*TRADE apps bring sleek, responsive, and feature-packed vibes.
For folks just getting their feet wet, the ETRADE Mobile app is a no-brainer. It's fast, dependable, and handles all the everyday stuff—banking, cash transfers, check deposits, and even paying bills. You can even watch live Bloomberg TV on it while diving into breaking news and solid third-party research. If you’re more hardcore with your trades, the Power ETRADE app doesn’t disappoint. Packed with killer analysis tools, pro-level charting, and trading tech that feels razor-sharp, it’s a dream for anyone looking to stay on top of their game.
Wealthfront
Wealthfront’s been shaking up the investment world since 2011, thanks to tech-savvy founders Andy Rachleff and Dan Carroll. Built for the modern investor, this Palo Alto-based robo-advisor ditches the traditional bells and whistles for a clean, all-digital experience that handles money management like a pro.
Here’s how it rolls: you answer a few questions, and Wealthfront cooks up an automated portfolio tailored to your goals, timeline, and risk vibes. Think 17 asset classes, perfectly balanced for your style. Need more or less risk? No problem. You can tweak your mix of stocks and bonds to dial in exactly where you want to be.
The cherry on top? Tax-loss harvesting. This gem keeps taxable accounts from getting wrecked by unnecessary taxes. Want more control? Wealthfront lets you choose from hundreds of ETFs, from crypto and tech to ESG-friendly funds, so your portfolio screams *you*.
Their mobile app’s a smooth operator, cutting down on annoying data entry and making navigation a breeze. Sure, you’ll still need to link external accounts the old-fashioned way, but everything else feels seamless and slick, like a desktop experience squeezed into your pocket.
Fidelity
Fidelity’s been playing the long game since 1946, and they’ve nailed the whole low-fee, high-value formula. They’ve got over 200 customer centers, so whether you’re old-school or app-only, they’ve got you covered. This isn’t some niche platform—it’s built to handle everyone, from first-timers to seasoned traders.
They’ve been on a roll lately, too. Think financial advisor tools, bond analysis, and even a youth app to help teens figure out their money game. The Fidelity Investments app? That’s where all the action is. It’s clean, easy to use, and packed with everything you’d expect—trading, account overviews, research—on Apple, Android, and even Amazon devices.
Heads up, though: the classic version’s out by mid-2024, making room for the upgraded app. It’s more than a facelift—think smarter layout, multi-screen trading, better customization, and beefed-up options trading. They’ve listened to what people want and doubled down on what made them the best overall broker, whether it’s low costs, ETF access, or cash management perks.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) has been in the game since 1978, starting out as T.P. & Co., thanks to founder Thomas Peterffy. Fast forward to today, they’re Nasdaq-listed, running 2.75 million client accounts, and powered by a global team of nearly 3,000. Pretty solid resume, right?
They’re not just coasting on their history, though. IBKR’s all about pushing boundaries with tech-driven trading tools that hardcore traders swear by. But they’ve also started throwing a bone to newbies, making their platforms more user-friendly without losing that pro-level edge.
They’ve got three apps, each catering to different crowds. The IMPACT app is for ESG-focused folks who want to dive deep into how their investments align with their values. GlobalTrader keeps it simple for less experienced traders, letting them access over 90 markets, trade crypto, and work the global scene 24/7. Then there’s the IBKR Mobile app, the crown jewel for active traders, especially those who love options. It connects users to 150+ markets worldwide and packs in serious firepower.
The standout feature? That Options Wizard tool. It’s like having a personal strategist in your pocket, whipping up custom strategies based on your market take and letting you tweak everything from profit probabilities to max gains. One tap, and your trade’s done. Plus, the app mirrors the big guns on IBKR’s desktop platform, delivering market intel that won them the title of best broker for advanced traders.
Webull
Webull is the new kid on the block, hitting the U.S. scene in 2018 with a mobile-first approach that’s all about keeping things fresh and simple. They’re in 10 big markets and 15 regions, so they’re not just playing small-ball here.
For the DIY trader crowd, especially the younger, always-online types, Webull is a dream. No account minimums, zero commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options—what’s not to like? Sure, it’s not built for long-term planners, and you won’t find a buffet of account types or fancy extras, but if you’re after sleek charts, killer watchlists, and competitive margin rates, this app’s got your back.
The charts are straight-up gorgeous, and the watchlists feel like they were made by someone who actually trades. Rotate your phone or pinch the screen, and everything flows like butter. And while Webull isn’t hyped as a social trading spot, the community feed is a low-key gem where traders swap tips, strategies, and market chatter.
Acorns
Acorns came to life in 2012 thanks to a couple of forward-thinking duos, including a father-son team, Jeff and Walter Cruttenden. Their whole mission? Make investing so simple even your spare change could get in on the action. That’s where the Round-Ups feature steals the show—it flips your leftover cents from daily purchases into mini investments.
The app’s slick, whether you’re on iOS, Android, or a desktop—it’s all the same smooth ride. You can easily tweak accounts, set up auto Round-Ups, or go for the Acorns debit card to get real-time spare change investments instead of waiting for a $5 threshold. Oh, and if you’re into old-school checks, you can deposit them through the app, but forget about ATMs for that—Acorns keeps it digital.
Just one heads-up: if your account’s small, the monthly fees might feel like they’re eating more of your spare change than they’re growing.
How to Choose an Investment App
Picking the right investment app is all about figuring out what clicks for you. What kind of investor are you? If you’re chasing advanced trading strategies and need all the fancy tools, skip apps like Wealthfront and check out something heavy-duty like Interactive Brokers. On the flip side, if you’d rather kick back and let the app do the heavy lifting, Wealthfront’s your go-to.
Money stuff matters too. Fees can sneak up on you. Wealthfront’s 0.25% annual fee isn’t huge, but if you’re in it for the long haul, it stacks up. If you’re trying to keep costs to rock bottom, Webull or Interactive Brokers might feel more like home—they won’t charge you for stock trades and keep options fees chill.
Also, think about what you want to trade. Stocks, ETFs, crypto, options, futures—whatever you’re into, make sure the app’s set up to handle it without making you jump through hoops. At the end of the day, it’s all about finding something that lines up with your style and keeps your financial goals on track.