Introduction
Investing in the U.S. has never been easier. In 2025, young Americans are no longer relying on Wall Street brokers or complicated systems. Instead, they’re using investment apps to buy stocks, ETFs, crypto, and even real estate—all from their smartphones.
But with so many apps available, the big question is: Which investment apps are the best for young Americans in 2025?
This blog will review the top apps, their features, pros and cons, and which type of investor they’re best for.
Why Investment Apps Are Popular in 2025
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Accessibility: Anyone with $5 can start investing.
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No commissions: Most apps charge $0 for stock and ETF trades.
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Fractional shares: You can own part of big stocks like Amazon or Tesla for as little as $1.
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Automation: Apps help beginners by auto-investing into diversified portfolios.
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Crypto & alternative assets: Easy access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more.
💡 Stat: In 2025, over 65% of Americans under 35 use an investment app, compared to only 25% a decade ago.
1. Robinhood – Best for Beginners in Stocks & Crypto
Robinhood remains one of the most popular apps for young investors in 2025.
Features:
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$0 commission trades for stocks, ETFs, and crypto.
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Fractional shares available.
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Easy-to-use design.
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Cash card with cashback rewards.
Pros:
✅ Great for beginners
✅ Access to crypto and options trading
✅ Instant deposits
Cons:
❌ Limited research tools
❌ History of outages in past years
💡 Best for: Young Americans who want a simple, low-cost way to buy stocks and crypto.
2. Acorns – Best for Passive & Automated Investing
Acorns is perfect for those who don’t want to stress about picking stocks.
Features:
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Rounds up your purchases and invests the spare change.
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Pre-built diversified portfolios.
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Retirement (IRA) and checking account options.
Pros:
✅ Beginner-friendly
✅ Automates investing
✅ Educational resources
Cons:
❌ Monthly fee ($3–$5)
❌ Limited control over investments
💡 Best for: Busy young adults who want to invest automatically without thinking.
3. Fidelity Spire – Best for Long-Term Investors
Fidelity is one of the most trusted financial institutions in the U.S., and Spire is their app tailored for young investors.
Features:
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$0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options.
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Wide selection of index funds.
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Strong retirement planning tools.
Pros:
✅ Great for long-term growth
✅ No account minimums
✅ Excellent research tools
Cons:
❌ Interface less “fun” compared to Robinhood
❌ Might feel overwhelming for complete beginners
💡 Best for: Young Americans serious about long-term retirement planning.
4. Coinbase – Best for Crypto Investors
Crypto remains a hot trend in 2025, and Coinbase is still one of the most trusted platforms.
Features:
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Buy, sell, and hold 200+ cryptocurrencies.
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Educational “earn while you learn” rewards.
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Staking options to earn passive income.
Pros:
✅ User-friendly
✅ Secure wallet options
✅ Good educational content
Cons:
❌ Higher fees compared to some competitors
❌ Limited traditional investing options
💡 Best for: Young Americans focused mainly on cryptocurrency investing.
5. Betterment – Best for Hands-Off Investors
Betterment is a robo-advisor—perfect if you want professionals (and algorithms) to manage your money.
Features:
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Automated investing into diversified portfolios.
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Tax-loss harvesting for higher returns.
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Goal-based planning (retirement, house, travel).
Pros:
✅ Fully automated
✅ Strong performance history
✅ Great for retirement saving
Cons:
❌ Annual management fee (0.25%)
❌ Less control for DIY investors
💡 Best for: Young Americans who want a stress-free, long-term investing solution.
6. Public – Best for Community & Learning
Public is like social media meets investing.
Features:
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Commission-free stock and ETF trades.
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Fractional shares available.
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Social features (follow other investors, see their trades).
Pros:
✅ Educational for beginners
✅ Transparency (no payment-for-order-flow controversy like Robinhood)
✅ Community-driven
Cons:
❌ Fewer advanced tools than Fidelity or Schwab
❌ Limited crypto selection
💡 Best for: Beginners who want to learn by following experienced investors.
7. M1 Finance – Best for Custom Portfolios
M1 Finance combines DIY investing with automation.
Features:
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Build custom “pies” of stocks and ETFs.
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Automatic rebalancing.
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Borrow against your portfolio.
Pros:
✅ Flexible & customizable
✅ No management fees
✅ Great for long-term investors
Cons:
❌ Not ideal for day traders
❌ Learning curve for beginners
💡 Best for: Young Americans who want control but also automation.
8. SoFi Invest – Best All-in-One Financial App
SoFi has grown into a financial super-app in 2025.
Features:
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Stocks, ETFs, crypto, and fractional shares.
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Free financial advisor access.
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Banking, credit cards, and loans in one app.
Pros:
✅ All-in-one platform
✅ No commissions
✅ Great rewards system
Cons:
❌ Limited advanced tools compared to Fidelity
❌ Still building trust compared to older institutions
💡 Best for: Young Americans who want everything (banking + investing) in one app.
How to Choose the Right Investment App
Ask yourself:
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Do I want hands-on (Robinhood, M1) or hands-off investing (Acorns, Betterment)?
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Do I want access to crypto (Coinbase, Robinhood, SoFi)?
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Do I prefer long-term retirement planning (Fidelity, Betterment)?
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Do I want community learning (Public)?
👉 The best app depends on your financial goals.
Tips for Young Americans Investing in 2025
✅ Start small—even $20/week adds up.
✅ Use fractional shares for expensive stocks like Apple or Tesla.
✅ Don’t chase hype stocks—focus on long-term growth.
✅ Diversify (stocks, ETFs, crypto, real estate apps).
✅ Take advantage of free financial education inside apps.
💡 Pro Tip: Automate your investments. Set it and forget it—you’ll thank yourself in 10 years.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, investment apps are the gateway to financial freedom for young Americans. You don’t need thousands of dollars or a financial advisor—just a smartphone and consistency.
✨ Best Choices by Category:
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Beginners: Robinhood, Public
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Hands-off: Acorns, Betterment
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Long-term planners: Fidelity Spire, M1 Finance
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Crypto lovers: Coinbase, SoFi
Bottom Line: Investing early is more powerful than investing big. Pick an app, start today, and let compound growth do the magic.
