Great Investing Apps in 2026: Affordable Options for Beginners
4.5/ 5
Reviewed by Arif Ariyan · Senior Software Engineer · 
What Makes a Great Investing App?
A great investing app balances low cost, ease of use, and the right features. For 2026, the best apps offer commission-free trading, fractional shares, and educational resources. They also have low or no account minimums. This roundup covers apps that excel in specific areas, making investing accessible for beginners.
Best Budget-Friendly: M1 Finance
M1 Finance stands out for its low cost and flexible portfolio management. I like how it combines automated investing with the ability to customize holdings. There are no trading commissions, and you can buy fractional shares. The downside is that you must stick to a predetermined investment window. Still, it's a great option for hands-off investors on a budget.
Best for Goal Setting: Stash
Stash helps beginners invest with specific goals in mind. It offers educational content and encourages regular investing. You can start with just a few dollars, and fractional shares make it easy. The downside is a monthly fee for small accounts. But for goal-driven investing, Stash is hard to beat.
Best for Fractional Shares: Cash App
Cash App is known for its simplicity and fractional share investing. You can buy stocks and Bitcoin with tiny amounts. It's perfect for testing the waters without committing a lot of money. However, it lacks advanced tools and research. For a pure fractional share experience, Cash App delivers.
Best for Banking + Investing: SoFi
SoFi combines banking, loans, and investing in one app. I appreciate the ability to manage finances alongside investments. There are no account fees, and you can start with any amount. The investment options are limited compared to dedicated brokerages, but for convenience, SoFi shines.
Best for ETF Investors: Schwab Intelligent Portfolios
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios offers automated ETF portfolio management. It rebalances automatically and provides tax-loss harvesting on higher tiers. There's no advisory fee, but you must meet a minimum investment. It's ideal for ETF enthusiasts who want a hands-off approach.
Summary Table of Great Investing Apps
| App | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| M1 Finance | Budget-Friendly | Low cost, customizable |
| Stash | Goal Setting | Educational, fractional shares |
| Cash App | Fractional Shares | Simple, low barrier |
| SoFi | Banking + Investing | All-in-one, no fees |
| Schwab Intelligent Portfolios | ETF Investors | Automated, tax harvesting |
Tips for Using Investment Apps Wisely
- Start small with an amount you're comfortable losing.
- Use fractional shares to build diversified holdings gradually.
- Set up automatic transfers for consistent investing.
- Take advantage of educational resources.
- Monitor fees — even small charges add up over time.
These apps are reviewed for educational purposes. For detailed methodology, see our methodology page.
What works
- Low or no account minimums
- Fractional shares make investing accessible
- Commission-free trading on most apps
- Educational resources for beginners
- Variety of investment options from stocks to ETFs
What doesn't
- Some apps have limited investment choices
- Monthly fees on small accounts with certain apps
The verdict
These five apps provide affordable entry points for beginner investors in 2026. Each excels in a specific area, from budget-friendly to goal-oriented investing. While no single app is perfect, the combination of low costs and user-friendly features makes them great choices for starting an investment journey.
FAQ
- Which investing app is best for absolute beginners?
- Stash is great for beginners because it focuses on goal setting and provides educational content. However, any of the listed apps can work depending on your priorities. M1 Finance is also beginner-friendly with its automated investing.
- Can I use these apps without a lot of money?
- Yes, most of these apps allow you to start with as little as a few dollars thanks to fractional shares. Cash App and Stash have very low minimums. This makes them ideal for starting small.
- Are these apps free to use?
- All the apps offer commission-free trading. Some, like Stash, charge a monthly fee for small accounts. Others like SoFi and M1 Finance have no account fees. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios has no advisory fee but requires a minimum investment.