5 Best Investing Apps of 2026

Searching for the best stock trading app? Choose from the best investment apps for stock trading online and start buying and trading stocks, ETFs, Options and more.

Last Updated: April 02, 2026
Our #1 Choice

Get Up to $1,000 in Stock when you Open & Fund a New Active Invest Account*🏆

  • Get a 1% Match When you Transfer your Retirement Investments to SoFi IRA
  • 1% Match on recurring deposits, paid in rewards points with a SoFi Plus membership
  • Buy & sell stocks with no commissions*
  • Buy fractional shares starting at $5*

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BACK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

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SoFi Official Site
#2

Get 3.3%* APY on Your Cash

  • Start investing with no minimums

  • $0 commission* for U.S. listed stocks and ETF trades

  • Earn rebates on options trades

  • Get 5.4% or more on bonds

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Public Official Site
#3

The Plynk® App Helps you Confidently Grow into the Investor you Want to Be

  • Trade over 5,000 stocks and nearly 2,000 ETFs with no fees or commissions.*

  • Traditional and Roth IRAs for an all-in-one investing app.

  • A simulated trading environment where you can learn the basics without risking real money.**

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Plynk Official Site
#4

Earn up to 3% on Eligible Account Transfers to a Taxable Robinhood Account through March 25th.*

  • $0 commission on stocks and ETFs (other fees may apply)

  • Easily transfer accounts, including deposits, brokerage, and 401Ks

  • Some of the lowest margin rates on average than competitors

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Robinhood Official Site
#5
Claim Your $20 Bonus Investment*
  • Easily set up Recurring Investments starting at $5
  • Auto-invest your spare change with every purchase
  • Get potential tax advantages
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Acorns Official Site
#6

Invest in over 11,000 Stocks and ETFs – Commission-Free*

  • Transfer stocks and ETF balances to Kraken

  • Get access to the Fully Paid Securities Lending (FPSL) program

  • Trade beyond big-name US stocks and ETFs across NYSE, NASDAQ, AMEX, and more.

 

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Kraken Official Site
Our Top Choice
Our #1 Choice

Get Up to $1,000 in Stock when you Open & Fund a New Active Invest Account*🏆

  • Get a 1% Match When you Transfer your Retirement Investments to SoFi IRA
  • 1% Match on recurring deposits, paid in rewards points with a SoFi Plus membership
  • Buy & sell stocks with no commissions*
  • Buy fractional shares starting at $5*

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BACK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

START INVESTING
SoFi Official Site
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About SoFi Invest

SoFi is a U.S.-based financial services company founded in 2011 and publicly traded on Nasdaq under the ticker SOFI. It’s regulated by the SEC and a member of FINRA and SIPC, meaning eligible accounts are protected up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash). The company serves millions of members across banking, investing, and lending, and emphasizes transparency with commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs. SoFi is also known for its easy-to-use mobile app, access to licensed financial planners, and its backing by established financial partners, which adds credibility and trust for long-term investors.

HIGHLIGHTS
Account Minimum
$0 to open, $2,000 for margin accounts
Trading Fees / Commissions
$0 on stocks, ETFs, fractional shares, $0 on options (with $5 assignment fee), mutual funds up to $20 per trade, margin interest ~11% APY, some transfer and inactivity fees
Platform Fees
No annual or monthly fees, minor paper statement/confirmation fees
Available Assets
Stocks, ETFs, fractional shares, options, IPOs, mutual funds, interval funds, select alternatives
Account Types
Individual, joint, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, Rollover IRA, margin
Research & Tools
Real-time quotes, charting tools, market news, basic screeners, analyst data (Morningstar/TipRanks), financial advisor access, robo-advisor available as separate product
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Start investing in stocks and ETFs today
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About Public

Public is a modern investing platform built to give everyday investors simple access to multiple asset classes in one place. The company is regulated by the SEC, a member of FINRA and SIPC, and eligible accounts are protected up to $500,000 (including $250,000 in cash). Public sets itself apart by eliminating payment-for-order-flow and focusing on transparent pricing, aligning its interests with its members. With real-time data, AI-driven insights, and a community of investors to learn from, Public combines trustworthy financial infrastructure with engaging tools to help people invest with confidence.

HIGHLIGHTS
Account Minimum
$0 (no minimum to open an account)
Trading Fees / Commissions
$0 commission on U.S. stocks & ETFs, $0 per contract on options (with $0.06–$0.18 rebates), $2.99 for extended hours/OTC trades
Platform Fees
Premium plan $10/month or $96/year (waived over $50k), investment plan fees $0.49–$1.99 (waived for Premium), no deposit/withdrawal fee
Available Assets
U.S. stocks, ETFs, options, bonds/Treasuries, alternative assets/collectibles
Account Types
Individual taxable brokerage, IRAs (Traditional, Roth), margin accounts
Research & Tools
Real-time quotes, charts, news, AI insights (“Key Moments”), Income Hub, social/community features, advanced data with Premium
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All-in-one investing platform — open and fund your account in 5 minutes or less.
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Plynk

 

About Plynk

Plynk is a U.S.-based investing app built for beginners, with commission-free trading on stocks, funds, and other assets starting with as little as $1. Brokerage services are provided by Digital Brokerage Services LLC, which is registered with the SEC and is a member of FINRA and SIPC. Plynk also offers educational tools and recurring investing features to help users start simply and build confidence over time.

HIGHLIGHTS
Account Minimum
$0 to open; invest with as little as $1
Platform Fees
No account minimums, subscription, or maintenance fees
Available Assets
Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and more
Account Types
Individual taxable brokerage accounts and IRAs
Research & Tools
In-app education (Plynk Think), simulated trading, recurring investments (Steady Start), and goal-based investing tools
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Trade over 5,000 stocks and nearly 2,000 ETFs with no fees or commissions.*
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About Robinhood

Robinhood is a U.S.-based brokerage founded in 2013 and publicly traded on Nasdaq under the ticker HOOD. It’s regulated by the SEC and a member of FINRA and SIPC, which means eligible accounts are protected up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash). The company provides cash sweep programs with FDIC insurance through partner banks and offers Robinhood Gold, a subscription for premium research, higher yield on uninvested cash, and margin investing. With millions of users and oversight as a public company, Robinhood combines accessibility with established protections for everyday investors.

HIGHLIGHTS
Account Minimum
$0 to open and maintain investing account; no inactivity or maintenance fees for basic accounts
Trading Fees / Commissions
Commission-free trading for U.S. stocks, ETFs, and options; but regulatory and exchange fees (e.g. FINRA trading activity fee, SEC “passthrough” fees, options regulatory & exchange fees) are passed through
Platform Fees
No annual or monthly maintenance fee; Robinhood Gold subscription is $5/month (or $50/yr) for premium features
Available Assets
U.S. stocks, ETFs, options, ADRs, futures (if eligible)
Account Types
Cash accounts, margin accounts (with eligibility), IRAs, joint accounts (for some account types)
Research & Tools
Basic charting, real-time quotes, access to professional research (Morningstar) via Gold, “Cash sweep” program for uninvested cash (4% APY for Gold)
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Commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and options. Claim your first stock, free.
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About Acorns

Acorns is a U.S.-based micro-investing platform founded in 2012 that focuses on automated, long-term investing. The company is regulated by the SEC, and Acorns Securities is a member of FINRA and SIPC, which protects eligible accounts up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash). Acorns allows users to invest through recurring contributions and its Round-Ups® feature, which invests spare change from everyday purchases. Portfolios are built using diversified ETFs tailored to individual risk levels. Through its subscription tiers, Acorns also offers retirement accounts, banking features, and educational tools designed to help users build consistent investing habits over time.

HIGHLIGHTS
Account Minimum
$0 to open; investments begin once your balance reaches $5
Trading Fees / Commissions
No trading commissions; portfolios are automatically managed using diversified ETFs
Platform Fees
Subscription plans starting at $3/month, with higher tiers offering additional features like IRA matching, banking, and family accounts
Available Assets
Diversified ETF portfolios (stocks and bonds) selected based on risk tolerance
Account Types
Individual taxable accounts, IRAs (Roth, Traditional, SEP), custodial accounts, and checking accounts
Research & Tools
Automated recurring investments, Round-Ups®, portfolio rebalancing, educational content, and rewards program
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Claim your $20 bonus and start investing in minutes. Turn spare change into savings and grow your future.
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About Kraken

 Kraken is a U.S.-based exchange founded in 2011 and operated by Payward, Inc., making it one of the oldest and most established platforms in the digital asset industry. The exchange holds licenses across multiple jurisdictions — including the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU under MiCA — and was the first digital asset company to receive a Special Purpose Depository Institution (SPDI) banking charter, issued by the state of Wyoming. Kraken supports trading in 500+ digital assets and, for eligible U.S. clients, commission-free access to over 11,000 stocks and ETFs directly within the app. The platform offers a tiered experience — a streamlined interface for everyday investors and Kraken Pro for active traders seeking advanced order types, deeper tools, and lower fees. Backed by industry-leading security, regular third-party Proof of Reserves audits, and a track record spanning multiple market cycles, Kraken is a trusted choice for both retail investors and institutions looking for a secure, full-featured trading platform.

HIGHLIGHTS
Account Minimum
$0 — no minimum to open or maintain an account
Trading Fees / Commissions
$0 on stocks & ETFs; spot trading from 0.25% maker / 0.40% taker on Kraken Pro (volume discounts available); ~1% on instant buys
Platform Fees
Free to use; optional Kraken+ membership at $4.99/month for zero trading fees on up to $20,000 in monthly volume
Available Assets
11,000+ U.S. stocks & ETFs (eligible U.S. clients); futures and margin trading available in supported regions; and others
Account Types
Individual, joint, and institutional accounts; standard Kraken, Kraken Pro, and Kraken Desktop platforms
Research & Tools
Advanced charting and order types on Kraken Pro; Kraken Learn educational hub; price alerts; staking/rewards on 40+ assets; API trading; Kraken Desktop with proprietary technical analysis tools
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Invest in over 11,000 Stocks and ETFs – Commission-Free*
Find the Best Trading App for You

With so many stock trading apps, it’s smart to compare the best online trading choices before you dive into stock trading. The best investing apps help with buying stocks online, keep fees transparent, and make stock trading online feel approachable. Whether you’re scanning online stock trading apps or narrowing down the best app to buy stocks, start with safety, costs, and ease of use.

Investing for Beginners Made Simple

If you’re learning how to invest in stocks, look for an investment app that explains the basics clearly and offers supportive tools. Great stock apps include education, risk reminders, and practice-friendly features—ideal for investing for beginners. Shortlist the best stock apps to use by checking research access, order types, and customer support.

Trade With Features That Fit Your Goals

Power users may prefer the best apps for day trading or the best app to trade stocks long-term, while others want option stock trading done simply. The best stock app balances low costs with helpful insights so your app to buy stocks is fast, clear, and reliable. Compare alerts, charts, and order controls across stock apps to match your strategy.

SoFi's Disclaimers:


1. Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply. Please view our fee disclosure to view a full listing of fees. 1% ACAT Match Offer: Valid 02/17/17/26-03/31/26. Max match $1M. Applies to new/existing SoFi self-directed IRAs. Full terms: http://sofi.com/acatiraterms.
2. Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be suitable for all investors and involves unique risks, including the risk of loss. An investor should consider their individual circumstances and any investment information, such as a prospectus, prior to investing. Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA(www.finra.org) /SIPC(www.sipc.org).
3. There are limitations with fractional shares to consider before investing. During market hours fractional share orders are transmitted immediately in the order received. There may be system delays from receipt of your order until execution and market conditions may adversely impact execution prices. Outside of market hours orders are received on a not held basis and will be aggregated for each security then executed in the morning trade window of the next business day at market open. Share will be delivered at an average price received for executing the securities through a single batched order. Fractional shares may not be transferred to another firm. Fractional shares will be sold when a transfer or closure request is initiated. Please consider that selling securities is a taxable event.
4. Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire investment Before trading options please review the Characteristics and Risks Standardized Options  https://www.theocc.com/getmedia/a151a9ae-d784-4a15-bdeb-23a029f50b70/riskstoc.pdf
5. Utilizing a margin loan is generally considered more appropriate for experienced investors as there are additional costs and risks associated. It is possible to lose more than your initial investment when using margin. Please see https://www.sofi.com/wealth/assets/documents/brokerage-margin-disclosure-statement.pdf for detailed disclosure information
6. SoFi Plus members can schedule an unlimited number of appointments with a financial planner during periods in which the SoFi Plus member meets the eligibility criteria set forth in section 10(a) of the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions. SoFi members who are not members of SoFi Plus can schedule one (1) appointment with a financial planner. The ability to schedule appointments is subject to financial planner availability. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this benefit at any time with or without notice. Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov
7. Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; if you don't make a selection in 45 days, you'll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. Probability percentage is subject to decrease.
8. Terms and conditions apply*. For 401k rollovers, existing SoFi IRA members must complete 401k rollovers via this link For SoFi members without a SoFi IRA, a SoFi IRA must first be opened, and 401k rollover must be completed utilizing Capitalize via this link. SoFi and Capitalize will charge no additional fees to process a 401(k) rollover to a SoFi IRA. SoFi is not liable for any costs incurred from the existing 401k provider for rollover. Please check with your 401k provider for any fees or costs associated with the rollover. For IRA contributions, only deposits made via ACH and cash transfer from SoFi Bank accounts are eligible for the match. Click here for the 1% Match terms and conditions.
9. Must be a SoFi Plus member at the time a recurring deposit is received into your SoFi Active or Automated investing account to qualify. Bonus calculated on net monthly recurring deposits made via ACH and paid out as Rewards Points. See Rewards Terms of Service. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this promotion at any time without notice. See terms and limitations. https://www.sofi.com/sofiplus/invest/#disclaimers

Public's Disclosures: 

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Open to the Public Investing, member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC.

*Rate as of 2/5/2025. APY is variable and subject to change

**A Bond Account is a self-directed brokerage account with Public Investing, member FINRA/SIPC. Deposits into this account are used to purchase 10 investment-grade and high-yield bonds. The 6.7% yield is the average, annualized yield to worst (YTW) across all ten bonds in the Bond Account, before fees, as of 2/5/2025. A bond’s yield is a function of its market price, which can fluctuate; therefore, a bond’s YTW is not “locked in” until the bond is purchased, and your yield at time of purchase may be different from the yield shown here. The “locked in” YTW is not guaranteed; you may receive less than the YTW of the bonds in the Bond Account if you sell any of the bonds before maturity or if the issuer defaults on the bond. Public Investing charges a markup on each bond trade. See our Fee Schedule. 

Bond Accounts are not recommendations of individual bonds or default allocations. The bonds in the Bond Account have not been selected based on your needs or risk profile. See Bond Account Disclosures to learn more.

Plynk Disclaimers:

Access to the Plynk app is free. Transactional fees may apply.

Keep in mind that investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time, and you may gain or lose money.

The Plynk® app provides access to different types of accounts and related services. Brokerage services are provided by Digital Brokerage Services LLC (DBS), member FINRA, SIPC, 499 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07310. Brokerage custody and clearing services are provided by Green Pier Fintech LLC, both members FINRA and SIPC. Crypto services are provided only by Paxos Trust Company (Paxos), regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

The Simulated Trading tool is for informational purposes only. Please note that past performance in the simulation does not indicate future results in actual trading. Investing involves risk, including risk of loss.

*Commission-free applies to U.S. equity trades and funds for Digital Brokerage Services LLC (DBS) retail clients. Expenses charged by investments, interest charges, or other expenses for transactions still apply. See brokerage fee schedule for details. 

**The Simulated Trading tool is for informational purposes only. Please note that past performance in the simulation does not indicate future results in actual trading. Investing involves risk, including risk of loss. Plynk marks are the property of FMR LLC; third-party marks are the property of their respective owners.  © 2026 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

Robinhood’s Disclosures: 

All investments involve risk and loss of princripal is possible. Trading on the Robinhood 24 Hour Market is available from Sunday 8 PM ET - Friday 8 PM ET. There ae additional, unique risks with trading outside of regular market hours you should be aware of before making an investment decision, including the risk of lower liquidity, increased volatility, greater spreads, and pricing uncertainty. Please review the Extended Hours Trading Disclosure for more information concerning these risks. Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC), is a registered broker dealer. Robinhood Securities, LLC (member SIPC), is a registered broker dealer and provides brokerage clearing services. All are subsidiaries of Robinhood Markets, Inc. (Robinhood).

Kraken's Disclaimers:

*Other fees may apply.
Securities and brokerage services offered by Kraken Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.