Best Investing Apps

Investing in 2026 can be easier than you think. Download an app and get started in less than 5 minutes.
Last Updated: September 09, 2026
Our #1 Choice

🏆 The Plynk® app helps you confidently grow into the investor you want to be

  • Trade over 5,000 stocks and nearly 3,400 funds with no fees or commissions.*
  • Earn 3.33% APY on your uninvested cash.
  • Mange your brokerage, traditional and Roth IRAs all in one place
  • A simulated trading environment where you can learn the basics without risking real money.**
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Plynk Official Site
#2

Earn 3.3% APY on Your Cash*

  • Trade Stock & ETF options with no commissions or per-contract fees
  • Earn 5.71% APY through a bond account*
  • Build a custom index tailored to your intent with Public’s AI
  • Build AI agents that monitor the market and manage your cash
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Public Official Site
#3

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

  • Unlimited 1% match on eligible deposits into non-retirement SoFi Invest® accounts with a SoFi Plus membership
  • Limited time offer: 1% match on ACAT*
  • Buy fractional shares starting at $5*
  • Access to alternative investments, including private market funds

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

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SoFi Official Site
#4

Banking, Investing & Advice All In One App

  • Start investing with $1
  • Retirement Account options (Roth + Traditional IRA)
  • Set up automatic investing with any amount you choose
  • Invest as you spend with the Stock-Back® Visa Card

*Ancillary fees charged by Stash and/or its custodian are not included in the subscription fee.

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Stash Official Site
Our Top Choice
Our #1 Choice

🏆 The Plynk® app helps you confidently grow into the investor you want to be

  • Trade over 5,000 stocks and nearly 3,400 funds with no fees or commissions.*
  • Earn 3.33% APY on your uninvested cash.
  • Mange your brokerage, traditional and Roth IRAs all in one place
  • A simulated trading environment where you can learn the basics without risking real money.**
START INVESTING
Plynk Official Site
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.

Find the Right Features for 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.

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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
No account minimum
Platform Fees
Free to access and no commissions.* Trade stocks, funds, and crypto with as little as $1.
Available Assets
Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Fractional Shares, and more
Account Types
Individual Brokerage, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA.
Research & Tools
AI-Powered News, Expert Ratings, Income Hub, Virtual Portfolios, Simulated Trading, Thematic Investing.
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Trade over 5,000 stocks and nearly 2,000 ETFs with no fees or commissions.*
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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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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

Plynk Disclaimers:

Rate as of 8/31/26. The performance data features represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance quoted.

Cash rate: Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than quoted. Your cash awaiting investments will be held in a free credit balance ("GCASH"), which is payable to you on demand by Green Pier FinTech LLC (Green Pier). Green Pier may use this free credit balance in connection with its business, subject to applicable law.

Max dividend bonus is $250 per year, payouts made monthly. Other terms apply. www.plynkinvest.com/disclosures/promotions

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. www.plynkinvest.com/disclosures/fee-schedule.

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.

Keep in mind that investing involves risk, including risk of loss. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time, and you may gain or lose money. The information provided is general in nature. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or tax advice. Plynk/DBS does not provide legal or tax advice. Laws of a specific state or laws relevant to a particular situation may affect the applicability, accuracy, or completeness of this information. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

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.

Plynk marks are the property of FMR LLC; third-party marks are the property of their respective owners.

© 2026 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

SoFi's Disclaimers:

1. *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.

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. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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.
7. 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

8. *Probability of member receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. 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. Members are only eligible for Claw promotion upon opening their first brokerage account; subsequent cash brokerage accounts are ineligible for the promo.

9. Available to SoFi Invest members from August 18 - August 31, 2026. All eligible members receive a 1% Match on cash deposits into non retirement SoFi Invest accounts; SoFi Plus members receive a 2% Match. SoFi Plus members must be subscribed at the time of deposit and keep the deposited funds in the account for five (5) years to retain the full 2% Match. Non SoFi Plus members must keep the deposited funds in the account for five (5) years to retain the full 1% match. Restrictions apply. Match may be taxable.

10. SoFi will match 1% of a customer's ACAT transfers, up to $5,000,000 into an existing or newly opened SoFi self-directed individual retirement account (IRA) or SoFi self-directed taxable account during the Offer Period of Sept 10- Sept 30, 2026. The transferred assets must be settled before the end of the Offer Period to qualify for the match and must be maintained in the account for five years. For the full terms and conditions, please visit SoFi.com/ACATterms

Public's Disclosures: 

1. 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.

2. *Rate as of 6/10/2026. APY is variable and subject to change

3. *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 5.74% yield is the average, annualized yield to worst (YTW) across all ten bonds in the Bond Account, before fees, as of 6/10/2026. 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.