Compare the top 10 best investment apps in 2023

By:

Prash Raval

Prash is a financial writer for Invezz covering FX, the stock market and investing. For over a decade he has traded spot FX full time while... read more.

 & 

James Knight

James is a lead editor for Invezz, where he covers topics from across the financial world, from the stock market, to cryptocurrency, to macroeconomic markets. His ... read more.

Reviewed by:

Richard Stutely

Richard is a Fact Checker for Invezz who ensures all our reviews and guides are accurate and unbiased. He is a best-selling international business author whose... read more.

Updated: Aug 9, 2023

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Retail investing apps have soared in popularity over the last couple of years. More investments are made on mobile phones than ever before and the process is easier than ever as well.

Our team of finance & trading experts have trialled the best investment platforms, rating, ranking and comparing the results in order to guide you towards finding your perfect investment app.

Best investment apps overall for 2023

What is the best investment app?

Our experts’ picks for the best investment apps available today are listed in the table below. Use the links to sign up straight away, or keep reading for more recommendations that are tailored to different investing styles.

Most Popular

1

• Save

Min. Deposit

$ 10

Best offer

User Score

10

Up to $240 bonus!

Deposit with ACA, Wire, Pay with my bank

Invest for dividends and get payout on stocks on Ex-Dividend day

Start Trading more info

Payment Methods:

Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer

Full Regulations:

CySEC, FCA

77% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

2

• Save

Min. Deposit

$ 0

Best offer

User Score

9.9

Get insights from millions of investors, creators, and analysts

Build your portfolio of stocks, ETFs, and crypto–all in one place

No minimum deposit

Start Trading more info

Payment Methods:

Bank Wire, Check, Debit Card, Wire Transfer

Full Regulations:

Cryptocurrency execution and custody services are provided by Apex Crypto LLC (NMLS ID 1828849) through a software licensing agreement between Apex Crypto LLC and Public Crypto LLC. Crypto trading on Public platforms is served by Public Crypto LLC and offered through APEX Crypto. Please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved before trading.

3

Min. Deposit

-

Best offer

User Score

9.4

Scope Markets is a regulated entity, following strictly the segregated accounts principal by offering a wide range of products together with Multi-Platform trading facilities.

Scope Markets offers one of the most comprehensive multimedia trading education libraries for traders all levels.

We commit to full transparency, excellence and continuous innovation.

Start Trading more info

Payment Methods:

Full Regulations:

Top 9 investment apps, reviewed

1. eToro. Best for beginners, copy-trading & demo-account

• Save

Visit site

2900

No. assets

$10

Minimum deposit

Stocks

Platform type

Pros & Cons

Great for beginners, simple to set up and get started Zero commission stock trading Popular ‘CopyTrader’ function lets you follow top traders Excellent customer service, with live chat support provided Over 2,000 CFDs available to trade

Comparatively high fees for withdrawals and account inactivity Does not integrate with the MetaTrader platform High spreads on some assets

Overview

We love eToro because you can trade more than 3,000 stocks, commission free. When you buy stocks on eToro, you’re buying the underlying asset, which means you can earn dividends. Or you can trade fractional shares, which means you can invest in even the most expensive stock from just $10.

As well as being a broker that offers lots of investor protection, eToro offers a very social trading experience. You can easily see what’s trending on the stock market every day, browse the latest analyst opinion about every one of those stocks, and copy other people’s trade suggestions from your desktop or the eToro app.

The fees: Stock and ETF trades are commission free. Stock CFDs are charged a 0.15% spread and overnight fees can apply. You can deposit money for free but you have to pay $5 per withdrawal, and there’s a minimum withdrawal of $30. A $10 per month activity fee is charged if you don’t log in for a year.

Visit eToro eToro Review

77% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

2. Public. Best for sharing beginner trading ideas

• Save

Visit site

...

No. assets

...

Minimum deposit

Stocks

Platform type

Pros & Cons

Commission free stock and ETF investing Share and compare your portfolio on a social trading platform Trade crypto, fractional shares, and alternative investments

You can't trade on margin or use leverage No forex, options, funds, metals, or bonds

Overview

We love Public because it’s a social platform where you can share trading tips and get ideas from other people. Public offers 9,000+ financial instruments, including cryptocurrencies and stocks from around the world.

Alongside a community of other investors all sharing their ideas, Public offers real time news and information so that you can see the full picture before you invest. And the assets don’t just include your run-of-the-mill assets; you can make alternative investments in things like handbags and comic books as well.

The fees: There are no fees for investing in stocks during regular trading hours in the US – 9.30am-4pm EST. There is a $2.99 fee for trades outside of regular hours.

Visit Review

What is an investment app?

It is an application that allows you to manage your investment portfolio on a mobile device. These apps can be downloaded to either your smartphone or tablet and are offered by most investment brokers. When using an investing app, you will usually be able to carry out the same functions as a web or desktop based platform. 

The different types of investment apps

Investment apps come in all shapes and sizes, although they generally fall into two categories; DIY or Robo-advisor. DIY investment apps give full control to the user. Robo-advisors take a different approach and use technology to invest automatically on your behalf. Here is a brief description of the most common apps and what they offer.

• DIY investing apps. These types of apps give you full control over your portfolio. They’re generally offered by online brokerages and let you invest how and when you want. DIY investment apps are the easiest way to manage your portfolio while using your expertise to make decisions. 
• Robo advisors. Robo-advisors use software and AI to make investments automatically for you based on your answers to a series of questions. After depositing money, you’ll need to complete a questionnaire to determine your goals.
• Micro investing apps. Micro investing apps allow you to save and invest your pennies. Micro investing apps are similar to robo-advisors and everything can be automated. They work by investing small amounts of money (usually rounding up your everyday spending) into low cost stocks and ETFs.
• Portfolio managers. These are apps that track your overall investment performance. You connect the app to your other investment accounts and it shows your profit and loss record all in one place. If you use multiple investment apps, then controlling it all through a portfolio manager is a good idea.

How do investment apps work?

Investment apps connect you to the financial markets via your smartphone or tablet and there are two main types: active and passive. Active apps give you complete control over how you invest your money. Passive investment apps automatically invest your money. 

1. Active

Active apps give you complete control over how you invest your money and are offered by most brokerage firms. Active investing is when you decide what to buy or sell . Using an active investment app is easy; all you need to do is download the application to your device, create an account, and deposit funds. 

When your account is funded, you’ll then be able to start investing in whatever assets are available on the platform. Active investment apps are usually an additional way to access an account with an online brokerage firm, so you’ll also be able to manage your investments using a computer too. 

2. Passive – Robo advisors and micro investing

Passive investment apps are usually called robo-advisors or micro-investing apps. They work in a similar way to active apps and require you to download an application to your mobile device. A robo advisor works by analysing your investment goals and risk then uses AI technology to invest automatically into stocks, funds, and ETFs.

Micro-investing apps also automatically invest your funds into various assets depending on your goals and risk. Although, rather than requiring a lump sum or regular deposits, the app connects to your bank account (through open banking), rounds up your everyday spending (to the nearest pound), and invests the difference, which makes it a great option if you want to invest with little money to start with.

How should I choose an investment app?

Every user will have a slightly different list of priorities when it comes to choosing an investing app, although low fees and reliability are usually high on the list. Below we’ve highlighted some of the key features to consider when choosing an investing app. 

• Fees. When it comes to investing, fees are unavoidable and something that needs to be taken into account. Some brokers charge commissions on every transaction. You’ll also pay a spread (the difference between the buy and sell price). Finding an investing app with low fees can help reduce your investment costs. 
• Reliability. These days mobile applications offer a seamless experience although some are better than others. If you’re planning to use an app to make investments then you’ll want to make sure it’s reliable. When downloading an investing app you can check out reviews on things like the Apple appstore or Google Play store. 
• Assets. The best investing apps give users access to a wide range of financial instruments. Some apps are geared towards only one of two assets, while others cover as many as they can. Things like cryptocurrency investing have risen in popularity in recent times and lots of apps now let you buy and sell coins. 
• Security. Investing apps all have different levels of security, although the best ones offer extra features to make sure your funds are secure. When choosing an app, finding one which offers 2 factor authentication is a good way to boost your security. The best apps also have fingerprint and facial recognition unlocking features. 
• Web and desktop platforms. Sometimes your mobile app may go down, or you could lose your device. If this ever happens you’ll need to make sure you have a way to access your account. A good web or desktop platform will make this easier, so finding an investment broker with good online services is helpful. 
• Operating system. The best investment apps for iOS and Android phones might be different. Check you can download the app through the App or Play Store before you sign up, and make sure all the features are available on the system you want to use.

How should I start investing?

The right approach depends on your level of experience. Beginners should look for more hands-off investment opportunities, like trusts and funds or apps that take care of the process for you. Experienced investors might want more control.

Here is a summary of what you might want to invest in according to your experience level.

What to invest in for beginners or students

Beginners should look to use the services of a robo advisor. Robo advisors are apps that make investments for you. When you sign up, you tell the platform how long you want to invest and how much risk you’re willing to take on. The app then uses that information to automate which stocks to buy and sell on your behalf.

A good example of this type of app is Nutmeg. Another option is to use a micro-investing app like Moneybox. It connects to your bank account, rounds up your spending each time you buy something, and then uses the extra to invest. So if you buy a cup of coffee for £2.50, it will round it up to £3 and use the extra 50p to invest.

The big advantage of investing like this is it gives you time to learn. The best investing apps for students all include features like this to help you get started with the basics. If you want to choose your investments instead, then funds and ETFs are often the easiest way to invest for novices, as you’ll gain exposure to lots of different stocks in one go. 

Here’s a quick recap of the best way to invest as a beginner:

• Use a robo advisor or micro investing app
• Invest in large ETFs or funds that track stock indices, such as the S&P 500
• Use dollar-cost averaging to build wealth over time

How to start investing as a college student

Students should look for low-cost investments and think about the long term, rather than trying to generate quick, short term returns. Here are some ways to put your student money to good use:

• Use a spare change app. Apps like Moneybox allow you to invest your spare change, by rounding up the value of each of your purchases. If you buy a coffee in the student canteen for £1.50, you can round that up to £2 and put the spare 50p into your investment portfolio. Over time, this can build up into a decent sized investment, without requiring much thought or too many sacrifices on your part.
• Invest in fractional shares. Fractional shares offer a way to invest in some of the biggest companies in the world, without the cost of buying a full share. There are some stocks that cost thousands just for a single share, which is out of reach for many students. Fractional shares let you invest in these stocks at a fraction of the cost, so you can own 1/10th of a share in Amazon, for example, rather than needing to find hundreds of pounds to invest.
• Find stocks that pay dividends. Dividends are a great way to boost your total capital. Dividend-paying companies pay out a dividend to shareholders a few times a year. It might only be a few pence per share, but over time that can build up and you can reinvest the money, creating a virtuous circle.
• Keep things simple. As a student who’s new to investing, it’s best to stick to simple investments, like blue-chip stocks and ETFs, rather than trying to invest in anything you find confusing. You can find ETFs (exchange traded funds) that track an entire index, like the S&P 500, and invest in one with very little effort.

What to invest in for intermediate investors

If you have invested previously and have some experience, you can take a more hands-on approach to your investments. That means picking out certain stocks to invest in and perhaps signing up to more than one investment app to gain access to lots of different investments and to shop around for the best price.

This form of investing requires more time and knowledge, but it gives you greater freedom over where your money is invested. Funds and ETFs are still good options, and you can think about finding ones that represent specific sectors; you might want to invest in a tech ETF to get broad exposure to the technology industry, for example.

Another option is to pick specific companies to invest in. The safest way is to choose established companies with a long track record of success. These tend to be the most stable and most likely to steadily increase in value over time. Look for companies that pay dividends as well, as they are a good way to add a bit extra to your investment.

Here’s a quick recap of what intermediate investors should invest in:

• Use funds and ETFs to diversify
• Buy stocks in large, stable companies
• Look for stocks that pay dividends
• Consider using a few different apps to get the best price

What to invest in for experienced investors

Experienced investors can take more risks and create a balanced portfolio independently rather than relying on ready-made ones like ETFs. Consider investing in various assets and taking a few more chances on smaller companies with potential rather than just investing in the finished article.

Mobile investment apps make it extremely easy for experienced investors to decide where to put their money. There are lots of investment apps around and some focus on just one or two markets, while others include lots. Experienced investors can use more than one investment app to invest in different areas, whether investing in stocks in other countries or different assets like cryptocurrencies.

If you’ve been investing for a long time and are well-versed in the markets, then you may want to consider investing in some riskier assets. Growth stocks, penny stocks, and crypto coins can increase in value many times over but are proportionally more risky as a result. As long as you don’t rely on these entirely, they offer huge potential to grow your wealth.

Here’s a quick recap of what to do as an experienced investor:

• Take control of your own investments
• Invest in different assets, such as stocks, cryptocurrencies, and commodities
• Balance risk and reward by investing in things with lots of potentials, like growth stocks
• Invest in assets in other countries to take advantage of emerging markets

Should I use an investment app?

Yes, it’s a good idea to use an investing app. Apps make it easy to manage your investment portfolio when not at your desktop. Most people use a smartphone or tablet these days and downloading an investing app can save a lot of time when buying and selling financial instruments. Apps also give constant access to your investments and the ability to make changes very quickly. 

Are investment apps safe?

Yes, they generally are, although it is important to remember that you can still lose money while investing. Apps from brokers or service providers regulated by the proper governing bodies are considered the safest. Users are better protected through compensation schemes which provide a safety net if an app goes out of business. 

There are apps that some people deem to be unsafe. Investment apps that could be considered unsafe are from brokers who conduct their business unsatisfactorily. For example, in 2021, when Robinhood halted sales of Gamestop shares, it came under major user backlash. 

Most investment apps belong to well known brokerage firms or Robo-advisor services that have been in operation for many years. The financial industry is heavily regulated and shady business practices are difficult to pass these days. Investment apps are, for the most part, safe.

What are the risks of using an investment app?

With any investment there is the risk of losing money. That’s why the golden rule is to never invest more than you can afford to lose; you can never predict exactly how a stock will perform and there are lots of factors outside of your control.

Apps can be particularly dangerous because they’re so easy to use. When you can invest in a company instantly, wherever you are, it encourages you to make quick decisions without taking the time to research first.

It pays to set some strict guidelines that any stock must hit before you invest in it, so that you make decisions with a clear head rather than emotionally. Use the list of quick benefits and risks below to help you decide if an investment app is for you.

What are the fees for investment apps?

Each app will have its own fee schedule, so checking before downloading and using one is worthwhile. However, you will mostly incur commission charges and spreads. Some apps will charge a commission on each transaction you make, so you may pay a fee each time you buy or sell. Spread is the difference between any instrument’s buy and sell price and will vary depending on market conditions and individual brokers.

Methodology: How did we choose the best investment apps?

Helping people make better financial decisions is at the heart of our mission at Invezz. 

We periodically test more than 69 apps to provide our users with clear, accessible guidance on the investing options available. All testing is carried out by our panel of industry experts, analysts, and active traders who sign up to each app, conduct research, and score each investment service.

Our tests are designed to find apps that offer a beginner-friendly, secure investing experience at a fair price. To supplement our practical testing and experience, we research each mobile app to gather any further relevant information. We read online customer reviews, app reviews on the Play Store and App Store, and conduct user surveys to get feedback from real people about what works, and what doesn’t.

Each app is awarded a final score based on 130+ data points across 8 ranking categories: cost, reliability, user experience, deposit & withdrawals, investing options, range of products/markets, research & analysis tools, and the availability of educational & learning resources.

We work closely with individual apps to ensure all factual information displayed here is accurate. All data is then fact-checked by an independent reviewer. You can learn more about our expert panel and how we test, rate, and review platforms in our review process.

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