ESG Investing: The Top Ethical Investing Apps

 ESG Investing: The Top Ethical Investing Apps

Explore easy-to-use ESG investing apps that align your money with your values in 2025.

A few years ago, I found myself struggling with a major financial decision. I had saved up a modest amount of money to start investing seriously, but I didn’t want to put it into companies that contributed to pollution or exploited workers. I kept asking myself, “Can I grow my money without compromising my values?” That’s when I discovered ESG investing.

Today, ESG investing isn’t just for tree-huggers or activists—it’s for anyone who wants to build wealth and make a difference. With the help of modern investing apps, it’s easier than ever to align your money with your values. These apps are changing the game by offering portfolios that focus on companies committed to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical governance.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned investor, there’s an ESG app that can fit your goals. Let’s dive into what ESG investing really means and which apps are leading the way in 2025.

What is ESG Investing and Why Does It Matter?

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. These three pillars are used to evaluate how responsibly a company operates.

Environmental: Does the company minimize its carbon footprint? Use clean energy? Reduce waste?

Social: Does it support diversity? Treat workers fairly? Give back to the community?

Governance: Are its leaders transparent? Does it follow ethical business practices?

I once invested in a company that seemed great on paper—high returns, global reach—but a few months later, a report came out exposing poor labor practices. It was a wake-up call. Now, I do more homework. ESG investing helps avoid such surprises by screening out companies that might carry hidden long-term risks.

Why ESG Apps Are the Future of Investing

In 2025, the best ESG investing apps do much more than just let you buy stocks. They:

Curate ESG-rated portfolios automatically

Let you customize your values (e.g., clean energy, women-led companies)

Provide transparency reports on your portfolio’s impact

Offer auto-investing and goal tracking

Instead of spending hours researching individual stocks, these apps help you make ethical choices with just a few taps. They're perfect for busy professionals, beginners, and even young adults starting with small amounts.

Best Ethical Investing Apps You Should Try in 2025

Let’s explore the top ESG investing apps making it easier for everyone to grow wealth while doing good.

Betterment – Invest With Purpose Automatically

Betterment is a pioneer in the robo-advisor space, and their Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) portfolios are some of the most well-rounded. You can choose from core ESG, climate impact, and even social equity-focused portfolios.

I personally used Betterment for over a year, and I loved how hands-off the experience was. After setting my risk level and selecting the “Climate Impact” portfolio, Betterment handled everything—from automatic rebalancing to tax-loss harvesting.

Key Features:

Hands-free ESG investing

Custom risk-level options

Excellent for long-term investors

Transparent fee structure (0.25% annually)

Aspiration – Ethical Banking Meets Ethical Investing

Aspiration goes beyond investing. It’s a full-fledged financial platform that offers sustainable banking, charitable giving, and climate-focused investments.

What caught my eye was their promise: “Leave your money in the hands of a fossil fuel-free future.” Their “Redwood Fund” includes companies leading the way in clean energy, green transportation, and sustainable agriculture.

Key Features:

Fossil fuel-free investments

Cashback for spending at eco-friendly businesses

Tree-planting with every purchase (debit card)

Option to pay what you feel is fair

For anyone passionate about both personal finance and the planet, Aspiration is a top contender.

Earthfolio – 100% ESG Focused Since Day One

Earthfolio was one of the first platforms to go all-in on ESG. They’ve been around since 2000, and they only offer portfolios that pass strict ESG screening.

If you’re someone who values simplicity and passive investing, Earthfolio offers pre-built, balanced ESG portfolios without the noise. It’s ideal for people who want to set it, forget it, and still feel good about it.

Key Features:

All portfolios are 100% ESG

No fossil fuel, tobacco, or weapon investments

Flat annual fee of 0.50%

Portfolio minimum starts at $25,000 (best for committed investors)

Ellevest – Investing with Women in Mind

Ellevest is specifically built to help women grow wealth, but its ESG investing options are for everyone. Their impact portfolios focus on supporting companies that promote gender diversity, sustainability, and inclusive leadership.

I recommended Ellevest to my sister, who was just starting out. She found the platform welcoming and easy to understand. The app even offers free resources on financial planning and career growth.

Key Features:

Impact portfolios centered on women and diversity

Tools for budgeting and saving

Free courses and coaching options

Transparent tiered membership fees

OpenInvest – Total Portfolio Customization

OpenInvest is for people who want more control. Instead of just selecting an ESG fund, you can choose specific causes you care about—climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and more.

Once I tried OpenInvest, I was impressed by their real-time impact tracker. It told me exactly how my investments were performing not just financially, but also socially. That was a game changer.

Key Features:

Tailored portfolios based on your values

Real-time social impact reports

Easy integration with traditional brokerage accounts

Backed by J.P. Morgan for reliability

Wealthsimple – Clean & Clear ESG Investing

Wealthsimple, originally from Canada, has a growing international user base. Their ESG portfolios focus on clean energy, low carbon emissions, and social equality.

The interface is clean and beginner-friendly. When I tested it for a month, I appreciated how easy it was to deposit money, set goals, and track performance. For anyone overwhelmed by the complexity of investing, Wealthsimple offers a smooth entry point.

Key Features:

Curated ESG ETFs

Easy auto-investing

Fractional shares to invest with small amounts

Educational content and financial tools

SoFi Invest – Affordable ESG Portfolios for Beginners

SoFi offers commission-free investing and includes ESG options within their automated investment services. It’s perfect for people starting with small budgets and big dreams.

Even with limited cash, you can access a clean portfolio and begin your ethical investment journey. SoFi also gives access to financial planners and live support, which is rare at their price point.

Key Features:

No management fees for robo portfolios

ESG-focused ETFs available

Access to human financial advisors

Bonus perks like career coaching and loans

How to Know If ESG Investing Is Right for You

Ask yourself these questions:

Do I care where my money goes?

Am I okay with potentially sacrificing some returns for ethical reasons?

Do I want to support businesses that are part of the solution?

If your answer is "yes" to even one of these, then ESG investing can be a powerful tool in your financial and personal growth journey.

ESG Isn’t Just About Doing Good—It’s Smart Investing

Over the last five years, ESG funds have shown competitive or even better performance compared to traditional funds. Why? Because companies that think long-term about people and the planet are also better at managing risk.

They’re less likely to face scandals, fines, or reputational damage. That means your investments may be safer in the long run.

Real-World Example: My Journey from Profit-Only to Purpose-Driven

Before I discovered ESG, I chased high-growth tech stocks. I made money, yes—but I never felt proud of my portfolio. Once I switched to ESG portfolios using Betterment and Aspiration, I saw steady growth and I slept better at night.

It’s not just about making money anymore—it’s about making meaningful money.

FAQs

Q: What does ESG stand for in investing?

A: ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It’s a framework for choosing companies that operate responsibly across these areas.

Q: Are ESG investing apps safe?

A: Yes. Most top ESG apps are regulated, secure, and insured. They use encryption and follow strict financial regulations.

Q: Can I still earn good returns with ESG investing?

A: Absolutely. Many ESG portfolios perform as well or even better than traditional investments over time.

Q: What’s the minimum I need to start ESG investing?

A: Some apps let you start with just $5 or $10, especially those that offer fractional shares.

Q: Is ESG investing only for young people?

A: Not at all. ESG investing is ideal for anyone who wants to align their money with their values—regardless of age or income level.