How to Start Investing in Stock: App Comparison

 How to Start Investing in Stock: App Comparison

Track your portfolio in real-time and watch your money grow with trusted investing apps.

Stock investing made simple

In today’s fast-paced digital world, investing in stocks is easier than ever before. You no longer need to visit a physical brokerage office or spend hours on paperwork. Thanks to investing apps, anyone with a smartphone and internet can start building wealth from scratch. But with so many apps on the market, how do you choose the right one? Let’s explore how to start investing in stocks using top-rated apps and compare them based on ease of use, features, and long-term value.

Why investing apps are the new normal

Back in the day, investing meant calling your broker, waiting for trade confirmations, and paying hefty commissions. Today, investing apps let you buy and sell stocks with just a few taps. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced investor, mobile apps provide real-time data, stock charts, educational resources, and low or no fees.

Take Sarah, for example — a 28-year-old school teacher who wanted to grow her savings. She downloaded an investing app, started with $50 a week, and within a year, her confidence and portfolio had both grown. Like Sarah, you can also take control of your financial future from the palm of your hand.

Best beginner investing app: Robinhood

Robinhood is often the first name people hear when entering the investing world. It’s perfect for beginners who want a clean and simple interface. The app allows you to invest in stocks, ETFs, and even crypto with zero commission.

What makes Robinhood great is its user-friendly design and instant deposits. You can also buy fractional shares, which means you don’t need to buy an entire stock — great if you want a slice of Amazon or Tesla without spending hundreds of dollars.

However, Robinhood may lack advanced tools for more serious traders. It’s a good place to start but might not serve all your needs long-term.

For detailed insights: E*TRADE

If you want more data, educational content, and analysis tools, E*TRADE is a solid pick. It offers tons of research reports, news updates, and a deeper look into stock performance. The platform also has excellent retirement planning tools and professional-grade charts.

E*TRADE is slightly more complex to navigate than Robinhood, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll appreciate its depth. This app suits investors who want to make informed decisions based on real-time information and expert analysis.

Investing with zero commission: Webull

Webull is a modern investing app that offers commission-free trades like Robinhood but adds a layer of advanced features. You can analyze candlestick charts, monitor stock movements with technical indicators, and even practice trading with a built-in paper trading account.

What’s impressive is that Webull balances beginner-friendliness with pro-level features. Many young investors enjoy using it as they grow more serious about their investing goals.

One downside? It doesn’t offer mutual funds or fractional shares yet, so you’ll need to plan your purchases carefully.

Hands-off investing: Acorns

If you find the stock market overwhelming or don’t want to manage individual stocks, Acorns could be for you. This app rounds up your daily purchases and automatically invests the spare change into diversified portfolios. It's truly “set and forget.”

For example, if you spend $3.50 on coffee, Acorns will round up to $4.00 and invest the $0.50. Over time, these small amounts can grow into something substantial. It’s ideal for people who struggle to save or want passive investment growth.

Acorns charges a small monthly fee, so it’s better for those who plan to stick with it long term.

For education and guided learning: Public

Public combines investing with social media. Not only can you buy fractional shares with no commissions, but you can also follow expert investors and see their strategies. If you’re just getting started and want to learn from others, Public creates a community-like experience.

The platform also avoids risky assets like options and crypto, helping beginners focus on steady, long-term investing. You’ll find clear, plain-English explanations that reduce the usual jargon.

For serious long-term growth: Fidelity

Fidelity is one of the most trusted names in the investing world. It’s perfect for people who want access to stocks, ETFs, retirement accounts, and mutual funds — all in one app. Fidelity also offers a wide range of zero-fee index funds and high-yield cash accounts.

Unlike some of the newer apps, Fidelity has decades of reputation and support. If you’re aiming to build wealth steadily over time — whether for retirement, college, or personal goals — Fidelity is a strong choice.

It might seem a bit complicated at first, but the support and educational content make it easier to learn with time.

Mobile investing: What to look for

Before choosing an investing app, ask yourself a few questions:

Do I want to invest actively or passively?

Am I comfortable learning with limited support?

Do I need tools for analysis, or do I prefer simplicity?

Do I want to invest in crypto, ETFs, or just stocks?

Based on your answers, you’ll know whether a simple app like Robinhood or a full-featured platform like Fidelity fits b

Better.

Safety and trustworthiness of investing apps

One common concern is whether these apps are safe. Fortunately, most popular investing platforms are regulated by the SEC and insured through SIPC. This means your investments are protected in case the broker fails (not if your stocks lose value — that’s part of the risk of investing).

Still, it’s wise to use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid investing in things you don’t fully understand.

Real example: Starting with just $100

I remember helping my cousin Ali set up his first investing app last year. He started with $100, unsure if it would even make a difference. He chose a mix of fractional shares in tech companies using an app that offered educational tips.

Six months later, his portfolio was up 12%, but more importantly, he was reading financial blogs, watching investing videos, and making smarter money choices. That first $100 was the beginning of a lifelong habit.

Conclusion: Start where you are

There’s no perfect app for everyone. The best investing app is the one that matches your goals, feels comfortable to use, and motivates you to stay consistent. Whether you're just learning or ready to build a serious portfolio, the right app can make all the difference.

So don’t wait. Pick one, start small, and let your money begin working for you. You can always switch or expand to more advanced tools later.

FAQ

1. How much money do I need to start investing in stocks?

You can start with as little as $1 using apps that allow fractional shares. Many apps no longer require minimum deposits.

2. Are investing apps safe to use?

Yes, most are regulated by government agencies and use encryption and authentication to protect your information and funds.

3. Which app is best for complete beginners?

Robinhood or Public are great for beginners because of their simple interfaces and helpful educational content.

4. Can I lose money using investing apps?

Yes. Like any investment, there is risk. Stock prices can go down as well as up. Always invest what you can afford to lose.

5. What’s the difference between active and passive investing?

Active investing involves picking individual stocks and making frequent trades. Passive investing usually means putting your money into diversified index funds and holding them long term.