Level Up Your Money Game: Why Investing Is a Must for Gen Z in 2025
Okay, so you’ve probably seen all those TikToks promising overnight riches with some random crypto or stock tip. Let’s be real, those are usually more sus than a catfish profile.
But what about the real way to build wealth? The kind that lets you live your best life without constantly stressing about your bank account? That’s where investing comes in.
We get it. As Gen Z in 2025, you’re juggling student loans, rent that feels like a scam, and the ever-rising cost of…well, everything. Financial independence feels like a mythical creature. But here’s the thing: investing isn’t just for your parents or some Wall Street dude in a suit. It’s for you. It’s the key to actually making your money work for you, not the other way around.
Investing might sound intimidating, like some complicated math equation you skipped in class. But it doesn’t have to be scary. The good news is, investing doesn’t require a finance degree anymore thanks to investment apps that make it easy to get started. So, if you are ready to take control of your future, this is the right place for you.
Let’s cut the BS and dive into the best investment apps that are actually legit for young adult beginners like you. This blog post will explore the 5 best investment apps for young adults in 2025. We’re going to break it all down, so you can make smart choices and start building that future you deserve.
Now that we know why investing matters let’s dive into why an investment app is the best place for Gen Z to start building wealth.
Ditch the Bank Account Drag: Why Investment Apps are Your New BFFs in 2025
Let’s be honest, most of us aren’t walking into a fancy brokerage firm to start investing. Traditional investing often feels like it’s designed to confuse you with jargon and charge you hidden fees. That’s where investment apps come to the rescue, making the world of investing accessible.
Making Investing Accessible and Easy
Forget complicated forms and hidden fees! Investment apps have flipped the script on traditional investing. They’ve brought the stock market to your fingertips, making it easier to get started.
These apps offer low or zero commission trading which means you can invest without losing a chunk of your cash to fees. With commission-free investing, more of your money goes directly towards growing your investments, not lining someone else’s pockets. It’s like finding a buy-one-get-one deal, but for your future self.
And what if you don’t have a ton of money to start? No worries. Many investment apps offer fractional shares, which means you can buy a piece of a stock, instead of the whole thing. You can literally start with $5 and buy a piece of your favorite companies. This allows you to diversify your portfolio even with small amounts.
Education at Your Fingertips
Learning to invest can be as fun and easy as learning a new dance on TikTok, thanks to many investment apps. They provide tons of educational resources right within the app. Think articles, tutorials, and even videos explaining the basic concepts.
These resources are designed to make understanding the stock market basics less intimidating. They can also help you understand different investment options for young adults. It’s not just about investing, it’s about understanding how it all works. These apps help you grow your money and your knowledge.
Investing on the Go
Let’s face it: we live on our phones. Checking social media, texting friends, and now…managing our investments! Investment apps allow you to invest literally anywhere, anytime. While you are waiting for your latte or scrolling through Instagram, you can be managing your investments.
You can easily keep track of how your investments are doing with just a few taps. You can also rebalance your portfolio whenever you feel like it. It’s all about convenience and having control at your fingertips, making it easy to manage your money, your way, on the go. It’s literally in your pocket… while you’re scrolling through TikTok or waiting for the bus!
Okay, now that you’re convinced that investment apps are the real deal, let’s get to the good part. Which ones are actually worth your time?
Ready to Dive In? Let’s Check out the Top 5 Investing Apps in 2025
Here are five best investment apps that stand out for their user-friendliness, low fees, and commitment to helping beginners like you start investing in 2025.
App 1: Robinhood – The Commission-Free Trading Champion
Overview
Robinhood is probably one of the most well-known investment apps for young adults. It gained popularity for its sleek, easy-to-use interface and, of course, commission-free trading. It’s designed to make investing accessible to everyone, no matter their experience level.
Key Features
Robinhood’s standout features include commission-free stock trading, options trading (if you’re feeling a bit more advanced), and even limited cryptocurrency investing options. It also provides access to fractional shares, which lets you start investing with small amounts. Robinhood also offers a cash management account and a debit card for managing funds.
User Experience
The app boasts a clean and intuitive user interface. It makes it easy to navigate through the app and find the stocks or ETFs you want to invest in. It really focuses on simplifying the complexities of the market. This allows young adults to feel comfortable investing without feeling overwhelmed.
Investment Options
With Robinhood, you can invest in a wide range of publicly traded stocks, ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds), options, and even selected cryptocurrencies. The app has made it easy for young adult beginners to diversify their portfolios. It provides access to various asset classes.
Fees
Robinhood is best known for its commission-free investing, which means you don’t have to pay any commission on buying or selling stocks and options. However, there are minimal fees for premium features.
Educational Resources
The app provides access to basic educational materials, such as articles and FAQs, to help users learn about the fundamentals of investing. Though their educational resources are not as extensive as some other platforms, they are still a good place to start for new investors.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- Commission-free stock trading.
- Access to fractional shares.
- Wide range of investment options.
- Cons:
- Limited educational resources.
- Customer service is primarily online.
- Some users have reported issues with the app during high-trading volume days.
Who It’s Best For
Robinhood is ideal for young adult beginners who are looking for a simple, free investing app with a user-friendly platform. It is great for those who are comfortable with a more hands-on approach to investing. If you like the idea of selecting your own stocks and ETFs, this is your place!
Call to Action: Ready to check it out? Click here to get started with Robinhood
App 2: Acorns – The Micro-Investing Titan
Overview
Acorns is all about making investing with small amounts super easy. It’s an investment platform designed to help young adult beginners get started with micro-investing through automatic rounding up of your everyday purchases. It’s a great option if you struggle to save or invest on your own.
Key Features
Acorns lets you invest your spare change by rounding up your purchases and investing the difference. It also allows you to set recurring investments. The app has a robo-advisor that automatically manages your portfolio based on your investment goals and risk tolerance. Acorns also offers checking and retirement accounts.
User Experience
The app has a simple, colorful, and very user-friendly design, perfect for those who are completely new to investing. The setup is quick and straightforward. Acorns makes it easy to understand how your money is working for you.
Investment Options
Acorns offers a range of diversified ETFs based on your risk tolerance, as well as other investment options, making it easy to build a balanced portfolio. The app has a good range of investment options for young adults. It helps you to diversify without the complexity.
Fees
Acorns charges a monthly fee based on the account plan you choose. While it is not free investing app, the fees are relatively low, especially considering the robo-advisor services provided.
Educational Resources
Acorns provides a decent amount of educational content. They focus on the basics of investing and the importance of saving. This includes blog posts and educational videos for improving your financial literacy.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Effortless micro-investing feature with round-ups.
- Automated portfolio management with robo-advisor.
- Simple and user-friendly interface.
- Good educational resources.
- Cons:
- Monthly subscription fees.
- Limited customization for advanced investors.
- Less control over individual stock selection.
Who It’s Best For
Acorns is excellent for Beginner Young Adults who want a completely hands-off approach to investing with small amounts. It’s ideal if you are looking for a straightforward way to start building wealth without a lot of time or effort. You may also find it beneficial if you struggle with consistent saving habits.
Ready to see your spare change grow? Click here to get started with Acorns
App 3: Fidelity Go – The Robo-Advisor Star
Overview
Fidelity Go is a robo-advisor offering from Fidelity, a well-established investment company. It provides a simple, automated way to start investing. This makes it an excellent option for young adult beginners who prefer a more hands-off approach.
Key Features
Fidelity Go’s key features include automated portfolio management, with personalized portfolios based on your risk tolerance, and it also offers tax-efficient investing. The app also includes goal-setting tools for achieving your financial objectives. It automatically adjusts your portfolio according to market fluctuations.
User Experience
Fidelity Go has a clean, user-friendly interface. It is relatively easy to navigate. It simplifies the investing process and provides a clear overview of your portfolio. The app has a well-designed user experience for young adult beginners.
Investment Options
The app primarily invests in a mix of Fidelity’s low-cost ETFs, providing a diversified portfolio that is well-suited to beginners. It does offer a variety of investment options to accommodate different investment goals.
Fees
Fidelity Go charges an advisory fee for managing your portfolio, but it’s very low, especially for new users with lower balances. Fees are competitive compared to other robo-advisors.
Educational Resources
Fidelity Go has a good range of educational content available for its users. These resources can help you understand the market, investments, and financial planning basics. The educational materials come from a reputable company, Fidelity.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Automated portfolio management by a reputable company.
- Low advisory fees.
- Tax-efficient investing options.
- Strong educational resources.
- Cons:
- Less customization compared to a direct trading platform.
- Limited control over individual investment selections.
- It may not be ideal for experienced investors who prefer direct control.
Who It’s Best For
Fidelity Go is perfect for beginners who are looking for a reliable robo-advisor to automatically manage their portfolio. It is also ideal for those who want a hands-off approach to investing and prefer to invest in ETFs. It provides a good mix of automation, low cost, and education
Ready to let Fidelity Go handle your investments? Click here to get started with Fidelity Go
App 4: Webull – The Advanced Beginner Pro
Overview
Webull is an investment platform targeted at investors who want more trading tools and features while also being relatively user-friendly. It’s a great option if you’re looking to level up from basic investing.
Key Features
Webull provides access to commission-free stock trading, along with options, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. It includes advanced charting tools and real-time market data. It also provides access to margin accounts and paper trading, which is useful for advanced users.
User Experience
The app is well-designed with a modern and intuitive interface. It is still pretty accessible for young adult beginners while offering more advanced features to those who are ready for them. The user experience of Webull is generally positive.
Investment Options
Webull offers a wide range of investment options, including stocks, ETFs, options, and some popular cryptocurrencies. This allows investors to diversify their portfolios as they become more experienced.
Fees
Webull offers commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, and options. This makes it very attractive for users. However, some fees may apply for advanced features like margin accounts.
Educational Resources
Webull offers some educational resources within its platform, such as market news and analysis, which is beneficial for investors. Although they may not be as extensive as some other platforms, they are sufficient for users who are already familiar with the basics.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Commission-free trading with access to advanced tools.
- Wide variety of investment options including crypto.
- Real time market data and in depth analytics.
- Paper trading for testing strategies.
- Cons:
- Educational resources are not as comprehensive as other platforms.
- Can feel overwhelming for beginners with many features.
- Customer service is primarily online.
Who It’s Best For
Webull is best for beginners who are looking to start with stock trading while having a taste of more advanced features. It is ideal if you are ready to move beyond the basics but still prefer a mobile-first approach. It’s a good middle ground for those who want more flexibility and analysis in their investing journey.
Ready to explore Webull? Click here to get started with Webull
App 5: SoFi Invest – The All-in-One Innovator
Overview
SoFi Invest is an investment app that aims to provide a comprehensive financial platform for all your needs. It not only offers investment options but also offers banking, lending, and financial planning tools. It’s like a full financial hub in your pocket!
Key Features
SoFi Invest offers commission-free stock trading, with both active investing and robo-advisor options. It provides access to fractional shares. It also has SoFi Money for banking, SoFi Loans for borrowing, and SoFi Relay for tracking your overall financial picture.
User Experience
The app is well-designed and user-friendly. It provides a seamless experience between its various features. It’s easy to switch between investing and banking. The design is modern and very intuitive.
Investment Options
SoFi Invest provides a range of investment options including stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. It also offers access to automated investing through its robo-advisor. They provide investment options for young adult beginners, as well as advanced traders.
Fees
SoFi Invest offers commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs. The robo-advisor service comes with a small management fee, but it is competitive compared to the other platforms. They are committed to providing transparent and competitive fees to their users.
Educational Resources
SoFi Invest offers educational content through its online library and blog. It focuses on improving your financial literacy by providing access to financial planning resources and articles on saving, investing, and budgeting.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- All-in-one financial platform for banking, borrowing, and investing.
- Commission-free trading with robo-advisor options.
- Access to fractional shares.
- Comprehensive educational resources.
- Cons:
- The robo-advisor service is not the most advanced option in the market.
- Not suitable for those who need more advanced features.
- Requires consolidation of all financial services with SoFi.
Who It’s Best For
SoFi Invest is best for beginners who want an all-in-one platform that combines banking and investing. It’s ideal if you are looking for a comprehensive solution to manage your entire financial life. It is also beneficial if you want easy access to both active investing and automated robo-advising.
Ready for a total financial makeover? Click here to get started with SoFi Invest
So, you’ve now got a rundown of some amazing investment apps. But how do you pick the right one for you? Let’s find out!
Choosing the Right App in 2025: No Cap, It’s Personal
Choosing an investment app is not like choosing a filter for your next Instagram post. It’s a personal decision that should align with your financial goals and comfort level.
Assess Your Financial Goals
Before you dive into the world of investing, take a moment to think about what you want to achieve. Are you saving for that dream vacation? Or that new gaming setup? Or are you finally planning for your future retirement? “Set those goals like you’re setting your next outfit mood board.”
Knowing your goals will help you determine how much money you need to invest, and what kind of returns you’re aiming for. It will help you choose an app that is most suitable for your financial plans.
Consider Your Investment Style
Are you the type of person who loves having all the control or do you prefer a more hands off approach? There are two main approaches that different investment apps cater to. One is to choose your own stocks, ETFs, etc. and the other is to go with a robo-advisor, which manages the portfolio for you.
Robo-advisors are great if you want a fully automated portfolio, and stock trading platforms allow you to invest in the stocks you like. You also have to think about your risk tolerance: how comfortable are you with potentially losing money in the stock market? Your investment style, along with your risk tolerance, will help you choose the right investment app for your needs.
Compare Fees, Features & Educational Resources
Now, let’s get into the specifics. Take a look at the fees each app charges: are they actually commission-free? What features are most important to you? Some apps offer more advanced charting tools while some provide a lot of educational materials to improve your financial literacy.
Make sure to pick an app that meets your personal needs, and most importantly, that is simple enough for you to use. You should always research before you select any platform. Look for app reviews and user testimonials to make sure you are making the right choice.
Try a Demo Account
Many investment apps offer demo or paper trading accounts, which allow you to test the platform without investing real money. Take advantage of these to test out an app before you commit. This will help you understand how the platform functions, as well as how the market responds to investments.
Okay, you’ve picked your app, you’ve set your goals, and you’re ready to take the leap. Let’s go over the basic steps to help you get started!
Level Up Your Money Game: Simple Steps to Investing in 2025
Investing isn’t rocket science, but a few important steps can set you up for success.
Open a Brokerage Account
The first step in investing is opening a brokerage account with your chosen app. This step is really easy to do on any of the apps that we discussed earlier. Follow the prompts, provide your personal information, and you’re on your way.
Make sure to verify your identity and link your bank account to your new brokerage account. The whole process is online, safe, and very straightforward.
Set Up Your Budget
Before you start buying stocks and ETFs, take a look at your finances. It’s essential to create a budget, so you know exactly how much money you have to work with. This helps you ensure you are investing an amount that doesn’t negatively impact your regular living expenses.
Having a budget will also help you identify where you can save money and reallocate it for investing. Start by calculating your monthly income, and subtract your fixed expenses. You can then set up a budget that helps you achieve all your financial goals.
Start Small and Build Up
Don’t feel pressured to start with a large amount of money. It’s important to start investing even with small amounts. Once you understand how the market works and become more comfortable, you can increase your contributions as your income increases.
Starting small allows you to learn the ropes without putting all your eggs in one basket. As you become more experienced, you can slowly increase your investment amount.
Stay Consistent and Patient
Investing is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time to see substantial results, so you have to remain patient. Continue investing regularly. Make it a habit to invest a certain amount of your paycheck every month. You will be surprised by how much it adds up over the long run!
The key to success in investing is to stay consistent with your investments. This is how you benefit from the power of compounding, which allows your money to grow over time.
Monitor and Adjust
It’s important to keep an eye on your investments. You should monitor them regularly and adjust your portfolio as needed. Market conditions can change over time. So, make sure to review your portfolio every few months to make sure it is aligned with your goals.
If you need to rebalance your portfolio, or if you have changed your investment goals, you can always reallocate your investments. Keep yourself updated on market trends. This way you will stay informed and achieve your long-term financial goals.
And that’s a wrap, folks! You have now covered the basics, the pros, the cons, the tips, and tricks of investing using investment apps!
It’s Your Time to Shine: Start Investing Now in 2025!
Investing might have felt like a far-off dream, but now you know it’s totally within your reach, thanks to all these awesome investment apps. Remember, investing is not just about making money, it’s about building a secure future for yourself. It’s about putting yourself in a position to achieve your dreams.
We went over the 5 best investment apps for young adult beginners in 2025, from the user friendly Robinhood to the robo-advisor service in Fidelity Go, all of them are excellent to start your financial journey. We also discussed how to choose the right one for you, based on your needs.
Investing is achievable and you don’t need to be rich to get started. You can literally start with $5 and let your money do the work for you. By taking these steps today, you’re not only improving your financial situation but also developing invaluable financial habits. “Ready to stop living paycheck to paycheck? Start investing today and let’s build that financial future!”
What are you waiting for? Pick an app and start your investing journey today!
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