In 2025, investing has never been more accessible. Thanks to fintech innovation, individuals can build wealth from their smartphones — whether they’re beginners or seasoned investors. From commission-free trades to automated portfolios and international access, today’s top investment apps cater to every need and level of expertise.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular investing platforms of 2025, including apps for both North American and international users. We’ll cover their features, pros, cons, and what makes them stand out in a crowded market.
1. Wealthsimple (Canada)
Wealthsimple is one of Canada’s most popular and trusted investment platforms. Launched in 2014, it has grown to serve over 3 million Canadians by 2025. It offers a wide range of investing tools designed for simplicity, automation, and cost-effectiveness — from robo-advising portfolios and self-directed trading to commission-free crypto investing.
Wealthsimple’s suite includes:
- Wealthsimple Invest (for automated portfolios),
- Wealthsimple Trade (for DIY investing), and
- Wealthsimple Crypto (for digital assets).
What makes Wealthsimple stand out is its focus on beginner-friendly design, ethical investing, and low barriers to entry. Unlike traditional brokerages that may charge high commissions or require large deposits, Wealthsimple makes it easy to get started with as little as $1.
🛠️ Key Features:
- Robo-Advisory Portfolios: Wealthsimple Invest builds personalized, low-cost ETF portfolios tailored to your goals, risk tolerance, and timeline. Ideal for hands-off investors.
- No Account Minimums: You can start investing with any amount, making it accessible to students and first-time investors.
- Wealthsimple Trade: Commission-free trading for Canadian and U.S. stocks and ETFs via a clean, mobile-first interface. Learn more here: Wealthsimple Trade
- Wealthsimple Crypto: Buy and sell over 50 cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana) with no account minimums. Custodied by Coinbase Custody. Explore Crypto
- Socially Responsible Investing (SRI): Offers pre-built portfolios that focus on clean energy, low carbon emissions, and ethical business practices.
- Auto Rebalancing & Dividend Reinvestment: Automated features keep your investments aligned with your target allocations and reinvest dividends for compounding growth.
- Wealthsimple Tax: A free tax filing solution for Canadians, integrated into the Wealthsimple ecosystem. Wealthsimple Tax
- Wealthsimple Cash: A no-fee peer-to-peer payment app with a high-interest savings feature.
✅ Pros:
- Beginner-Friendly: With clear onboarding, automatic portfolio building, and educational content, it’s great for users with zero investing experience.
- Zero Trading Fees: Wealthsimple Trade allows users to buy/sell stocks and ETFs without commissions — rare in Canada.
- Modern User Interface: Clean, intuitive mobile and desktop experience.
- Tax Optimization: Wealthsimple Invest portfolios use tax-loss harvesting and smart asset placement to reduce your tax burden, especially for non-registered accounts.
- Automatic Contributions: Set up recurring deposits to stay consistent with your investing goals.
- TFSA, RRSP, and FHSA Support: Invest in tax-advantaged accounts to maximize your savings potential.
❌ Cons:
- Limited Research Tools: Unlike platforms like Questrade or Interactive Brokers, Wealthsimple Trade does not include detailed technical indicators, screeners, or in-depth analytics. You may need to use tools like Yahoo Finance or Simply Wall St for external analysis.
- No Real-Time Quotes (in Free Tier): Free users only get 15-minute delayed quotes unless they subscribe to Wealthsimple Plus.
- Not Ideal for Active Traders: No support for margin trading, options, or advanced order types like trailing stops.
🌍 International Availability:
Wealthsimple is currently only available to Canadian residents, but they’ve previously expanded into the U.S. and U.K. (though those efforts were paused). Their focus in 2025 remains on improving and expanding services in Canada, including deeper integration with banks and government-registered accounts like RRSPs and FHSA.
2. Robinhood (USA)
Overview:
Robinhood revolutionized retail investing when it launched in 2013 by offering commission-free trading — a model that reshaped the U.S. brokerage landscape. In 2025, it remains one of the most popular investment apps for casual and beginner investors who want quick, mobile-first access to stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto.
Robinhood’s mission to “democratize finance for all” has made it the go-to platform for younger investors, including those involved in the “meme stock” era. As of 2025, the app has over 25 million funded accounts, making it one of the largest retail brokerages in the United States.
🔧 Key Features:
- 📱 Commission-Free Trading: Zero-fee trades on U.S. stocks, ETFs, and options — with no account minimums.
- 📊 Fractional Shares: Buy as little as $1 of your favorite companies like Apple, Tesla, or Amazon — ideal for new investors.
- 💳 Robinhood Cash Card: A debit card linked to your brokerage account with cashback that’s automatically invested — turning spending into investing. Learn more
- 🪙 Crypto Trading: Supports major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and more. Users can now earn staking rewards on select tokens.
- 💬 24/7 Customer Support (NEW): As of 2025, Robinhood now offers around-the-clock live support, a major improvement from past years.
- 🧠 Educational Resources: Robinhood Learn and in-app explainers help beginners grasp investing basics quickly.
- 📈 IPO Access: Allows users to invest in select IPOs before they hit the public market — a feature rarely available to everyday investors.
- 💸 Dividend Reinvestment (DRIP): Automatically reinvest dividends from eligible stocks.
- 🔐 Enhanced Security: Two-factor authentication, device verification, and SIPC insurance coverage up to $500,000 for securities.
✅ Pros:
- Zero Commissions: No-fee trading makes it cost-effective for small accounts and high-frequency traders.
- Extremely User-Friendly: Designed to feel like a social app — fast, clean, and minimalistic — perfect for first-time users.
- Fractional Shares & Crypto in One App: Lets users diversify with minimal capital.
- Cash Card Integration: Unique feature that lets everyday spending contribute to long-term investing.
- Instant Deposits: Users can access up to $1,000 of their deposited funds immediately for trading (more with Robinhood Gold).
❌ Cons:
- Limited Advanced Tools: No Level II quotes, full screeners, or professional-grade charting tools. Power users may outgrow the platform.
- Order Flow Controversy: Robinhood has faced criticism and regulatory scrutiny over its payment for order flow (PFOF) model — where it earns revenue by routing trades to third-party market makers.
- Past Outages & Trust Issues: In 2020 and 2021, Robinhood suffered platform outages during market volatility and restricted trading on stocks like GameStop (GME), leading to lawsuits and user backlash. While much improved, trust is still a concern for some investors.
🌎 International Availability:
As of 2025, Robinhood is still U.S.-only, although it has hinted at future international expansion. Investors outside the U.S. will need to use alternatives like eToro or Interactive Brokers.
3. eToro (International)
Overview:
eToro is a globally available investment platform known for social trading — allowing users to copy portfolios of professional investors. It’s available in 100+ countries.
Key Features:
- CopyTrader for mimicking pro investors
- Access to stocks, ETFs, crypto, and commodities
- Social feed and community learning
- Regulated in multiple jurisdictions
✅ Pros:
- Internationally accessible
- Low minimum investment
- Combines learning with real trading
- Diverse asset options
❌ Cons:
- Spreads can be high compared to other brokers
- Limited customer support in some regions
4. Fidelity (USA)
Overview:
Fidelity is a traditional brokerage giant that’s transitioned into one of the best free trading apps in the U.S., with top-tier research and retirement planning tools.
Key Features:
- $0 commission trading for stocks, ETFs, and options
- Robust retirement and HSA tools
- Advanced market research
- Mutual funds and fractional shares
✅ Pros:
- Trusted brand with over 75 years in finance
- Excellent for long-term investors
- Great customer service
❌ Cons:
- Interface can feel complex for new investors
- No crypto trading (as of 2025)
5. Interactive Brokers (International)
Overview:
Ideal for serious investors and institutions, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) supports 150+ markets worldwide, offering advanced tools and global access.
Key Features:
- Low fees and tight spreads
- Global multi-currency support
- Advanced analytics and risk tools
- IBKR Lite for casual investors
✅ Pros:
- Great for international traders
- Currency conversions and global ETFs
- Extremely low margin rates
❌ Cons:
- Complex platform with a steep learning curve
- Interface not ideal for mobile-only users
6. Acorns (USA)
Overview:
Acorns is a micro-investing app that rounds up everyday purchases and invests the spare change. Perfect for passive saving and beginner investors.
Key Features:
- Automatic round-ups from linked debit/credit cards
- Pre-built ETF portfolios
- Retirement and family investing plans
- Financial education content
✅ Pros:
- Set-it-and-forget-it style investing
- Great for college students or budgeting beginners
- Helps build long-term habits
❌ Cons:
- Monthly fee can eat into small accounts
- Limited customization of investments
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🔹 What is the best investment app for beginners?
- Wealthsimple (Canada) and Robinhood (USA) are the most user-friendly for beginners. Acorns is also ideal for passive investors.
🔹 Can I invest internationally using these apps?
- Yes. eToro and Interactive Brokers offer global access and support accounts in many countries outside North America.
🔹 Which app is best for long-term retirement investing?
- Fidelity and Wealthsimple Invest are excellent for long-term portfolio growth, with IRAs, RRSPs, and TFSA options.
🔹 Are these apps safe?
- All listed apps are regulated in their operating countries. They use bank-level encryption and are backed by insurance or guarantee programs (e.g., SIPC in the US, CIPF in Canada).
🔹 Which app lets me trade crypto and stocks?
- Robinhood, eToro, and Wealthsimple offer both crypto and traditional stock investing on the same platform.
🔗 References and Resources
https://www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca
https://www.interactivebrokers.ca/en
🧠 Final Thoughts
Investing is no longer restricted to Wall Street or finance majors. Whether you’re casually saving spare change with Acorns or actively building a global portfolio with Interactive Brokers, there’s an investment app for every lifestyle in 2025.
Before you jump in, remember to review your goals, understand the platform’s fee structure, and — most importantly — invest only what you can afford to risk.
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