7 Best Micro-Investing Apps (2025) – Smile Money Picks for Small Investments

Micro-investing has changed the game for beginners. You no longer need hundreds—or even tens—of dollars to start building wealth.

With just a few bucks and the right app, you can own fractions of your favorite stocks and ETFs.

Quick Summary: Best Micro-Investing Apps of 2025

Our Smile Money Picks Methodology

We tested and compared dozens of apps based on:

• Account and trade minimums
• Monthly or trading fees
• Ease of use and mobile experience
• Features like automation, education, and fractional shares
• Community value, support, and long-term flexibility

These apps make investing feel doable, not daunting.

In-Depth Reviews of Our Smile Money Picks

1. Acorns – Best for Automated Investing

Acorns invests your spare change by rounding up everyday purchases and depositing the difference into a diversified portfolio.

Key Features:

• Automated round-up savings
• Retirement and ESG portfolio options
• Flat monthly pricing ($3–$5)

Why It Stands Out: Acorns simplifies investing by automating it—perfect for those who want to set it and forget it.

My Smile Money Take: Acorns is ideal if you’ve struggled to save or invest. You don’t have to think twice—it happens in the background.

Learn more about Acorns Invest.

2. Moomoo – Best for Active Traders with Small Budgets

Moomoo provides free trades and pro-level tools like real-time market data and AI insights, even for small investments.

Key Features:

• Fractional share investing
• Advanced charts and market data
• $0 commissions

Why It Stands Out: It’s packed with features that typically cost money on other platforms.

My Smile Money Take: If you’re curious about day trading or investing with analysis, Moomoo gives you the tools without the price tag.

Learn more about Moomoo.

3. Stash – Best for Guided Learning

Stash offers fractional shares and education-driven investing ideal for beginners.

Key Features:

• Start with just $0.01
• Personalized investing plans
• Banking and budgeting tools included

Why It Stands Out: Stash combines investing with hands-on learning and banking.

My Smile Money Take: I recommend Stash for those who want to invest and learn at the same time. It’s education meets execution.

Learn more about Stash Invest.

4. Robinhood – Best for Fee-Free Trading

Robinhood helped pioneer commission-free trading and made stock investing more accessible.

Key Features:

• $0 commissions
• Crypto, ETFs, stocks, and options
• Fractional shares starting at $1

Why It Stands Out: It’s intuitive and fast—perfect for beginners wanting full control.

My Smile Money Take: I love Robinhood for its sleek design and instant access. It’s like investing with training wheels.

Learn more about Robinhood.

5. Public – Best for Social Learning

Public adds a community layer to investing with transparent portfolios and creator-led education.

Key Features:

• Social feed with public portfolios
• Themed investing options
• Commission-free trades

Why It Stands Out: Public lets you follow other investors’ moves and learn as you go.

My Smile Money Take: If you learn better by watching others, Public makes investing feel like social media—without the noise.

Learn more about Public.

6. Cash App Investing – Best for Simplicity

This lightweight option lets you buy stocks inside the app you already use for payments.

Key Features:

• Start investing with $1
• Commission-free trades
• Seamless integration with Cash App

Why It Stands Out: It’s the easiest app for dipping your toe into the market.

My Smile Money Take: Cash App is perfect if you already use it. No learning curve, no new app needed.

Learn more about Cash App Investing.

7. Betterment – Best for Long-Term Goal Setters

Betterment automates everything and offers tax-efficient portfolios tailored to your goals.

Key Features:

• Fully managed portfolios
• Goal-based investing and rebalancing
• Flat fee or 0.25% AUM pricing

Why It Stands Out: It’s a simple long-term solution backed by behavioral finance.

My Smile Money Take: Betterment is like having a financial coach in your pocket. Great for those who want to invest intentionally.

Learn more about Betterment.

Honorable Mentions

• M1 Finance – Best for portfolio customization
• SoFi Active Investing – Great perks for members
• Wealthfront – Best for automated long-term portfolios
• Greenlight + Invest – Best for families and teen investors

What Is Micro-Investing?

Micro-investing lets you start investing with just a few dollars—sometimes even spare change. You can buy fractional shares of ETFs and stocks without needing large capital.

It’s one of the easiest ways to build wealth slowly and consistently.

How to Choose the Best Micro-Investing App

• Minimums: Make sure it fits your budget
• Fees: Lower is better for small balances
• Interface: You’ll use it more if you enjoy using it
• Learning Tools: Some apps teach you as you go
• Long-Term Fit: Consider if you’ll outgrow it quickly

Explore Micro-Investing Apps in Our Marketplace

FAQs About Micro-Investing

Related Resources

• Best Apps for Fractional Share Investing
• 8 Investing Apps Offering Free Stocks
• Investing 101: How to Start Investing Today

These Smile Money Picks are updated quarterly to help you start investing with confidence—even with just a few bucks.