Best ETF App in 2026: 9 Apps Compared

Fidelity is our pick for most ETF investors because it combines low cost with breadth. Online US stock and ETF trades are $0, there is no account minimum in the usual model, and the app offers ETF screening, research and fractional shares on eligible assets. That mix suits both a first-time index investor and a more active ETF holder who wants sector, bond and international funds in one account.

The app is powerful rather than minimal, so a complete beginner may need a short time to find the right screens and settings. Once set up, recurring investments and fractional shares make regular ETF buying simple, even with small amounts. For an all-round ETF app that does not force a trade-off between cost, choice and tools, Fidelity is the safest starting point.

Charles Schwab suits investors who want research and education alongside low-cost ETF trading. Online US stock and ETF trades are $0, retirement accounts are well supported, and research, screeners and learning content help you compare funds before you buy. Support, including phone help, is a practical plus for investors who want a human answer to a question.

Fractional investing is more limited for ETFs than at Fidelity or Robinhood in some cases, so check the current rules for the ETFs you plan to buy in small amounts. If you invest larger sums or use retirement accounts and value research depth, Schwab is a strong, steady choice that will not push you toward frequent trading.

Vanguard remains the natural home for long-term index investors. Its own ETFs are known for low expense ratios, online US stock and ETF trades are generally $0, and automatic investing and retirement accounts support a buy-and-hold plan. If your strategy is to hold broad index ETFs for years and add money regularly, Vanguard keeps costs and complexity low.

The app is less polished than Fidelity or Robinhood, and fractional ETF buying is more limited in some cases, so small, frequent purchases of third-party ETFs need checking. Choose Vanguard when low fund costs and a long-term index approach matter more than a slick trading app, and pair it with a research app if you want deeper screening.

Robinhood is the simplest mobile route into ETF investing. The app is clean and fast, online stock and ETF trades are $0, and fractional shares let you start with small amounts. Recurring investments help beginners build a habit without watching the market every day, and IRA accounts are available with terms that change by plan.

Research depth is the main limit. Investors who want detailed fund analysis, screening and portfolio tools will find Fidelity or Schwab stronger. Robinhood suits a mobile-first investor who knows which ETFs to buy and wants a low-friction way to buy them, rather than someone who needs research to choose a fund.

M1 Finance suits hands-off ETF investors who want a portfolio, not a series of trades. You build a pie of ETFs and stocks with target weights, add money, and M1 invests it to keep the pie balanced, with automatic rebalancing on the platform. That structure helps long-term investors avoid drift and emotional trading, and it works well for a core ETF portfolio.

M1 is less convenient for frequent, single-ETF trading, since the pie model is built around portfolio-level investing. If you want to trade ETFs tactically every week, a broker such as Fidelity or E*TRADE will feel more direct. If you want to set a diversified ETF portfolio and add money regularly, M1 is one of the best automation picks here.

Interactive Brokers suits experienced investors who want broad access to ETFs and markets beyond a basic US broker app. Its platforms offer deep research, screening and trading tools, and account types include retirement accounts for US investors. For a global or advanced ETF investor, that breadth is hard to match in a single app.

Beginners should be cautious. The platforms are powerful but complex, and pricing varies by plan, product and market, so read the fee schedule for your trading pattern. Choose Interactive Brokers when you have outgrown a simple app and need wider access, and choose Fidelity or Schwab when simplicity and guidance matter more.

E*TRADE, from Morgan Stanley, suits investors who trade ETFs more actively but still want a full broker account. Online US stock and ETF trades are $0, screeners and charting support ETF selection, and the mobile and desktop apps handle orders, watchlists and account management well. Retirement accounts and education content add value for longer-term holders too.

ETRADE does not lead on every research feature, and some advanced tools depend on plan or balance, so compare the current offering for your needs. For an active ETF investor who wants solid tools without moving to a professional terminal, ETRADE is a balanced and well-established choice.

SoFi Invest suits beginners who want ETF investing inside a simple financial app. The interface is clear, online ETF trades are $0 in the usual model, and an automated investing option can build and manage a diversified portfolio for you. That simplicity helps new investors start without learning a complex trading platform first.

Research and screening are lighter than at Fidelity, Schwab or Interactive Brokers, so investors who want to compare many funds in depth may need a second tool. If you want a straightforward start, especially alongside other SoFi accounts, SoFi Invest is an easy and low-cost entry point into ETF investing.

Public suits investors who learn by reading, following themes and discussing ideas, as well as by trading. The app offers $0 commissions on US stocks and ETFs in the usual model, fractional shares, recurring investments and IRA accounts, alongside education and community features that help new investors understand what they own. That social layer can make ETF investing feel less lonely for a beginner.

Public is not a research terminal, and some premium features cost extra, so compare it with Fidelity or Schwab if deep fund research is your priority. As a simple, educational ETF app for a new investor who wants to start small and learn as they go, Public is a friendly and credible option.