If you’re just starting out, the best free stock market apps for beginners do three things well: they’re simple to use, they charge $0 to trade stocks and ETFs, and they let you start small. We looked at the most popular options and picked the ones that genuinely suit first-time investors — with honest notes on who each one is really for.
Some links may be affiliate links — see our disclosure. Educational only, not financial advice.
In plain English (the quick answer)
- Simplest to start: Robinhood — clean, fast, beginner-friendly.
- Best all-rounder + education: Fidelity.
- Best for practising first: Webull (free paper-trading simulator).
- Best for learning in a community: Public.
- Best if you want banking + investing together: SoFi.
- All of them offer $0 stock & ETF trades, and most support fractional shares so you can begin with as little as $1.
How we chose
We assessed each app on what actually matters to a beginner: ease of use for a first-time investor, real costs (commissions, account minimums), whether you can start small with fractional shares, the quality of built-in education, and safety/reputation. We prioritised apps that make starting simple over ones packed with advanced tools you won’t use yet. See our full editorial standards.
Quick comparison
| App | Best for | Stock/ETF trades | Fractional shares | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | Simplicity | $0 | Yes | Cleanest beginner interface |
| Fidelity | All-rounder | $0 | Yes | Deep education + trusted name |
| Webull | Practising | $0 | Yes | Free paper-trading simulator |
| Public | Learning socially | $0 | Yes | Community + multi-asset |
| SoFi | All-in-one money | $0 | Yes | Bank + invest in one app |
The apps, in detail
Robinhood — best for simplicity
Robinhood is the app most people picture when they think “beginner investing,” and for good reason: the interface is clean, opening an account is quick, and buying your first share takes a couple of taps. Who it’s for: complete beginners who want the least friction. Pros: very easy to use, $0 trades, fractional shares, supports crypto. Cons: lighter on in-depth research and education than Fidelity; its simplicity can make trading feel too casual — invest deliberately, not impulsively.
Fidelity — best all-rounder
Fidelity pairs a trusted, established name with a genuinely beginner-friendly app and some of the best free educational content around. Who it’s for: beginners who want room to grow. Pros: $0 stock/ETF trades, fractional shares, excellent research and learning tools, strong reputation and support. Cons: the app has more depth than a total beginner needs on day one, and some advanced fees (like options contracts) are slightly higher than rivals.
Webull — best for practising first
Webull’s standout for nervous beginners is paper trading — a free simulator that lets you practise buying and selling with fake money before risking real cash. It’s a brilliant confidence-builder. Who it’s for: people who want to learn by doing, risk-free, first. Pros: $0 trades, fractional shares, great practice mode, solid charts. Cons: the interface leans more “trader” than “first-timer,” so it can feel busy at first.
Public — best for learning socially
Public wraps investing in a community feel, and gives access to stocks, ETFs, crypto and bonds in one place. Who it’s for: beginners who learn better seeing what others do and asking questions. Pros: $0 stock/ETF trades, fractional shares, multi-asset, community insights. Cons: treat social tips with healthy scepticism — other users aren’t your advisers.
SoFi — best all-in-one
SoFi lets you bank and invest in the same app, which is handy if you’d rather not juggle multiple logins. Who it’s for: beginners who want their saving and investing under one roof. Pros: $0 trades, fractional shares, simple, plus banking features. Cons: a narrower investment selection than a dedicated broker like Fidelity.
What to look for in a beginner app
- $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs (now standard — don’t pay them).
- Fractional shares so you can start with a few dollars. New to these? See fractional shares explained.
- Ease of use — you’ll actually stick with an app that feels simple.
- Education built in, so you learn as you go.
- Regulation & safety — stick to well-known, regulated apps.
Frequently asked questions
Are free stock apps actually free?
Stock and ETF trades are genuinely $0 on all the apps above. They make money in other ways (interest, premium tiers, order flow), but for a beginner buying stocks and ETFs, there’s no trading commission.
How much money do I need to start?
Very little. With fractional shares you can start with as little as $1. See how to start investing with $100.
Which app is best for a complete beginner?
For pure simplicity, Robinhood. If you want more education and room to grow, Fidelity. If you’d like to practise first, Webull’s paper trading is ideal.
Is my money safe in these apps?
The apps here are regulated U.S. brokers with standard investor protections. That protects against the broker failing — but not against normal investment losses, since markets rise and fall. Learn more at Investor.gov.
The bottom line
You can’t go far wrong with any of these for a first account. If we had to pick: Robinhood for the simplest start, Fidelity if you want to learn and grow, and Webull if you’d like to practise risk-free first. Whichever you choose, start small, invest regularly, and keep learning. Next, read how to buy your first stock.
Educational only, not financial advice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of your money.
Izhaq Shah is the founder of GetIntoMarkets. He holds a Master’s in Finance and Commerce, with over 10 years in the financial industry and 15 years of writing experience. He makes investing in stocks, ETFs and crypto simple and practical for everyday people building wealth with confidence.